SUMMER 2015

Gotta LOVE Siberia :)  This is what we woke up to on May 7th....

Awwwwww, yes ....a foot of snow. it was there for a day, then we were back to cool nights and warm days. Actually, this was more snow than we had all winter and made fantastic snowballs!!   June 1st,  this is our view.....

Obviously, we are very grateful that 'summer' is here and we are now able to plant the garden! (less a green house, but plant we will!)
We are going to bombard you with a ton of pictures again this month! We celebrated Victory Day, a wedding, and a church picnic since our last update. Grab your coffee and relax.......

Victory Day 2015…. With the exception of News Year’s Day, this is ‘the’ most celebrated and revered holiday in Russia! This date marks the allied victory of the Second World War at the Eastern Front. This year marked the 70-year anniversary and the Motherland went above and beyond in their celebrations across this vast country! The parade in Moscow alone was reminiscent of Soviet day parades with 16,000 troops, 200 pieces of military hardware, and143 aircraft. There were 10 groups, which consisted of 700 military personnel from 10 other nations, including China and India. Our village had the largest turnout of people and groups marching in a parade in the eight years we’ve lived here! We’re convinced that over half the village was present for the day’s celebrations. It’s something they could relate to and brought them together, if just for a day. It’s our prayer that we continue to have opportunities to share the One and only ‘thing’ that will keep families and lives together – a living Savior! Please remember us often as we reach out to new families over the summer months; whether through projects or ‘chance’ meetings.

"For the Motherland!"

"Celebrating Day of Victory. (9th of May)"

Holding posters with pictures of family members that died in WWII.

Wedding bells were ringing....for a couple that met a few years ago and were reunited this past year. They will be moving to another area and we send them with love and the possibility to serve in their new 'hometown'. We had a large group attend from our fellowship and for all of them, this was their first time at a 'church' wedding...no alcohol and blessings from a pastor. It was a beautiful picture of what the 'church' should look like to those around us.

The end of the May was so beautiful and had been two birthdays the folks wanted to celebrate; so off to the woods we drove..three car loads with food, tables, and all the 'stuff' you need. It was a great time of fellowship, song, and some teaching from His Word. The kids had more than enough space to run and place frisbee and climb trees. (Some of us chose resting 'under' the trees and soaking up that wonderful sunshine!) We feel truly blessed to have such a group of folks that love to come together and just 'hang out' at times. There's talk of doing this again VERY soon - we are definitely ready!!!

Making 9kg of  "shashleek" or 20 lbs of  sish-ka-bob...sorry Sergei, we cut off your head!

Difficult to see, but the gal on the log is making beautiful flower wreaths for
the girls...this young lady is waiting for hers.

Pastor Valeri turned 55 and Natasha 13...great day for birthday celebrations!

It's been a busy month and the summer months are just getting started. Gardens are being dug and planted, people around town are building garages, homes, barns.....making repairs. Mostly, preparing for the coming winter! We love this time of year, not only because of the weather; we love this time of year because it opens huge opportunities to meet new people. We're always amazed when we meet someone that didn't know we lived here, even after five years! This always allows for great conversation as to why we are here and to invite them to a study group or to the fellowship on Sundays. Please remember the people of this large nation. Many changes are causing price increases in food costs; some have lost their jobs or had their salaries cut but not their hours. Although they are used to living in a crisis; this may be the most difficult time yet.

Until next time....be blessed and THANK YOU for sharing a few minutes of your time in Siberia!

  Kevin & Laura