Rejoice!
We pray for
our sisters and brothers in Christ here in Russia and all over the world.
May all the world know the joy of the fullness of God's love through loving
action as we care for one another and for all those in need no matter what
their ethnic origin, beliefs or situation in life. We are all children of
God who is Love! Alleluia!
Greetings!!
In the last
few weeks it has been warmer here in Vladivostok. There was even water
standing in puddles some days. Now everything is relative, so I want you
to know that temperatures in the mid to upper thirty degrees Fahrenheit ARE
warm compared to twenty-three below zero Fahrenheit which was normal in the
first month I was here.
It hasn't
snowed much in the whole time I have been here, either. And the harsh
winds off the Sea of Japan have often howled and chased one another around the
hills and down to the Golden Horn of the inlet on the edge of downtown
Vladivostok. The zephyrs from the waterway between the city and the mainland of
the Russian Far East have echoed the northerly and westerly winds in
counterpoint off the ice-covered edges.
When we were
driving around town on the Russian men's holiday called "Defender's
Day," two days after our "President's Day" three-day
holiday weekend, I was reminded of the early days of pre-spring in
Alaska. We saw more and more people still bundled up, but walking
leisurely around the wide boulevards near the long-closed amusement park and
beaches.
The
uncharacteristically stationary Ferris wheel other carnival rides, along with
the booths where in the warmer weather you can find anything from souvenirs to
food and drink, all seemed to be expectantly waiting for spring just as
did the couples of all ages and families seemed to be, encouraged by the thaw
and sunshine.
In one plaza
little children were driving little battery-operated jeeps, pink Barbie-doll
cars and miniature luxury vehicles, well-monitored by parents and other
attendants. All of a sudden we seemed like giants in a humongous vehicle,
shades of Gulliver's experience in Lilliput!
Signs of thaw
earlier in the week or not, many people were walking on the ice, along the
beach side. I think I even discerned the hunched over shapes of those
most optimistic of anglers -- ice fisherman!
Nevertheless,
even though the eastern waterway was still frozen over, the harbor has
ice-broken passages so the ships can come and go.
And high above
either side of the harbor, the huge "Ys" of the support structures of
the big new bridge, which is in the midst of being built across the harbor,
seem to guard the maritime terminus like huge sentinels with bright blinking
lights on top. I have seen drawings of what the bridge will look like
when it is finished. The span will be marvelous and very modern.
I love
bridges!
That reminds
me of the t-shirts we had with the motto of the United Methodist Volunteer in
Mission (VIM) trips on them back in 1994, when I first came to Russia. In
English and in Russian, they were printed with the words, "WE BUILD
BRIDGES!"
I also love
Vladivostok at night. The lights of apartment houses and office
buildings, street lamps and billboards decorating the hills on our side of the
Golden Horn are mirrored on the hillsides of the island across the harbor from
us. The delightful view is enjoyed by many people, including those who
park along a roadway for the same reasons, no doubt, that many people flock to
such places all over the world.
But back to
the weather, leaving them to their privacy and enjoyment!
I should have
known better than to get lulled into thinking that winter was going to give up
its icy handhold. However, this morning I was still surprised to
see the snow blanketing the hillsides and everything else I cold see.
Actually, though, I was thrilled when I got over the shock of it.
So much beauty just fallen out of the sky!
I showered and
dressed quickly, enjoyed some delicious fresh-baked bread for breakfast, and
called a friend to ask her to help me get a cab. She met me at Pastor
Valentina's church service, though we were a bit late.
Remembering
that the beautiful blanket of snow no doubt made the ice underneath it more
treacherous, I did not rush out of the cab and across the area in front of the
office building where Pastor Valentina holds her worship services. My old snow
and ice-walking training kicked in and I minced my way, watching my feet and
judging where the safest place for my nest step might be. Those three
falls in Khabarovsk are ever on my mind when I am walking on snowy and icy
sidewalks and streets.
And there is
one more reason. I haven't told you yet that Pastor Valentina broke her
arm several weeks ago. She fell on the ice, but she says she is healing
well. Valentina is ever joyful, even during trials. Since she
is also a physician, and I trust that helps to keep things in
perspective.
Her smile is
full of love no matter what.
The evidence
of the compassion that Pastor Valentina has for the people she serves is easy
to see. Each time I have been blessed to join them, they have made me
feel very welcome, too. We are truly sisters and brothers in
Christ. Isn't that marvelous?
Today we
celebrated communion, too, and I felt transformed with the wonder of hearing
the beloved words of the Eucharist service in Russian once more. It
seemed like the host of witnesses surrounded us in the spirit of God's love
across distance, time, language and culture. What joy!
Sweet Margarita played the piano while we sang hymns both with familiar Methodist tunes and traditional Russian music. After we sang, we recited the Apostles' Creed together. I felt blessed that Pastor Valentina asked me to come up to pray.
Before
the sermon we worshipers read Romans 8:5-8 together in Russian. In
English that passage is:
Those
who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires;
but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what
the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind
governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh
is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
(NIV)
Pastor Valentina
speaks with enthusiasm, intelligence and a true heart for the Gospel. Her
sermons are wonderful.
At the time of
the Passing of the Peace we all happily hugged one another with the encouraging
words, "God loves you!" In the Sundays I have been blessed to
worship here, parishioners have ranged in age from four years old to ninety
years old. What a lovely church family!
After worship
we had some fellowship time with tea or coffee and cookies. When it was
necessary, everyone who was still there pitched in to move chairs, Bibles,
hymnals and the Communion paten (traditional plate for the bread or wafers),
chalice, and covers back to their storage cupboards.
Then with my
friend, and with Pastor Valentina, we took a bus downtown so we could enjoy
more fellowship together at my favorite cafe next to Vladivostok's Philharmonic
Hall where I have enjoyed so many concerts. Over elegant but simple pots
of green tea we chatted and feasted on some delicious tortes. we also indulged
in to specialties of the house which may not sound appetizing, but were.
They were both made with seafood.
Valentina and
I chose the dish with carrots, red and green peppers, shallots, scallops
razor-back clams, and crab legs in a terriyaki sauce served over rice infused
with squid ink. It's called "Black Rice with Fruit of the Sea."
My friend chose the scrumptious cream sauce-covered black spaghetti
(yes--made black with squid ink again) with shrimp, scallops and crab
legs.
How good it is
to be in a city on the ocean if you have a hankering for sea food!
While at
lunch, Valentina happened to get a phone call from Claudia in Khabarovsk.
I was happy to hear her voice and we spoke about the possibility of seeing one
another in April in Oklahoma City where the United Methodist Russia Initiative
meeting will be held. If you would like to find out more about it, you
can go to this web page:
Valentina, my
friend and I all headed home together in a cab after our lovely lunch and
fellowship together. The two of them dropped me off first, and I
waved a cheery "Good-bye!"
How happy I am
that I was able to introduce them!
On another
subject, one of the greatest blessings has been that I use Skype to
communicate.
(Do you know
about it? If not, please see this web site -- www.skype.com)
It was with
great joy that through Skype I had a chance to speak with two friends who are
students at the United Methodist Seminary in Moscow. on Thursday evening my
time.
(Moscow is
eight time zones west of here, so it has been hard to get connected because
they are so busy in classes and we are so often asleep at opposite times).
My student
friends regaled me with stories of their studies, of what they did over the
winter break, of their plans for their student ministry opportunities in the
summer, and of the fun they had during their Defender's Day
celebrations. I even was able to hear about some of the theology
they are studying at the moment.
Because of
Skype, I have also been able to talk with family members and friends in
the US, in Sweden, In Australia, and in England. That has been wonderful
and especially important in the last week.
The news last
Monday evening my time that my dear eighty-three year old Mom fell and broke
her hip last Saturday night their time, has led me to curtail my trip.
Between e-mail
and Skype I was able to get all the details as time passed, and even talk with
both my Mom and Dad when Dad was staying over night in the hospital with
Mom. To be able to talk with them, with my daughter, with my sister and
with my brother, as well as to pray with friends has all been very
comforting. Friends and family members I am in touch with by e-mail and
through Facebook made a big difference, too, and I am so grateful to God and to
all of them. Modern communication!
I am very
disappointed that will not be going to Moscow after all, but trust God in
how it is all working out due to the circumstances. I hope I will be able
to come back to Russia in the not-too-distant future, God willing.
My Mom has had
an operation, and is now well-cared for in a rehabilitation center.
We appreciate
your prayers for both my Mom and my Dad if you feel led to pray. I was
very touched that Pastor Valentina remembered my parents when the call to
prayer came during the worship service.
Please pray
for the people of the Russian Far East -- and for all the people of the former
Soviet Union , if you feel led to do so.
I have been so
blessed to be here and there will be a mixture of joy and sadness when I board
the plane to head back home next Saturday, God willing. The blessings of
some time I will be able to spend with my son and his family, and especially
the opportunity to meet sweet baby Lily Jane for the first time will
help. On the phone when he encouraged me to be sure and visit my son and
his family on the way home, Dad said, "When you hold Lilly, tell her about
us."
Getting back
to Georgia to be with my daughter and her family before heading to Florida to
check on Mom and Dad is a joy I anticipate, too. Even though our loved
ones are always in our hearts, there is nothing like being able to hug them in
person!
One more thing -- please
look up the web site of my friend Glen Evans' ministry for an update about the
work that he and his partners are doing for the people of Honduras and pray for
them, too, if you feel led. Thanks so much! The web site is:
Please be sure
to let me know how I can pray for you and yours. May the Lord
continue to bless and keep you and everyone you love.
Blessings in
the Fullness of God's Love, Grace and Peace in Christ -- Kathy
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The God of
Peace Will Be With You!
Rejoice in the
Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident
to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers
and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or
received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of
peace will be with you. (NIV)
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