If you are wondering what 50 pounds of gifts looks like, here’s this trip’s suitcase full. I’m just a hair over the weight limit. Let’s hope the agent is feeling magnanimous. Otherwise, I’ll have a few extra goodies in my carry-on bag. This cheerful batch of blessings will put smiles on dozens of faces in the weeks to come. I am overflowing (much like the suitcase) with gratitude for everyone who has contributed to making this 9th trip a success before I even leave Atascadero. Thank you to all who have committed to pray for me. Thank you to all…
On the Home Stretch
I have a long list of to-dos that includes dry cleaning, banking, picking up prescriptions, sorting through gifts, laundry, packing, etc. These and other last-minute preparations will occupy my time until Thursday evening’s take off! News of swine flu quarantines and careful scrutiny of travelers going into Russia is a little unnerving. But this trip, as were all the others, is in God’s hands. I’ve made a few more changes to the itinerary page. Thanks for your prayers. Specific needs are health, rest, hydration, safety, hearts ready to receive (mine included).
The Countdown Begins
Ten-nine-eight-seven-six… As the day of departure gets VERY close now (and a trip to Colorado inbetween) my mood gets somewhat manic as I cope with last minute preparations (shopping, packing, checking off lists, packing, shopping, making sure everything at home is “done,” tweaking the Bible study, collecting last-minute donations and converting to “clean” cash) and dealing with the unplanned, yet urgent, must-be-addressed STUFF. In a previous post I mentioned that we were hoping to raise enough funds to purchase a new supply of Russian Bibles for the coming year. And we have! Yeah God!
Fast Reflections or Orthodox Lent for the unorthodox
Saturday was the final day of my 40-day Lenten fast, which I have done for the first time in my life, in keeping with the Russian Orthodox tradition of preparing for Easter. I had at one time hoped to actually be in Russia for Easter this year, but because of the new grandbaby coming and my daughter Becky’s recital in Colorado, it wasn’t the right decision to be away. So to connect with my friends who observe this tradition, I decided to participate in the fast instead. The emphasis, as I learned, is not really on “what not to eat”…
Family First
Please welcome my new granddaughter: Elliana Marie Lou Beheim born April 11, 2009 to my stepdaughter Tressa and her hubby Bret. A healthy 7 lbs 14 oz, 21 inches. Isn’t she a beauty? Thanks for indulging me this departure from all things Russian. On the other hand, family always comes first in Russia and children are the country’s most beloved of all treasures. I get that!
