Some friends from Salt Lake City, Ray and Rebecca Craven, have been spending some time in St. Petersburg while waiting to complete the adoptions. It has been great to see some friends. We have had a great time visiting some cathedrals, Peter and Paul Fortress, and museums.
We visited the Fortress yesterday. It was quite chilly as you can see.
With only four more classes until winter break, I am looking forward to visiting the orphans at Holuy for Russian Christmas and am also contemplating a trip to Moscow (to see Ray & Rebecca, Ilya and Anya before they leave at the end of the month) and possibly a visit to Central Europe.
Eight weeks is a lot of free time and I want to take advantage of the break for travel and for lesson preparation.
The Christmas season is slow and quiet. I am looking forward to some time to rest, think, pray, read, and contemplate the future.
Russians celebrate the New Year much like we celebrate Christmas. The Orthodox Christmas (January 7) marks the end of a holiday week for many people. It is anti-climactic, much like we spend New Years Day.
While so many of you are going stark-raving mad in preparation for the Holidays, I encourage you to STOP, simplify, and enjoy the season in celebration of a God’s scandalous love and the sacrifice of his son – the Savior King, and our Prince of Peace.
Living in a densely populated city of almost six million people, it is often hard to comprehend the concept of peace.
In the tumultuous political and economic year that we have experienced, you may also think that peace is some distant Utopian dream.
Recently, I have been reminded of the lyrics of an old Christmas carol:
And in despair, I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Until next time…
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