April Fool's

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.(1Co.1:18)

A letter from my father:

Hello Dear Children,

Today is, yes, April Fool's Day. I remember times when I and friends would seek ways to trick each other, saying things like "We are supposed to get 12 inches of snow today" when it was not true. I'm glad our family does not practice a lot of that. Using the word fool does remind me of our calling to be fools for Christ's sake. In this sense I always need to be called back to being a fool.

Here's a short list which comes to mind

Allowing someone to cut in front of you in line.
Allowing someone to take "advantage" of you.
Allowing someone to think you are stupid when you are not.
Allowing your kids to think they are fooling you.
Making decisions which help others instead of yourself.
Telling people you believe in Jesus.
Telling people you believe Jesus Christ is the only path to God.
Telling people there are absolute truths which can be known.
Not defending yourself when someone questions your word.
Praying in public.

I wonder what your list is...


Love, Dad

Getting around St.Petersburg

Today I had to meet someone in the metro to hand over some documents. It’s a pretty standard procedure. We arranged to meet downstairs in the metro so as not to go outside and come back in again. I was standing in the vestibule in-between two escalators which headed off toward various exits or line changes.

Pretty soon, an old lady approached and asked me which way to go. I pointed to the right. After that a man came and asked where to go. I pointed in the other direction. After about five people asked me for directions, I was already starting to laugh. Why did they pick me? I was wearing glasses…maybe they made me look smarter?

In a 10-minute period, I think 10 people asked me for directions. I had a steady stream of customers.

Lady: “Which way is __________?”
Me: “This way.”

Man: “How do I get to ____________ station?”
Me: “That way.”

Man: “Where is ________________ street?”
Me: “That way.”
Man: “Is it far?”
Me: “No.”
Man: “Which way when I get out of the metro?”
Me: “Right.”

Lady: “Which way is ____________________?”
Me: “Do you want _____________ or _____________?”
Lady: “I need the ______________ store.”
Me: “That way.”


I suddenly had this feeling that in the midst of helping people get oriented, maybe I was lost myself?

When I had a break from telling people where to go, I called the girl I was supposed to be meeting.

“Liz, I’m sorry! I totally forgot! Can we do it another day?”

I got back on the metro and headed home.

The dogs

P.S. For anyone who's interested, the dog on the left is a female named Sasha, and the dog on the right is named Ivan.

My baby sister

When I was younger, I used to pray for a little sister.

We adopted Masha from Russia when I was 18 and she was 13. Imagine leaving behind everything you've known and starting a new life at the age of 13.




Masha recently took the GED and got her high school diploma. We are so proud of her!

Masha and "baby" don't go in the same sentence. :)