DAY 37: The City of Yaroslavl

Today, Yaroslavl is the highlighted city in the 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Russia. Pray that the revelation of God's glory to be reveal and embraced by the people of Yaroslavl.

This is a fabulous web site about Yaroslavl---in English! Check it out!

New Friends...

Bruce and Greg are our new friends from Canton, Ohio! Their Church, Faith Bible, has an ongoing partnership with the Baptist Church we attend in Yaroslavl. They just completed a conference on Bible Study in Small Groups and have plans to return to Yaroslavl in October of this year. Please pray for Greg and Bruce and Faith Bible Church as they minister in Ohio and around the world. Please pray that the Church in Yaroslavl would be open to their ideas and make changes as the Lord leads.

Mr. Fix It!

Gideon is ready to go to work and I think he has enough tools for any job!

DAY 36: Anatoly Ivanovich Lisitsyn

Please pray as the Lord leads for the Govenor of Yaroslavl Region, Anatoly Ivanovich Lisitsyn, and all of the other governmental officials.

Thanks Anna!!!

Gideon and ME enjoyed playing on their new scooter that Anna passed on to them. I was shocked that Gideon didn't protest to ME's pleas to join in on the fun. Thanks Anna for the great scooter!!! We love you!

Hi! Bye.

I found ME starring out the balcony window today watching the people walk by. She would wave to each person and yell "Hi!" and when they would pass by, she mumbled disappointingly, "Bye." I stood there for several minutes watching her. It was soo funny!

DAY 35: Friends for Gideon and ME

Gideon with his friend Dima.

ME with her friend Maxim.

And their friend Daniel.

Pray that Gideon and ME would make good friends at our Church, school and in our neighborhood.

DAY 34: Gideon's Kindergarten Year

Gideon will begin Kindergarten this year!!! He is growing so fast and time is flying!!! This September, Gideon will continue at the International Waldorf School in the mornings and in the afternoons will begin studying at the Jubilee Academy, an accredited, multimedia, on-line home school program. Please pray that Gideon would love school, study hard and be a well adjust, fun, loving little guy! Please pray that both Gideon and mommy would see homeschooling as an added blessing each day and not a stressful burden. Please pray that Gideon would be kind, respectful and obedient and Kristie would be a patient, loving mom.

DAY 33: Young Couples

Engaged Couples.

Newly Married Couples.

And for those with little ones.

Please pray as the Lord leads for all of the young couples.

DAY 32: Pavel Simeonivch and Other Church Leaders

Pavel Simeonivch came to Yaroslavl from the Ukraine over 50 years ago. He was the pastor of our Church for over 35 years. Gideon calls him the "Chubba Chup Guy" because every Sunday he passes out those kind of suckers to all of the children. Pray for Pavel Simonivch and that the Lord wouls raise up men of God like Pavel who want to serve Him.

Off to Church...

A quick pic while we are all still clean!

ME trying to hide from mommy.

Gideon listening to the story.

The last day of Sunday School before summer break.

DAY 31: Marha, Pepa and Layla

Keith and the kids meet Pepa at the playground by our house almost one year ago. We so enjoy their friendship, visits and all of the tips they give us for fun things to do in Yaroslavl. Pray for our sweet friends, Marha, Pepa and Layla.

DAY 30: The Skinner Family

The Skinners have lived in Russia almost 16 years and welcomed us to Russia over 5 years ago. The Skinners have mentored us, loved us, encouraged us and been there for us through many good times and difficulties. We have to say good-bye to them the end of June when they leave to join another team in Saint Petersburg. We know that this is the Lord's plan for them, but are sad to see them go. Please pray for the Skinners as they transition to a new home, team and ministry. Pray for Sarah as she prepares for college and Anna as she attends a new school in St. Pete. We love you guys and will miss you lots!!!

TGIF!

We are so thankful it is Friday...not because the weekend has begun, but this Friday finally brought cooler temperatures---high today of 62!!! For over a week, we have been experiencing record temps in the 90s! I know that doesn't seem very hot for many of you, but it is extremely hot when you do not have an air conditioner!!! Several days, it was so hot the kids broke out in heat rashes, at 11 pm we were still sweating just laying on the couch and everyone was so grumpy!!! Gideon thought we all needed to go swimming!!! This morning, we woke to a nice cool breeze and smiles across our faces!

DAY 29: Lesa Hughes

Lesa joined Team Golden Ring in 2005 and is from Missouri. "Aunt Lesa" is a great addition to our team and family! Please pray for Lesa's ministry, Bible Studies and health.

DAY 28: Young People

The young people of our Church are an active and growing group without a leader. Please pray that God would continue to draw young people to Himself and prepare and equip the right person to lead them in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

DAY 27: Our Gym, Trainers and Aquaintances

Keith and I have regularly worked out at Step Life for over a year. We love it! Please pray as the Lord leads for the trainers and members of Step Life. Pray that we would be a light in the darkness and have many opportunities to share Christ's love.

Meet Our New Dog!!!

We got a new dog! I know many of you who know us well are shocked, but we could not refuse this adorable addition to our family. Kristie and Keith are so excited that the dog is potty trained and doesn't shed!

DAY 26: Memorial Day

We are so grateful for all of those who have died serving our great country and for the great freedom we enjoy as Americans! Please pray today for all of those men and their families who are risking their lives and making huge sacrifices so we can remain free and proud to be Americans!!!

New Bags...

It has been so hot here the last few days, we decided to take the kids to play and eat pizza today at a fun mall. Keith decided he wanted a bag (we won't call it what it really is...a purse) to carry all of his necessary documents that usually spend the winter crammed in his coat pockets. The kids joined in the "purse purchase" and they all got new bags! Keith found a great black leather "bag", ME got this totally cute pink backpack and Gideon got a Batman wallet/bag.