Trip number 18 to Samara is just a few days away. My suitcases have yet to be packed, but my itinerary is (packed) with opportunities to share and bless and learn. Several amazing and encouraging words have been spoken over me–so I’m bursting with anticipation. Something great is happening! Many continue to ask what I do in Russia–and that can best be answered by just two words: I water. For a longer explanation, click this link which will take you to a guest post I wrote five years ago for Holy in the Daily. This year I’ll be doing my…
Ken’s mixed bag
MY HUSBAND’S IMPRESSIONS OF SAMARA After three full days in Samara, Ken is ready to share some impressions of Samara with my blog readers. Keep in mind that he is new to foreign travel and not a huge fan of big cities. So he’s stretching a bit … more than a bit. I’m really proud of him, actually. THE CONS. Let’s get the dislikes over with first … “I found the border experience unwelcoming. They made me feel like we were ‘up to something’ instead of being just retired tourists here to visit friends.” “Samara seems (so far) like a…
First Impressions … a mixed bag of bureaucracy
Thirty hours is a long time to be traveling. Lots of sitting in airport terminals and in airplane seats. But Russia is far from California , and not just in terms of distance. Ken is doing his best to go with the flow, which includes a mixed-bag of bureaucracy. Our out-of-his-comfort zone adventures during the past year have helped to settle us into a pleasant rhythm as travel companions. And although I tried to do everything humanly possible to create a smooth experience for his first trip to Russia, well, our arrival was not without snags. Aka bureaucracy. As in,…
What’s Next with CrossRoads?
Changes at the CrossRoads In my previous post, I promised to update you on the changes that have occurred with CrossRoads Samara. I didn’t expect to feel such resistance to putting this all “out there” for the world to read. It’s not new news by any means. So, I’m still pondering the reason for my hesitation to post. After all, I know that change is usually a good thing. Well, here it goes… Samara CrossRoads Closed After nearly 20 years of active ministry in Samara, and after over a year of prayer and deliberation, we have closed the office of CrossRoads…
Yes, I’m going to Russia again. BUT NOT ALONE!
Yes, folks. The news you’ve been waiting for, asking about, wondering (or not …). This is the year. My brave and wonderful husband, Ken, is going with me to Russia. I know … amazing! Right? So I’m firing up the blog again and looking forward to sharing his impressions with you and my, well, adjustments, to having him beside me. Truly, I’m super excited to finally get to introduce him to my second home and my uber-amazing friends in Samara. We take off on May 18. He’s staying for 2 weeks and I’ll stay an additional 2 weeks–because, well, just…
