This Reminds Me

Our Buckner translator drove us to Red Square today.  We toured St. Basil’s Cathedral, a marvel of 500-year-old architecture.

Shearer Hills Baptist It Ain’t….

We stopped in a working Russian Orthodox church, the Kazan Cathedral, to light candles.  Juia knew knew not only to light the top wick but also to light the bottom wax to affix the candle to the holder.  She was baptized Russian Orthodox last year by a priest who visits the children’s home monthly.  While we will encourage her to make a believer’s profession in Jesus Christ, we also respect what she’s been taught to date.

Julia joined a group of children throwing coins over their shoulders while standing in a fixed stone compass on the grounds of Red Square.  As they throw the coins, they make traditional wishes that they be able to return to this spot one day.  I noticed an elderly babushka behind the children, quietly collecting the coins in a plastic sack (which cost one ruble at any store, BTW.)  I’m thinking the Babushka Collective might have originated that tradition.

North, South, East or West  – Throwing Stuff is Always Best!

As you’ve probably noticed – we’re able to post pictures again.  Keith bought a cheapie digital because as he rightly stated, “We’re only going to be here once.”  He also got a cord to transfer pictures from his cell phone.  Here’s one of her on the St. Pete to Moscow train night before last.

Choooo-Choo…zzzzzzzzzzzzzz…………………..

Moscow is believed to have been founded in 1147 by Prince Yury Dolgoruky.  It now boasts a population of 10M, including two misplaced Texans and one very small Russian.  We are hoping to see more of the city tomorrow, before the hustle and bustle of Embassy appointments on Monday and Tuesday.

The Kremlin grounds are a riot of exquisite color.  We tried to get in today, but workers were on a lengthy “coffee break.”  We hope to get in tomorrow.