Im back!

I've been back for about a week and a half now. I am just really bad at updating.

Russia was amazing! The City of St Petersburg is beautiful. It is so rich in history, and tradition. I loved learning about the culture and customs as I got to know the people. The people that we met were hospitable and kind. Our hostess and her husband were awesome people. We enjoyed getting to know them and hear about their ministry. Our translators were all so amazing. One of them, a girl our age, stayed with us in our hostel and literally became part of our team. She helped us so much as we learned to use the metro system (underground transport) and the bus system, buy things in the store, and communicate with those we had contact with. She was amazing and it was so great to learn about her life and how much she loves her Lord.

The greatest part was when we got to spend time with the children in the runaway center. This was our "assignment" but it felt more like a privilege. The runaway center was a place where the kids went as the limbo spot between going back to their families or being a an orphanage for the rest of their childhood. Its a hard place for them to be so it was so great to be able to be with them and show them some love.

Each day we learned more about the kids and became more and more attached to them. I love all of those kids so much! It was amazing to see how one little act of kindness can make such a difference. God really worked through us there.

On one of the last couple of days we made salvation bracelets with the kids and as a result six of the kids invited Christ into their lives! That was such a happy day for us. The enemy tried to spoil for us and caused a few problems, but in the end it turned out okay and God got the glory.

It was hard to say goodbye. There were tears...for many of us...but the experience and the chance to made them feel loved is something that will stay in out hearts for ever. I will never forget the kisses on my cheek, the little arms wrapped as tightly as they could around me, the broken, attempted English saying "I love you," and the small faces smiling as from ear to ear. I'll never forget the young teenage girls with nothing but boys, music and smoking on their minds, who gave their lives to Christ, and one who expressed wanting to quit smoking.

With each country I visit, and every life Christ touches through me, I realize what I am meant for. I know what I must do. And even if I never leave the United States again, I can still touch lives.

Thank you to everyone who prayed, loved me and financially supported me in this trip. Your support will be well used in Gods kingdom.