hey!
A few days ago Masha and I came back from a looong journey from Vladivostok to Perm. We actually flew on Vladivostok-Airlines to Irkutsk, with a short stop in Khabarovsk. The flight was only a little bit more expensive than the train, but we saved about three days on time!
In Irkutsk we were met by some Missionaries who work with 'Campus Crusade for Christ'. They took us into their house, even though they themselves had to leave the country the next day to get new visas. In Irkutsk we found a a girl who is working with YWAM and studying at the university. She had no idea that YWAM Russia exists! It was a very good and interesting meeting!
After two days we took the train to Novosibirsk. I am so glad it was only 30h. I am afraid I would loose my sanity if it was much longer.
In Novosibrsk we were met by our YWAM friends; they told me that i am supposed to teach in their evening-DTS the next day. Good surprise:-). But again things came different: both Masha and I got sick that night. So all I did the two days we had there was laying in bed and feeling miserable. We felt a bit better when we got on the next train to bring us to Perm. This time I even enjoyed the time in my rocking bed...
Now I am almost well. We have started to plan our Summer project for Vladivostok. We want to organise a 'Mission-bridge' for believers from that city. We will have one week of teaching and preparation and then go on outreach, I am excited and it looks like God is all for it! Its cool to see how God has organized this trip and how he leads us to pioneer YWAM in Vladivostok. Sometimes it all seems crazy, but he confirmed in several ways that it really is His plan!
i will keep you updated!
Marianne