Russia: At first glance

Good morning (dobroye utro)

Given all the recent news about changes in Russia, the brothers encouraged us to send home all of our JW.org gifts and souvenirs home before we depart Tallinn Estonia.  They also suggested that we minimize the JW.org apps and links on our electronic devices.  While large tour groups rarely have trouble at the border crossing, we wanted to make sure we didn't cause any additional issues for the local friends.

Our mode of travel to Russia was via bus.  It was only a 5 hour drive (according to google maps), but our itinerary showed it was a full day adventure.  And oh what an adventure it was!  It started at the beginning of the day when friends were confused about the true departure time.  When we were finally off, we met up with one of the other tour bus groups just before we crossed the border.

That's Russia - in Russian!

Of course, there were many border patrol on duty and the lady that was checking my passport refused to smile. It was a bit uncomfortable, especially as she looked at my passport picture, then at me, then at the photo on my visa (which looked very different from my passport picture because I had a different hairstyle - of course), then back at me, then at the computer, then back at me.  I felt particularly bad for one poor sister was very anxious about the potential for inspection.  The dogs sniffed out her seizure medication!  I imagine that she looked like she might faint when they asked to check her bag.

Here are some pictures taken while driving through Saint Petersburg (on the bus so pardon the perspective)

Surprise and Spasibo (Thank you!)

After a few more hours on the bus, the tour guide announced, "We are almost at the Kingdom Hall".  This was quite a surprise as we were not expecting to get this treat!  Especially after we had been travelling for most of the day - wiith no chance to freshen up.  And since we were later than orignally scheduled, the friends delayed the start of their meeting in order to receive us and show us some hospitality.  The congregation perforrmed a few songs (and we even got to see a real Russian ballet) and we left after a few more hugs and tears of joy.

This young brother ran out to the bus to greet us!

Russia Branch Visit

Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses

Peter was our Bethel tour guide.  He is from the UK and was encouraged to move to Russia after the 1993 International convention.  He saw how hungry people were for the truth after the Iron curtain collapsed.  He moved to St. Pete in 1994, married some time later.  They moved to serve in Siberia as special pioneers, and then to another area before they began Bethel service 8 years ago.  He is currently part of the translation team working on the Insight volumes.

The branch has not received printed copies of the Watchtower and Awake magazines since 2010.  And since March 2015, they have not been allowed to receive any literature at all.  This was quite unexpected as there was no advanced warning at all.  This really has impressed upon me the importance of keeping up to date with reading the literature as it is made available to us!  And to sharpen my skills by using the Bible on every single call.

Even though JW broadcasting was only available in English, the friends enjoyed watching it every month.  And this dear brother would visit the homes and provide some real-time translating.  He's appreciative that the program is now translated into the Russian language.

Wall mosaic on the main wall in the lobby

Empty literature racks in the shipping department 

Focus on the Positive

:-: Bethel construction is ongoing due to some fire code "violations".  Likened it to those who opposed Daniel by decree.  Sisters who never imagined they could work at Bethel see this as a blessing.

:-: There is a huge need for Kingdom Hall.  Though it is hard to get permission to build K Halls, brothers would donate their personal homes - albeit strange dwelling places given that they didn't have kitchens but had one large open room.

:-: Rapid growth in Russia - In 1991, there were 40,000 publishers.  Today, there are over 440,000.  There are some 400 congregations with only 1 elder.  And 30 with no elders (though the brother shared that they do have quite a few elderettes).  But the service department reports 1,500 applicants for SKE - the students are sent to other countries to attend this school.

The brothers said that they know that many of the friends in other countries are worried about what's happening here.  But they asked us to share that we need not to worry.  They need our prayers but not a time for anxious concerns.  Besides, this is a fulfillment of bible prophecy - so why not happen here?

After the tour, we enjoyed lunch with the Bethel family  - even got reunited with some friends we met last week at the convention.  And we also met two single sisters who are working at Bethel part time.  We plan to keep in touch via email so they can practice English.

My Kind of Town - Old Town Estonia Tour

Since this tour began at 8:15am, Stacy woke up and decided to skip this tour.  So he sent me off with the camera and a pat on the head.  Unfortunately, he forgot to put the camera memory card inside - and that thing gets heavy just hanging off your neck for hours while on a walking tour!

Fortunately, I had my backup (iPhone) which took all the pictures you will see in this blog post - and is much lighter to carry I might add.  Our tour guides had been very busy with many activities all week.  Allen, for example, had been one of the MCs during the evening gathering, he performed in one of the dances, he had a talk on the convention and also intrepreted some talks into English as well.  And he was still bright-eyed and very enthusiastic to be hosting us for his 7th tour of Old Town.   What an amazing example of hospitality and self-sacrificing spirit!

  Allen attended MTS in Michigan - used to live in Canada - now in Estonia!

Simon and Kadja also helped us to learn about Tallinn Old Town.  She made her skirt and matching bow ties for the guys.  Each area of Estonia has a unique color/design for its region.

The above picture of Allen shows one of the few remaining doors to the city which divided the upper town (clery) from the lower town (merchants).  It was called the wall of distrust.  Allen made the application that we have no such divisions in our congregations - no doors or borders.  Truly international brotherhood.

Tallin, Estonia was first mentioned in the World Atlas in 1154 - which is before Wycliffe translated the bible into English and before Columbus discovered America.  This medieval city had walls 5 stories high but given its strategic location on the Baltic Sea, was an important trading post.  Despite the fact that there was no electricity, no potatoes, and no forks!  There is a spot in the middle of the town square where you can see all 5 of the towers of Tallinn!

Inside joke alert: Can you see the glimpse into the future from this perspective?

We saw many interesting things that related to our theocratic history in Estonia:

RaeAntiik: Oldest pharmacy still operating from original location was also a popular spot for public witnessing.  During the initial conversation, only first names exchanged.  To visit again, made an appointment to meet again at the same place.

 

Kommunaal Project: Location for the first pioneer service school held in 1992.

St. Mary's Cathedral 1779: Jehovah's name in Hebrew (YHWH) can be found in 2 places inside this church (now a museum).  Years ago, able to start informal conversations using these features to introduce tourists to Jehovah.  Assumed to be tour guides - guiding ones to bible truth!

Towards the end of our tour, we reached this amazing panoramic view of the city:

Samone and I made a few new local friends while hanging out after the tour!

Not on the tour: Guess what we found in Estonia - Chicago!  Enjoyed a nice dinner with friends at a Chicago themed restaurant while listening to some jazz music.  Beginning to feel like home.

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone

Today was the last day of the convention. We feel like we have known so many of these friends for much longer than the week we have been here. And they have been working tirelessly to ensure that we are all having a wonderful time. 

To make things interesting, rain started just as we boarded the bus for the convention site.  And it was steady through most of the morning program.  Which meant that we needed to go to higher ground to avoid getting completely soaked!  It was good for the calf muscles but not ideal for Samone's cute new shoes.  At the end of the day, she said "I need someone to carry me."  But because I have had a slight earache for the past few days (rainy & windy here), I heard "I saw Katy Perry (me)."  I think we are all going to be ready for a long nap soon.  But not today!

We have met many friends from all over the US and Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Russia and of course Estonia.  And re-connected with many old friends as well.  So many invitations to come and visit this part of the world again - but nothing will compare to this experience.  Especially for the 51 newly baptized ones!  

Hope you are enjoying the journey with us.

Andria showing the friends where Arkansas is on the US map

Waiting for our friends to visit from around the world.  Are you coming?

Trying to connect with Hagexcha when we get to St. Petersburg later this week.

This sister and brother is here with there other 7 siblings and parents.  What an amazing legacy!

Aitah = Thank you.  Aitah Jehoova!