Day 2 - Vladimir and the ministry center

Leaving Moscow on Saturday morning led to heavy traffic.  Our driver took back roads all the way to Vladimir, which meant a 90 miles drive took about six hours over sometimes very bumpy roads.  Several team members experienced some car sickness and bathroom stops were at a premium.  It did allow us to see a side of the country off the beaten path.  We saw dachas, small open shopping markets, and rural neighborhoods in various stages of development, sometimes brand new beautifully landscaped homes next to homes that had been standing for a hundred years. 

We finally made it to Vladimir and checked into our hotel.  After eating a traditional Russian lunch at a nearby restaurant we made it to the ministry center where kids had been waiting for hours.  There were a large group of kids, perhaps 25 at the peak.  We spent some time getting to know each other as we have new travelers and there were orphans that we had not met before as well. 

Don gave a presentation and discussion on communication skills and how to properly express feelings.  Many of the young people participated with example that Don could use to help them work through healthy ways to communicate with others.

We had our traditional pizza dinner with the grads and then some informal time together.  One big hit was Reggie's guitar playing and singing along with Josh, Nathan, Christie, Julie and Jake.

On the return to the hotel, we stopped by the largest cathedral in Vladimir.  The cathdral stands on the top of a hill that overlooks the main local river and provides a beautiful view.  From that area you can see about five or six orthodox churches that dot the hillside.

Returning to our hotel for some much needed rest, we  had a short team meeting and some of us sent of emails to family and headed off to bed.