Back in Russia

Svetta and I spent our last week in the States with family in Littleton and in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My aunt Lisa lives in Colorado Springs and my cousin Mary lives in Littleton. We tried to hang out with both families before we left. It was a time of relaxing, work, packing, fun, and mixed emotions. We were both anxious to get back to Russia, but were also hesitant to leave family and friends.

In Littleton the school year had already started for the three Wilinchus girls: Madison, Leah, and Jayne. So they were all busy with school while Mary and Lee of course had to work, but we enjoyed visiting in the evenings. The girls are fun and enjoy spending time with us as much as we do with them. I am amazed at how fast they are growing and maturing. It will be interesting what they will look and act like when we come back next year. While everyone was at school or work, Svetta and I got some last minute shopping done. I needed a book, and Svetta needed a dress for a wedding we are going to in Russia in September. She didn't really have a dress right for the occasion. We really enjoyed our time in Littleton.

School was also starting at my aunt Lisa house, but we found opportunity to spend time with my little cousins. They are also growing fast. On the weekend we were able to get on some horses. Last year Svetta rode a horse for the first time, and we wanted to do it again at least once before we went back to Russia. My aunt and grandma took us on a nice little trail not too far from my aunt’s house. Svetta fell in love with the horse she was on because she was a good calm horse. We really enjoyed the ride. We also met with the mission’s director at my aunt’s church and we pray that we are able to build a relationship with them.

On Wednesday the 17th we got on a plane for Russia. It was a long trip: 10.5 hours from Denver to London, 9 hours in London, 4 hours to Moscow, and then 11 hours in a minibus to Cherepovets, about 34.5 hours in all with little sleep. We arrived home at 5:00 pm on Friday the 19th tired and ready for bed, but not before we went to check out our apartment. We are still getting used to the time. But life goes on. We are starting to get back into teaching English, and trying to get all our papers in order for Svetta’s new identity as Svetlana Pavlovna Houlmiere and to finish my residency process. We are praying about how to get started in ministry; things are already starting to develop and we are waiting to see what the Lord has planned for us. We are excited to be back, ministering in Russia. Please keep us in your prayers as the Lord lays it on your heart.
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