Well, just as I thought I wasn’t going to have anything to send, I got a text message from Holly and Jenny! They said the summer camp is great with lots of kids and lots of love! Unfortunately, there’s also lots of bugs! David Chambers and Shirley Derryberry (heading to camp in a week) – be sure to bring bug spray and fly swatters!!!
Other than that, the problems with Jenny’s cell phone continue. She won’t be blogging until they head back to Vologda in a few days. In the meantime, Jen Taylor, Jenny’s friend in San Antonio, has been trying to come up with alternatives to get updates to everyone. I’ll continue to email you (and post them to the blog) when I get text messages.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support, love, and prayers! Please pass this email and blog to anyone who might not be on the list, and let me know --- I’ll add them to the email distribution!
до свидания!
(that’s Do svidaniya or “See ya later!”)
Carey
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
In Vologda
Hello everyone! Thank you all for your patience. I'm sorry for the delay. As you may have read in the previous post, the phone is not working for updating the blog. It looks like my next post will be when I return from VBS camp. I'm sure there will be lots to share!
I can't tell you how WONDERFUL it was to take a shower after 2 full days of traveling and touring! It has already been and incredible time. Funny enough, the train has been one of my favorite thing so far. I stood in awe last night looking out the train window at the sunset, saying over and over, "I can't believe I'm in Russia!" I've started drinking tea over coffee (if you know me, this is a big deal!) and I love it.
This morning we we thought we had until 9am to sleep in! Ha. At 6am the train stopped and someone knock on our door. "Welcome to Vologda!" It was one of our translators. All discombobbulated, we got off the train and into a warm embrace by all of our host families. I recognized Dasha right away. We had been facebooking a bit before I came and she was just as sweet and beautiful as she looked in her pictures. We hurried back to her place where she immediately offered me a shower and a hot meal. I must have looked and smelled pretty pathetic!!! After a shower it was crepes and tea for breakfast and then I was off to sleep! (I had to jump out of the shower to grab my own shampoo. Dasha showed me a whole shelf of good smelling shampoos and such. When she left I went to grab one when I realized they were all in Russian! I thought I should grab my own as opposed to maybe washing my hair with body soap!) Dasha had to leave for work so her mother, who speaks little english (and I even less Russian) just made me lunch. Again, I couldn't believe that I was here. That I was sitting in a sweet Russian ladies kitchen trying to communicate back and forth and laughing the whole time at each other. They are so hospitable and I feel very at home here...even though we can barely talk! There is something sweet about that. This lunch is something I will remember for a long time.
I'm about to repack my bags for camp and head out. I'm afraid it will be a few days before we are back in touch. Hopefully, next week I will have more time to download some pictures.
Everyone else on the trip seems to be holding up very well. Please pray for our week with the kids! I keep thinking about words we often hear..."preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words." I guess that is what the Lord is wanting for me this week. I'm looking forward to loving on some kids! God Bless you all.
Jenny
I can't tell you how WONDERFUL it was to take a shower after 2 full days of traveling and touring! It has already been and incredible time. Funny enough, the train has been one of my favorite thing so far. I stood in awe last night looking out the train window at the sunset, saying over and over, "I can't believe I'm in Russia!" I've started drinking tea over coffee (if you know me, this is a big deal!) and I love it.
This morning we we thought we had until 9am to sleep in! Ha. At 6am the train stopped and someone knock on our door. "Welcome to Vologda!" It was one of our translators. All discombobbulated, we got off the train and into a warm embrace by all of our host families. I recognized Dasha right away. We had been facebooking a bit before I came and she was just as sweet and beautiful as she looked in her pictures. We hurried back to her place where she immediately offered me a shower and a hot meal. I must have looked and smelled pretty pathetic!!! After a shower it was crepes and tea for breakfast and then I was off to sleep! (I had to jump out of the shower to grab my own shampoo. Dasha showed me a whole shelf of good smelling shampoos and such. When she left I went to grab one when I realized they were all in Russian! I thought I should grab my own as opposed to maybe washing my hair with body soap!) Dasha had to leave for work so her mother, who speaks little english (and I even less Russian) just made me lunch. Again, I couldn't believe that I was here. That I was sitting in a sweet Russian ladies kitchen trying to communicate back and forth and laughing the whole time at each other. They are so hospitable and I feel very at home here...even though we can barely talk! There is something sweet about that. This lunch is something I will remember for a long time.
I'm about to repack my bags for camp and head out. I'm afraid it will be a few days before we are back in touch. Hopefully, next week I will have more time to download some pictures.
Everyone else on the trip seems to be holding up very well. Please pray for our week with the kids! I keep thinking about words we often hear..."preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words." I guess that is what the Lord is wanting for me this week. I'm looking forward to loving on some kids! God Bless you all.
Jenny
Austin to Israel....Leaving
The hardest part of every trip is leaving. But, now I am on my way.
This time is different. This time the focus is on scouting a study tour that I will lead. No RVL. No fun community. Simply a great friend in Tim Becksvoort and the guide of champions - Boaz. For those of you that are new to all this you can catch up at followtherabbi.com
The prayer is that next year in early June G-d will see fit to allow me to lead a group of Bracken Students and a few others over the mountain. It is often said that Israel is the fifth gospel. It will be great to get back to reading.
We will be hiking, praying, and studying the bible together with blistering intensity. I am both looking forward to it and nervous.
Isn't it interesting that Riverside is worldwide right now. Maybe we should pray that way all the time?
Will miss you all. Especially Ryan, Emily, Ethan, and Kylen. Not to mention the love of my life. Wish you were here. And don't worry sweetheart as much as I want to I won't sign off with P.S. I love you.
Shema and Shalom
This time is different. This time the focus is on scouting a study tour that I will lead. No RVL. No fun community. Simply a great friend in Tim Becksvoort and the guide of champions - Boaz. For those of you that are new to all this you can catch up at followtherabbi.com
The prayer is that next year in early June G-d will see fit to allow me to lead a group of Bracken Students and a few others over the mountain. It is often said that Israel is the fifth gospel. It will be great to get back to reading.
We will be hiking, praying, and studying the bible together with blistering intensity. I am both looking forward to it and nervous.
Isn't it interesting that Riverside is worldwide right now. Maybe we should pray that way all the time?
Will miss you all. Especially Ryan, Emily, Ethan, and Kylen. Not to mention the love of my life. Wish you were here. And don't worry sweetheart as much as I want to I won't sign off with P.S. I love you.
Shema and Shalom
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
First Post From Russia - Almost!
Hi, everyone! This is NOT Jenny posting! Actually, I'm Carey Dietert, husband of Holly Dietert (mission organizer) and father of Nicole (team member), and dutiful "ground crew" here in Austin. I got word this afternoon from Holly and Jenny that the team made it to Moscow safely and happily, toured a bit, and were settling on board their train to Vologda at around noon today, central time. For those who are counting, that's 9PM Moscow/Vologda time! Holly said it was time for making their bunks, sharing a devotional, then bedding down for a nice "relaxing" nap on the 9 hour train ride north.
Now, the reason I'm blogging instead of Jenny --- that rented phone is still not working to update the blog! So, Holly and Jenny had to use Holly's phone to send their messages.
That's it for now. Hopefully you won't be hearing from me again, but instead be able to read blogs from Jenny. However, if the phone won't cooperate, I'll be back to keep you up to date!
Keep the prayers coming!
Now, the reason I'm blogging instead of Jenny --- that rented phone is still not working to update the blog! So, Holly and Jenny had to use Holly's phone to send their messages.
That's it for now. Hopefully you won't be hearing from me again, but instead be able to read blogs from Jenny. However, if the phone won't cooperate, I'll be back to keep you up to date!
Keep the prayers coming!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Jenny Rudd to Russia
Okay, yes, I'm in! I had to rent an "international phone) to do so. Its NOT a blackberry so I will be smart texting from a regular phone. Some of the post may be brief while at the camp, however I still plan to update everyday!Shalom!
Jenny
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Pray Constantly
We have been so blessed by the support the community has given us and is sending to the group in Uganda! What a privilege to be part of this. Thank you God for who you are and for how much you love these people. We continue to aproach your throne as a community thankful for your faithfulness and awestruck by your perfect planning. Continue to go before us and be our rearguard. Give us your eyes and your heart, that we might be righteous PVC pipe showing Phil and his team and their kids how much you love them and care about every detail of their lives. Please guard our families, etc. back home and unravel any schemeing the enemy is intending. You rock and I cannot wait to see what you have for us all.
Blessings for the Africa team.
Dear Linda,
This is for you and your team.
I don't have a list so you will need to forward.
Love,
Gina
Father God,
We are so thankful for all those traveling to Africa to share Your heart and be Your hands and feet. Bless them, equip them, protect them from harm and keep them in good health. Watch over those they leave behind and open every door needed for smooth entry, time spent and exit. In the authority of Jesus' mighty name we cast out all fear and say no plan of the enemy will succeed. May they find favor in Your sight and in every situation that it is needed. Surround them with heavenly hosts, be their front and rear guard day and night and make their path and Your signs, very clear. Thank you LORD for their willingness to travel the world to love. We bless Your name and to You be the glory.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
So they said, “Nothing.”
Luke 22:35
LORD - You provide and daily we overlook Your provision.
Daily we take for granted
the flowing water
that allows us to brush our teeth
and wash our hair.
Some people live lives without ever
having bathed...where the only
running water they're familiar
with is that which
comes straight from the heavens
or rushes down from the mountains.
And yet...You cleanse us LORD.
Daily we take for granted
closets and drawers full of
ways to dress ourselves in order to
brave the elements.
Some people have no choices
to make in what to wear. What they have
may have to last until "who knows
when," or beyond the point of threadbare.
And yet...You clothe us LORD.
Daily we ingest our choice of
sustenance and shove
uneaten portions in receptacles
labeled "trash."
Some people could survive a
a week what we've chosen to discard
in one meal. They know what it is to "hunger."
And yet...You nourish us LORD.
Daily we are in touch with our world
through various forms of technology
such as television, phones, newspapers,
computers and books.
Opportunities for learning are taken
for granted and lost over that which "entertains" us.
Some people have never been 10 miles
from where they were born, seen a classroom or
had the means to give their children a
better life.
And yet...You supply us LORD.
Daily we cry out because our means of travel
breaks down, our bodies don't function
optimally or our credit cards have reached
their limit.
Some people have never travelled any other way but
"on foot," received medical treatment but
for compassionate medically trained missionaries,
or even had a use for money - for in their culture they
simply give away...in order to receive.
And yet You provide LORD.
Father God,
Daily You are with us...all around us
and we don't see...
all that has been provided...
so faithfully and so free.
Your beauty has been covered up
by all we think we desperately "need."
Your provision goes unnoticed and our
wants have become a form of "greed."
Forgive us LORD for always having
"more than enough," yet being
"never satisfied."
You have given us the World and
all that is within it. In so many ways
those with the greatest lack and
simplest lives are truly
the ones with the greatest blessing.
They know the source of their
provision and they know what
it means to be grateful.
There could not be a way to live
in such great need without a
heart that appreciates each small
thing ...You meet them daily where
they are - for You are seen by
those who search for You.
Help us to look at the ways You provide
with a fresh set of eyes. Help us
tear down everything that we've
erected that obscures the beauty
of Your provision. Maybe then, we
can quit depending on the things
you never truly provided in the first place.
Maybe then, we will finally see that all we
ever truly need is You - our Jehovah-Jireh.
Thank you LORD and bless those who look
to You for Provision.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
This is for you and your team.
I don't have a list so you will need to forward.
Love,
Gina
Father God,
We are so thankful for all those traveling to Africa to share Your heart and be Your hands and feet. Bless them, equip them, protect them from harm and keep them in good health. Watch over those they leave behind and open every door needed for smooth entry, time spent and exit. In the authority of Jesus' mighty name we cast out all fear and say no plan of the enemy will succeed. May they find favor in Your sight and in every situation that it is needed. Surround them with heavenly hosts, be their front and rear guard day and night and make their path and Your signs, very clear. Thank you LORD for their willingness to travel the world to love. We bless Your name and to You be the glory.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
So they said, “Nothing.”
Luke 22:35
LORD - You provide and daily we overlook Your provision.
Daily we take for granted
the flowing water
that allows us to brush our teeth
and wash our hair.
Some people live lives without ever
having bathed...where the only
running water they're familiar
with is that which
comes straight from the heavens
or rushes down from the mountains.
And yet...You cleanse us LORD.
Daily we take for granted
closets and drawers full of
ways to dress ourselves in order to
brave the elements.
Some people have no choices
to make in what to wear. What they have
may have to last until "who knows
when," or beyond the point of threadbare.
And yet...You clothe us LORD.
Daily we ingest our choice of
sustenance and shove
uneaten portions in receptacles
labeled "trash."
Some people could survive a
a week what we've chosen to discard
in one meal. They know what it is to "hunger."
And yet...You nourish us LORD.
Daily we are in touch with our world
through various forms of technology
such as television, phones, newspapers,
computers and books.
Opportunities for learning are taken
for granted and lost over that which "entertains" us.
Some people have never been 10 miles
from where they were born, seen a classroom or
had the means to give their children a
better life.
And yet...You supply us LORD.
Daily we cry out because our means of travel
breaks down, our bodies don't function
optimally or our credit cards have reached
their limit.
Some people have never travelled any other way but
"on foot," received medical treatment but
for compassionate medically trained missionaries,
or even had a use for money - for in their culture they
simply give away...in order to receive.
And yet You provide LORD.
Father God,
Daily You are with us...all around us
and we don't see...
all that has been provided...
so faithfully and so free.
Your beauty has been covered up
by all we think we desperately "need."
Your provision goes unnoticed and our
wants have become a form of "greed."
Forgive us LORD for always having
"more than enough," yet being
"never satisfied."
You have given us the World and
all that is within it. In so many ways
those with the greatest lack and
simplest lives are truly
the ones with the greatest blessing.
They know the source of their
provision and they know what
it means to be grateful.
There could not be a way to live
in such great need without a
heart that appreciates each small
thing ...You meet them daily where
they are - for You are seen by
those who search for You.
Help us to look at the ways You provide
with a fresh set of eyes. Help us
tear down everything that we've
erected that obscures the beauty
of Your provision. Maybe then, we
can quit depending on the things
you never truly provided in the first place.
Maybe then, we will finally see that all we
ever truly need is You - our Jehovah-Jireh.
Thank you LORD and bless those who look
to You for Provision.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
This piece and prayer was inspired by those who travel the world to
bring medical attention and care to those in need. Faithfully
they go about their duties...the embodiment of His provision.
A special thanks to Woody with Pediatric Orthopedics of San Antonio,for sharing your story.
Two Nights Before We Leave!
July 25, 2009
Friday
Hey Everyone!
It's two nights before we leave for Uganda on Sunday and everyone is excited!
Tonight we had dinner with the families of the missionaries on the trip at the Moore's house!
We had a very good bar-be-que which tasted delicious!
As we prepare to leave all of the last minute things are coming together.
We and all thanking the LORD for all he has made happen this past week; from packing the backpacks into suitcases, to getting all of the luggage there!
Everyone pray for the team's safety as we make our way into Africa and pray for the families that are being left here in beautiful Texas!
Picture of the team!
Emily Cheves, Jack Dean, Josh Shields, Megan Shields, Linda Marceau, Teresa Moore
Picture of the team and their family members.
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepared a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Love,
Megan
(Uganda Team)
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