Part I of Part II Getting There!

Last summer as a host mom for Liza from Belarus, Chrysalis had no idea that she would be in Moscow this summer. Serving as a "host mom," her passion for the Russian people was ignited. She has been studying "on her own" with a little help from her friends--Rosetta Stone and a Russian math professor at Gardner Webb University who volunteered her time to have lunch every Wednesday (speaking only Russian). She can now think some in Russian which is some indication of her fluency.

Shortly after her arrival, (3:30 am our time and 9:30 am Moscow time on Tuesday), she successfully ordered from none other than the McDonald's menu in Moscow. Earlier the previous day, we left our home in Fort Mill around 7:30 am, and this commenced the journey to go work during the month of July serving the Russian people and helping teach an English camp at Super Lager (Russian for Super Camp)! Just the trip was an incredible adventure, and God was gracious to lead, guide, and protect Chrysalis as she flew to JFK alone, took an air train, and changed airlines to fly in to Moscow. God was so gracious to Chrysalis as almost every aspect of her trip went flawlessly. She whizzed through customs and was allowed to keep her bountiful supply of chicken breast packets (we bought out 3 Harris Teeter's and her 29 packets of tuna). The head of the logistics board of IMB met her and drove her to Carol's home, a missionary with whom she is staying until the camp commences on Monday. Today, she and Carol are at a children's home, and tomorrow, Chrysalis will have the opportunity to tour Moscow.

The camp in which she will be serving is a distance from Moscow. It was organized in 2002 by volunteers from various Christian churches in Moscow. The 10 day camp will be held in a rented Soviet era "pansionat" (like a boarding house) surrounded by a forest. The theme for the text book they will use to teach English is the story of Solomon. The materials are translated and rewritten for beginning, intermediate, and advanced speaking Russian students ranging in age from 7 to 70. To give you some idea of how it works, in a past year there were 256 participants of which more than 100 were non-believers. During the camp, 51 decisions were made for Christ!

The main role of each team member and what Chrysalis will be doing throughout the camp is to represent our Lord Jesus Christ showing and sharing Christian values. The goal is to connect with the campers and make friends with them. Native English speakers are invited to share a personal testimony and daily walk with the Lord. As Chrysalis reflected, she shared the following:

"So far, He has already shown me that he is my rock, no matter how I feel. He is constant and strong and does not change. Also, I have been studying Proverbs and the life of Solomon, reading just how important it is to use what God gives us to glorify Him. It is easy to wander, but anything we do that is not for his glory really has no value. One verse that really speaks to me is
Proverbs 4: 23, 'guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.' It is so important to keep our heart close to Jesus through the Word, prayer, Godly fellowship, and accountability. When we do, Christ honoring actions flow from our hearts. This is my prayer and desire on this trip and in the future."

So grateful for your prayers, encouraging words, and support!!!  "Chrysalis will be sending updates that will be shared on this blog http://russiantovictory.blogspot.com   [If you would like to receive a text message when a new entry is posted, please text me your number at 704-301-5991.]

Prayerfully, with gratitude...honored and blessed...overwhelmed by God's plan...His mercy...

In His amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace,
Donna ("mommy")