Day Seven of our trip (today, Tuesday January 4) is bittersweet.

Bitter because it’s the final day of camp. Four “Russia rookies” and I are amazed at how we’ve connected with these kids, and it will be bitter to say good-bye. Bitter because the time is flying. Doing something like this is so special that you want to savor it as long as you can. Bitter because the window of opportunity to influence these kids closes tonight. Please pray the effects of God’s word and His people will bear much fruit in the lives of the kids–and for the few unbelievers here to repent.

Sweet because it’s the final day of camp. That means that tomorrow we begin what is the centerpiece of our reason for coming here: Immanuel’s Child. Sweet because now we get to see the connection between our American partners and the Russian children who will hear about Christ. We’ll be watching for your names on stars as we distribute them. Sweet because now there will be enough hot water for us to shower any time we like :) Sweet because I backed up my mouth which said I would give a prize to any kid who beat me when we went bowling. I gave a Snickers to a girl who finished second because I’m a nice guy. Amazing what the old guy in the group will do to build rapport with the kids :)

The Russians began having IC events already. That’s because our coalition provided 860 stars! That means it’s not possible for us to get to every location in the days we have available, so they started early. During camp many of the kids rehearsed for the Christmas play which goes on the road with us.

You never know for sure how a team will come together until the heat is on. This team is remarkable! From our earlier posts you can tell we’re having plenty of fun in the midst of ministry with the kids and getting over the team colds. Once again I’m amazed, blessed and humbled at what God continues to do through people of HBC. And now, the real truth on some of the team dynamics . . .

Snoring: Larry’s no slouch, but my reign is not threatened.

“Non-morning” people: While I was composing this, Big Drummer Boy did his thing. Rader (to his credit) was already stirring. Then Jen opened our door–bass drum in hand–and pounded it repeatedly. We learned she performed for Megan as well. There will undoubtedly be re-percussions from Jen’s percussion moment.

Chocolate: This is a serious issue for Megan. In God’s goodness, we’re in a place where her elixir of choice is readily available.

International incidents may occur at any moment if we keep letting Larry pronounce Russian words. As I write, he’s sitting on his bed offering up Russian words as sacrifices.

Corruption of Russian youth has begun. We brought some American footballs and Rader held the first “game” yesterday. Amazing how throwing one’s first spiral can be addicting. I doubt we’ll have a lot of converts from “futbol” (soccer), but the seed is sown.

Finally, please keep praying. Tomorrow as we begin traveling every day for IC, the weather is predicted to turn cold (so far, it’s often been colder in Boise than here) and it has been snowing steadily all day–about six inches so far. Please pray for the logistics of everything as well as the spiritual impact on the children. Our first destination is Razkazovo.

- Jim