Hi everyone! Wow! Those two weeks in Russia went by fast! I had such an awesome time in St. Petersburg!

We spent six days doing ministry and those days were the most fun, life-changing, and exhausting days of the trip. Each day we went to two sites (usually orphanages and summer camps) where we performed, passed out beanie babies and school supplies, and just spent time with the children. After spending time with those kids, I was always filled with the same emotions. I was delighted because our visit had made the children realize that they are worth something and Jesus loves them. I was also close to tears because I couldn't do more for these children. What they really need are loving homes, something I couldn't give them. On our last day of ministry, there was one little boy who emphasized this. He was about 3 years old and blended in with the rest of the cute and talkative ones...until it was time for us to go. He had been sitting in the lap of a volunteer, Erin, and started crying and screaming when she tried to leave him. We found out later from one of our interpreters that he had been saying, "Don't leave me mama!" Apparently he had mistaken Erin for his mother and thought he was going home.

We also ministered in the streets of St. Petersburg with a local church. We performed our sign dance, hula, and skit while other volunteers passed out More Than A Carpenter, a book written by Josh McDowell that supplies evidence that Christ is Lord, and Gospel Bead Bracelets, another tool used in sharing Jesus Christ. Our ministry on the streets was very successful. Many gave their lives to Jesus and received information on how they can grow in their faith.

Somehow we managed to squeeze some sightseeing into our busy schedule while we were in St. Petersburg. Places we visited were the Hermitage (the winter palace), the war memorial, and many cathedrals and churches. We also walked through the city and went on a boat ride on the main river flowing through St. Petersburg.

When we were in Moscow we visited the Kremlin, Lenin's tomb, the market, and many other places as well. Another thing we did was ride on the Metro, a very popular form of transportation among the Russian people because it is inexpensive and fast. Moscow was a very intriguing place full of history, amazing architecture, and shopping!

Thank you so much for your support as God sent me overseas to minister to the Russian people. I am so grateful that God had you play a role in this extremely awesome plan to change the lives of Russian people. This trip was truly a life-changing experience for me and I will never forget it. Thank you so much!!!

Much Love,
Kristen