Real Russian pancakes February 17, 2012

This has been a great week for HZUM team and Ivanovo grads: meaningful visits, fun and informative activites, relational time with the youth, staff and interpreters and quick immersion into Russian culture, including through home-made Russian food. Don, Tatiana and Antonina cooked borsch, stew, pancakes, manty (large meat raviolis) and cabbage pies.

If you’d like to have a little taste of Russia, here’s a recepie for pancakes:

 

 

 

 

You’ll need: 1/2 litre of milk from a Russian cow, 50 gr of butter made of milk from  a Russian cow, 50 gr of sour cream made of milk from a Russian cow, 3 eggs from a  real Russian chicken, 280 gr of flour (Russian?), 1 or 2 (depends on how sweet your tooth is) tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons of oil.

Here’s what you need to do: mix the eggs, salt and sugar in a bowl. Then stir in the milk and flour. Your dough should be thin and smooth (no chunks are allowed).  Feel free to use a mixer for this purpose. Add the oil into the mix and leave for 15 minutes. Take a pan, heat it up and add a little oil. Pour 1/2 to 1 full ladel of dough in the center of the pan and spread it quickly across the surface. Once the pancake is brown on one side pick it up with a spatula and flip it over to brown the other side.  Enjoy your pancakes with butter or sourcream. They’re also great with honey or jam.

 

 

 

And there was the time for gifts.. of course. Friendships that grew during this week through serving the ones He loves was the best gift of all.

Dip of Faith February 14, 2012

Have you ever dipped into icy cold water in the middle of an abnormally cold winter? Me neither! Who in the world would do such a thing, you’d ask? Every winter, on Epiphany Day in January, many Russians choose this extreme way to be baptized. It takes Faith to do it, no doubt! A couple weeks ago eight grads from the Ivanovo Ministry Center led by our coach Valery took that dip of Faith in the Ivanovo City park. And if you think that one dip is enough you’re wrong! The tradition calls for three submersions, and our Ivanovo young men didn’t fall short of the challenge. There are several rules to be observed before performing this dangerous act, including making sure one is healthy enough, choosing the place wisely, changing into dry clothes immediately, and most importantly, DO NOT go in the water without a prayer. I admire the faith that our Ivanovo young men showed that cold day. By God’s grace they’re all healthy today.

And then Americans came… February 8, 2012

When we talk with orphans, so often they tell the story of their life at the orphanage as a time of no hope, emotional trauma, and worries about a bleak future. But at some point their eyes brighten up as they say; “And then the Americans came… “ and after that their story is filled with examples of how they were encouraged, supported, and how their lives were changed. So if you ever wonder what impact a simple Missions trip can make in the orphans’ lives, let me assure you that it’s more than you can imagine. Here’s what Natasha from Kostroma wrote to me recently: “I want to thank you for the Hope that lives in my heart! Thanks to you and to what you and my other American friends do for me and people like me, my life has changed forever. My life has turned for the better. I’ve moved into a room in a nice apartment. I spend my evenings reading, watching movies, praying and listening to Jason Upton. Thank you for your prayers and for believing in me! When you come to Russia you bring light and warmth! Please come visit me next time you are in Russia.” So, keep coming to Russia to share your hearts with orphans. Even if a story begins darkly, the very spirit of your willingness to engage will surely open up the conversation to new and hopeful ideas.

English classes in Ministry Center January 26, 2012

Since last October several young people at our Vladimir, Ivanovo and Kostroma Ministry Centers have been taking English classes.  When I asked them about their motivation, the first one was “to be able to speak with my American friends”.  Natasha L from Kostroma says: “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn English at the Ministry Center. The English lessons unify us in a special way and give us a chance to develop our abilities. Now, in my fourth month of learning, I know enough English to be able to understand some of the things that my American friends tell me. Besides, I can talk to them on my own using some of the words and phrases that I’ve learned so far. Learning English at the MC is not very stressful and I love the fact that we get to learn a little about American culture, traditions and what not. It’s fascinating. The English language itself is not similar to the Russian language and I enjoy learning about its peculiarities. Once again, I want to thank everyone involved for giving us the opportunity to learn and grow!”

So, next time you visit the Ministry Centers, try to speak English to Masha, Natasha, Vitalik and others!

Russian salad January 4, 2012

What we know here in America as Russian Salad is actually called Olivier (like as in Laurence Olivier) in Russia, after the French chef who created it while living in St. Petersburg during the winter when it was hard to find fresh vegetables. It’s not so hard to cook: just boil some potatoes (3 – 4), carrots (3 -4) and eggs (4) (but definitely not 3). Cut them in small cubes, as well as a green apple and 5 medium-sized pickles. Add green peas (1 can), and some mayonnaise. I also usually add some minced green onions,  fresh parsley and cilantro. No Russian party goes without Olivier and loyal to this tradition, Masha and Tolik cooked that famous meal for the Christmas celebration in Vladimir.

 

 

An amazing number of young people – 122 – came to celebrate Christmas at the Vladimir Ministry Center on December 27. As the Russian saying goes, there was no room for an apple to fall down. Imagine also playing games, dancing and fun talent contests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts from Orphan’s Tree were very appreciated by the guys and girls. Most of the older orphans live in technical school dorms and make their own meals, so nice frying pans and towels will be put to a good use.

And I hope you’ll put my Olivier recipe to good use, too!

Happy New Year to you and your families!

S Novym Godom!

Nadezhda (hope) is 15 years old November 28, 2011

This month we all celebrated 15 years of our ministry in Russia… well, 15 years since we formed Nadezhda (Hope) Fund, and 17 since our first project – a 40-ft long container of brand new shoes that we put on the feet of orphans in many regions of Russia.

Since then you’ve been part of their lives, filling them with hope springing up from roots of support and love in their times of need. Please join us today in celebrating the success of their productive and hopeful lives that you helped them achieve, even lives of serving others.

One of the highlights of my trip to Russia this time was visiting with Kolya who remembers how his friends from the US encouraged him and gave him a vision of a serving life. Today Kolya is helping orphans and children in need in his local community by engaging them in sport activities. Kolya’s day job is in the construction business where he also helps others find jobs. We see more and more young people who grew up in orphanages helping other orphans today.

What can be a better gift for the 15th anniversary than the fullfillment of the original vision God gave us?!?!

The light in their eyes October 20, 2011

“Orphans” – said Bill when one of the Ministry Center participants asked him what his favorite thing about Russia was. You should’ve seen the young people’s faces. No, I’m not talking about disbelief; I’m talking about the light of joy that their eyes reflected at this moment. It’s not what they were expecting. They thought Bill would name some food or places but he didn’t even hesitate. It means a lot to know you’re worthy, worthy of love, worthy of a trip to Russia. What can be a better encouragement?

That same September trip Bill’s team also encouraged our staff. They took them out to dinner, shared their appreciation for their dedicated work and did some teaching. Later, one of the staff came up to Bill and said: “I’m going home today a different person than I was when I came to this meeting. You said something in regards to what I’ve been thinking about for a long-long time, and what you said was a revelation to me”.  That same night that person came up to me and said this: “I’ve noticed that people who have faith shine from inside. Regardless of how many problems they have in their lives, light shines in their eyes. I want to be such a person too.”

So thank you for bringing light into the lives of the orphans and those who work with them on a daily basis!

Making a difference… September 28, 2011

I just came back from Russia where I spent three wonderful days at our Vladimir Dacha participating in the camp for older orphans. It’s remarkable to see the impact this program is having in these young people’s lives. I saw them share work and fun, enjoying the fruit of their labor in a safe refuge, bringing  their life troubles and joys to their mentor Andrei, and eagerly participating in healthy life activities. These young men and women who come to our program are more likely to stay off the streets and lead a productive lifestyle than those who don’t. During one of the days at the Dacha I found out about two young men in the neighborhood who were found dead from drug overdoses, a poignient reminder of what we’re up against, and how wonderful it is to make a difference.

Another trip highlight was realizing that so many of our young people, inspired by the program, impact the lives of their peers.  Christina, a program participant, has been sharing a room with another girl named Natasha. Natasha hasn’t been working for three years, living off renting out a room in her flat. Having too much free time and some free money Natasha engaged in some unhealthy life style choices. Nothing seemed to encourage her to go to work. But since Christina started participating in the Dacha program she has been constantly sharing with Natasha the joy of planting and reaping, the joy of having clean fun through good hard work. Some days Christina would call Natasha on the phone several times and just yell with excitement.  It took several months for Natasha to hear Christina. But she finally did. Today Natasha is working. I hope she’ll continue pointing her life in a better direction and receiving the many rewards that work gives us beyond just money.

Bill, Holly, Munro and Beth came to our Dacha camp and taught the young people break the boards. One has to have faith to do it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Masha is a great cook! That borszh was awesome.

 

Sharing work and fun…

You will eat the fruit of your labor… August 13, 2011

… and vegetables

The summer isn’t over yet but look at the fruit our young people have grown at the Vladimir Dacha! It’s so important for all of us, and especially – for orphans, to see the results of our labor. It brings so much reward and satisfaction and it motivates us for trying even harder! As our participants are enjoying the zucchini and pickles they’ve grown I want to thank you all for investing your time, your love and your resources into these young people’s lives. It’s a joy to see them succeed and blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:2)

A Good Holiday to Celebrate… July 14, 2011

Russians like to celebrate. Between state, local and church holidays, pretty much every day of the year is some kind of a special day. Some are more known in the West, such as International Women’s Day (March 8 ) and The Day of the Defender of Motherland (February 23) but many – even Russians don’t care to remember, such as the Day of Steelworker or the Day of Fisherman. This year one more holiday was added to the list – the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, celebrated on July 8 – well worth celebrating indeed considering the challenges the institution of marriage has been facing in Russia, not unlike the rest of Western civilization.

 

In fact, the Russian Orthodox Church has celebrated this day for centuries as it’s directly related to the Russian Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom (Vladimir Region) whose story goes back to the 13^th century. Though not martyrs, these saints are sometimes called Russian Valentines for their exemplary faithfulness in marriage. If you’re curious enough about their story, you’re welcome to read it here. (Like everything in marriage it will require a lot of patience and perseverance .   The legend has it that they died on the same day, July 8 – hence the day for the feast.

 

For orphans who don’t have any family traditions or even a positive example of family, making their own families is very challenging and the rates of divorce, domestic violence and child abandonment in orphan families is very high. Since 2008 we’ve been running a program of support to Young Families, which includes lots of counseling, material assistance in times of crisis and, of course, fun activities for parents and their children. There are 18 families and 27 kids currently in our program, and we’re proud to say that we’ve seen remarkable results of an effort to be good families, despite their hard circumstances.

 

Some quotes from these young parents will help you understand why they value being in our program so much :

“In February 2011 we became a family of six after having twin-girls. To tell you the truth, we really count on the support from this program, as life is really hard for us now. The money that my husband Misha makes is far not enough. We are thankful to receive any kind of help.  When Misha is at work, I stay at home with the kids alone and I don’t even have anyone I can simply talk to. When the program counselor Tatyana visits me I know I can share everything with her – my sorrows, tears, she would always give me good advice and encourage me”

“I often have a hard time understanding my wife and I may get angry and lose my temper. Then I talk to our social worker and she helps me understand my feelings and gives me valuable advice that helps us in our marriage”

“I’m thankful for the trainings that teach us about our children’s development and parenting skills. My son Artyom had some developmental and behavioral problems. He didn’t know how to play with the other kids, wouldn’t share his toys with them. In the course of one year the program counselor helped him learn to communicate with the other kids and to be good to them. She also gave me a lot of advice how to help Artyom in the future. Soon Artyom started to speak and was ready to go to the kindergarten. I realized that I had made a lot of mistakes in his upbringing.  Thanks to the experienced staff I learned to understand my son”

“Being a participant of the Young Families program means a lot to me. I saw a lot of hard times during several years after I left my orphanage.  Now I receive regular help and advice through this program on many important life questions, get financial support at difficult times and most importantly I know that I have true friends in this ministry. We have two little kids but this doesn’t stop me from coming to the Ministry Center because there is a kids’ room there and always someone to take care of my children while I attend our meetings, work out in the gym room or see our caseworker”

“We both grew up at the orphanage and have no family life experience. We don’t know how to properly parent our children. We always have many questions how to take good care of the kids, how to be good spouses. We’re deeply thankful for this program”.

And I’m deeply thankful to all of you who help us support this program and help families of Russian orphans grow stronger.

Ah, there’s nothing like a good reason to celebrate!  Sometimes, though, there are little things that when considered more closely, amount to much deeper reasons to celebrate, for they are nothing less than small steps on the way to a better future with many, many more reasons to pause and appreciate what true love, patience, faithfulness, and perseverence can bring.

Happy Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, my friends, and you, too, Peter and Fevronia of Murom!