End Week One

Well, it has been one week now, and I have been told that no American team has ever embraced the Russian culture as well as ours. I am so proud of our team. They are trying to speak Russian, trying Russian food....without complaining, and embracing the cultural things that just do not make sense to us Americans.

So, after a few of our ministries were cancelled and we frantically raced around to find replacements, we decided that the best way to fill this time would be to spend it soaking in the Russian culture. So this week alone we had orientation with our Russian hosts, walked the streets of the city, and listened to the little ol' babushka survivors from the World War Two siege of Lenningrad (St. Petersburg) sing to us stories of their life, and just give us nuggets from their life experience. We also visited the Hermitage, and ate a Russian meal, at the dacha (summer vacation house) and even got to experience the banya. Which basically is a hot steam room, sepperate from the house where you sit (usually naked), get hit by small birch branches, and drink cold kvas (basically non-alcoholic beer). It was amazing! This is a huge privilege in to experience a real authentic Russian banya, a family banya, because it would be similar to inviting strangers to your Thanksgiving meal, with your family. It just does not normally happen, and they were so blessed by the way our team showed their appreciation. There was a chance for things to turn sour though, like when we were being served piping, hot tea, fresh from the stove-top, and it got spilled all over Cara's hand and lap. Not to mention, her attitude was great, and not only that, but she came back to the table, asked for tea!, and then enjoyed the banya with the other girls on the team! Before the end of the night, here legs were no longer red, and by the next morning her hand was nearly all healed, and there was no sign of even a blister! Praise God.

Anyways, so much for a quick update. I just wanted to thank you so much for all of your prayers, and just ask that you would keep us there. Thank you, they really do more than you could even imagine.

-Love, Kyle and the Team.