“I needed clothes and you clothed me…” Matt 25:36

As the days have passed we have really started to see Valera seem more and more comfortable with us, especially Krista.  He’s always very excited to see us arrive at the Baby House to pick him up.  He seems okay with both the stroller and the car seat, both of which he was a bit scared of at first.  The hardest part is dropping him back off at the Baby House after each of our playtimes each day.   We are only allowed to check him out from 10-Noon and 4-6pm each day.  Krista has already started to count down not only the days but also the number of times that we must drop him off and listen to him cry and even kick his feet in frustration.   As of this writing, we only have to drop him off eleven more times.   Monday is “Gotcha Day” for us.   This is largely because Katya spent 2 1/2 hours pleading with the Judge to allow our ten day waiting period to begin last Wednesday so we could remain on our schedule (plane tickets) to go to Moscow on the 29th and HOME on the 1st of August.  (We are grateful for your prayers and the favor given to Katya)

Because of only being allowed to spend a few hours a day with Valera we have filled our time with hanging out at the hotel.  We really can’t do much without transportation or a translator and each of those cost money each time you use them.  We have wandered out on our own, but trying to communicate is impossible.  We can manage the grocery store and sometimes the beverage stands on the streets, but we are also a long way from downtown.   I have managed to run nearly every morning.  The experience has been overwhelming. 

This longer trip has allowed each of us to observe a lot more of the culture here.   I must admit, it’s really quite depressing.  So many of the men are clearly alcoholics.  So many of the women wear extremely provocative clothing, as to almost attract what I would consider negative attention.  When I run early in the morning, I’ve seen numerous people still up and drinking from the night before.  These are not people that are what we would consider homeless, but nicely dressed, well kept alcoholics.  

As we’ve interacted with some vendors they are also lack what we would consider a warmness or friendliness that we experience when shopping in the States.  During one interaction, Krista and I walked up to a street vendor selling Diet Coke (Cola Light), she was an older woman sitting down.  I greeted her, (здравствулте), and she completely ignored me.  I said it again, and again she didn’t even look up.   We had to walk down the street to another stand to purchase a couple cokes.  I mentioned the incident to our translator later and he said that is extremely common with the older generation in Siberia.

I have just pondered that experience for the past two days.  What causes us to interact in courteous ways with one another?  Why are you polite and show courtesy to others?  Do you?  Has this culture been so difficult for those that live here that they have no energy left to show enthusiasm or courtesy to others?  It’s almost as if the life has been sucked out  of them.  I think back the warmth and friendliness that I normally experience in the part of the States that we call home and it seems like a million miles from here.  Why do we have such joy?  Why do we show such courtesy?  What do we have or what do we know that these people don’t?   For me personally, it’s an easy answer, but what about you?  My personal joy comes from a deep intimate relationship with Jesus, but that can’t possibly be the answer for our culture, can it?   I think it also comes from having hope.   A hope that says, things can always be better.  A determination that we can make a difference.   Regardless of our motivation, I believe that Americans do feel a sense of pride from being the one nation that actually cares about doing good.  Do you feel that way as well?  Don’t you want to extend love, compassion, mercy, and a confidence that others can have hope as well?   When you think of your nationality, does it come with a sense of duty that we defend the rights of those less fortunate?   I think this culture has placed so much burden on the backs of the people they don’t see the power in having the freedom to be a messenger of love and grace to others. 

So here is my final question.  What’s your motivation?   What are you doing and why?  If you are an American, you should feel obligated to return the favor that your family was extended when America opened its arms to them.  If you are a Christian, I implore you to respond to the love of God and remind you of this passage:

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Mt 25:35-40)

I hope that you are challenged as I have been.  I have spent a lot of time lately thanking God for what He has blessed me with.  I think He is also challenging me to enjoy life.  I have also found myself feeling more and more fortunate that I was born an American.   It is also a blessing that comes with responsibility.   One not to be taken lightly, but used to honor Him and bless others.   My prayer is that our experience will create a spark in you to respond to the call He has upon your life.   I think back to the examples that Ken & Nita Surritte and Joel & Lori Mott have been and realize that God used them exactly the same way in our lives.  

May you respond to His love,

Chris