It is Monday in Smolensk and our groups are busy getting started.  We have
had a great trip so far.  Several of those with connecting flights from
Missouri and Texas barely made it to Chicago before our flight.  God took
care of all of that and we made it here safely.  Everyone is doing well.
We had a great time in church yesterday worshiping with our Russian
brothers and sisters at the Smolensk Christian Church.  It is always one of
the highlights of these trips.

Work started this morning at two project sites.  Dan Muller is building the
largest playground I have ever seen in Russia at the Smolensk orphanage.
Ryan and our students are all working at that site along with those fathers
that made the trip.  The Russian kids are pitching in.  There is playing
and working going on at the same time.  I was almost beamed by a soccer
ball a couple of times.  Those of you parents checking in…your kids are
doing great…you would be very proud.  I see a lot of initiative and they
are working hard.

Our Pochinok orphanage project is also going well.  They are building a new
playground, a fence, and finishing the roof that the Russians started.  I
will be headed out there momentarily with Buddy to check on them and their
progress.

Morale is great and we have had no injuries.  The weather is awesome (low
70s) and the mosquitos are busy.  I’m proud of the group God has assembled
this year.  They are “living different.”  I sense God working already.  Be
praying.  We are honored to represent Fellowship in Russia.