Hello there Friends,
It's almost three weeks that we've been in Russia and 4 weeks since we left Seattle
. We started our adventure on the East coast spending time with family in Philly. We had a great time, visiting our relatives and going down the shore and enjoying time with my brothers and sister and especially our son John. Then we were off to NYC and the airport landing in Moscow. Victor and Veka, the pastor and wife that serve in Smolensk, picked us up at the airport and surrounded us with their love and help! Our first week was mainly visiting people we haven't seen for a year, catching up on their lives. I was asked by my friend Julia, who heads up a childbirth awareness group, to tell my birth stories. That was special as many ladies came and were so fascinated to hear how birth is done in the states. I also spent special moments with some of our dear girls, Anya, Roxana, Sasha.
Time in Kaliningrad
Michael and I have spent the last week in another city in Russia called Kaliningrad. Like our Alaska, it is not attached to Russia's main land but is on the coast and belonged to Germany before the war
. Our friends Scott and Lena Bensen live here with their 5 children. Scott and Lena are like family to us and so we wanted to visit them and also give them a couple of days to enjoy themselves without children. Michael and I have been watching the kids now for 2 days. It is a preview to being grandparents! It has been a lot of fun and exhausting at the same time. Scott and Lena are arriving home tonight.
This is going to be a short post since I'm so tired from all our adventures and activities. Also Lena asked me to share with the women tomorrow at the Bible study and I need to think about that. For some reason I have struggled to write something so I haven't had any entires this summer. I will try to write every week till we return to the states in August. There is much to look forward to as when we return to Smolensk in a couple days, I will be having an English club and then the next week our daughters Bethany and Rachel will join us!
How's the church?
Church is doing well and those who are there are in unity and walking in love. Every Sunday church is like an all afternoon affair with the meeting and then sometimes a meal or smack and fellowship with can last most of the afternoon. We meet at a private house and it is surrounded by a yard and the children run around picking berries and cherries and playing for hours
. It is very much like a family. Michael has been teaching in Phil. And I am having a women's study on prayer using Elijah as an inspiration. I will tell you more about their outreach and vision in the blogs to come.
Until then, here are some pictures of the past four weeks and some of the blessed times we've had.
See below for prayer requests.
God Bless and I will write again soon!
In Jesus,
Mary Lou and Michael
Prayer Requests
For continued unity and love to grow among the brothers and sisters.
For grace and encouragement for Pastor Victor and Veka as they continue to serve.
For Archie and Katya as they serve along side of Victor and Veka.
Blessing and fruit from the volleyball ministry.
Wisdom as the new law goes into effect and for it to not hinder the spreading of the gospel.
For the English club to be a witness for the Lord and a blessing to those who attend.
For Mary Lou as I lead this club, for good ideas and lots of energy and enthusiasm.
For Scott and Lena as they serve the Lord here in Kaliningrad and teach Gods word in the church they serve.
Summer in Smolensk part 1
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Smolensk, Central Russia, Russian Federation
Other Entries
Comments

2025-02-14
Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank
sistermarylou
2016-07-23
Those pictures are so great!
Harry Hudson
2016-07-23
I was wondering last week if you had come over again, it is great to know you have I am quite sure the Lord will honour your faithfulness I feel almost part of the church reading so much about what is going on and Victor and Vela, as they continue to minister In your absence.
Much blessing to you all, from Riga
Harry
marjorietyler46@gmail.com
2016-07-23
Dear Mary Lou! Thanks so much for the update and the pictures! My favorite is the one of Michael on the street! Filled with the joy of the Lord!
Debby Scheller
2016-07-23
Love your pictures and sharing your time with us, Mary Lou! Our God is so AMAZING! His faithfulness so evident through you & Michael! (Thank You, Jesus!) Praying for your time there! Blessings ~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~ Debs
susie hughes
2016-07-24
Thank you LORD! We are all so glad that you both made it there without a hitch...