"Wheels Up"

We are in a new place. This is true in more ways than one. We have had many changes in the space of just a few weeks, and so far this has all been good.

In the flurry of activity of getting ready for our trip, I just kept dreaming of “wheels up”—the time when our plane left the ground. Then it would all be worth it. Then all the planning and preparing and packing would come to fruition. “Wheels up” represented for me the time when our plan would be executed.

Now that I’m safely ensconced in a tiny room in a St. Petersburg B&B on this Sunday morning, I realize that there will be many more “wheels up” moments in the next few months. And I can honestly say that I believe both of us are ready for whatever comes our way. We have learned that together we can be teachable and adaptable. We look forward to having our opinions and beliefs challenged. We look forward to “letting go and letting God.” 

 

Anya took us on a "cathedral tour"
on Thursday. She is the area
director for Young Life here.

Dasha was our delightful escort to
Peterhof.

Liza gave us a most valuable gift by
registering us at the Post Office.
Bless her heart!

We have been warmly welcomed by the Young Life team here. They have graciously offered their services as translators and tour guides. We are amazed at their kindness and their commitment to God and to the kids of SPB. We believe that God will do great things through them, one kid at a time. Please pray for their upcoming camp in July, that many teens will be able to attend and that it will be a time during which many are impacted by the knowledge of the incredible love God has for them.

Now we are off to church to worship this great God. We have visited many beautiful cathedrals this week, and this place of worship we will visit today will, I’m sure, be much humbler. But considering the company we will keep I know that God will show up in a very profound way, in spite of the language barrier. I look forward to seeing him today, not in gilt statues or high arches or intricate mosaics, but in the faces of my fellow worshippers.

“Oh, God, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service! I’m ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God. I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it in company with his people, In the place of worship, in God’s house, in Jerusalem, God’s city. Hallelujah!”  Psalm 116:18-19