TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 6

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 6

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 LAST DAY ON TRAIN; FIRST DAY HOME

HAPPY 2 MONTH BIRTHDAY, SWEET PRECIOUS ELI. YOU HAVE ALREADY BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY INTO ALL OF OUR LIVES, WHAT A PRECIOUS GIFT YOU ARE.

Well, this is the last entry on the train. It is Wednesday, and our last morning. We went to bed at our city time, set our phone for 5:30 am. We were supposed to arrive in our city at 7 am. They turned all the lights on and the radio, and started slowing down, so I assumed we missed the alarm, and we were already pulling into our city. It was still dark outside, but all train lights inside were on. So I got Michael up and we both went to the bathroom (we have learned not to wait, or else it could be an hour or more) We got a cup of coffee and to our surprise, looked at the phone and it was only 3:30 am...We had already stripped our mattresses, turned in our bedding and rolled up our mattresses with the pillow inside like we found them. So we just laid down on the bunks and rested. Thank Goodness we never woke Caleb up. We just pulled in a few minutes ago, really this time. It is 7 am and still dark. We played with a cute little 4 month old baby. How sweet, he reminded us of our little Eli. Hard to believe he is 2 months old today. His mommy said it was not his first trip on the train, but one of many, and he is only 4 months old. His first ride was at 6 wks old. Caleb worked so hard this morning, he always works hard and never complains. We had packed last night and then watched dennis the menace, what a funny show. The restaurant brought us some fried taters and onions and we hit the hay. When the train pulled in, they began taking our 7 pieces out plus our 4 carryons. I went out with the first batch. Those pieces weightd over 50 lbs each, bless their hearts. It wasnt easy getting them off the train, down those steps and onto the platform either.
The attendants told us bye and good luck. Two men (taxi drivers) came to us immediately asking if we needed a taxi. We needed them both, so it was perfect.

It was soooo cold standing out there, the coldest I think I have ever been. I literally thought I might freeze and that my fingers were going to surely fall off. Poor Caleb, he has less clothes on than me, he must have been freezing. We finally got it all loaded in the cars. I took my gloves off to warm my hands by rubbing them together, thought it might help, and it did. We do not live far from the train station, which is great.

So we were home by 8:30 am. It was still dark. We were so excited to be home and well rested. That is a first for us, we usually arrive home absolutely exhausted. I felt like Jimmy Stewart in A Wonderful Life, I was going through our little apartment saying hello to everything: Hello old dirty toilet, hello trustee treadmill, hello hot water, hello yellow chainik (hot water pot), hello washing machine and clothesline, hello COAL DUST..... YES, there was a layer or two of black coal dust on everything...i mean everything. Thank goodness we had covered the bed and couches with sheets before we left. Grace's room...I only teared up a little when I entered... Oh the memories, the wonderful talks, the tears, prayers, laughter, spa days. I miss her like crazy, but I know it will get better, or not. Either way, I am OK, and besides I am a true southern girl....I will not think about that right now, I will think about that tomorrow haha. I think I miss her hugs most...especially the morning ones.

Anyway, back to the coal dust. We began cleaning. Caleb vaccuumed the whole apartment and started mopping. we did this twice. needed it three times though. Then I cleaned the toilet (6 mo is a long time) the water was nasty. I left plenty of cleaning supplies for our return: comet, mr muscle, paper towels and windex. Michael started on the fridge, so we could turn it back on. He cleaned the fridge and freezer inside and out. I put on a load of clothes. The window sills were terrible, ubelievable all the black dust, and the kitchen counters and table UGH. I had put anything that was normally out on the cabinets and table up in cabinets, so so glad i did that.

When we got all the cleaning done, we started with unpacking our 7 pieces. It was like Christmas. We were able to bring back so many things we had always missed but never had room for. One whole footlocker was for Sasha and then another one full of gifts for our friends. We were so thankful to be able to do that.

Called Sasha when we got here and he was home from class, cannot wait to see him. it seems it was -40 something today, so they didnt go to school. no wonder i was so stinkin cold. He is going to have to stay one more day with the Stremetskis because they live in a house and Volva is out of town and Anton just had surgery and cant feed the pechka (wood burning stove that heats their home and that they cook on) We had paid our internet before we left, so it is working great. We took periodical breaks to contact everyone telling them we were home. We called and talked to the boys and our parents. Michael went and got a few groceries....break, juice, pelmini (little dumplings) mayonaise and bread. Caleb said, "Hello Russian bread, I have missed you" We love Russian bread, guess why? Because it is better. haha

We unpacked all the luggage and were surprised when my sister, Michelle and brother (inlaw)Bobby skyped. I love, adore, respect and am so amazed by my family. I dont think anyone loves their family any more than me. How in the world my mama (or God) instilled that in me, all of us actually. I will never know, but I am thankful. I am blessed with three older sisters, who have encouraged me, loved me and cheered me on, my whole life. They are truly best friends to me. I can and do tell them anything and get wise advice and counsel from them. I just love them, and love that they love Jesus (and me)

 

Michelle is my older sister by 5 years. Oh the sweet sweet memories, late night talks and unconditional love and encouragement, I have always received from her. When her friends came over, she never ever ran me out of the room, always made me feel a part of her life, and I got to hear about and have the same crushes all through the years. hahaha...I can still remember everyone of them...when it came to choosing a husband, I was also pleased, though I never had a crush on him, as I was already too old for crushes. So proud of them, for all sorts of reasons. They just got back from a mission trip to Haiti. Michelle was chosen by the Lord to lead a ladies conference. I was privileged to pray for her, and so excited for her. It was pure joy to see her excitement of how God worked in and through her and the others. Never did hear about Bobby's experience...I wonder why.
 

Our poor husbands, they never get a word in edgewise. haha. They are already planning their next trip in 2013. We and they are praying now about them coming to Russia to help teach our national brothers in Bible school. We were able to speak to a couple of pastors (seminary grads) about coming while we were in the states. We are praying now for funds, teachers and His timing. If they come, then Michelle would most definitely have to come too. She could lead a women's conference here for the ladies, it would be so awesome to serve with her them in that way. Spring 2013 would be a great time, bu we will pray and see how the Lord works. We sure would love to see this happen 2 times a year for our leaders/pastors. It was great to talk to them and hear their passion for people, for their children and grandchildren, their church, and especially for God and missions.

We all worked so hard today. Caleb even reorganized his and Sasha's room. He made sure to leave him half of the closet and have of the shelves and his own desk... He is the most thoughtful and sharing guy. He organized and cleaned a long time. I think he has missed Sasha too.

We finally got to talk to the Stremetskis at about noon. Anton just got home from the hospital, he was there for 10 days, for a procedure that would have been outpatient in the states. His birthday was january 27, but he waited for us to return to celebrate with Caleb. We were invited over thursday (which is tomorrow) They are a precious family and our dearest friends. They have 7 children (and Sasha for the past 6 months) Ksusha is Bryan's age, and Grace's first friend here. Anton is a year older than Caleb, Alina is Caleb's age, exactly, they were born just hours apart. Then Anya (10), Tima (8), Nikita (7) and Venya (5) I have the pleasure of keeping the younger 3 boys alot. I LOVE THEM. We all do. They beg to come to our apartment all the time and I usually give in. Sveta is my closest friend here. She is the most attentive and intentional Russian mother I have ever met. She is truly a light, a wonderful wife, mother, friend and she is such an encouragement to the church members, especially the ladies, mostly because she is real, transparent, honest and willing to help and mostly always ready to pray. We have prayed together many many times for each other, for our husbands, our children and for others. We are so grateful that she and volva opened up their already full home and welcomed Sasha with open arms.

I just talked to Sasha...what joy to hear his voice and we get to see him tomorrow...hoorah...

 

 
 

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 5 PART 2

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTUURE DAY 5 PART 2
JANUARY 31, 2012

We had two more passengers another man and a sweet Buryat woman, both agreed to our arrangement (bed 25) Well, that makes 8 total so far (visitors that would have been in our kupet) We also had a huge german shepherd dog as a passenger. He is between me and the bathroom...NOT GOOD. He looks kind enough, but seriously...how long can I hold it ??

There was also a cute little boy that got on. I played peek a boo with him. Peek a boo translates into any language, just like love and laughter. His shrill squeals of laughter were contagious. I think even the dog laughed. Once I saw the little boy unafraid of the dog, I decided to "man up" and go relieve myself.

Well, I wrote out my black pen (it was a great pen) of course it was a great pen, my brother, Troy, gave it to me (or I took it haha) It was one of his company pens. I love my brother, Troy, I have loved him since I was a little girl. No really, I know everyone loves their siblings (or at least most everyone) but I have always adored him. When I was young, I was quite shy and homely (actually I was pitifully cross eyed, skinny, lanky, with string hair ugly, I even had a seed wart on my chin and didn't get any sort of girly shape until like 9th grade) I'm telling you the truth, UGLY. But the funny thing is that I never ever felt ugly (I only see it when I look back at pictures) I was the youngest of 6, and I was loved, truly loved by my siblings. I never had self esteem problems or felt ugly. I did know I was shy though, that much I did know. I remember going to all Troy's football games. He is 6 years older than me. So when he was in high school, I was at my absolute ugliest stage haha. 9 - 12 years old. I remember after ballgames going to the "cool dip" and just being there with donia, troy and michelles friends. He was never embarrassed by me and always let me sit with him and kind to me. He is still an amazing big brother. We are all grown up now and all have families of our own and all our children grown, but He is still always there for me, encouraging, loving and not embarrassed by me. haha He makes me proud. Anyway, it was a great pen. Lord, please be with his sweet precious family, please heal Justin completely, please above all else, give them Your peace and use this trial in their lives to draw them and others closer to You in every way. Give them patience and endurance and strength.

Uncle Troy and Justin meeting Eli, the day before we left. It was so precious of them to fly all the way from OK to see us before we left. I love them !
 

My Brother, Troy and his beautiful family: Sister (inlaw) Mona, Jimmie T, Jared and Katie, and Justin. I LOVE THEM TO PIECES.

 

Many people got on at the Irkutsk stop, many will get off at Ulan Ude. We are the only ones on our wagon going all the way, which doesnt surprise me. Buryat people are so beautiful to me. They look alot like our eskimos. They seem so kind and genuinely happy. We have seen many at the last two stations. We are near Buryat region now.

Frances sent me a text that Eli misses us. I guess she got that off FB or she is just being nice :) She said that Bryan and Hannah had DNOW with their youth and it went well, but sure they are worn out. 12 more hours and we can talk to our kids. YAY.

When I first began our journey, I said that I began with mixed emotions, excitement, apprehension and immense mourning. In the 4 plus days journey God has richly blessed me...with His joy, peace, and comfort as only He can. I never doubted that He would, but I so needed it. I so needed this time with Him, uninterrupted. I love waiting on Him with expectancy to see how He is going to answer my prayers, how He is going to pour out His love to me. I am never ever disappointed in how He meets me where I am. It takes a good bit longer at times than others, but He is always ever so faithful. ALWAYS !

Funny thing is most of the waiting time is my own doing. I become impatient, distracted, busy or just plain independent and get in the way with my own plans, thinking, ideas. I sometimes feel I can figure things out, or work things out on my own. How silly of me.

He gives joy abundant. His perfect peace and He turns mourning into dancing, when we trust and wait on Him. Psalm 40:

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, LORD,
as you know.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, LORD;
come quickly, LORD, to help me.
May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The LORD is great!”
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.

His law is within my heart, I delight to do Your will, Lord. Please show me how.

I don't want to refuse anything in my life that You choose to allow. You are enough. You are big enough for anything!


 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 5 PART 1

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 5 PART 1
Tuesday, January 31, 2012

3 am Moscow time, 9 am in our city and still Monday in America

We have less than 24 hours left in our journey, 22 hours to be exact. We should go through Irkutsk in the day time so we should see Lake Baikal, the largest fresh water lake in the world (or deepest or something like that) It wont be our first trip to Lake Baikal. Last August, while Grace was with us, we actually drove to it...what a trip that was. sleeping in the van, crossing rivers on Old dilappidated ferries in our van in the middle of the night,camping out on lake baikal to be awakened and attacked by biting midges, escaping with our lives but also with bites literally all over our bodies and a van full of them. After hours of driving, the Lord led us to a "sanctuary" literally, a log cabin with running water and a pechka (oven), fire place, literally on the beach of lake Baikal that even had sand. It was too cold to sun, but not for grace to swim in the lake. (she is a brave soul). I remember reading Radical and Crazy Love out loud as we drove, waited for ferries and recovered from the "no no's" (biting midges) Lake Baikal was a sight to see, and the memories of that trip (good and bad) will live in my heart forever. I should blog my journal from that trip sometimes....

We are now travelling around the lake. We have sun and snow and thank God no sight of the dreaded evil no no's . They are summer/early fall creatures I suppose. Saw a couple of men fishing out on the frozen lake. We have ridden through mountain tunnels...really cool. About 20 more stops to our city and less than 18 hours. I finished the dekker book. It was interesting reading, but I really do not like "fantasy" vampire stuff haha. I'm just a reality kind of reader I guess. The ending was great and it certainly kept my attention throughout, He is a great writer though. I liked the end and the point of the blood of Christ that flowed from Emmanuel's veins and the uttermost deceit of Satan - the liar, murderer and thief and how he has absolutely NO POWER or victory over our Saviour, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. The beginning was good and the end was good, it was all the pages in between getting to the end that I could have done without. Ha ha.

Still listening to Matthew on my IBible and reading. Matthew 14 "Too good to be true" NEVER. With Jesus Nothing is ever too good to be true, He is absolute truth, absolute GOOD. Take Courage, dont be afraid. Why do we doubt? Is there any room for trouble in a ship that is under HIS command. It is God who has called us to this region. He directed and continues to direct our path, even this path on the Transiberian Railway.

He understands - He acts immediately... PS 63:8 His right hand holds me up. "I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, I was sinking deep within, sinking to rise no more. Then the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I. Love lifted me, Love lifted me, when nothing else could help, Love lifted me." When Jesus returns will He find faith. Will He find me faithful, joyful, peaceful, loving, belieiving, serving, obeying? Oh I want that more than anything, for me, Michael, our children and their spouses and our grandchildren. FIND US FAITHFUL, LORD.

some pictures of lake baikal


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 4

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 4

Monday, January 30, 2012


Woke up at 3 am moscow time, which would be 8 am in our city. Maybe jet lag will not be so bad. Spent a long time praying and reflecting. Put my ipod shuffle in and listened to music as I watched the sunrise somewhere over Siberia. Michael and I just had a poptart and played hand and foot. I beat him again, poor thing, the funny thing is I really don’t even care if I win. Haha. Caleb is awake now. SNOW SNOW SNOW and more SNOW. All along the journey it is so pretty and clean, and village after village of people, small houses and smoke stacks. It always boggles my mind that people actually live here. I love people and I love to hear their stories. How did they end up here and why? Most people we meet wonder the same thing about us, but for different reasons. It boggles their minds that we would actually choose to leave America and come and live here. Actually it boggles my mind too. What boggles my mind even more is the fact that Jesus would leave heaven to come to earth for me. During the reign of Stalin, many innocent people were sent to our region and specifically our city. Our city name actually means – city of exile. Most of them were sent here as prisoners and were guilty of nothing. They were specifically sent here, because of the harsh winters and hard living conditions. Now the Lord has sent us here to help to set them free. There is no prison worse than spiritual. There is also no freedom greater than freedom from sin, death, hell and ultimately separation from God, our creator. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is true liberty. Thank you, Jesus, for paying the ultimate price, coming to this horrible place to set me free. Help me to remember what I am saved from. Help me to remember what you have saved me for. Help me to remember that You have specifically sent our family here to this region. Help me to be Your light to show them Your way, Your hope, Your forgiveness and the good news of salvation. Help them to listen, to understand and to be set free – truly free in You.

When our journey ends, we will have travelled all the way across Russia, the largest country in the world, located in two continents. If travelled all at one time, it would take over 200 hours from East to West. In 2008 we travelled from Moscow to Riga Latvia by train and last year we travelled from our city to Vladivostok, and now from Moscow to our city – a total of 107 hrs

It is a very long way and very wide. I reminds me how my gracious Father has thrown my sins as far as the East to the West. What grace, what mercy, what love.
I just listened to Teri’s song, in English and Russian. I have a couple of her songs on my ipod shuffle. IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL. It is well, It is well with my soul. What a beautiful grandbaby girl she and Ed have, sweet Virginia Ann. What a miracle life is, what a gift. I praise the Lord for the gift of Teri’s life, while it didn’t seem long enough. Our God is sovereign. Always faithful. I am so grateful for the influence she had and still has in my life. I brought Ed back a surprise, made a small photo album of the photos that were posted of sweet baby Gia, there weren’t many, but I just couldn’t help myself. I love my album so much and thought since he hasn’t gotten to see her yet, he would have something to show her off.

Sweet precious Eli was born almost 2 months ago. Wow. Time flies. He is so beautiful and perfect. Oh the prayers I have prayed for him, even before he was born. What a privilege prayer is. Bryan and Hannah are wonderful and caring parents. I praise the Lord for how He is blessing them. Their love for one another is sweet and strong and their desire is to serve the Lord together, the way it should be. I pray for them to never take one another for granted to encourage, care for and respect each other. I pray they will stand for Christ and obey Him no matter what. That they will fall in love with God and each other over and over again. That they will always be alert to Satan’s schemes and lies and on guard, staying in His Word and with their eyes fixed on Him. To trust Him for all their needs. To continually examine their hearts and stay repentant and pure before Him. To be holy as He is holy. Give them wisdom, Lord, as only You can do.

Just passed Krasnoyarsk. Reminded me of Amazing Race. Always thought it would be fun to be on that show. Michael got off the train and got back on….KURI GRILL- GRILLED CHICKEN. Yum yum, real food, not instant. We ate all but 2 legs… It was soooo good (picture of magazin (store) below.

Went to wash my hair earlier. Got my sink all disinfected and then realized there was no water. Will try again later. We had our 6th guest. It was a lady this time. Everyone has been so kind to go to the other bed. I started the book Bryan gave me, Immanuel’s Veins (dekker) interesting so far…sort of. I finished book one that Frances gave me…No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, they are fun books set in Africa, which makes me think of my girl. It was actually cold last night… I cuddled up in the blue fleece Frances gave me.. very soft and cuddly. (picture below)

I finally got my hair washed, it felt REALLY good. We watched a movie last night before we went to sleep…Paycheck… sort of out there to say the least. Woke up the second night in a row to clear and starry skies, so beautiful to see all the stars. Got some messages from Frances on the phone, she is so sweet to keep me updated and my family updated on our journey. She said that Grace was back on FB and teaching TLW (true love waits) She loved the clinic she got to go to.

The train attendant, Victoria, (picture below) stopped by and chatted a little with me. She is really young, didn’t realize it when we first saw her. She said she is alone, completely alone. Her father died and her mother lives far away. She is working 10 days on and 10 days off. She is finishing school and this is part of her “finishing” (like an internship with the govt to pay back her education). She doesn’t like her job and told me I should be so grateful to have a husband and family. I prayed for her. I am truly grateful, so very grateful.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 3 PART 3

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 3 PART 3

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

I was thinking today about Amy Carmichael. From what I remember, she served in India for 56 years. wow! 56 YEARS... What many might not know, for the last 20 years of her service, she was confined to bed. From active Missionary for over 30 years to bed ridden invalid. She was a faithful witness, I would say.

When we accept and not fight our circumstances, whether financial, physical, spiritual - we open our heart's gate to God's love, peace, joy and ultimate contentment in Him.

I am also reminded of Psalm 25. Preserve our Spirits, Lord. Help us to know that no matter what, You will carry us through any rough spot. All Your paths are lovingkindness, all means all. Help us to count it all joy...where there is suffering, there is much joy.

Being here in the middle of Russia on the Transiberian railway, travelling further and further from Mississippi, from our family, it is not my choosing. I love my family, I love Mississippi and warm weather - It asks more of me than I naturally want to give. but in light of what faithful witnesses that have gone on before us, there is not any comparison.

Yet I rejoice to give Him what He asks, so that others can know Him and see what He can do. I can never go wrong finding my joy and comfort in Him.

We just played our first game of cards. Phase 10...I won. Michael got off the train and got 2 more waters and a juice. He also went to the dining car to see what they have for lunch.

I just read the Homelife magazines that Frances sent. One of the articles was about Gladys Alyward. What an amazing woman, example of faithfulness, perseverance and obedience...Such a small woman, with such a huge faith. She rode this same railway all the way from London to China during the war between Russia and China (1930's) She saved all her money from scrubbing floors, washing clothes, went against her family's wishes to go to China and serve. When she arrived to near our city (the city of exile), she was kicked off the train by Russian soldiers, basically to die. It was middle of winter and she nearly froze to death and got eaten by wolves before she made it to our city, where she was then interrogated by officials. They thought her passport read "mechanic" not "missionary". She eventually made it to her destination in China and there shared Christ and cared for many orphans and got them safely away from danger.

Reading that story and remembering about Amy Carmichael is so helpful, so convicting, so encouraging to me as a woman/missionary.

Oh Yay, heading to the dining car...Michael and Caleb had borsch with rye bread and sour cream. I had pork chop (escallop) with home fried potatoes. It was very good. Michael had Cordon Blue (chicken with cheese and ham) He didnt care for it, but I liked it. I am pretty easy to please where food is concerned haha. Neither of us liked the bill though...just for that and no tea or drinks, it was over $40.00. Needless to say, we wont be eating in the dining car again.

Sunday Night listened to a sermon together. Walk in the Word, James McDonald 1 John TRUE LOVE

If we lose hope, we lose everything, I must hope in His love and obey faithfully.

True Love does not hate. Christians cannot hate.

True Love confirms salvation. If we are truly born again, we should be becoming more loving, more kind, more patient, more forgiving, more humble...

True Love is sacrificial, willing to lay down our lives for Christ and others, take action --- see a need and do our best to meet it. Dying to self.

True Love speaks truth- Not words or talk, but by our deeds do we show true love. It was a great Sunday on the train.

A few pictures of our dining car expereince and our "expensive" but rather yummy Sunday dinner.
Going to the dining car, between wagons, was soooo cold.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TRAN SIBERIAN ADVENTURE DAY 3 PART 2

Day 3 Part 2
Sunday, January 29, 2012

What a beautiful wonderful life, abundant and joyful, when we keep our eyes on Jesus. The alternative can never bring joy or peace: watching every step, fearful of what lies ahead, stumbling, tripping and falling and giving up or turning back, afraid of doing the wrong thing, worrying and anxious about every trial or struggle, wandering to and fro, with no clear direction. Yes, along the journey (like the Israelites in the wilderness) there will be trials, sin, death, illness, pain, suffering, rejection (snakes, personality conflicts, dry wells, hunger, holes, enemies, drought, tears, mountains to cross) but as the children of Israel (those of them who believed) and stood still and focused on Him, they saw salvation, the table in the wilderness, rain, food from heaven, all they needed was provided. If they would only wait and trust God.

He destroyed the enemy. He fought their battles. He sent water from rocks, He sent manna from heaven. He took poison from snakes. He led them by clouds and by fire. He refreshed them with milk and honey, and ultimately He brought them into the promised land...with and high and mighty hand...for those who obeyed, persevered and waited on and trusted in Him. Then He warned them (and us) to pass it on to our children and our grandchildren. WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE! How can we do this, if we give up, quit, before we see the salvation of the Lord?

Yepper doodle, I want it ALL...not in this life, but for Eternity! I want a full portion of Him of His promise. He is my promise. I want Him!

Grace: Our beautiful girl. With all the passion, compassion and love a person can have. She gave me this beautiful journal for Christmas - I love it! It's Sunday. I love Sundays: This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made; I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it; this is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made.

She is in Africa now singing this song. Not in English, or Russian, but in Swahili

WHAT IS HER HEART LANGUAGE ??

We brought her to Russia when she was 6. We instilled in her from an early age that He is her heart. He holds her heart. He is her identity. I know when she was young, she would need to know the truth. To know that wherever she lived, no matter what she was good at, how beautiful she was, what talents or skills she did or didn't have, or whatever she possessed, that her identity was in none of those things. Oh how He has taught her well. What a joyful learner, with a teachable heart. She will be used up for Him, that is her future, serving Him, serving others.

Set apart for Him, for His glory, for His service, not conformed to this world, but transformed to glorify Him. I miss our three grown kids so much. What wonderful times and memories when they were in our home. It is not the same, and never will be, but that is ok. I will always miss them being under our roof, but I am so excited for them in so many ways. Lord, be their joy, be their peace, be their comfort, be their all in all. Help them to find absolute peace and complete joy in You and You alone. Make them shine like the stars in the sky over the world, brightly for You. Help them to love like You, to love with their whole hearts. Make them be your hands, your feet, your truth. Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of birthing them and raising them, and watching them obey and love You. I never really felt that they were mine. Maybe that has been why letting them go hasn't devastated me. I thought letting Grace go would be the hardest, but it was so easy watching her go to follow You. It isnt so hard to let them go, when they are seeking to follow You. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness in the mistakes I made in parenting them. You are good! Give me strength, give me courage, give me patience, wisdom and more grace to be the mother that Caleb needs. Help me to never hold on too tight. Help me to teach him all he needs to learn. Give him a teachable spirit that he needs to become Your man, a strong, kind, gentle, servant. Give him a heart that loves you and others. Give him humility to be the servant leader You have called him to be. Help me to rest and trust in You for all those things. Keep each of them tight in Your loving hands, Your hands are strong enough. You are enough for them. You are enough for everything we face.