We are temporarily back in the District office in Moscow after about five days at the "dacha", which is a large building used for the class I taught. There was also a Church History class happening there, so we got to know a lot of students and one other teacher. We also met the dean of students from EuNC (European Nazarene College, based in Germany). She was there observing courses.
We crammed a LOT of class time into a few short days (I taught Systematic Theology I). But we had fun times, as well. My translator, Olga, was wonderful. She will begin PhD studies in the Fall, so she was familiar with the students and the material, and this helped the whole course go smoothly! There was lots of discussion and laughter: we were called the "fun" class (if Systematic Theology can be fun....).
The worship time each morning, led by the students, was my favorite part of the adventure. There are several songs from now on that will be even more special to me after seeing and hearing those very dedicated young men and women praising God in Russian with all their hearts! Also, I was able to spend extra time talking with a couple of pastors from the Ukraine who also spoke English. One of these students, a young man who has been a pastor only since last November, will stay in touch with me even when I'm back in the states. His name is Andre. He was also great with the boys: Jacob beat him in chess (twice), and Zachary taught him some things about baseball! Andre was quite a basketball player and enjoyed playing basketball with all of us.
Edna and Emmy and the boys were real troopers. Dacha life does not have all the amenities of some places, but they did more than endure: they had a great time and found ways to help the coordinators and to be a blessing to the students and staff. Most of the time I had to teach for 6 hours each day. It was a great experience, and I am sure that many of the friendships we made there will be lifelong ones....
Now, on to St. Petersburg (we leave tonight on the overnight train, and our friend/translator Olga will be with us! She lives near the hotel where we will stay in St. Pete)....
More later.
Blessings,
Charles
6 comments:
Hi All My Special Ones,
Gosh, I'm glad you're back in civilization where I can have communication with you...Isn't this wonderful! I miss you but am so glad you are seeing and getting to know a way of life most of us can only read about and wonder..."Is this really true?". I pray for you all each day. You're probably in St. Petersburg by now...say "Hello" to all the Rembrandts...
Love Always,
Nana
Zac and Jake,
The All Star game was the best ever. 15 innings long with both the Nationals and Americans down to their last pitcher. (Both had thrown over 100 pitches on Sunday.)The game ended on a sacrafice fly by a Texas Ranger.
Hurrey back. I miss you lots.
"Love you all the time"
Poppie.
Hi Emmy and Edna,
What are your thoughts on St. Petersburg? Are you up to writing after your work at the school and then all the sightseeing there? You both are such good writers and have great insight. If you can bring yourselves to do something after your long days, write and let us know your insights...We can't wait to hear...Will be going over to visit the animals at the two houses today. Will visit Chance probably Monday. Had some really rugged physical therapy last week...felt like a baseball player in rehabilitation...After this, bring it on...I can handle the pain.
Love Always,
Nana (more for Jacob and Zach following)
Hi Guys,
Sounds like you are having the trip of a lifetime. Can't wait to hear your stories...What was your favorite part so far? Was it visiting someplace, or meeting a person that you thought special, or seeing the countryside or small village? Write a little note and let us know OK? A Big Hug and Kiss From Nana and Poppie.
Love Always,
Nana
<
Anybody there?
Love,
Nana
Hi Edna and Emmy,
It is Sunday here, evening. Dad and I went to check on Buster and Billie today...Buster was pleasant and came out from under the table and ate some treats we bought. Billie, on the other hand, was hiding so well I still don't know where she was. We looked under the bed, in closets etc. but she wasn't going to be found...We stayed a while thinking she would come out. No such luck...So we left some treats where she would find them left the house as we found it and went home...I know she was there...She's just very good at hiding. Maybe the other person who checks on her has seen her this week sometime. Food and water dish were full for both of the animals. So there you have the Billie and Buster Report. Will go and check out Chancie this coming week. Pretty soon you'll be home and I know they will be glad to see you.
Love,
Mom
Hi Pastor Charles,
Downloaded your blog so Steve and I could read it while heading back from the Oregon coast. Prayed for your class several times this week. Looking forward to seeing all of you again soon.
Jacqueline
Post a Comment