We could not have timed this trip to Ulyanovsk any better, because the weather has been fantastic. Our Monday morning started with blue skies and temperatures that would reach into the 60's.
A woman approached me and began asking questions. I nodded my head and pretended to understand Russian. Thankfully, Nadya's husband, Stas, soon became a translator. She was about to make it a good morning for several pigeons and cats.
Here's the first thing you notice about sitting in Stas's car.
We drove by the magnificent Volga River again, en route to a local park. The brilliance and scent of these giant pine trees reminded me of Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
Off to the side... a petting zoo. We met Alexander (the Great), who was so excited to hear we were from the U.S. He encouraged us to feed the goats, pigs, chickens and rabbits. Big rabbits.
I told Alexander I grew up near pig farms in Illinois. He said he hoped this visit would remind me of my childhood, and even suggested a hay ride. Well... a hay sit.
We met up with the entire group at... McDonald's! The Golden Arches are everywhere, aren't they? One of our hosts said, "McDonald's is known for having great public restrooms." While the restroom cleanliness at Mickey D's is much better over here... the food is 100% the same. Pastor Nadya bought us cheeseburgers, french fries, Coke and ice cream... and it tasted exactly like it does on NW 23rd and Broadway.
You really get to know the pulse of a city by walking the streets. Ulyanovsk has roughly the same population as Oklahoma City. It's buzzing with traffic and pedestrians, but we stopped to appreciate its beauty culture. The Christian faith - and its tradition - is celebrated and respected in public.
The city's "Big Ben."
Commemorative coins.
Marry me... or else.
Everywhere you turn, there are the world famous Russian dolls. Sometimes they're called "Matryoshka" dolls or "Babushka" dolls, meaning "grandmother" or "elderly woman" (thank you Wikipedia). Inside the wooden doll, you'll find a smaller doll. Inside that, an even smaller doll... and so on. Each doll has a theme, and they're a must-have souvenir.
We walk to Ulyanovsk UMC and enjoy another Skype visit with St. Luke's back home. The conversation ranges from spiritual growth and learning from one another - to both choirs getting ready to practice Christmas music. Pastor Nadya has such a great sense of humor. She said Phil was her favorite Pastor because he oversees the finances. Phil replied, "I thought I was your favorite Pastor because I keep an eye on your grandson!" Nadya's daughter, Vera, helped translate our Skype visit in OKC yesterday. Both groups sang Amazing Grace at the same time - in both languages. Phil told our friends, "We love you very, very much and we're so grateful for our partnership across many miles." Pastor Nadya replied, "We are praying for you as well and thinking of you."
Pastor Nadya then reveals secrets she's learned about us. Susan Easttom can play the piano and sing. Jeremy Sanders and Lauranne Harris can sing as well. And I know a few chords on the guitar. We perform an impromptu concert (under pressure), but somehow pull it off. What an incredible moment. We also learn a secret talent of Pastor Nadya's... she's a pretty good photographer of live music!
In Bible study, Pastor Nadya and Rev. Jeremy Sanders lead a discussion of The Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Jeremy shared the greatest lesson he learned about patience. When his youngest daughter was born, she immediately became sick. He couldn't hold his little girl for two weeks because she was hooked up to several tubes and machines. "I'm not very patient," Jeremy said, "but I heard God tell me, 'Be patient. I'm holding her now.'"
Each day is more enjoyable - and you can feel the bond between us getting stronger. We learn more about each other with every passing minute. Sometimes, words aren't necessary. The language barrier often stops being a "barrier." Laughter and smiles say everything. I understand now why Lauranne, Nancy and Sam keep coming back. They're not exaggerating when they say, "We are a family."
- Ed Doney
Thank you, Ed. Both Tim and I enjoy your posts very, very much
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