You know you’re on a Mission trip when all the days blur together. Many exciting things are happening this week. One of the hallelujah moments: I was reunited with my luggage only 36 hours after it went missing. Hooray!
Back to the exciting things… here’s some the cool stuff I have done:
Visited the Kremlin
Seen The Nutcracker in Moscow
Visited an art gallery and a military history museum (guess which one of these I preferred!)
Enjoyed coffee from the Russia version of Starbucks (as Scott Dean would say – WOW!)
Toured an Orthodox Cathedral (and I wore the required scarf… which made me remember the infamous “Packing Video.” Before we come to Russia, we need to watch the section on How to Tie a Scarf. Haha)
Watched fireworks as the city of Orel celebrates its version of Independence Day on Aug. 5
Had a LOT of good food.
Ridden a ferris wheel.
Saw a sign on a shop in Moscow that said “Mary Flora.” I kid you not! I couldn’t get my camera out fast enough to snap a picture but when I return, I am definitely going to try and track down this place.
Played charades with a Russian family, and (with my team) did a litte singing and dancing. We even taught them the Cupid Shuffle.... ah, American culture.
And then there’s the VIP logistics stuff. I have:
Been practicing my Russian!
Started mapping out our itinerary, paying close attention to the effects of jet lag
Been examining just how we’ll keep the choir hydrated – they don’t sell bags of ice in Russia so we may all have to get used to drinking lukewarm water.
Wondered about any uniform adjustments we’ll need to make... IF we sing in an Orthodox Cathedral, I’m not sure if the lack of sleeves on our black dresses will be problematic. (Shrug shopping, anyone?)
Been on the lookout for fun things that VIP will like (ballet, a Moscow amusement park, and karaoke… I’m still looking for mini golf!)
Purchased Russian coloring books for VIP (seriously, many of the VIPs like to color!) I also bought the cool banner that says "Welcome" in Russian.
Talked at length with a Russian Presbyterian minister (quite a feat considering he speaks no English and I speak no Russian…)
Scouted out cell phones and data services that will keep us connected on our trip
Walked and talked a LOT with a fantastic translator named Vlad about our language needs. Vlad rocks.
On a whole other level, I’m experiencing life in a group when you’re not the director and you’re new to the group. I find myself experiencing things on this trip, and remembering conversations I’ve had with VIPs over the years and thinking, “Oh, this is what he/she was talking about.” It’s like this lightbulb goes off and for the first time, I know exactly how they feel. I'll try to give you a few examples in my next post.
Know that I'm doing well and thinking about the VIPs constantly. I miss the VIP crew and am counting down till September when rehearsals kick back up again!
Love,
Holly
Welcome! Voices In Praise exists for the glory of God and in service to others. As the youth choir of Friendship United Methodist Church, the group is open to all youth in grades 6 -12 who have a desire to sing and a willingness to make the commitment to the group. Singers are not required to be a member of the church or to have any background in singing. Our doors are open to everyone!
The choir rehearses on Mondays. Girls rehearse from 6:30pm – 8pm; Guys rehearse from 7pm – 8:30pm.
New singers are welcome any time. Feel free to contact Director Holly Reynolds Lee at 301-728-1748 with questions!
The choir rehearses on Mondays. Girls rehearse from 6:30pm – 8pm; Guys rehearse from 7pm – 8:30pm.New singers are welcome any time. Feel free to contact Director Holly Reynolds Lee at 301-728-1748 with questions!