Today I accomplished the second phase of acquiring a visa to Russia. Just an hour or so ago I assembled the application packet and dropped it in the FED EX box for overnight delivery to the Russian Consulate in San Franciso. One or two of you might be wondering why all the fuss…can it be THAT difficult? Not really – no more difficult than long form federal taxes. haha. The packet consists of (bundled in this order OR ELSE!) a cashiers check for the fee, depending on how fast you want the visa. I opted for the cheapest this year since…
Invitation Letter in Hand
Wow. This is the earliest I have ever received a (correct) invitation letter. It arrived just a few minutes ago via DHL. Now I can apply for my visa. It’s so early, in fact, that I won’t have to pay for expedited service. WOW. PTL!
Just your presence
So often fear dissuades us from serving God and others. We imagine the task is so great—for the professionals—the “called.” Yet my “work” in Russia often seems rather ordinary—holding a new baby, encouraging a recovering addict, laughing with a new friend, crying with another—but that is the beauty and the message of Christian mission. Paul tells the Colossians: “…God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27). In you. Did you notice those words? In chapter 2:10 he…
Can I speak Russian?
That’s a hard question to answer. After nine years of mostly self-instruction, I suppose I can claim to have moved beyond the level of beginner. When I am brave enough to open my mouth and let the foreign words pour forth, Russians say I have a perfect accent and speak “good Russian.” Of course I do—it’s all memorized from the embarrassing plethora of language learning books, tapes and software I have acquired over the years. We’ve all heard the quip: you can never be too thin or too rich. But can someone have too many Russian courses? Take a look…
Preparing for Easter the Russian Way
For the first time in my life, I’m observing Lent. The idea started out as a suggestion for a way to lose weight before my trip (hence, the inclusion of this post on the Going to Russia again blog). The Russian Orthodox tradition is to fast for the 40 days prior to Easter, abstaining from all animal products as well as olive oil and wine. The exception is shellfish. The idea hearkens back to the diet in Paradise…and the acknowledgment that man’s original sin was the failure to abstain from a particular food. Supporting the choice to refrain from all…
