Village Bible Church || Aurora | Indian Creek | Sugar Grove | IL

Well, we're on the train to Yaroslavl, a 5 hour train ride in a slow commuter train through the Russian countryside. Everything about the trip screams, "You're not in America anymore!"

From the different look of the people to the new language on everyone's lips it is clear that the setting has drastically changed. Convenience and comfort must give way to necessity.

On this train ride, three riders are crammed into a seat and are forced to sit face to face with another three riders opposite them. Our knees are touching and it is hard to be courteous to a person who speaks a completely different language than you.

To be sure, inconvenience can be a cause for gloom or joy. I would like to think of the alternate. I am grateful for the train that is warm compared to the freezing temps outside. I am grateful that I am sitting down rather than standing up. (what most mass transit here requires)

I am grateful I am on a train that has a rail and no traffic. After the hair raising taxi ride that we had on Friday, I will take this any day. That is a story for another time. :-)

We should get to our destination tonight and we will begin our classes tomorrow (Monday) morning. Each teacher (three in all) will teach once in the morning and once in the afternoon for the entire week. There will be one class on the missionary journeys of Paul, one on OT Theology, and one on the fundamentals of teaching. (as a side note we are 9 hours ahead in time.

We are looking forward to making new friends, sharing new insights and being challenged in new ways. God has graciously given us some great weather and the small group of teachers are closely knit. Praise the Lord for His goodness.

Thanks for your prayers, you are also a vital part of this team.

Andrew