Greetings from a very hot Moscow!
Our family is finally back together. We want to thank each of you that have been praying us through this difficult time with Michael’s medical situation. To get everyone up to date, at the end of May Michael’s doctors told us that the next step in Michael’s treatment is to maintain taking medication and working on relaxation techniques to help with calming his nervous system. They shared that this could be done back in Russia (and at BFA in Germany) and actually encouraged Michael to get back into a routine. Michael is doing much better with managing his pain, although it is still constant.
Since BFA’s graduation was June 12th and Michael wanted to say goodbye to all his friends, we decided to stop by the school on our way home. Being back in his dorm, even for a few days, was a huge encouragement for Michael. He was able to say his goodbyes to the Seniors and bring closure to his junior year of high school. Being back at BFA also got him excited to return in September to experience his Senior year. The summer is not going by fast enough for him!
We arrived home to our apartment and found a little surprise. Lisa had been gone for 4 months, Bob for one month. The night before we were to arrive in Moscow some collogues came to our apartment to surprise us and stock our fridge. Only they were the ones to be surprised! At some point during the time Bob had left Moscow our electricity was off. Our refrigerator and freezer had been sitting with no power and full of food for at least one week, maybe longer. When our colleagues walked into our apartment they thought something had died in our place! They graciously spent the next hours throwing out all the spoiled food and cleaning the appliances. By the time we walked in the door the smell was not as strong, but it was obvious, even to us, that we had a major mess on our hands.
As we settle back into life here in Moscow Benjamin has finished his Junior year at Settle Pacific University. He has a place to stay for the summer and has started a summer job working with a painting company. He was a huge help to Lisa and Michael during the time of their stay in the States.
Summer in Moscow finds many people heading off to their cabins (dachas) outside the city on weekends. Also, most people take their vacations, usually 3-4 weeks, during the summer. Those of us left in the city seem to be more laid back while spending more time outside. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and get together with others.
Here are some of our summer ministries to pray for:
July 10 English language outreach in Butovo (our church plant in Moscow)
July 13 Women’s craft outreach
July 18 Sunday service in the park outreach
July 22-29 Kid’s camp in Tobolsk
August 8 Sunday service in the park outreach
August 10 Women’s craft outreach
August 14 English language outreach in Butovo (our church plant in Moscow)
August 23 Michael and Timothy to Black Forest Academy
