Holy Nose is not a religious relic or what happens after someone says, "bless you" when you sneeze. No, Holy Nose is the mountain that I (Leif) hiked on this last weekend with the small group pictured above (left to right: Igr, Bairma, Leif, Ayuna, Dima and Shannon)
. It was crazy at times, but great to connect with people. When we were at the top (see the second picture) I thought, "this is exactly what everyone pictures Siberia being like all year." It was cold, snowy, icy, windy, and barren. If you look carefully you will see that the straps on my gloves are blowing horizontal and that everyone is barely opening one eye if any because of the wind. You can also see the snow blowing across the picture with a slight upward movement. Well, all the misery of the cold was worth it and not only because we conquered our goal of making it to the top of the mountain. During the trip everyone shared at least a bit of their life story. It was really neat to hear from Shannon today that she talked with Bairma and Ayuna (both non-Christians) afterwards and they were particularly struck by what Dima and Igr (both Christians) shared. They were also struck by how these guys served them in making food, carrying extra weight (even their entire pack at points) and generally showing patience and kindness. It is so great to see young men like Irg and Dima here because Russia is in great lack of men who will truly serve and show responsibility and kindness. Please pray for Bairma and Ayuna as they continue to search for what it is they are living for. And thank you for all of you who prayed for safe journeys. God really did protect us and showed us that He was with us the whole way.
Holy Nose is not a religious relic or what happens after someone says, "bless you" when you sneeze. No, Holy Nose is the mountain that I (Leif) hiked on this last weekend with the small group pictured above (left to right: Igr, Bairma, Leif, Ayuna, Dima and Shannon)
. It was crazy at times, but great to connect with people. When we were at the top (see the second picture) I thought, "this is exactly what everyone pictures Siberia being like all year." It was cold, snowy, icy, windy, and barren. If you look carefully you will see that the straps on my gloves are blowing horizontal and that everyone is barely opening one eye if any because of the wind. You can also see the snow blowing across the picture with a slight upward movement. Well, all the misery of the cold was worth it and not only because we conquered our goal of making it to the top of the mountain. During the trip everyone shared at least a bit of their life story. It was really neat to hear from Shannon today that she talked with Bairma and Ayuna (both non-Christians) afterwards and they were particularly struck by what Dima and Igr (both Christians) shared. They were also struck by how these guys served them in making food, carrying extra weight (even their entire pack at points) and generally showing patience and kindness. It is so great to see young men like Irg and Dima here because Russia is in great lack of men who will truly serve and show responsibility and kindness. Please pray for Bairma and Ayuna as they continue to search for what it is they are living for. And thank you for all of you who prayed for safe journeys. God really did protect us and showed us that He was with us the whole way.
5 comments:
Praise Jesus for a safe trip...it seems that the pictures you have shared are good examples of what Jami and you are doing in Ulan Ude. Like the pictures, those lives and hearts that you are ministering to desire to be warmed through by the flame of the Holy Spirit even though the culture and religious lives of the land are frigid and stormy. You a both are amazing and I again am blessed by your service...May God reach the girls in your picture.
Okay, BRRRR!
So glad you had a good, productive trip. But I think you're crazy. =)
Praying for you.
Yes, I (Jami), think it's crazy, too! I'm so glad Leif is back safe and sound... oh, wait, maybe he's back "safe and crazy!" Ha!
Hey there, It's not that crazy. My friend Scott would call that just another walk in the park! :)
It is good to see your smiling face, Leif, and see how the Lord is using its light to help his spirit work!
Continued blessings to you and Jamie.
Thank you, Leif, for a couple of great pictures and a wonderful story. I wish that I could have climbed that mountain with you. It sounds like you are developing some good relationships and opening some wonderful opportunities to share Christ. Keep up the good work, brother.
Post a Comment