June 17, 2007

Dave, Mickey and I finally arrived in Moscow around 3:00! It was relieving and exciting to have my two feet on Russian soil for the first time in over 18 years! When we arrived in Moscow, we learned that our team had already departed to Vladimir, which was our "break out city" for our week. Vladimir is where we would do our ministry work. So it was told to us that we would be riding with Alisher on a public bus to Vladimir. We couldn't have asked for a better travel companion to Vladimir.

Alisher helps GAIN out when teams arrive. On our bus ride, Alachir shared with me his testimony and how he has led others to Christ. Alisher is applying to grad schools here in the US. Please pray that God will open that door for him if it is His will. It was neat to learn that he loves The Beatles and different American bands. He plays in a Pop band and a Christian band. Later, when we returned to Moscow, I was able to communicate more with Alisher and get a glimpse of where he lived and the gift of music that God has blessed him with. I praised God for sending me the encouragement from Alisher who loves the Lord and has a passion for leading others to Christ. Stepping into many "unknowns" upon my arrival, it was comforting to have someone to give me an idea of what lied ahead of me.

As we rode in the bus through the countryside, I witnessed God's beauty in His Creation. I've never seen such beautiful countryside. In contrast though, I also saw poverty stricken areas admist the beauty of the land. It immediately hit me, that I was entering an area that would humble me to be ever so grateful for what I have. It also hit me how all of these people in the bus, spent 4 hours each day riding from Moscow to Vladimir to make very little wage. Here I complain at home about having to drive 30 minutes to work! I realized quickly that my eyes were going to be opened to things I have never seen before or experienced. I prayed that God would prepare me for what lied ahead.