Rejoice!
We pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ here in Russia and all over the world. May all the world know the joy of the fullness of God's love through loving action as we care for one another and for all those in need no matter what their ethnic origin, beliefs or situation in life. We are all children of God who is Love! Alleluia!
Greetings!!
In the last few weeks it has been warmer here in Vladivostok. There was even water standing in puddles some days. Now everything is relative, so I want you to know that temperatures in the mid to upper thirty degrees Fahrenheit ARE warm compared to twenty-three below zero Fahrenheit which was normal in the first month I was here.
It hasn't snowed much in the whole time I have been here, either. And the harsh winds off the Sea of Japan have often howled and chased one another around the hills and down to the Golden Horn of the inlet on the edge of downtown Vladivostok. The zephyrs from the waterway between the city and the mainland of the Russian Far East have echoed the northerly and westerly winds in counterpoint off the ice-covered edges.
When we were driving around town on the Russian men's holiday called "Defender's Day," two days after our "President's Day" three-day holiday weekend, I was reminded of the early days of pre-spring in Alaska. We saw more and more people still bundled up, but walking leisurely around the wide boulevards near the long-closed amusement park and beaches.
The uncharacteristically stationary Ferris wheel other carnival rides, along with the booths where in the warmer weather you can find anything from souvenirs to food and drink, all seemed to be expectantly waiting for spring just as did the couples of all ages and families seemed to be, encouraged by the thaw and sunshine.
In one plaza little children were driving little battery-operated jeeps, pink Barbie-doll cars and miniature luxury vehicles, well-monitored by parents and other attendants. All of a sudden we seemed like giants in a humongous vehicle, shades of Gulliver's experience in Lilliput!
Signs of thaw earlier in the week or not, many people were walking on the ice, along the beach side. I think I even discerned the hunched over shapes of those most optimistic of anglers -- ice fisherman!
Nevertheless, even though the eastern waterway was still frozen over, the harbor has ice-broken passages so the ships can come and go.
And high above either side of the harbor, the huge "Ys" of the support structures of the big new bridge, which is in the midst of being built across the harbor, seem to guard the maritime terminus like huge sentinels with bright blinking lights on top. I have seen drawings of what the bridge will look like when it is finished. The span will be marvelous and very modern.
I love bridges!
That reminds me of the t-shirts we had with the motto of the United Methodist Volunteer in Mission (VIM) trips on them back in 1994, when I first came to Russia. In English and in Russian, they were printed with the words, "WE BUILD BRIDGES!"
I also love Vladivostok at night. The lights of apartment houses and office buildings, street lamps and billboards decorating the hills on our side of the Golden Horn are mirrored on the hillsides of the island across the harbor from us. The delightful view is enjoyed by many people, including those who park along a roadway for the same reasons, no doubt, that many people flock to such places all over the world.
But back to the weather, leaving them to their privacy and enjoyment!
I should have known better than to get lulled into thinking that winter was going to give up its icy handhold. However, this morning I was still surprised to see the snow blanketing the hillsides and everything else I cold see. Actually, though, I was thrilled when I got over the shock of it. So much beauty just fallen out of the sky!
I showered and dressed quickly, enjoyed some delicious fresh-baked bread for breakfast, and called a friend to ask her to help me get a cab. She met me at Pastor Valentina's church service, though we were a bit late.
Remembering that the beautiful blanket of snow no doubt made the ice underneath it more treacherous, I did not rush out of the cab and across the area in front of the office building where Pastor Valentina holds her worship services. My old snow and ice-walking training kicked in and I minced my way, watching my feet and judging where the safest place for my nest step might be. Those three falls in Khabarovsk are ever on my mind when I am walking on snowy and icy sidewalks and streets.
And there is one more reason. I haven't told you yet that Pastor Valentina broke her arm several weeks ago. She fell on the ice, but she says she is healing well. Valentina is ever joyful, even during trials. Since she is also a physician, and I trust that helps to keep things in perspective.
Her smile is full of love no matter what.
The evidence of the compassion that Pastor Valentina has for the people she serves is easy to see. Each time I have been blessed to join them, they have made me feel very welcome, too. We are truly sisters and brothers in Christ. Isn't that marvelous?
Today we celebrated communion, too, and I felt transformed with the wonder of hearing the beloved words of the Eucharist service in Russian once more. It seemed like the host of witnesses surrounded us in the spirit of God's love across distance, time, language and culture. What joy!
Sweet Margarita played the piano while we sang hymns both with familiar Methodist tunes and traditional Russian music. After we sang, we recited the Apostles' Creed together. I felt blessed that Pastor Valentina asked me to come up to pray.
Before the sermon we worshipers read Romans 8:5-8 together in Russian. In English that passage is:
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. (NIV)
Pastor Valentina speaks with enthusiasm, intelligence and a true heart for the Gospel. Her sermons are wonderful.
At the time of the Passing of the Peace we all happily hugged one another with the encouraging words, "God loves you!" In the Sundays I have been blessed to worship here, parishioners have ranged in age from four years old to ninety years old. What a lovely church family!
After worship we had some fellowship time with tea or coffee and cookies. When it was necessary, everyone who was still there pitched in to move chairs, Bibles, hymnals and the Communion paten (traditional plate for the bread or wafers), chalice, and covers back to their storage cupboards.
Then with my friend, and with Pastor Valentina, we took a bus downtown so we could enjoy more fellowship together at my favorite cafe next to Vladivostok's Philharmonic Hall where I have enjoyed so many concerts. Over elegant but simple pots of green tea we chatted and feasted on some delicious tortes. we also indulged in to specialties of the house which may not sound appetizing, but were. They were both made with seafood.
Valentina and I chose the dish with carrots, red and green peppers, shallots, scallops razor-back clams, and crab legs in a terriyaki sauce served over rice infused with squid ink. It's called "Black Rice with Fruit of the Sea." My friend chose the scrumptious cream sauce-covered black spaghetti (yes--made black with squid ink again) with shrimp, scallops and crab legs.
How good it is to be in a city on the ocean if you have a hankering for sea food!
While at lunch, Valentina happened to get a phone call from Claudia in Khabarovsk. I was happy to hear her voice and we spoke about the possibility of seeing one another in April in Oklahoma City where the United Methodist Russia Initiative meeting will be held. If you would like to find out more about it, you can go to this web page:
Valentina, my friend and I all headed home together in a cab after our lovely lunch and fellowship together. The two of them dropped me off first, and I waved a cheery "Good-bye!"
How happy I am that I was able to introduce them!
On another subject, one of the greatest blessings has been that I use Skype to communicate.
(Do you know about it? If not, please see this web site -- www.skype.com)
It was with great joy that through Skype I had a chance to speak with two friends who are students at the United Methodist Seminary in Moscow. on Thursday evening my time.
(Moscow is eight time zones west of here, so it has been hard to get connected because they are so busy in classes and we are so often asleep at opposite times).
My student friends regaled me with stories of their studies, of what they did over the winter break, of their plans for their student ministry opportunities in the summer, and of the fun they had during their Defender's Day celebrations. I even was able to hear about some of the theology they are studying at the moment.
Because of Skype, I have also been able to talk with family members and friends in the US, in Sweden, In Australia, and in England. That has been wonderful and especially important in the last week.
The news last Monday evening my time that my dear eighty-three year old Mom fell and broke her hip last Saturday night their time, has led me to curtail my trip.
Between e-mail and Skype I was able to get all the details as time passed, and even talk with both my Mom and Dad when Dad was staying over night in the hospital with Mom. To be able to talk with them, with my daughter, with my sister and with my brother, as well as to pray with friends has all been very comforting. Friends and family members I am in touch with by e-mail and through Facebook made a big difference, too, and I am so grateful to God and to all of them. Modern communication!
I am very disappointed that will not be going to Moscow after all, but trust God in how it is all working out due to the circumstances. I hope I will be able to come back to Russia in the not-too-distant future, God willing.
My Mom has had an operation, and is now well-cared for in a rehabilitation center.
We appreciate your prayers for both my Mom and my Dad if you feel led to pray. I was very touched that Pastor Valentina remembered my parents when the call to prayer came during the worship service.
Please pray for the people of the Russian Far East -- and for all the people of the former Soviet Union , if you feel led to do so.
I have been so blessed to be here and there will be a mixture of joy and sadness when I board the plane to head back home next Saturday, God willing. The blessings of some time I will be able to spend with my son and his family, and especially the opportunity to meet sweet baby Lily Jane for the first time will help. On the phone when he encouraged me to be sure and visit my son and his family on the way home, Dad said, "When you hold Lilly, tell her about us."
Getting back to Georgia to be with my daughter and her family before heading to Florida to check on Mom and Dad is a joy I anticipate, too. Even though our loved ones are always in our hearts, there is nothing like being able to hug them in person!
One more thing -- please look up the web site of my friend Glen Evans' ministry for an update about the work that he and his partners are doing for the people of Honduras and pray for them, too, if you feel led. Thanks so much! The web site is:
Please be sure to let me know how I can pray for you and yours. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and everyone you love.
Blessings in the Fullness of God's Love, Grace and Peace in Christ -- Kathy
The God of Peace Will Be With You!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Kathleen Ware Harris © 2012
kwharris777@gmail.com
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