The past few weeks have been quite a mix of emotions. The path I thought I was heading on seemed to take a sharp u-turn. Ever have one of those times when you thought you were doing what you were supposed to be doing, and suddenly circumstances changed and you were re-directed? I was…

As I write this, a new mission team is starting to plan and prepare for the next trip (Spring 2013) to Slobodskoy, Russia. Twice a year people go to visit the orphans there. The visits are very important because this ministry is about forming relationships with our friends there and showing them how important they…

…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20 That is my favorite promise from the Bible. “I am with you always” we are reminded over and over again. That promise has been so clear to me during this particular trip to Slobodskoy. I was reminded of…

Before this most recent trip to Russia, I had some expectations – of myself.  It was my fourth trip, and I know our sponsored kids well enough now that I wanted to have some more meaningful conversations (beyond  “hello” and “how are you?”).  One of our dear sweet friends, Lyuba, is graduating this year so…

Author: Patti N. just returned from her third trip to Russia. She traveled this time with her husband, Robert and their youngest daughter, Laura. There is a Casting Crowns song entitled “Somewhere in the Middle” that has been stuck in my head since the last day we were in Russia.  One of the lines that…

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) My heart is filled with gratitude — first, to our loving God, always present, always providing what we need, always leading the way.  There are also countless people to thank.  I will…