(I, Laura, must confess that I wanted to use an old Beatles' song here...but decided to let it go :0 )
We really can not believe this is July already!!! The month of June came and went before we could catch our breath! As you can see, we arrived into Russia on the 2nd of June. (We had an extended stay in Mongolia because we couldn't get tickets for the train back into Russia.) After a few days of waiting, we took the train into Ulan Ude. We were greeted by our fellow worker and good friend Doug around 9am....made a lot of stops in the city, (we buy our groceries and bigger items there because the prices are better)....then off to the village we drove....arriving home around 11pm!
We share a garden with the family that watches our fellowship building and were pleased to see that much of the garden had been planted. (It's usually done by the first week of June.) However, Kevin had wanted to plant more vegetables than potatoes this year so we set out for the garden and filled in all available space possible to plant corn, peas, three kinds of squash, green beans, carrots, tomato plants and sunflowers for the seeds. Hopefully we'll have good weather this year with some rain.
Not to get too comfortable with summer life; we quickly realized we had less than one week to get ready for guests arriving from the States. They would be in Siberia on the 10th! (Remember, we've been back in Russia only a few days now...it's now around the 5th of June.) Our pastor from Sarasota and a dear friend of ours were coming to encourage and meet with leaders of the fellowships in the city and encourage the folks here in the village. After delays and a missed flight in Moscow, our guests arrived safely on the 11th....they were quickly fed and showered, then were off to speak at not one, but two different meetings and met with leaders afterwards! (All this after being up for about 48 hours!)
 |
| First stop in Ulan Ude...... |
 |
| Second stop in Ulan Ude.... |
 |
| Leader's meeting......end of day one! |
 |
| Seminar held in Ulan Ude with many fellowships. |
Seminar held in village
 |
| Day trip to Baikal to see the camp |
 |
| Building a new 'mess hall' for the camps! |
 |
| A new port being built on Baikal...if you look closely, you'll see a great symbol on the fence........ |
On the 29th, we celebrated our 26th anniversary at home. We had hoped to have a vehicle by now, but that has become yet another story. Soooo...we bought the next best thing, especially for out here in the village...
 |
| Our transportation for now.....no gas required :) |
- safe travel on the return to Russia
- a great time of encouragement through the seminars and meetings with our friends from the U.S.
- our home, neighbors and friends in the village
- ALL who so faithfully stand with us in the work here in Siberia
We ask that you remember these needs:
- a vehicle ( we came with what we felt was enough cash and find prices have risen!)
- wisdom as we make plans with the fellowship for growth
- to love those around us (even the drunks)
We are getting the food ready for our 4th of July party....we pray you all enjoy your holiday as well and please remember those who give so much so that we in America can remain so free!
Kevin wanted to add this quote......Be Blessed,
Kevin & Laura
A quote we heard not long ago...wish we knew who said it...but it is worth thinking about...
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"
