Russian winter’s back for the natives of Slobodskoy orphanage and all the guests from Chapel Hill, NC. Snowball fighting and bathing in the puddles (Nick will tell you) are just the right things to do. It’s been a very energetic day and very mild and relaxing at the same time. Relaxing, because we had enough…
We have arrived! We made it, after many, many hours of travel the team has arrived safely in Russia and are in Slobodskoy with the kids at the orphanage! Travel here is never easy but arrival is oh so sweet. We are eight strong this year, Suzanne Hultman and her two boys, Hank and Timothy,…
The mission team leaves tomorrow (Saturday) from RDU, 5:30pm wheels up! Please join us in praying for safe travels for Patsy, Suzanne, Ruth, Nick, Max, Ian, Hank & Timothy. Check back daily for updates from the team. God bless!
The dates are set for our spring trip to Russia: March 25th to April 2nd.
Hello from Slobodksoy, Russia! What an amazing journey it has been getting to my fourth trip to this beloved place that has transformed me into the twenty-year-old writing this blog post, who took a week off a college to complete a project I started three years ago. I first came to Russia in 2010, just an 8th grader…
As a senior in high school, so many eras in my life are coming to an end. I’ve said goodbye to sports, to teachers, and soon to my friends and even Chapel Hill itself. But the goodbye that I’ll have to say this week stings so much more than all of those. I was leaving…
It seems only fitting that we arrive here, Slobodksoy, Russia, on the holiest of holidays, Easter. I acknowledge that it is not by accident that we arrive to the orphanage on Easter Sunday. This is where one part of our journey ends and the other begins… Yes, we left Newark, New Jersey on Friday, and…
We are back in Chapel Hill at last. Our last day of travel somehow ended up being the most eventful, complete with a flight cancellation and a night spent asleep on the floor of JFK airport. But even after the joy of seeing family and the relief of being in our comfortable home after nearly…
(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…
Over the last few days and weeks, I have experienced a sense of immense loss and grief at our missed trip and opportunity to see the Slobodskoi orphans, interpreters, and caregivers again. Yesterday a new phrase came into my awareness…..”Defiant Hope!” Although I am not the original author who coined that term, it perfectly describes…
As I contemplate the immeasurable gifts in my life, my relationship with Christ, my wife, my children and family have top billing. In the past 7 years I have been part of two new and related families; the Mission 1:27 family stateside and our Russian family in Slobodskoy and Kirov. Being part of these two…
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 was getting my family ready to leave for the beach today, I couldn’t help but think we were headed in the wrong direction. This was never our plan. Over the past year, Maddie, Max and I had been saving, planning and getting excited for a trip that was going to bring us back…
Recently I read an article about an American mother and her daughter that flew to Moscow and took a train 800-900 miles south to the 2014 Sochi Olympiad. They occupied the upper bunk of a sleeping berth on the train and “roomed” with 2 Russian women that spoke no English. The Russian women shared food…
Today we hosted an appreciation Tea Party for the staff here at the orphanage in Slobodskoy. It easily turned into one of the most surreal and powerful experiences along this journey. It was planned to be a simple, warm thank you to the wonderful people who put in countless hours raising and nurturing the children…
As I was preparing for our trip, God placed a song on my heart. It’s called “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath. The chorus is my prayer for the trip. Give me your eyes for just one second Give my your eyes so I can see Everything that I keep missing Give me your…
“You have a one-year-old? And you’re here?” Sveta walks next to me as we head to stow our things and see some of Moscow before getting on the overnight train to Kirov. “Isn’t that difficult?” she asks. She is just voicing the question I’ve heard in my head and by a few others when I…
We are often told that God works in mysterious ways. It could not be more true. I did not get that hug from Vlad I was hoping for. I didn’t even see him. He was visiting his mother all week. We had hoped I might be able to see him briefly on Thursday afternoon when…
“For the Beauty of the Earth” was the song Rush chose to sing on one occasion last week in Slobodskoy. It’s an old hymn about being thankful for all the things God provides – the Earth & sky, the love of friends and family, our senses which allow us to experience the world….the list goes…
It has been a couple days since we returned from Slobodskoy Russia, stopping along the way in Kirov for the final supper with the translators and disciplers, and then Moscow for a day of rest and gift shopping before boarding the flight back home to RDU. The train ride back between Kirov and Moscow is…
At our travel team devotional gathering on the final evening in Moscow, I was reminded that our week at the orphanage was about much more than the orphan children. We had a unique opportunity to lift up the staff of 100 by showing them appreciation for their work and dedication to the children. We organized…
(Many thanks to Misha, orphanage discipler, for his committed service to the kids in Slobodskoy. We couldn’t do it with you, Misha!) It’s Friday morning in Slobodskoy and the quiet life goes on with snow melting rapidly here and there showing the untidy parts of ground and turning into one giant muddy pool that will…
For the second year in a row I have lived without an Easter service. For our past two trips Easter has either been on a travel day or our Easter does not line up with the Russian Orthodox church. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. This year our theme has been “The Risen Christ”…
There’s something to be said about a group of kids who have so little but give so much, a group of kids who can open up to someone when so many others in their lives have abandoned them. The kids here in Slobodskoy have shown me a new definition of bravery by making themselves vulnerable.…
This was, by far, the most unprepared that I have been for a trip to Russia. Maybe it’s because this is my seventh trip to Slobodskoy; I may have let my familiarity with the pre-trip routine turn into a complacency in preparation. Or I could blame it on my new job, which has taken a…
(The following post was written en route to Moscow. The team has arrived safely in Slobodskoy and spent a few hours with the kids this evening. Please continue to pray for the team and the kids and staff at the orphanage.) It is intriguing how things work out. There is a sense to it all,…
Friday I will leave my infant daughter for the first time in her life. I don’t count the few nights she stayed at the hospital with other family members while I raced home to sleep for a few hours before racing back. This time we will be separated for 9 days. It isn’t because she…
As you may know, Mission 1:27’s Spring travel team will be leaving for Slobodskoy soon. You may not know, however, that an “advance team” of four is leaving sooner. They’re leaving very soon……today, in fact! One fourth of the sixteen member team will spend a couple of extra days in Kirov, scouting the best deals…
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…
Note: The author of this post is David Parker, Chair of the Mission 1:27 Board of Directors. Just over a week ago, the Mission 1:27 Community celebrated at the 3rd Annual “To Russia with Love” Fundraiser (see pictures below). The night was very special and what was so amazing is that I felt the presence…
Our Russian travelers are back home safe and sound – and now many of us are preparing to go back “To Russia with Love” on Saturday night. Okay, not literally…but it’s an important night for all of us associated with Mission 1:27. I am so happy to share an update on the wonderful work being…
Years ago, a decision was made by Christ Church to begin a new ministry, called Mission 1:27, which involved sponsoring an orphanage in Russia. From the beginning, I had already determined that this would NOT be the ministry for me but you all know how our Father has much bigger plans for us than we…
Yesterday was an emotional day for us. After breakfast at the orphanage we held the closing ceremonies, met with the orphanage director and her staff for a while, received some lovely gifts and began the difficult process of saying good bye to the children. It is a measure of how much trust has been built…
I am a newcomer to Christ Church—my first visit there was to a Sunday evening service in late spring. It was only on my third visit there in which Pastor Steve spoke about the upcoming trip to Russia; he spoke of how he was planning to go and invited others to consider if they…
Hot off the press!! Here are some initial photos from the group in Russia, courtesy of our very dear friend and M127 supporter, Sveta. Enjoy a first glimpse into some of the early activities this week! Note: You can click on any thumbnail to get a larger view of the photo. BTW – This ministry…
…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…
It’s early Monday afternoon in the US and almost 10:30 pm in Slobodskoy, Russia. Which means another day is finished at the orphanage for Mission 1:27. There were so many new experiences encountered today. We heard heart-wrenching stories of love and hope. And we created a lifetime of memories over the last twelve hours. We…
My head is still reeling from the last 72 hours. On Thursday morning we began the long journey to Russia….a 10 hour flight to Moscow, a 14 hour train ride to Kirov, and a 45 minute ride to Slobodskoy orphanage. This is my FIRST trip to Russia and more importantly my very FIRST mission trip.…
Like many adults, I’ve found that time seems to pass much more quickly than it used to. The time between birthdays feels shorter and shorter each year. Do you remember how long it was from one Christmas to the next when you were a child? Or how interminable the school years were between summer breaks?…
The weather is starting to cool down. Football is in full swing. The leaves are going to change soon. All that leads to one important realization…the Mission 1:27 blog engine is going to start revving up! You should expect to see more blog posts very soon in the days and weeks to come as things…
Mission 1:27 Family, I thought I would share the following blog post that I wrote for my company’s blog. At Clarity Group, we usually write about business topics that are relevant to nonprofits and faith-based organizations – but it was my turn to author a post and Kolya was on my mind. Hope you enjoy…
Easter in Moscow with my fellow travelers left an indelible mark on me. In a hotel conference room, we sang together “He loves us, oh how He loves us…”. The mood became contemplative as we let the words settle into those places in our hearts where the orphanage staff, children, and translators reside. My heart…
I didn’t sign up initially to do a blog post about our trip. I knew it would be all I could do to make it through the trip with my body in one piece due to some health challenges I have recently faced. You see, I went 2 years ago on the first trip…and then…
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…
Here I am on Monday April 9, sitting in my comfortable den in Chapel Hill, reflecting on the past week in Slobodskoy. I am taking the day off from work and everyday chores to regain my legs after our 20-hour journey home. What a blessing to be able to make the transition back in to…
Today is our last day here in Slobodskoy and it is always wonderful and painful all mixed in one. Strong emotions that overwhelm us all morning long up until the minute the bus pulls away. There are many moments of pure joy and connection yet there are still many more of great sadness and pain.…
This trip has been as wonderful, eye opening, life changing, and amazing as ever. It never ceases to surprise me and show me a different side to life that I didn’t expect. I had more meaningful conversations with the kids that I hadn’t in previous trips and I heard stories of heartbreak, abandonment, and reunion.…
For years, my dad has been traveling to Russia, my friends have been traveling to Russia, and my family has been writing letters. The mission is definitely real, but it did not seem real to me. Simply, I felt like I was just playing along with the idea, writing a letter once a month to…
I ask myself this question all the time. What’s next? What TV show will I watch next? What route will I run with my dog today? What will I eat for dinner? I am sure you too ask these types of questions all the time. This week I have been thinking this for a few…
Landing in Moscow, as I collected my bag with books, trail mix, and earplugs, it began to sink in that I truly have not been on a mission trip in over 15 years. For years, I led youth mission trips but this all came to a halt when I had kids. The truth is, it’s…
I signed up for this trip initially for one reason—this would be the only chance to see Vlad, the boy we have sponsored for over three years, before he was allowed to graduate from the orphanage and go to tech school. Since Mission 1:27 began, my wife and I have been corresponding with Vlad. I actually selected Vlad…
We thought you all would enjoy a few photos from our first few days at the orphanage. There are more to come – but here’s a sneak peek (click on each picture for a larger image):
When we last left you, we were deplaning in Moscow and getting our luggage. Given the challenges of making our flight from JFK to SVO, we are pleased to report that our 32 pieces of luggage all arrived in Moscow without incident. This included our 20 bags of personal luggage, as well as 12 additional…
As on every trip, people have expectations. But before this trip, we are always warned that we cannot be confined by our expectations. We need to be flexible and not surprised if something on the schedule disappears. It’s an adventure, and it’s all worth it. It’s only been a day, and our trip is already…
I went for my final pre-Russia run this morning – and it was like nothing I had ever experienced. I think, for the first time in my balding and slightly chunky adulthood, I actually experienced the famed “runner’s high.” I truly felt like I could run forever (or at least longer than my usual 3.3…
“I thank my God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.” I love to read. Let me say that differently. I love to read…
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 Tell them about Me! These words rang in my ears as I completed my morning run today. I had begun the day with the above verse, and as often happens,…
Placed in the late 1920’s era within the turmoil of the Great Depression, the movie Seabiscuit provides our travel group with discussion points to speak with the soon-to-be graduates of the Slobodskoy Orphanage. The tie-in between you, me, the orphans, and Seabiscuit is our God and the Heart which triumphs over societal expectations and stereotypes.…
Tonight marks an important milestone for about 20 people in Chapel Hill. No, it’s not the latest incarnation of the UNC vs. KU basketball rivalry that’s causing the excitement (although that’s important, too, in this here part of the country). Tonight’s big milestone is Mission 1:27’s pre-trip packing party that we always have the Sunday…
Mission 1:27 Family, We are excited to let you know that Mission 1:27 is sending over another group of travelers to Russia to see our friends and family in Slobodskoy. The trip is over Holy Week (March 31 – Easter Sunday, April 8) and will be our largest group ever with 24 travelers. As you…
It was 9pm on Friday night. I hadn’t begun to pack for the trip, and the plane was scheduled to pull out at noon on Saturday. Not sure why I felt so at ease, I dragged out a suitcase and began to search through drawers and the closet for a minimal amount of clothing for…
It’s one of the most frequently asked questions as we arrive home from Russia – “Are you excited to get back to the real world?” It’s a logical question as traveling halfway across the world to spend a week with almost a hundred Russian orphans hardly seems logical and “real.” And the lure of the…
Deanne had been told by a former traveler “I see God in those hallways of the orphanage,” so Deanne came, walking down the hallways, literally looking for God. At first she was disappointed, not sure how to discern the divine in the dim and dingy hallways, with no bright shining light from heaven and no…
This is a poem from my friend Natasha. She is 15 and writes beautiful poems about God and I want to share it with everyone. God loves us And this proves that His son died for us And we pray to him For all our sins He died for me He was crucified He gave…
Coming home should be easy……but for me, that’s not entirely the case. This is the part of the trip where I feel I haven’t done enough. I could have connected with more kids, given more gifts, or had deeper conversations. I feel like I have received much more than I have given. Ever since we…
As promised, here are just a sampling of the 3,000+ photos from our life-changing week in Slobodskoy. These particular pictures are through the eyes and lens of Koss Modenov, a renaissance man who has a magical way with the English and Russian languages…and yet can tell a strong story with no words at all. Thanks,…
We wanted to let everyone know that we are now safely in Moscow. It’s 11:35 am Moscow time and we have checked into our hotel, showered and will be heading off shortly for shopping at Izmailovo Market and dining on some of the best open air shish kebobs you can imagine. It has been a…
When I made the decision to come on this trip I knew it would be a wonderful experience. But I never could have imaged it would be this great. My church sponsors an orphanage in Sanchursk and I have traveled there 3 times. I had a chance to see several of the children who were…
We end each day at the orphanage with “family time.” Each team member is matched with a group of kids and we spend time together in the kids’ rooms before bed. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with the kids, and Galina has encouraged us to share our faith and life experiences with them,…
Riding the bus back to the hotel after Day 2, I was struck by how much time seems to have passed since I first walked in on Day 1. The first day was a kaleidoscope of sounds, laughs, ceremonies, bustling, and watching happy reunions for my fellow travelers with their friends at Slobodskoy – all…
The first day at the orphanage flew by – so much activity and so much emotion. For some of us, it was the sense of returning home and reuniting with old friends. Yet for others, the day marked the arrival in a foreign country filled with new experiences, different food and strangers. The recap of…
Just a quick update to let everyone know that we have arrived safely in Slobodskoy! Our travel here was uneventful, other than some heavy rain in Moscow that made moving 25+ bags a little challenge. The train ride was another highlight as nine of us gathered in one room to break bread and enjoy each…
By the time you are reading this, the Mission 1:27 travelers will be somewhere between JFK and SVO (Sheremetyevo International Airport – Moscow)…thanks to the power of scheduled blog posts 🙂 Yep, we are off to Russia – probably enjoying a fine Delta Airlines meal by now and trying to find a way to get…
Mission 1:27 is blessed to have eight adults leaving for Russia in less than 24 hours. Over the course of the next week, you will hear from all of them as they journey together to a place that is foreign to some…and feels like home to others. As we prepare to leave, here are two…
For those who may not know, Mission 1:27 has another team headed over to Slobodskoy in just 48 hours! After months of prayer and preparation, the final pieces are being put in place and it’s “all systems go” on Saturday morning. This blog becomes a very important part of our journey as we share our…
Dear Mission 1:27 Family, One of life’s greatest virtues is the capacity to care. You – through your sponsorship, letter writing, prayer, travel, and donations – have shown that you care about the children in Slobodskoy and their lives outside the walls of the orphanage. For caring and sharing your time and resources, I am…
Have you ever thought about traveling to Russia on a future trip with Mission 1:27? Do you ever feel that quiet nudge that makes you wonder whether God might be calling you to explore this journey? Do you just want to understand what all the excitement is all about?!?! If you answer “yes” to any…
It was a little more than one month ago that I and fellow travelers arrived in Slobodskoy, Russia to spend several days with Orphanage staff and children. One day we found ourselves outdoors in freezing weather and several feet of snow. We had scant knowledge of the outdoor “Olympic “events in which we’d be participating.…
I’ll be writing about my experience with Mission 1:27 from a translator’s perspective primarily but also from a perspective of a person who grew up with Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” ideology and from a perspective of a Russian that is still having trouble explaining rationally the initial impulse that brings a bunch of amazing…
There are many people who are skilled at keeping a journal. I am not one of them. I marvel at those who regularly capture their private thoughts in a format that memorializes those emotions. What an amazing experience it must be to look back through your journal and reflect and remember certain moments and how…
It’s interesting to note what history occurred on a particular date. For instance, on this date (April 25) in 1983, the Soviet Union released a letter that Russian leader Yuri Andropov wrote to Samantha Smith, an American fifth-grader from Manchester, Maine, inviting her to visit his country. Andropov’s letter came in response to a note…
Author: David P. just returned from his third trip to Russia and the second with his teenage daughter, Carrie. David served as the trip leader for this latest adventure…and did an amazing job leading the 21 travelers during our journey! I think I’m over my jet lag; at least I keep telling myself this throughout…
For the past two weeks, you have read many poignant and personal stories about our experiences in Russia. The travelers have opened their hearts, shared their feelings and have tried to bring each of you (blog readers) into experience in a very personal way. And in the coming days and weeks, folks will continue sharing…
Author: Kathy P. is an ardent supporter and member of the Mission 1:27 family. Her husband, David and daughter, Carrie, just returned from their second trip to Russia. so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose…
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…
I’m just getting back into the flow of things, at work and at home, having just returned from my 2nd trip to the Slobodskoy Orphanage this past weekend. This trip was very similar to my initial trip last year, in that, again, it was a life changing, faith altering experience. Although similar in emotional and…
Author: Craig W. just returned from his fourth trip to Russia. He traveled this time with his two teenage daughters who were making their second trip to Slobodskoy. For those of us who have traveled with Mission 1:27 before, there’s a routine that has developed that brings a certain level of comfort and familiarity to…
We are sitting at the airport in Moscow (thank you, free Wi-Fi!) and reflecting on what a great trip we had. There will be many more blog posts in the coming days as we try to articulate our individual and collective thoughts on our journey. We hope you’ve enjoyed hearing many different voices on the…
After returning to my hotel room, our last night in Moscow, I couldn’t stop thinking about how to prepare for the next trip. Each one of the group members was given the task to find one person who would be interested in future travels; whether it be in the fall, a year from now, or…
The first attempt to post this from the train last night did not work. Hope this one does. Author: Maddie S. is on her second trip to Russia, traveling with her mother. Her father went to Russia on the October trip and is home with her younger brother this spring. Saying goodbye is one of…
We’re not doing very well keeping our conversations reasonably quiet, and the woman in charge of our sleeper car is agitated. She looks down the hallway every few minutes and tries to hush us. We are momentarily less noisy, but quickly our talk and laughter rise to the same unacceptable level. We are spilling out…
The first attempt to post this from the train last night did not work. Hope this one does. Author: Maddie S. is on her second trip to Russia, traveling with her mother. Her father went to Russia on the October trip and is home with her younger brother this spring. Saying goodbye is one of…
Author: Kendall W. is a ninth grade and on her second trip to Slobodskoy, this time traveling with her younger sister and dad. This week I was lucky enough to be working with the teenagers that are about to graduate. On my previous trip last spring, I worked with the little kids more and it…
Author: Chloe H. is a seventh grader and on her first trip to Russia. She is traveling with her father, who is also making his first trip to Slobodskoy. Chloe celebrated her 13th birthday on Monday with a bunch of new Russian friends. I want to tell you about one very special girl named Aloyna.…
It’s 11:30pm on Monday night. We had another very busy day, equally as meaningful as yesterday, but more focused and comfortable after getting a good night’s sleep in the little hotel by the lumberyard. Some things make strong impressions in our minds that ultimately shape our views of the world, and much of what else…
Author: Grace H. is a junior in high school and is on her second trip to Russia. She is traveling with her mom, dad and younger sister. Perhaps most importantly, today is Grace’s birthday, one of four birthdays we are celebrating here in Russia. People tend to think that going to Russia, or any other…
Author: Robert M. is an 18-year old high school senior who is making his first trip to Russia. He has gone on this trip on his own but has a surrogate dad (Rush – Youth Pastor) and ten other adults watching after him. After this trip, he is a son to all of us. Sometimes…
Author: Kendall W. is a ninth grader and on her second trip to Slobodskoy, this time traveling with her younger sister and dad. Yesterday was the first day back at the orphanage after a long year’s wait to see everyone again. I had been thinking about what it would be like to come back ever…
Greetings from Russia. We want everyone to know that we arrived safely today – all is well and everyone is healthy and happy. Today was a whirlwind day that included another delicious breakfast at our favorite Kirovian restaurant, shopping for supplies, driving to Slobodskoy, checking in at the hotel and taking a quick shower, all…
Author: Julia B. is a junior in high school and making her second trip to Slobodskoy. She is traveling with her parents; this is the second trip for her father and her mother is making her first visit to Russia. I am writing this post on the top of a bunk of a train compartment…
It’s 2:50am on Sunday morning and sleep is fleeting. The steady beat of the train tracks drums up through the sleeper car. Some families by themselves in a berth with two sets of bunk beds, some sharing berths and the few travelers on their own have become part of someone’s family. After a few hours…
Author: Kate is a seventh grader and on her second trip to Russia, this time traveling with her dad and older sister. She loves her mom very much and knows that she is traveling with us in spirit. Today we are touring Moscow. The churches here are so beautiful. But being in Russia has taught…
Author: Robert N. is on his second trip to Slobodskoy. Traveling with him are his wife and youngest daughter, while his oldest daughter offers prayers and support from college. It’s been a quick year since the Spring 2010 trip to Slobodskoy. We are currently at 39,000 feet comfortably tucked into the cabin of a jumbo…
Wow – we just can’t believe it!! In just a few short hours, the next group of Mission 1:27 travelers will board our first plane for the long journey to Slobodskoy, Russia. For some of us, this trip is getting so familiar and feels more like a short trek to visit family just a few…
Author: Claire is in the 8th grade and making her second trip to Russia with her older sister and parents. She also will be celebrating her birthday in Russia…for the second straight year! It seems so unreal to be going back to Russia. We were there so long ago it feels like a dream! We…
Author: Patsy S. will leave on Friday for her second visit to Slobodskoy, Russia. She and her daughter Maddie went on Mission 1:27’s first trip in March 2010, and her husband Tony went on the October 2010 trip. Their son, Max, is anxiously awaiting his first visit to Russia in the coming years. Today is…
Note: This post was written by Konstantin Modenov (aka Koss), another of our dear friends and interpreters in Russia. Koss is the hippest dude in the Kirov region and constantly “rocks our world” with his command of American colloquialisms. He’s an incredibly caring man who disciples another church in the southern part of Kirov. In…
A great number of people reacted to our last posting about the generosity and general coolness of Mitch Arnold. In the midst of all the tragedy that surrounds us right now, people were encouraged and brightened by the story of Mitch and his efforts to bring light and hope to children all over the globe.…
One of the truly amazing by-products of our involvement with Mission 1:27 has been experiencing the generosity and support of others who also have a passion for orphans all over the world. Much of that support has come from our local community in Chapel Hill, as well as family and friends of our church members…
Don’t forget — our next Mission 1:27 letter writing is this Sunday, February 27. The informal event starts at 10:45 am in Ascension Hall at Christ United Methodist Church. Stop by anytime between 10:45 am and 12:45 pm to write a short letter to your sponsored child or to an unsponsored child! These letters will…
They saw it with their own eyes…your love and support is changing the lives of the children, teachers and caregivers at the Slobodskoy orphanage. Please join us for a complete report from the October travel team including photos, written notes from the children and testimonials from the team about their 9 incredible days in Russia.…
I am so blessed and humbled I am to have been part of this mission. When I knew that I was called to go, I didn’t know why. A week after coming home I’m just beginning to understand some of the reasons. One of those reasons was to witness the joyful spirit of loving and…
Yep, I am writing this from the finest dining establishment in the United States – Panera Bread. I clearly have found my comfort food as this is my third trip to God’s Kitchen since I have been back in the country – which, of course, has been only four days! I’ve even varied things a…
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…
Well this is my last day to write. It was such a great week. This has been one of the very best experiences of my life. I am so glad to have shared parts of it on the blog. I know you will get the blogs all at once, but please know that each one…
One of the great gifts of this trip has been the accompaniment of eight wonderful interpreters who stay right by our sides almost all the time. They are, without exception, gentle, joyful, gifted people who are a joy to be around. They are invaluable for our communication with the children. They are very intelligent and…
Upon our (at times emotional) distribution of the gifts, Galina asked our traveling group to gather in the library for a quick 5-10 minute discussion. Well, knowing and loving Galina as much as we do, we knew (a) she had something special and dramatic up her sleeves and (b) it wasn’t going to take 5-10…
The evening continued with dinner with our small groups. We are truly building connections with these kids by breaking break with them around the dinner table. Tonight was a special treat for dessert as the Americans treated the kids to s’mores!! Unfortunately, due to the rainy and wet weather, our planned bonfire that had been…
We’re in a rhythm now – routines have been set, we know what rooms to go to and which keys unlock which doors. We’re still welcomed as guests each day, but it feels more like we’re walking into our own kids’ school and dormitory…which we are. Today started like the others: quick breakfast at the…
Strange start to my day. Could not sleep most of last night. Probably going on about 2-3 hours of sleep at most. Also not feeling my best. Nor is my roommate, BJ. The rest of the group seems fine. Finally it was raining outside. Because of this I started the day feeling it would be…
Our scripture today is Jesus’ healing a blind man. This particular healing in Mark 8 is a two-part healing, the only one that I know of in scripture that happens this way. Jesus first of all takes the man by the hand, and leads him out of the village. Then he spits on his eyes. …
(Continued Caveats – this was written when we thought we might have semi-regular access to the internet. That did not happen but I’ve kept the post the same. More are coming and we’ll do our best to post them in order.) Generosity comes in many forms and some times, it’s something as simple as staying…
So sorry for our silence. We have not had access to the internet until now. But even now I am typing on Koss’ Palm Pilot over the cell network, so this will be short. All is great. We have left the orphanage and are headed to Kirov. We have a few posts to send once…
Wow. What an incredible day. Getting off the train was nice. Tough to sleep for long in a small place. Also, I really needed a shower. So getting off the train was a reminder that such was close. That said, once we got of the train we were greeted by more friends. Friends I had…
(Caveat – this was written on Monday night, 10/25. It is now Tuesday night in Russia but we just now have access to the internet. We will post a few posts tonight but are not sure when the next ones will be posted. Thanks for understanding. All is just as incredible as it was 24…
We’re just over 24 hours away from wheels up to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) in Moscow. All the planning, packing and preparation is (almost) behind us – all that’s left is the anticipation and excitement of what awaits us. It’s amazing to think that in just a few days, we will be on the other…
As many of you know, last night was the first annual (we hope!) “To Russia with Love” fundraiser for Mission 1:27. It was an amazing evening of fun, fellowship and food. By all accounts, the evening was a huge success! See the end of this blog post for some pictures of the soiree. So, “How…
During the summer months, many of us will take the opportunity to catch up on some reading – oftentimes with light, easy beach books that allow you to “escape from reality” for a few hours. I am no different and this summer I was treated to a full smörgåsbord of Harlan Coben and Lee Child…
There’ something magical about the weekend, especially this time of year. The leaves are starting to fall, the weather is cooling off and there’s always a football game to watch. For many of us, the mere thought of a relaxing weekend can offer respite from a stressful week at home or work. For me, it’s…
As soon as the conversation starts, I know that the question is coming. For it happens in every conversation…and this exchange is no different. Very quickly, my friend asks, “Why Russia? Aren’t there people closer to home who need help?” It’s a fair question – or actually, two fair questions. We have been asked similar…
Yep, that’s the question I have asked myself for the last three months (ugh). I’d sit down to write a blog post and then, alas, something would distract me. It wouldn’t take much – perhaps an email from a client or the need to mow the lawn or the mighty call of the bag of…
Summer’s officially here, which leads to the inevitable question of, “So, what should we do?” As you begin to see the days get longer, kids leave for summer camp and families go on vacation, you might be wondering what is happening with our new friends in Slobodskoy and what the summer plans are for Mission…
I will keep this last update short (for now). After arriving on the train in Vladimir at 5:55 a.m., I gathered with the rest of the team at the hotel for our final two days together. During breakfast, we shared stories and updates from our respective meetings. Clearly, God is bigger than we could imagine…
As a special treat and in a gracious act of hospitality, Galina accompanied us to the train station about one hour from the orphanage. The van was driven by her son, Igor, who is a great kid. We had another opportunity to chat and get a tour of the countryside from a local resident. This…
After a good night’s sleep, we returned to the orphanage for our day with the graduates. The day started with more classes – Ernie teaching English and Craig teaching geography. As with most teenagers, the kids were less interested in the lesson plans and more interested in the pictures from our trip (the first one…
It was very different to be on this trip with such a small (two person) team. At times, it was challenging to balance the needs of so many kids with the important tasks of supporting Galina and the staff. For the most part, everything seemed to work out great, with the only issue being that…
(Okay, due to internet limitations, I am behind in posting on the blog. So I am going to try to get caught up, breaking the last three days into a series of notes. The Surgeon General recommends that you read them in order to get the full effect of the timing.) The day had finally…
After arriving in Kirov, we had a few minutes to check into our hotel (the first night in a bed after two nights of a plane and train) and take a quick shower (after two days of wearing and sleeping in the same clothes) before our meetings. Ah, just what the doctor ordered. It was…
Greetings from Russia! This is the first opportunity for internet since we arrived, so I apologize for the delayed posting. And we will only be here for one night, so I am trying to get the first posts updated as the excitement and energy continue to build here. Please excuse the brevity of these first…
Early Sunday morning, as I talked with Craig and Holly in the church parking lot, who were adjusting suitcases into the back of their car, I thought about how remarkable this moment was, Craig is traveling back to Russia to start a second journey. And on this same day, Holly and I, along with the…
Here are some words from another supporter of the Mission 1:27 effort, Elizabeth Esser. Even though Elizabeth did not travel with our group to Russia, her heart has been touched by the Mission 1:27 effort and she has invested a great deal of time, energy and commitment to helping the children in Slobodskoy. Here is…
Over the last four weeks, everywhere we go people stop us and ask about our mission trip to Russia. Some have read the blog, some have seen the pictures – but everyone seems genuinely interested in hearing the stories and tales of our journey to Russia. We are more than willing to oblige. 🙂 The…
We know that many of you started reading this blog to get an update on our “Journey to Russia” – the physical trip across the world that brought so many new cultural, spiritual and life experiences to our twenty-one travelers. Now that we are home safely, you probably expected the blog to end. Candidly, we…
Many, many people have asked us this question since we returned from Russia. And the next question inevitably is, “What can I do to help?” Everyone we speak to seems committed to helping keep the momentum and energy from the trip. With that question in mind, here are a few things that you can do…
Over the last 24 hours, the Slobodskoy travelers have been acclimating ourselves to the “normal” routine of being home, yet we continue to find ourselves returning the orphanage in our thoughts and our discussions. Everyone we encounter wants to hear about the trip, see pictures of the kids and learn more about “what’s next” for…
As I sit here at JFK, just hours away from home in Chapel Hill, I am finding it difficult to craft a “journey-ending post” that will adequately sum up the experience of the last eight days. It may be because it is 1:30 a.m. in Moscow or the pending excitment of sleeping in my own…
Mission 1:27 