Grocery Shopping

Today we went for our big grocery shopping trip to stock up our apartment. We went to this store, it's called Karousel. It opened about 2 weeks ago and it's basically like a superstore - it has everything from housewares to groceries. The trip was successful and we got lots of yummy food...and some not so yummy food. We haven't tried everything yet, though. But we got some AMAZING feta cheese (way better than anything I've ever had in North America) and we got some pretty stinky Norwegian cheese which goes great with our very mushy sausage (okay, not really). Meats and produce can be a little sketchy - you have to choose wisely. But the bread section is great and we got this loaf that had little pieces of ham in it and was very buttery. We decided, though, next time we're going to "Okay" (it's spelled different in Russian). It's another grocery store and it's a little more Western Europe and a little less Russian (basically the difference is that their shelves remain stocked:)

We brought along one of our hiking backpacks so we loaded that puppy up and walked the 20 minute walk with the pack, and three other grocery bags (along with a mop). It's fun now but we'll see how much fun this walk will be at 20 below zero.

To Russia With Love

The voyage to Russia from beginning to end was the smoothest we've ever experienced, and praise God our luggage was waiting in St.Petes for us when we arrived. The weather here has been fabulous, so far dispelling every stereotype we had. Today Crystal and I made use of the sunny weather and did some sight seeing. Using the metro we can commute uptown in 30 - 45 minutes. We took in some of the shopping "malls" (built in the 1700's!) and also took a look at the Church on the Spilled Blood which is about the most Russian looking building you can find. We are going to do a lot more exploring around the city and sight seeing as the year goes on. It should make for some pretty interesting "date nights". Tonight we are joining John and Roma and going to a rock concert at a local night club. The show is being put on by the Calvary chapel (remember the Jesus People). We're attending to observe and maybe get some new ideas for evangelism. Enjoy the pictures!

Bags Are Packed!

Well, it's the night before we embark on the long awaited journey we've been planning and talking about for almost two years. Today has been an emotional crazy train with more than enough tear-filled good-byes to last a lifetime.

This pile of bags contains the 250 lbs. of earthly possessions we are taking with us from Canada to the Motherland. It's not a lot, but enough to start a new life in a new land.

Only one thing to say at this point, and that is "God is faithful". Our eyes are set forward as our hearts anticipate what outrageous miracles He's going to throw at us next.

Also, thank you to everyone who has given financially and helped us realize this dream. Expect to hear testimonies of how God has used your gift to do some incredible things in Russia.