Work is going extremely well here.  What an awesome group God has put together this year.  As I write this it is 4:30 PM in Russia and our projects are winding down.  Both playgrounds are near completion with Thursday being our wrap up day.  Monday at the orphanage in Pochinok I had the privilege to participate in a flag raising ceremony.  The director, Igor, and I raised the American and Russian flag as a symbol of our countries working together.  It was a surreal moment.  The kids all stood around and clapped. 

Tuesday night, our group got together for some fried chicken and pizza at the hotel.  I opened up the floor for people to share what they were experiencing to date.  It was a powerful night…the tears were flowing freely…God is doing something in our hearts.  It is so difficult for me to articulate the emotion our teams experience here.  It is different for everyone but I believe it is powerful for everyone.  For those of you parents and family checking in, you would be very proud.  Our students are something special.  They are working hard…getting along…and growing up right before my eyes.  You should see them interact with the Russian teenagers.  Love is a universal language that transends culture.  Everyone is healthy and safe.  We have some skinned up knees and some very tired and sore muscles but everyone is doing well.

Today, I toured a children’s hospital with Una Brewer, a doctor from our church.  They would like for us to build a playground for them in the future.  God continues to open doors.  The jet lag is kicking in as I attempt to write this…short choppy sentences is all I can come up with.  Just know that we are having the time of our lives and I will check in with you soon.  Thanks for praying for us.