Rehab in the Hills

My church here in Russia supports a rehab center (I went there last May if you want to read about it), which is a farm high up in the hills outside of town.  This Fall the gentlemen from the rehab center (about 10 in all, and a full-time minister) came to our Thanksgiving service, and after I gave a testimony about how good God has been to let me stay in Russia, they invited me to come visit me at the rehab center. 

Two men from our church, Roman and Ilya, go up to the center every Sunday afternoon.  They bring groceries, home goods, and anything else the center needs, and lead a Bible study.  They are the connection between the church and the center, letting us know what they need and how the fellows are doing.  Well, last fall they started hounding me to go up there with them and visit the center.  Our youth group takes place every Sunday afternoon, so I really couldn't make it, but finally, one day, youth group was cancelled and with a bit of trepidation, I went up the the center.

There were plenty of kids and lambs to pet

Ilya with a newborn lamb

Julia with a kid; you wouldn't believe how soft they are!

Andrey in front of the main building

My nervousness was unfounded; the brothers up there were happy to see me and I could see what an encouragement it was to them to have a guest.  I joined them for tea and a Bible study, and really had a lovely time. Then, I did something that horrified them: I asked to use the bathroom.

The farm itself is in pretty rough condition; mud everywhere, the buildings are falling down, they just got electricity a few months ago from a little windmill that powers a light-bulb and a refrigerator.  The outhouse fit with the rest of the environment.  It was a little shack with no light, a door that didn't close, and let's just say less than ideal sanitation.  I survived, I didn't even fuss, but little did I know what would happen next.

Yesterday I made it back up to the center, and this time my friends Julia and Andrey, and one of our pastors joined the expedition.  And dear ones, they had built a new outhouse.  Two stalls, a toilet seat, a door that closes, all deluxe.  I arrived and everyone immediately asked, "have you seen your new toilet?"  Bless 'em.

My new toilet!

Striking a pose on the throne

I have a special place in my heart for the rehab center and the men living there.  I am sincerely looking forward to the next time I can make it up there.  Until then, they'll be in my prayers, and I can't help but think of them because they send me a big bottle of fresh milk every week!  God bless the rehab center.

Bible study

The guys are always very hospitable

Andrey teaching the word

Пока ребята,

Russian Jane