Going through customs to get out of Russia took 7 checkpoints.  When Mac & I went to South Africa 3 years ago, I was frisked 4 times.  This time I was never checked, but Mac was!  I went on through and looked back at Mac with a big smile.  It took us 3 hours to get through customs.

After getting on the plane, Mac & I were looking forward to a long sleep on the flight home.  Well, right in front of us was a crying baby from teething and her 4 year old high energy sister jabbering in Russian the whole time & dancing in the aisle.  Across from us were 3 people downing a fifth of Crown Royal.  I was getting nauseated just smelling it.  How do people drink like that in high altitudes?!  The baby and sister were finally asleep after 8 hours.  So I'm thinking, "Ahh, finally we can try to get some sleep".

Side note: for the 28 hours traveling home, it was daylight the entire time as we passed through 12 time zones.  So it's a little hard to go to sleep anyway.

We were nice and cozy snuggled up and sleeping soundly when the stewardess announced over the intercom, "If there is a doctor on board and you would be willing to assist us, please come up front." I open my eyes and 2 rows in front of us is a man passed out on the floor.  People are getting out of their seats to see what's going on.  The stewardess is stating firmly and repeatedly for everyone to please return to their seats.

Turns out the person on the floor in medical crisis is one of the drinking buddies!  After 30 minutes of him laying on the floor, he is mumbling to them. They eventually help him to stand and take him to a first class seat to give him further attention.

There was duty free liquor stores before we boarded.  I believe this guy will pay more than taxes with a hefty fine when he goes through customs in the States.

Reminds me of another time we were flying and a drunk man fell and hit his head on the arm rest in front of us. He was running to the bathroom to throw up but landed right in front of us.  He started puking and we had to put our feet up on our seats as "liquid" was flowing everywhere!  The stewardess poured coffee grounds all over the floor to mask the stench.  We saw him taken away by officials as we de-planed.  Why is it that people think they can get drunk without it affecting them?  And then why is it we get assigned to sit by them?!  Hey, Mac, you got a CR business card handy?

Never a dull moment on our return home!

We are in the Atlanta airport awaiting our departure so I will try to get more pictures posted.  Everyday it's been about a 30 minute window to email post & pictures to Bobbi.  Thank you, Bobbi, I couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you for all your prayers.  We made it safe and sound and so did all our luggage.  We accomplished what we went to do in Russia.  And we return home filled with memories we will be talking about for a long time.

To Him who can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.  Praise be to  God!

Yesterday the temperature was 98 degrees. Today a cool front blew in and it only got up to 55, and the low was 40.

Friday & Saturdays are wedding days.  Every time we passed the war memorial there would be a new wedding party taking pictures.  It is a tradition to leave flowers there to remember those who lost their lives in the war.  We were told every family in Barnaul lost family members in WWII.

While I was taking a picture of a bride and groom, all of a sudden a car caught on fire right in front of us.  The poor guy who owned the car was trying to put it out.  I was afraid it was going to blow up with him right beside it!  Engulfed in flames, the fire truck arrived and the guy grabbed the hose to put out the fire himself, while the firemen stayed in the truck.

Since we found out Russian sushi is good, we ate it again for lunch to celebrate Natasha's birthday.  Restaurants have very slow service and no one ever gets their food at the same time.  So some finish eating before others get their food.  Now we were running late to make it to a violin concert that Joseph & Sonya's son, Mason was performing in.  Natasha said it wasn't far.  That is a relative term in Russia...we ended up running without stopping for 20 minutes to make it on time after Joseph said the doors were about to be closed.  You can't get in after a performance starts.  It was now 40 degrees outside and Mac was sweating.

Next walk was to buy handmade scarves and then on to Arkasha & Natasha's flat to eat birthday cake & ice cream.  Then one more breezy walk back to hotel to counsel with more church members.  They are so hungry for guidance.  People wanted to meet with us even while we were packing.  We finally had to say that was all we could do and prayed over them and said our goodbyes.  There will be more conversations with them on Skype in the future to continue encouraging them as they lay the foundation for their CR.

We will be leaving Russia at 7 am Saturday morning which will be 7 pm Friday night in West Monroe, the best place to be! Know this as we board the plane, we will be praying for our CR family and then be traveling for 28 hours.  We look forward to being back with all our family.

This was our first day in Russia not to have a planned schedule.  Yesterday was 98 degrees F. So this morning we were going to the Botanical Gardens and Mac was dressed in shorts and flip flops, only to get outside and hear that a cold front was coming through.  It was 25 degrees C and going to be dropping all day. Not knowing celsius very good, we went on like we were.  By the time we got home, we were freezing because now it was in the low 50's F.  98 one day and 50 the next - WOW!

On our way home everybody was starving after not eating lunch yet and they said they wanted to make a stop first at a store we might like.  When we got to the store, the name of the store was, "Coming in here is like a holiday".  It was a Russian chocolate store.  We should've known better than to go in there on an empty stomach!  As soon as we walked in the smells were so good of chocolate it was almost overwhelming.  Needless to say, we bought way more chocolate than we needed to.

Our next stop was lunch where we had sushi, yay! And it tasted just like American.  After the meal our waitress said if you spend 2000 rubels, you get a prize. We had 2 choices. We could go to the back room and smoke out of a water pipe (bong) or get some dessert.  We opted for dessert!

The rest of the afternoon was spent with members of the local church seeking counsel.  Precious people wanting to know how better to serve God and strengthen their relationship with him.

Last night was topped off as we walked from our hotel (like all Russians do) to a local missionary's flat (apartment) to learn much from his Russian wife of growing up through Soviet times.

Praise be to God when I think of how blessed we are to be able to worship God in total freedom. 

The pictures posted today will tell you more.

Sightseeing in Barnaul today

Balloons, dancing, and music is the beginning of school starting today.  The boys wore black suits and the girls black and white uniforms. The little girls have big white bows in their hair.  They all bring fresh flowers to their teachers.

There isn't enough room for all the children to attend school at the same time, so they have school for elementary from 8-11:30, then high-school from 1-6:00.  School ends at 11th grade, then they go to college for 2 years, then to university if they are able to.

This weekend they are celebrating Barnaul's 280th birthday.  That is older than the U.S. There is even some log homes in the middle of town that have been there over a century.

I posted a picture of the heat plant yesterday.  Here's the story behind that.  One month out of the summer they have no hot water because the plants supply the heat for the whole city and they have to shut down the plants to work on them. The heat plants pipe in hot water to every home both for hot water and for their radiators for heat.  The ground freezes to 10 feet deep in the winter so the pipes have to be buried very deep and be well insulated.  Dark plumes of smoke billow into the air continually from the smoke stacks you see in the picture.

The average winter time temperature is 10 below but it drops to 50 below.  Birds will freeze in flight at times.  Right now the temperature is 98 degrees F.

We are going to a botanical gardens tomorrow and eat at the missionary's home for dinner. 

любовь из России (Love from Russia)

We left them with the tools to get CR started.  Our prayer is that their love will grow more and more as they will have knowledge and understanding with their love. (Philip. 1:9)

When we see the obstacles they face, it almost seems impossible.  For one, the church who hosted the seminar; the building they meet in is being sold.  They told us it is very difficult for churches to rent a place anywhere.

We are praying in the Spirit continually asking God to provide for them. (Eph. 6:18). We know that with God all things are possible!  We told them they don't have to have a public building to start a CR.  They can start in their homes.

Pray with us the comfort they will find that God gives them in their troubles, they will in turn give others the same comfort God has given them. (2 Cor. 1:4)

Many were getting ready to board a train to return to their homes this afternoon.  But before they did, we were given a Russian bible in the NRT (New Russian translation).  Everyone gathered around to sign the Bible.  And we came to the realization we probably wouldn't see most of them again until Jesus returns.  But that in itself is a comforting thought that once again we've built relationships that will last for eternity.

For those who live in Barnaul, we will be blessed to hear our Russian brother, Arkasha, as he brings us the lesson on denial tomorrow tonight at their regular Wednesday church service.

We are going to see the opening day of elementary school tomorrow morning. We hear it is quite a celebration and that we wouldn't want to miss it. 

Love,
Mary

During the 8 Principles lessons (which is the Sermon on the Mount) there has been such a humble spirit among the people as they listen to the message and I see people wiping their tears.

Today, after getting into the 7 Keys, they are asking many questions with enthusiasm, as it's becoming clear to them there is hope for their own healing and then them being able to share this message of hope with others. 

One man, who is a medical doctor, is speaking before his congregation this coming Sunday and sharing with them how they can start a CR ministry!

The seminar is 9 hours each day with 1 hour for lunch of which we are all talking the entire time.  They are not wanting to stop at the end of the day and ask us to keep going.  We have to say, "There is so much more and we will share it tomorrow.". Otherwise we are going to be like the man in the Bible who dosed off to sleep and fell out the window!

It is so hard for me to look at the person speaking to me while listening to their beautiful language as the interpreter is translating for me at the same time.  I'm thinking, "Wow, what pretty words...oh yeah, they are asking me a question...focus, Mary!" 

The Russian church family is becoming so dear to our hearts.  They have a good sense of humor and love to tell us jokes so there is lots of laughter too, at times.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Love,
Mary

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

We talked about "Coming Clean" - Principle  4, "Making Changes" - Principle 5, "Repairing Relationships" - Principle 6

Our Russian forever family experienced small group sharing today for the first time.  I felt like I was standing on holy ground listening to these women share their hurts, fears, and hope.  We had heard before that Russians wouldn't open up.  And they did look afraid at first.  But when Mac told them that's what people said about them, he then explained that not even Americans like going to small groups their first time. They all laughed and that was the beginning of a great open sharing time together, which lasted for over 1 1/2 hours.  Who said Russians wouldn't share?!

Then we came back together to listen to what sounded like angels singing the same worship songs we sing only in Russian.  We just sat there and soaked it in...songs like "Come now is the time to worship", "Jesus you're my firm foundation", "It is well with my soul".

Be sure and look through the slideshow on the right of blog to see new pictures added daily.

Going to bed early tonight...hoping not to wake up at 3:00 a.m.

спокойной ночи. (Good night)

Love,
Mary

We started with, "Getting out of Denial", The 8 Principles, & "Admitting Need" lessons.  Followed by "Choice 2 - Getting Help" which took us to "Choice 3 - Letting Go" & "Turning our Lives over to God."

60 courageous men and women from 5 different churches were packed in a small upstairs room with no a/c. No one complained as they listened intently.  Even though parts of it were hard for them to hear (since as we all know churches are a great place to hide from whom we really are). Because if we really tell who we are, what will people think of us? 

To make it practical for them, Mac scheduled us to give our testimony right after the "Let Go" principal. We were a little apprehensive how our story would come across using an interpreter.  But God's story of redemption transcended the language barrier. We had barely started sharing and as I looked out at the audience, tears were flowing.

Afterwards people came up saying how we told their story. They said they are praying they will be courageous enough to open up in the future.  We said, "That's why we are here; so you can gain freedom by coming clean." That will be the principle we will start with tomorrow, "Coming Clean".  One woman hugged me tightly and told me God brought us here just for her as she told me a part of her story and of the hope she has now.

The jet lag is still hanging on as we were wide awake at 3:00 a.m. after going to bed at 11:00.  Please continue to pray for us for supernatural energy as we begin each day at  8:00 a.m. & the seminar goes till 8:00 p.m.

We look forward to celebrating the Lord's Supper together with our Russian brothers and sisters on the Lords's Day.

Romans 12:1, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

Love,
Mary

Finally arrived in Barnaul at 5:30 a.m. After 2 days of exhausting travel with no shower, very little sleep, & a bunch of cranky airport people who didn't speak our language, we were hoping someone would be there to pick us up. In the midst of all that, God's family showed up with smiles this morning! They greeted us to their country as if we were ambassadors.  And I guess we are according to our Father in the book of 2 Corinthians. He not only calls us ambassadors but says He is making His plea through us. First thing we wanted to do, get a good meal which consisted of corn flakes & boxed milk. Second item on the agenda, shower. No forget the shower. We were too tired, straight to bed.  Alarm went off 6 hours later for that much needed shower.  Then off for an evening with Christian family in their home to do one of the things Jesus did best, have fellowship over a meal. As we sat over the meal, there were a few things lost in translation, but what came over loud & clear is that were all family & serve the same King!

After a short walk home which was about 3 miles, we are finally headed to bed to recover from jet lag.  CR seminar starts tomorrow.  There is only Wi-Fi in hotel lobby so will write more as we can.  We have so much to say about this adventure.

I took many pictures in Moscow yesterday during our 11 hour lay-over sight-seeing marathon we went on.  One of the Russian Orthodox churches in Moscow located right by Red Square is behind us in the picture. 

Love,
Mary

Sleeping soundly last night, I was awakened to a crash and a loud groan coming from Mac. "Did you fall over a suitcase, Honey?" To which Mac replied, "No I ran into the door & I think I broke 3 toes." I'm thinking to myself, "That door has been there for 30 years."

So we're both awake at 2:00 a.m. going through the mental check-list of everything we need.
Passports, camera, iPads - check
Bible & CR materials - check
European converters & chargers - check
Snacks - check

Oh yeah...& the most important...the full armor of God - Eph. 6:10-18 - check!

We leave Louisiana at 11:00 a.m, arrive in Moscow tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

BTW, all Mac's toes are in check!

To Russia with love,

Mary

 
As I write this first entry,  I write with gratitude that we get to take this trip along with Dr. Scott Caldwell & John Grigson, Louisiana State Rep. for Celebrate Recovery Inside.  We are headed on Wednesday to Russia to teach a group of churches how to start a Celebrate Recovery ministry.

Mac & I were in gorgeous weather, sunny California last week with over 3000 people at the Celebrate Recovery 12th Summit.  We were celebrating recovery with people who either wanted to start a CR or ministry leaders who wanted to take their groups to the next level by attending Advanced Leadership Training workshops. What an exciting high we came home from of hearing extraordinary stories of changed lives, reuniting with old friends and making new ones for eternity!

I hadn't been keeping up with world news while we were gone.  Then the day we arrived home I checked the headlines for Russia:

Noxious smog from wildfires returns to Moscow
Poisonous smog envelops Moscow
Russian wildfires may reawaken Chernobyl cloud
Moscow's deaths double amid smog and heatwave
Russia's heatwave worst in 1000 years
Flight are being cancelled and diverted from Moscow

I started to question,  "What in the world are we doing?  Is this the right thing to do?  Are we really supposed to go?"

I recalled a verse I've said many times throughout my life, "I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all our ways we will acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths.  Prov. 3:5-6

One dear friend who is praying for us wrote to me, "God knows what lies ahead. Imagine walking in amongst the flames singing praises to God with no harm whatsoever. That's the kind of faith you and Mac have."

Sometimes all it takes is someone reminding us that because of faith all things are possible with God.  I now feel the peace that passes all understanding.

We have a mission to accomplish!  There is more than poisonous smog looming in the world…people are dying daily without hope…people filled with dark clouds of all sorts of hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

So it's time to start packing. I'm taking my iPad with me.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep up this blog.  Our friend, Bobbi, created it for us.  Thank you, Bobbi, it is beautiful!

So join us on this journey through our blog as we are on a mission to share the good news of redemption & restoration!

Shining like a city on a hill ~ Celebrate Recovery