Tomsky

I love this city! I am having an excellent time here and it is mostly because of the people I know and love. The church here in Tomsk is...i pause here because there really isn't a word to describe how wonderful they are. Perfect they are not, but the love they exude and their passion for following Christ continuously amaze and encourage me. Seeing everyone again has been excellent. For those of you reading this who might have been to Tomsk and want to know how anyone is doing, please email me. I have told how Shaina, Titus, KT, Blair, and Chris are doing what feels like millions of times since I got here and lots of love has been sent y'alls way! Monday night I went with Sergey, Alosha and Ira to a homeless shelter that they have been visiting for a couple months. We had a little devo with some of the people there. More and more I am realizing the absolute importance of leading people to a relationship with Christ regardless of their economic status, rather than trying to give people a "better life." "For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his soul?" I couldn't agree more.
Tuesday was Labor Day here in Russia. I met Denis and some friends at the main square and we walked in the parade there. There will be pictures on facebook. I now am the proud owner of a "United Russia" (dominant political party) flag and can say that I have participated in a real Russian parade...meaning that a crowd of people followed a bus playing patriotic songs that everyone laughed at for about a mile. =) Sergey came to my place at noon for lunch. For those of you who don't know him, I'm sorry :) Sergey is 18 years old and has such an understanding of God's love and presence. I enjoy talking with him immensely. We talked over bread and peanut butter (thanks AIM girls!) and apples and then walked to the Bible Study Center that the church now runs. We spent some time with the two girls that live there. The flat is centrally located and a good place to hold bible studies for individuals as well as groups. The "soup study" was held there last night and there were lots of people there that had been away or couldn't come for a while, not just me, and so it was a joyful time of reconnecting. After, Anya, Sergey and I went to Alex' house. He is remodeling and I am going to help him put wallpaper up tomorrow. We talked with him and Vasya for a while. Just being with these people is so wonderful for me!
I forsee much fun in the future!