In the past couple of years tourism in our country has really become popular and the country is trying to quickly compensate for the boom. One way that we believe our center can help with this boom is to offer a training course for tour guides. One of the main goals of our class is to give the students practical knowledge, so we have built-in training days were they have to lead a tour. Then they are evaluated so that they can learn to improve their skills.

Many buildings in this country are built with rather creative blueprints over a period of time.  This is one excellent example of the precarious construction that we come across from time to time.  Amazing!  
Seeing this picture reminds me of the Wise and Foolish builders from Matthew chapter 7.

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

We are praying that many in this country would put the words of Jesus into practice in order to build a strong foundation for life!

One aspect of living in this city is the rich cultural heritage and art history! We have really enjoyed the statues and mosaics (ceramic) all over the city.  There are museums and painting lessons all over the main streets, as well as dancing, unique instruments, and all genres of writers that the people are proud of.  We felt like this statue was so uplifting and envoked the joy of those dancing freely!

Would you pray for us during this allergy season?  For some of us, it has been almost unbearable!  After talking to a nurse at the pharmacy, this is one of the nose sprays we bought. Unfortunately, the writing on this box is not a language I have learned (Russian). We often have to use google translate to figure out what we just bought and then we read more on the directions and how to use it! This can be daunting, but we are thankful that we have access to most medications we have needed.  
Another quick story that happened recently was when the school nurse called us to let us know that there was a measle outbreak here.  Our daughter didn’t have the MMR booster yet and the school would not allow her to attend until she had updated her vaccine.  Although this vaccine has not always been available in the past, we were so thankful that the first place we called had it in stock and we were able to take care of it that afternoon!

In May, roses are in full bloom here. This cafe is beautifully adorned with a red, climbing variety—if only you could smell them! 

About a month and a half ago, our small team got away for some training, rest and renewal.  It was a fun time of playing games and meeting up with leaders from across the ocean!  Would you pray for our final push?  We are in middle of the last 10 weeks of evening classes and we are planning and preparing for summer ministry.  Would you pray for good pace and favor as we move forward with old and new relationships?

Craft club is something that has been happening every Wednesday morning this year.  Although I never know if one lady will show up or six, it’s been a great avenue for deeper conversations.  The ladies decided that we should do a gallery craft fair to display and sell our work.  We had 9 vendors join us in early April. What a great opportunity to give some small businesses and local artists a platform to show their work!  The two nights of the fair were also a great time to connect with students that came to see their classmates’ art.  It was a fun environment!   

Creating deeper connections with people can sometimes be hard, so when we were invited to attend a concert by one of our students, we did not hesitate to accept the invitation. The outcome was very memorable!
Please pray that God would give us more opportunities to have deeper connections with our students so that we are able to have more chances to speak truth into their lives.

“If you are not careful people will stab you in the back.”

Heavenly Father, fear and anxiety are powerful tools of the enemy in this place. In the name of Jesus, we ask that You lift their heads and draw them to Yourself. Be their Peace.