Samara can boast about its many plazas and squares–but my favorite is the Glory Square which overlooks the Volga. Today after a brief rain, the square reflected God’s glory and gave me a rare photo op.

Many city-dwelling Russians own a small plot of land and a rustic cabin that provides a welcome getaway from the stuffy polluted air, the noise, and the pressures of everyday life. These dachas are usually just on the outskirts of the city and easily accessible by public transportation. In the last few years, others have purchased land and old houses in nearby villages to improve, restore, rebuild, and have something wonderful for their future. I’ve enjoyed several days in these fresh-air havens this trip, and want to share some moments with you. As we all know, food always tastes better… 

Do you see it? The sadness, fear, distrust behind these hooded eyes. Whether on the streets or clustered behind concrete second-story classrooms, the “throw-away” children of Russia’s orphanages and boarding schools are easily identifiable by their wary pain. Many have parents, but they are in prison or rehab, or just on the street as drug addicts, unable to care for them.  Well, at least these kids aren’t on the streets too. Yet. Lack of interest breeds lack of trust. Lack of love, coupled with strict discipline, leads to cutting, smoking, stealing, drug abuse and desperate lonliness. “We’re worried about our… 

Too bad I’m several decades from English class and the expected first writing assignment, “What I did on my summer vacation.”  The past three days would fill two pages easily. What I will say now is once again, God showed up and transformed a group of shocked and depressed rehabilitants into a laughing, joy-filled family during our visit and as a result of the practicums of the Bible study. Picture me peeling potatoes with a 3-time jail bird and dancing at midnight to Russian techno-rock in my stocking feet. I almost milked the cow…but couldn’t bear to get my new…