I was looking through google analytics for this site, and discovered that post people spend the most time on is this one — about Lithuanian Swastikas. People from all over the world end up on this page and read much of it.
For those of you who haven’t read it I think you’ll find it interesting, perhaps the comments moreso than the post itself.
Twice a year we change tires on our vehicles. Usually in mid-October I put on winter stud tires. This is a classic picture of the process. It was cold and blustery. Many tire repair shops are outside. The balancing machine is inside the little shop, but the car stays outside all year ’round.
Sometimes I really feel for the workers, because they have to remove tires when it’s 20 below zero.
Here is some shaky video of my drive up Nevsky Prospect today. I need to figure out a way to reduce shaking. Any ideas?
Almost every time I drive on Nevsky, I am thankful for and amazed at the life God has given me.
It’s in several parts. Enjoy —
From Leitiny Prospect to the Fontanka River
From Fontanka to Gostiny Dvor
From Gostiny Dvor to Kazan Cathedral
The Winter Palace (Hermitage Museum) and Palace Square
Over the Neva River and onto the Split of Vasilevsky Island
Each month, MIR hosts a prayer meeting (above) attended by people who give their lives in Christian ministry. It was great to attend after missing the past few meetings. MIR is facing some challenges just now, so your prayers are appreciated. A friend once told me that choosing a life of ministry means choosing a life of poverty. There’s truth in this.
These saints refuse to pursue worldly wealth and achievement; rather, they lay down their lives in service. They serve orphans, print Christian literature, help local churches, manage projects, provide counsel, fix computers, minister to college students, and more. Our fellowship and prayers reminded me of the greatness and comfort of God’s kingdom; we are His family, united by His Spirit, even though we come from varied cultures and life experiences, speaking different languages. These are good friends and valued co-workers.
New opportunities are on our doorstep. For instance, we hope to help open a center for disabled children in Estonia. In Russia, we will hold a pilot Ecological Camp at Elama where a British ecologist will teach children about the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.
Now a closing thought from Olga: This year’s fall has been specially beautiful. I think I don’t remember such glorious October as we are having now. And even though the fall means that the nature is falling asleep, it hold a promise of new life in it. And for me that is what I feel. There is a promise of new life. God has something in store for us. And not only for us, but all of His children. His plans are good, His plans have a future. We may not understand this, we may not see it, but He does.
I took a drive in the countryside a few days ago, in perfect weather, on a back road between Hämeenlinna and Hauho (apologies for the shaky video):
Psalm 23 recited by a two year old —
Olga (like most Russians) loves to hunt mushrooms. However, most Finns do not. So, while it can be hard to find mushrooms in Russia (since everyone is hunting mushrooms) there are a LOT of mushrooms in Finland.
We took the boat across the lake, and Olga hit the jackpot. Here is the evidence of her success (video and pictures):
Moonrise over Pyhäjärvi.
We’re having beautiful weather here at Koppero.
Here are some fun pictures I’ve come across. Enjoy!
(click on each photo to see a larger version)
Here’s a video of the little cabin (koppero means ‘hovel’ in Finnish) where we stay when we visit Finland. You’ll see the main cabin, a smaller cabin and the sauna. It’s simple and a very real blessing.
And you see our little car, which has bravely been all over Europe, from Montenegro to Russia.
Mike and Olga Cantrell 