About a week ago I was talking to my family in CA. I told them that it seems that God wants me to pause and not always be go getter and go doer. It seems as if this summer might be a case. My personality wants to get things done so that I feel productive. However, when I get into such mode it is easy to become prideful and I know pride is not good. The Lord wants me to make Him the priority in my life. I always have, but I know there is room for deeper growth so I constantly long to be closer to Him.

In my previous blog I mentioned that I was going to meet with one of my former classmates Marina. Well, last Saturday I met with her. Before I tell you how our time went allow me to explain you something. When we graduated from the orphanage more than fourteen years ago there were sixteen of us. Marina along with another girl Zhenya were dressed for our graduation ceremony very provocative; thus, it gave everyone the impression that they will be prostitutes. Prostitution among graduate orphans is very common; thus, these girls were not a surprise to anyone that this is what was going to happen to them. Many years have passed and during that time I ran into Marina a few times on streets with different men. Of course, this gave me impression and idea that she was a prostitute. Furthermore, I heard from different people in the orphanage that this is exactly what Marina and Zhenya were doing. I was deeply disturbed and saddened, but there is nothing I could do. Well, recently I have received an invitation on the Russian version of Facebook from Marina wanting to become my friend. I accepted her invitation and was curious what she was up to nowadays. I setup our meeting and we met.

When I saw her she was wearing quite provocative clothes once again and acting like she was a prostitute. Thus, it was hard for me to think anything else. We met in a Tea House. I bought her some food and asked various questions (i.e. what are you doing now, are you married, do you have any children, etc.) She said that she has been working as a cook in a kindergarten for almost nine years and has a daughter who is nine years old. I was pleasantly shocked that she had a child. I asked her if she was ever married and she said yes. More likely it was common law marriage. That was even a bigger shock to me. She was married to Nikita for three years. When Marina found out that she was pregnant she went to Nikita and asked for money for abortion. Abortion in Russia is very common and used as a form of birth control. Thus, Marina was not going to be an exception. However, when she asked Nikita he refused to give her money and said that this is her child. Marina gave birth to Veronica. One day when Veronica was three years old Nikita was drunk and had an argument with Marina so Veronica stood between them trying to prevent a fight. Nikita picked up his daughter threw her against the wall. Marina was furious and yelled at him and said that this is not your daughter, but mine and you can never hit her. Only I (Marina) have a right to yell and hit my daughter. So she took her daughter and they left. It has been six years and since then Nikita has not been playing an active role in the family. He does see his daughter time to time, but with Marina’s supervision. Unfortunately, Nikita drinks a lot and does nothing for living either.

Marina likes what she does even though it is not a high paying job. She has been fortunate to have a good mother-in-law who has been kind and supportive of Marina and her daughter. She is a former doctor, but due to her poor health she stepped down from doctor’s position and now works as a nurse. Not that long ago she told Marina that she can find her a better job as a cook at a private company that will pay a lot more than what she gets paid now. In addition, she will be able to buy a car in a year. I was shocked to hear that so I asked Marina how that could be. She said, “Alex please do not be naïve. Everyone steals so as a chef you steal food and sell on a side and then make money. You set money aside until you have enough to buy a car.” Well, that just blew my mind off. I know that a lot of things happen in Russia, but not like this. Then I asked her what keeps you at your current employment place and she said I never go hungry and always have food at my house. That is more important to her than a car. There you go another piece of Russian culture and business/employment.

Our conversation went on and I just could not resist from asking if she was ever a prostitute. According to her words she said never. My eyes were big and I did not know what to say. Except one thing is to apologize to her that I thought she was such person. She was pleasantly surprised that I apologized. Then she wanted to know what I am doing nowadays. I told her that I have been involved in the orphanage ministry for the past eleven years. Also I have been consulting and facilitating foreign adoptions. Now she was stunned and did not know what to say. She could not believe that this was the same Alex Krutov that she used to know.

I had to ask her one very important question if she believes in God. She said yes, but she rarely goes to a church and hardly ever reads the Bible. I asked her why she does not read the Bible and she said because it is confusing to her. Then I recommended her to read the book of John and read it slowly verse by verse. After each verse she needs to pause for the moment of prayer. Ask the Lord to give her clarity and understanding. I love how Robert Mitchell in his book “Castaway Kid” says, “She (his grandma Gigi) has given him what he needed most-the security that comes from consistent, unconditional love.” I told Marina that God has given us the same unconditional love and security in eternal life.

Finally we thought of our other classmates especially those who are no longer alive. It breaks my heart that some of them did not get a chance to live until 25 years of age. On our way to downtown as we were riding the metro I told Marina that I realize she does not care what other people think of her or the way she dresses. However, God does care and I care also. I told her that she can be just as attractive if she does not dress provocatively. I do not know if this comment and our conversation will sink in her heart, but I ask you to pray for her and her daughter Veronica. Please pray that God will reveal himself to her as her spiritual Father whom she will call her home and find peace in this world.

I want to give quick update on my health. My doctor in the states gave me Nexium which is for acid reflux, but for different reasons I did not want to take that. However, for the past six days I have been taking it and most amazing thing happened. My cough has suppressed by 95%. Thus, it was caused by acid reflux or at least this is what I think. I might need to visit my doctor in the states when I return and see what is going on with my stomach. I have had stomach problems since I was twelve. I thank the Lord that my cough is practically gone. Thank you for your prayers.

Today I went back to IKEA to talk to the store director. When I came another couple was in line yet there were three people serving customers. I had #99, but in front of me there were four other numbers, but no customers. The bell was ringing for customer with number #95, 96, 97, 98 but no one was there. I was laughing because why bother give numbers when no one is in line. Anyway I had a chat with a gentleman. He said that the store director is British and he rarely comes to Russia. IKEA is now headquartered in Netherland and not in Sweden. I explained to him what I was representing and what The Harbor needed. I was wondering if IKEA in St. Pete offered some kind of discount to charitable organizations. His response was that we work with only one charitable organization. No, we do not give any discounts or work with any other charities. However, he did say that we can file an application form and send to the Russian administration for the review. If we get approved then they might consider otherwise there is nothing they can do. I asked him how long would we have to wait, but he could not answer that question either. I told him that we need beds by the end of August so could he guarantee that our request would be approved by then and he said, “I do not know and nor can I guarantee that.” Deep inside of me I was laughing because it is so Russia. We are still going to file this request, but not sure if anything will come out of it. Please pray that God would show favor to us with new potential partnership.

IKEA is located in a gigantic shopping center known as MEGA. This center has tons of absolutely massive stores. In addition, it has humongous food court and a movie theater. The place is packed all the time. One of my favorite parts is a journey to IKEA from the metro. IKEA provides free bus ride from metro Diybenko, which is about fifteen minutes ride. The bus stop is always overcrowded. As soon as people see the bus they get ready as if they are going to run a marathon or something. People push with their elbows, carts and everything else that you can push with to make sure that they get on a bus and most of all get a seat. IKEA buses do not have many seats so you need to fight for it if you wish to sit. It is done on purpose so that customers can carry big bags on the way back to the metro. When everyone boards the bus the driver turns music about IKEA and MEGA store and it is annoying. There are two stops that you can get off at MEGA shopping center. The funny thing is when people are trying to get off while others are trying to get on at the same time so it becomes a mess. All I can do is to shake my head and laugh. I wondered around just checking what is available for sale in Russia and prices. I was amazed that you can buy just about anything in Russia nowadays, but prices are so much higher here than it is in the states. Thus, my constant unanswered question is how anyone can afford to buy such expensive items. I am yet to find an answer. I also noticed that many people go to IKEA just to have a meal at a restaurant which has fairly good Swedish food and reasonable prices. I think this is also very Russian because people in America probably would never think to go to IKEA and have a nice meal there.

Tomorrow July 25th I am heading to the suburb of St. Pete on a retreat or it is more like a working weekend. The purpose of going there is to discuss the future of The Harbor, strategy, vision, etc. Melinda, Luba and I will be there. We will return on Tuesday July 28th sometime during the day.

On July 29th I have a visit scheduled with two of our graduates Anya and Vicka. Both of them have children. I look forward to our visit and catching up. I will fill you in later on.

On July 30th I am hoping to go to a summer camp to visit either kids from the orphanage #18 that come to VTC or Yura from the orphanage #19. That day aunt Marina will be celebrating her birthday so I will join this celebration that evening.

On July 31st Melinda, Chris, Luba and I will be meeting concerning Chris becoming our potential long-term volunteer sometime in 2010. Chris is coming from the states for two days.

I am working on other plans and will keep you posted as things develop.

Thank you for your love, care, kindness and prayers.

Much love and many blessings,
Alex

P.S. Lately I have been reading Robert Mitchell's book "Castaway Child". It is a life story of Robert Mitchell. He was abandoned by his parents when he was three years old, Robert began his journey as one of the last "lifers" in an American orphanage. As Rob's loneliness and rage grew, his hope shrank. Would he ever find a real family or a place to call home?

If you have never read this book then I strongly recommend you to read it especially if you want to know how many orphans around the world feel. I found so many similarities to my life in his story. It is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, and ultimately triumphant, this true story shows how, with faith, every person can leave the past behind and forge healthier, happier relationships.

I think this book might help many families who have adopted children. Reading someone's story helps to see the other side of our problem and maybe give a solution.

The weather in St. Pete has been up and down. Some days are sunny, beautiful and quite warm. Other days are gloomy, rainy and cold. When I was packing I was hoping for lots of sunny and warm days. So I packed more shorts than pants or jeans. I guess I must have been Americanized a bit too much because St. Pete is a northern city and the weather is very unpredictable at times. In two weeks there have been more cold and rainy days than sunny and warm ones. I have been washing my one pair of jeans and one pair of pants a lot more frequently than usual. Hopefully they will survive my summer in Russia. I know that I can buy some extra pants, but the cheapest pair of pants I can find is $35 and I am not spending that much money.

In the past several years I have noticed that I get sick the second week after my arrival. It is primary due to acclimatization period that my body is going through. However, staying up late does not help either. Russia operates on a different life style/schedule. People get up later and stay up later. Most stores do not open until 9 or 10 a.m. and they are open until 9 or 10 p.m. Dinner in Russia could be anywhere between 7 and 9 p.m. Phone calls in Russia normally begin around 10 p.m. and could last for couple of hours. Thus, many people do not go to bed until 1 a.m. The last time when I was in Russia there were many days when I would not get home until midnight or later. There were days when I would do grocery shopping at 1 a.m. I am sure you might think this is crazy and my answer typically would be yes, but in Russia that is quite acceptable and typical for many folks. Sometimes I say, “When I am in Russia I live a Russian life and when I am in America I live an American life.”

The reason why I brought up acclimatization issue is because once again I am under the weather. It is not bad so I thank the Lord because I cannot afford to be sick and be in bed. However, sometimes it might be good to do that because I can relax and get goodnight rest. I went to a doctor today July 17 concerning my cough. She looked at me and said that my cough is caused due to my previous cold in April when I was in Russia. I have a chronic laryngitis and the last two colds were pretty bad so my vocal cords were damaged and dried up or something like that. Thus, every time I grasp air it irritates my cords, which cause me to cough. She prescribed some vitamins, immune booster and special oil for my cords that will soften them. If my cough does not go away or get better in a week she said come back and do x-ray. I did not do x-ray this time because she did not hear anything wrong with my lungs. Another very interesting thing she told me about my throat. I have another chronic issue with my throat that I am not sure how to say that in English. Basically my throat is always irritated and red. For years I was told to gargle warm water with salt. Well, she said not to do that because it makes worse in my case. Please keep praying for my health and cough.

Last week I was at The Harbor and we celebrated Yana’s B-day. It was a special day. In the morning I had English lesson with Sasha. In the afternoon met with Anya and Natasha and we went grocery shopping. The girls made special dinner for Yana. It was a surprise for her. Our dinner was delicious and the time was fabulous. We played a lot of games and shared our best wishes to her one by one. I am going to post some video clips on Facebook so that you can see the happy moments of The Harbor life. There was only one boy Kostya because two others were in a Christian camp, one went to his home five hours outside of the city and the other was working. Celebrating birthdays and other events is a special time that we cherish and treasure in our family because for many residents at The Harbor it is a new concept. Many orphans in Russia have never celebrated their birthdays because no one valued them as a human being. The Harbor family values them just as much as our Heavenly Father does. All of us are unique in the eyes of God. We accept our residents the way they are because every one of them is special.

Sasha and I went to IKEA store to look for single beds that we need for The Harbor. We need to buy new beds for our boys’ apartment and extra beds for our semi independent apartment for the girls. IKEA is a huge Swedish store and has gained an amazing popularity in Russia. In the past only wealthy people shopped there whereas now just about everyone does that. The store is so big and it looks like a maze. It is very easy to get lost there. I am glad that they put arrows on the floor everywhere so that you know where to go to otherwise good luck trying to get out of it. Sasha and I had a great time even though we did not find beds that we needed due to high prices. I thought maybe I could chat with a salesperson regarding giving us a discount. Well, she gave me a look as if I fell off the moon. She said, “No one has ever asked such question and we do not have or give any discounts to anyone.” Then I asked her if they have a manager that I can talk to and she said, “They do not have a manager who could give me a discount.” I said, “What do I have to do in order to get one” and she said, “Contact our main office in Sweden.”

You see the concept of charity is a fairly new one ever since it was taken out by communists in 1917. Before then people, churches and government actively practiced charity, but then it became a history. Furthermore, the Imperial Russia was known for humanity work, but once again in 1917 it became almost nonexistent. As Russia changing economically and new middle class developing more people are beginning to practice charity, but it is very weak at the moment. I always tell our staff in Russia to ask for some kind of discount or charity act because this will teach or encourage or give opportunity to practice charity. Otherwise it will take a long time before Russian people will be active once again like it was in pre-revolution time. People in Europe and America are taught about religion and charity along with humanity whereas in Russia they are not. At the moment some famous and rich people in Russia are involved in philanthropy (i.e. symphony orchestra conductors, actors and actresses, and some musicians.) Middle class people are not there yet because they are enjoying their new status so they spend money left and right. Unfortunately many of them buy a lot of luxury things and it is done primarily to show off their wealth. Once they have had enough then they realize how blessed they have been and they begin to give up to its community. Please do not think that I am judging them. I am just sharing a reality of Russia when it comes to certain areas and I plea to you to pray for Russia and its people. I know the Lord can perform miracles because He already has so it is just a matter of time. I see Him at work in Russia and in the lives of many people. I am thankful for everything that is happening even in the midst of struggles, difficulties, trials and challenges. I am an optimist by nature so I tend to focus more on positive than negatives especially because the world already has enough negativity, struggles and challenges.

About a week ago in the morning I met with one of my former classmate. I was helping her to prepare documents for the visa interview. She was applying for an American visa to visit her aunt. After our meeting we went to a department store/mall known as Gostiniy Dvor. It is a very beautiful and historical place. This store is 230 years old. As we were walking through the store I had to use bathroom. When I was washing my hands a woman who oversees the cleanliness of facilities began to talk to me. She said in an angry tone, “Do you know that our bathrooms are only for potential customers.” I looked at her in amazement because I have never heard such thing plus her tone of voice threw me off. I said, “How do you know whether I am a potential or not potential customer? Is it written on my forehead or what?” She starred at me and said, “I bet if I were to follow you around in this store you would not buy anything.” My response was, “Well, I reside in America, but in Russia is where my mission is and chance of me buying something is a lot higher than some Russian people.” She got furious and said, “I do not want to hear anything about America.” Basically we went back and forth, but I was kind and respected her. Our conversation was over and I end up buying a power converter for my old cell that I brought with me because I gave it to my Russian uncle Misha and aunt Marina. My flesh was telling me go back to that lady to prove that I purchased something, but my heart and spirit was telling me not to do that. Spiritual warfare is very powerful and the Satan wants us to give into our flesh. I was able to resist a desire of flesh and I left the store in peace. There are many small situations of such sort that test our faith and we must be strong warriors so that we do not fail. Please pray for my faithfulness and to be the imitator of God's image.

Sasha my student invited me to his b-day party. He said that it was going to be a small get together. He was in the orphanage for a long time, but his mother got her parental rights back so he has been living back at home for the past three years. He is 19 years old now. I have never been to his home and a lot of things have changed since I was in Russia. I was late to his party because I could not find a mini-van taxi so I end up walking. When I came to his home he and his family was thrilled to see me. To my amazement they were calling me a guest of honor. I was shocked because Sasha is the one who really should have been. I found out that Sasha has older sister, young brother and another younger sister. It is not common for Russia to have four children. Three out of four children were raised in the orphanage, but now they are all back at home. They have been reunited and I am so happy for them. His older sister has recently graduated from a university with finance and economic major. His younger brother is finishing high school. He is a very talented athlete and has much recognition especially in the soccer. He is in the professional soccer Olympic league. His desire is to move to America or Britain where he wants to pursue soccer as a life carrier. Sasha himself is studying at a college pursuing information technology major. His younger sister is still in school. In addition to his family Sasha had three more friends Zhenya, Natasha and Andrei. All three of them are former orphans from the same orphanage. During our meal we talked about what they were pursuing degree wise and I was amazed that all six of them are doing really well and very smart. My heart rejoices when I meet and see people who are doing well. I am happy because others are happy. This was that moment. Unfortunately that night I had to leave early for another appointment with one of The Harbor graduates so we could not go on with our conversation. Thus, we agreed to get together once again sometime in August so that we can get to know each other better. I am looking forward to getting to know them and building a relationship. Maybe The Harbor could help them in some way, but I do not know what it might be. Please keep Sasha, Alesha, Anya, Zhenya, Natasha and Andrei in your prayers. Sasha went to a summer camp to work as a translator with a Dutch mission group for two weeks. Pray for him.

Well, as usual this entry has been long so I better close it for now. Russian people tend to give a lot of details when they describe something. I think part of it due to many long fairy tales and books such as War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. It is very hard for a Russian to keep something short. Unfortunately I am not an exception. I am getting better, but at times I do get carried away. I hope you still enjoy reading my posts. I appreciate and covet your prayers for the ministry. I am grateful for your love and support. I thank the Lord that I have every one of you in my life. Thank you.

Love and blessings,
Alex

With a broad grin, Medvedev held aloft a shiny gold coin Friday that he said represented a “symbol of unity” and a possible “future world currency.”

“I have some supranational currency in my pocket that I got as a souvenir. This is a test sample of a currency unit under the Unity in Diversity motto,” Medvedev said, holding the coin between two fingers.

“It is called the United Future World Currency. It can already be seen and touched,” he said, according to a transcript posted on the Kremlin’s web site.

Examples of the coin, worth $3,900 and produced by the United Future World Currency, a group backing the idea of a global currency, was presented to all world leaders attending the Group of Eight summit in L’Aquila, Italy.

The coin was made by Belgian Luc Luycx, who also designed one side of the Euro coins, and are called “eurodollars” in a symbolic call for a common currency to unite Europe and the United States.

Medvedev pulled out his coin when reporters asked him about new reserve currencies at the news conference that closed the three-day summit. “This is a symbol of our unity and our desire to solve such issues,” Medvedev said.

Russia and China have called for a “super currency” to replace the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said at the summit that the dollar’s supremacy as a reserve currency is outdated.

“This has become a regular theme now,” Medvedev said Friday at his G8 news conference.

“We are discussing the creation or, to be more correct, the appearance of new reserve currencies, including the possibility of making the Russian ruble such a currency unit,” he said.

“The alcohol consumption we have is colossal,” Medvedev told Health and Social Development Minister Tatyana Golikova at a meeting this week.

“I was astonished to learn that we now drink more than we did in the 1990s, although those were very tough times,” Medvedev said, according to a transcript on the Kremlin’s web site.

He told Golikova to devise an anti-alcohol strategy. “We need to prepare a corresponding program and take appropriate measures,” Medvedev said.

A report by The Lancet medical journal last week said alcohol-related diseases caused about half of all deaths of Russians between the ages of 15 and 54 in the 1990s.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin highlighted the problem at a meeting with World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan last Friday and promised to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who initiated a 1986 anti-alcohol campaign that led to a boom in illegal production of low-quality alcohol, called on Monday for a new drive. “We are destroying ourselves, and then we will look for those who destroyed our country, for those who made us drink,” he said.

(SPT, Bloomberg, Reuters): http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=29388

About three days ago I met with Luba for the first time since I arrived. We had seven hour conversation about The Harbor residential and non residential VTC ministries. This summer we are graduating our fourth class and getting new group of residents for the next two years. We are graduating six girls and five boys. Two girls will stay for another year so we are looking for six new girls. One girl has already graduated and will live independently. Five other girls will go into Next Step Phase semi-independent apartment for a year. This is our office apartment as well and Luba lives there also. Thus, we are moving our office into one of our VTC locations and Luba will have to find another place to live so that we can house five graduate girls in our semi-independent living. Please pray that Luba can quickly find a new place for a reasonable price. The real estate in St. Petersburg and Moscow is very expensive. Our graduate boys will go into semi-independent apartment where Vadim and Ecka live with their two children. Thus, this year we will have a lot more people living there. In addition, we are getting another young man who will live in semi-independent apartment for a year. We might have six boys living there, but there is a potential that one boy will either stay in our two-year program or go into semi-independent.

Right now we are in the process of selecting seven or eight new boys for the next two years. We had a lot of potential boys’ residents, but due to many different matters it fell through. One of the reasons is that orphans from orphanage #18 have family relatives with whom they keep in touch. One of their relatives called us in order to find out if The Harbor was Russian Orthodox or not. We told them that we are not and they said that they will never let their grandchildren come to us because we are a cult to them. While I am in Russia I am supposed to meet with some of these relatives and potential residents. Please pray that God will show favor, direct our conversation and soften the hearts of relatives. These guys are awesome and we would really love to have them as our residents.

Currently we are working with nineteen orphanages in the city and suburbs of St. Pete. We have tried to work with three other, but they said no. We are in the process of partnering with three more orphanages. As you can see there is a lot of work being put into trying to find orphans. You might wonder why so many orphanages especially when St. Pete itself has six thousand social and pure orphans. Well, it is primarily due to new government regulations and money. The state government wants “graduate” orphans to go into trade or vocational schools because each school facility gets $$$ per orphan. Thus, it is business in some way. Moreover, the state is moving more and more toward private care of orphans and they do not want orphans to go anywhere besides families. When it comes to “graduate” orphans they simply do not want them to go somewhere else. Furthermore, with new opportunities and economic growth orphans nowadays have a lot of things such as computers with Wi-Fi Internet, very expensive cell phones, etc. When potential residents come into The Harbor they realize that this is not going to be some freebie so they choose to go into trade school and live in a dumpy dorm so that no one will bother them and they will have full freedom to do drugs, drink alcohol, go to clubs and hang out until 6 a.m. and so forth. Thus, we are being creative in how we attract them and most of all explain that most dorms are horrible and it will not give them a future like they think it will. We noticed that if orphans who have lived in a dorm for a year will come to The Harbor without a hesitance because they have something to compare with whereas orphans who have just “graduated” out of the orphanage live in a la-la land, but try to convince them is almost impossible. Due to this challenge we partner with four different trade and vocational schools that allow us to select new residents. We see a huge difference in orphans who have been studying at a vocational or trade school versus newly “graduated” orphans. Please pray that God will bring many orphans who will be interested and motivated. Orphans who understand the importance and value of The Harbor and why they should come to us. Most of them once they have completed our two-year program always say, “thank you”, because they realize that they would not have accomplished as much.

Little bit about The Harbor VTC new location that was given to us by a city government couple months ago. Recently we have completed renovation of our new facility. There we will teach additional computer class, sewing, English, and Christian theater production class. New location will reach not only orphans, but street children, children from single parents’ families, handicapped, poor families and others. Thus, this will expand category of students being served by The Harbor VTC. Please pray that everything will go smoothly. The center will open its doors the first week of September.

I also had my first English lesson with one of my former students Sasha. Sasha is a young man who was in the orphanage until sixteen years of age. Then his mother got her parental rights back and he left the state system. Now Sasha lives with his mom, sister and another brother. He is studying in a college and taking English courses. He has a big desire to come to America so that is one of his reasons why he is so committed to learn the language. Sasha realizes that he needs more practice and that is why we meet. He is a Christian, but not growing one so I always share the gospel and make sure that he is growing spiritually because that is very crucial for all of us. Please pray for him and most of all his spiritual growth and walk with the Lord.

Last Sunday I went to Calvary Chapel church and it was good. Pastor Boris is a very good preacher and he attracts a lot of young people. Another former student of mine Victoria came in and sat next to me. She was so thrilled to see me and she gave me a hug and kissed me in a cheek. We had a nice conversation and I found out that she has been going to this church ever since she has accepted the Lord on March 16, 2009. My heart was filled with praise and thanksgiving. She asked me when I could come to her house and spend time with her and her daughter Sasha who was my student as well. We agreed on Wednesday July 8th. I will share with you about that visit in my later blog. Please pray for Victoria and her daughter Sasha. Pray for their spiritual growth; walk with the Lord and reconciliation and forgiveness. Pray for Sasha's trip to five countries as part of her symphony orchestra.

Please come and visit my blog later for continuation of my journey in Russia. I appreciate your love, notes of encouragement and support. I covet your prayers greatly. Thank you that you are my friends, family, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Love and blessings,
Alex

P.S. Check out Yana B-Day party video. Hope you will enjoy watching it.