Today in Vladimir

Today was another great day. We started by worshiping with Russian believers this morning in a small church in a converted apartment building. The church building is not like what most of us in suburban churches at all. Songs were in Russian. Americans were singing in English to songs that they knew. I sang in Russian, the best I could, but had to look up some of the Russia words. We prayed in small groups before taking communion with our newly made Russian friends. BJ and I prayed with Irina and Lena, two Russian single moms. Lena is out of work and is praying for a job by the end of summer. Many Russians are out of work.

Then we went to see the Assumption Cathedral. It was originally built in the 12th century when Vladimir was the capital city of Russia. It is one of the most famous cathedrals in Russia, perhaps the most famous outside of Moscow.

After that we headed back to the ministry center where I was pleased and surprised to see Klara B. Klara is studying veterinary sciences. She seemed well and happy. She said that she is enjoying living outside of the orphanage.

Don Shive led a session on anger and where it comes from. He also talked about forgiveness. Some of the order orphans (in their twenties) really got involved in that discussion.

After games and conversation we left for the hotel.

I'm including a few pictures from today.

Flight delayed all unknown

Well, it's been a busy day. First, I went to the bank to get cash for the trip, then I found out that the visas were not at HopeChest's office. Then I found out that they would not get there. Then I found out that they might get there. Then I found out that the woudn't.

In the mean time Delta's group travel agent steered me wrong and told me I could wait until morning to reschedule my trip once I had the visas. A HopeChest rep thought that sounded strange so he called Delta. That rep said that we did need to take some action before morning. So, now we have to wait till the morning to take next steps to find out when we are going.

One obstacle is that Delta's policy is to charge a $250 change fee plus the price change of the ticket. In this case the price change could be between $300 and $3,800. Obviously, we aren't going with the $3,800. So, we'll see what we can do and ask on bended knee for some grace.

Keep reading for more updates.

Priceless by Tom Davis coming out June 1

Tom Davis, CEO of Children's Hopechest is coming out with a new book June 1st. His first book was about orphans in Swaziland. This book is about sex trafficking of young girls in Russia and how a woman named Katya helps them. I've just read the prologue and the first chapter. It looks like another page turner.

In case you think that the issue of human trafficking and the sex trade is exaggerated, I talked to a friend the other day who worked with a couple of orphanages in Russia. She said that not only are girls just out of the orphanage involved, but sometimes girls as young as 11 or 12 are involved.

Tom also just returned from a trip to Russia and Moldova where he found that not only are claims not exaggerated, but that they may actually be underestimated.

Tom's new book is called Priceless. Learn more at www.Sheispriceless.com. The go to the Children's Hopechest web site and make a donation to help save girls in Russia and Moldova. Give them options. Give them hope.