(The following post was shared by Ksenia (aka Ksusha), a first time translator for us and an incredible young woman. We are grateful for all of our translator friends and the important role they play on this trip … and in our lives.) As a rule, in life people build barriers between each other. We…
Something I noticed right away is the lavish culture of gift giving that is common in Russia. I’m not talking about the kind of gift giving that we’re familiar with: the harried, stressful hunt for the perfect Christmas or birthday present. No, what I’m talking about is the frequent exchange of physical tokens that set…
Sometimes walking through Slobodskoy feels like you’ve stepped into a Hunger Games kind of dystopia. Mud, dirt, soot, smoke, snow, ice, repeat. There are few colors to draw your attention in the dreary landscape. But the ensouled flesh and blood of our friends here make the Northern Lights that they saw here a few weeks…
“Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5 I am struck by the amount of change that I am noticing through the first 72 hours of this trip to Russia. Although I have taken many trips to this beautiful country, it’s the first time I’ve been back in two years – so it’s not…
Just a quick word to let you know that the next group of Mission 1:27 travelers will leave on Thursday, March 26 (tomorrow) to journey to Russia to visit our friends and family in Slobodskoy. We have nine travelers this time with some defining characteristics: Five adults – four return visitors and one newbie Four…
As I recover from a grueling trek home, with some much needed rest, I have had the chance to begin unpacking my bags and my mind. As I unzipped my suitcase gifts spilled onto the floor: letters, crafts, and various stuffed animals. I was immediately drawn back into the closing hours of our time spent…
Gone are the apprehensions and anxieties of new places, names, and faces. They have been replaced with a comfort and peace at knowing I am in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I have surrendered to God’s desire and it is a great feeling to be back in such a…
Dear Friends, My fifth trip to Russia has been as inspiring as the prior four. We came here to help the children, to pour love on them as freely and as often as possible. Yet somehow they give back so much more than it feels like we are giving them. From children who own nothing…
Greetings in the name of Jesus, Our time here in Russia has been so meaningful. The children are responding well to us. We have fallen in love with them. I continue to be impressed by the staff and by Galina’s leadership. She certainly has her own ways of leading. In every room of the orphanage…
Mission 1:27 