October has come, the leaves are changing and falling. The nights are getting colder but the heat is not on yet, so, I am sleeping with more and more clothes on.
I thought that today I would share about one of the ministries I have been involved with since I have come to Rostov.

Homeless Ministries.
Twice a week our day starts at about 12:30-1:00pm, we have just gotten back from the store where we bought bread and sausage. It takes about a half hour to make the sandwiches and tea. After all in the kitchen is ready to go we head out to the streets, starting with prayer.

Our first stop is just behind the base, 2 older men Paul and John (names changed) are the regulars. An interesting pair they make, they are always willing to chat and are always thankful for what we have. Recently both of them were beat up by some teenagers... it is hard to see that after times like that they are still wanting to be on the streets or not willing to change to get off the streets. Today Paul's goal was to shave, I don't know how but he had it all figured out!

Then we have a long walk down our street to the Bus and Train station. First stop we make there is to Baba Doris. She loves to talk! She is always talking about the how things use to be in communism. Then up and over the bridge there is Joan who is always so polite and kind. She always asks how I am doing with studying Russian. Then we usually see Mary and her grand daughter Jane, 17 years old. They have a route where they collect bottles. Times have been hard for them as Jane is pregnant and they struggling with deciding whether or not to have an abortion.

Then we take the Tramvi (trolley-bus on a track) up to the Market where we see David in his wheel chair. He is from Moldova originally, I have yet to discover how he has come to be here. Then there is Sally. Sometimes she talks and sometimes she doesn't. She is always in the same spot. Recently she is having problems with her leg, there is some kind of infection. She is scared to go to the hospital so different people have been helping her out. It is very slowly getting better.

Other people come and go but these above are the regulars. It is a hard life, it is hard to know how to help.

Bye for now.