Another good one by the Isaacs.
Valerie in the USA
We arrived safe and sound on Monday evening. We had some trouble with our visas and had to re-route our trip after we arrived in Munich (long story). This added a few hours to our trip, but all is well.
Valerie did great on the flight(s). We were expecting some air-sickness, but she was a trooper. She enjoyed the airports and airplanes.
In order to fulfill my role as an American, a first stop was a visit to Walmart. Actually, we needed to buy Valerie new shoes since all we had were her heavy winter boots from Russia. While there, Grandmom saw a very nice bicycle. Sherry and Lynda had suggested a small bike, and some friends let us borrow a tricycle. But when we saw the bike we knew that would be better for Valerie. It took her a little while to get the hang of it, but she’s doing great now. I really enjoy introducing Valerie to new experiences.
We ran into Alisa Howen and her children and Julie Moore at the store. It was great to see friends and introduce them to Valerie on our first day in the country. We are surrounded by love.
We are so very thankful for the family God has given us.
Gospel Bluegrass — I Surrender All
Here’s another great old hymn by the Isaacs:
Estonian Windmills
Driving from Tallinn to Johvi, one sees this —
There are eight at this location, and I could see the bases for eight more I assume they will assemble later this year.
These huge generators are quite different from other, older windmills in Estonia:
Pizza Night – #2
We had our second pizza night recently. Olga did a great job making the dough, and we used home-made sauce with Estonian cheese and Russian sausage.
Some friends carried over a pizza stone from the US for us, and that made all the difference. The pizza was so good that I forgot to take pictures of it (though I do need help learning how to use a pizza peel).
Valerie made her own little pizza, which turned out pretty well.
We were joined by Natasha and Anya, two young ladies who lived with us for a while. They are like family to us, and it was great to share the evening with them.
click on the thumbnails to see the full-sized picture
Valerie at My Desk
For those of you who want a Valerie fix —
She likes to sit in my lap and draw while I’m working:
A Snapshot From Russia — Sunrise
I drove from Estonia into Russia this morning, crossing the border at 7am. It’s cold here now — about -20C (-4F) — and that makes everything beautifully frosty.
On the road from Narva to St. Petersburg:
English in Our Flat
Olga has been teaching English on Monday nights for quite a while. And now Valerie is helping!
The young man is Kostya Protasov. He was a heroin addict who lived as a thief and extortionist before becoming a pagan who sacrificed to the gods of the forest; as a result of his drug use he contracted HIV and Hepatitis C. He ended up at a Christian rehab center but got sick of it. This is what happened as he fled the center, waiting for a train to go to the city:
As I waited, the pictures of my empty past and dreary future filled my mind, and I heard a voice in my heart saying: “Go back to the center lest you die!” Going back to the center was 8 kilometers through the forest and my bag that I had to carry [was heavy], but somehow I made a decision to go back.
I went through the forest and felt the presence of God! His mercy, His tremendous love overwhelmed me! I thought of many of my friends who in their “search of truth” and trying different things in life did not reach the most important – Jesus and His Word that really sets free.
One of the center workers told me: when a man takes one step towards God, God takes ten steps towards him! The hunger to know Jesus burnt in my heart, the desire to live in fellowship with Him. He met me in so many ways and the things that were impossible for me before became possible! I once was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in and set me free from the chains of addictions!”
You can read his full story here, (scroll down the page a little).
Travel Warning
The Government has issued a travel warning due to the bad winter weather.
They suggest that anyone traveling in the current icy conditions should make sure they have the following:
- Shovel
- Blankets Or Sleeping Bag
- Extra Clothing, Including Hat And Gloves
- 24 Hours Worth Of Food
- De-Icer
- Rock Salt
- Flashlight With Spare Batteries
- Road Flares Or Reflective Triangles
- Full Spare Gas Can
- First Aid Kit
- Booster Cables
I looked like an idiot on the metro this morning . . .
😉
A Postcard from Russia (and Estonia)
God has blessed us in many, many ways. Valerie has been with us just over a month and is doing great. She’s happy and healthy, talking more and is quite smart. Olga is doing great as a new mom, though there are challenges. And I am so thankful to have a daughter who runs to me when I come home. These are sweet days.
I’ve just returned to Russia from a trip to Estonia and will go back again in a few days. I’m on the road quite a bit just now.
In Estonia, we’ve made great progress on our plans to build a center for disabled children. Later this month the city council will vote on giving us a piece of land; the mayor has already pledged it to us, so we’re quite sure we’ll get the lot. This week we plan to register an Estonian charity that will own the land and run the center. I’ll be a founding board member. The architect continues to work on the design. An English charity just donated $3000 to help with start-up expenses.
It is all very good. And we are VERY thankful.
Mike and Olga Cantrell 