Today was a day full of joy! I was able to meet nearly all of my students and their parents, and what a diverse group it was! I have students from Korea, one from Australia, one from the United Kingdom, one from Peru, and the rest from the United States (to my knowledge)! The parent support here at Hinkson is truly amazing, and I am thrilled to begin the school year on Wednesday. Today was also very productive as I was able to get nearly all of the preparations for Wednesday completed (a picture of the finished classroom will be coming soon).

I am also so thankful for God’s answered prayer. On Saturday my emotions reached an apex, especially when I realized that I had not received many hugs since I arrived in Moscow. Thanks to the prayers of so many people, our faithful God sent about 10 precious people my way on Sunday morning at Moscow First Church of the Nazarene to give me hugs…all in a span of about 5 minutes!!! I cannot clearly describe in words how sincerely loving the people of Moscow First are. I have never seen anything like it. Although I can only understand a mere fraction of their spoken words, I can clearly understand their extravagant love, a love that transcends any boundaries that men can construct. That love, the Love of God, is the most powerful force in the entire universe! In being the recipient of such love, I cannot help but be deeply thankful and deeply moved to share that love with others. Thank you, Lord!!!