CHAPTER THE NEXT
Sonia graduated this past Wednesday, bringing to a successful conclusion her school years. It is certainly a relief for Sonia to be done with homework for a while! Due to Nina being in the hospital I was unable to attend the graduation ceremony and banquet (I had to stay with Maya & Deena, but Lena was able to spend this special time with Sonia. (More pics on Flickr!)
With school behind her, Sonia is now looking for more ways to practice her artistic talents (it certainly beats algebra!). As we mentioned previously, Sonia has begun to attend a special school for jewelers. She is learning how to work with precious stones and metals, and getting some blisters in the process! Classes are six days a week, primarily in the afternoons. Sonia has to travel one hour each way by public transport, so she is putting in pretty long days again. Please remember Sonia in your prayers as she seeks to develop her God-given talents. Pray also that she will discover ways to use her gifts for God's glory.
Thank you for upholding our family in your prayers!
—– Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena
P.S. The mystery sign from last week turned out to have a not-so-serious explanation. Go to the Hard Dog Hallelujah Flickr photo page for more info.
COMING TO CANADA
Five months (or so) until we land in Canada, Lord willing! While we are still officially looking for a home for our family, we do have one home that looks to beavailablee for us to rent, should we need it. For this we are thankful! However, if anyone hears of anavailablee home for our family, please don't hesitate to share the information!
BLESSINGS
Sonia had a good graduation ceremony and celebration afterwards. Lena came home just before one in the morning after the banquet, and Sonia arrived just before six after a class trip out of town. Praise God for a safe time for all!
Praise God for MCC Thrift Stores! Sonia's dress was one of the most-talked about at her grad, and by far the least expensive at $2!
We have been able to make arrangements to travel to Helsinki, Finland for a one-week family vacation (July 4-11). We planned this for several reasons, not least of which being the opportunity for Nina to spend some time with family outside of the hospital. Nina has never travelled outside of Russia, so this trip with her entire family will be a very special event for her. We are looking forward to spending this time as a family in a stress-free environment and pray that it will be a very positive experience for Nina in particular.
PETITIONS
Please continue to pray for Deena. Eleven days after her illness started she is still not completely well. Pray that her digestive system will fully recover from her illness.
Nina is doing better, but remains in the hospital under observation. Please continue to pray for her health and healing. The doctors have given her a (mostly) green light to travel to Finland, and she is hopeful that she will be discharged from the hospital before this week is out.
DID YOU KNOW...
...that there is a saying in Russia, "God loves (the) trinity". This is often quoted when drinking as an excuse to have a third round!
...that when you greet someone Russians traditionally kiss each other three times on alternating cheeks?
...that when you say something that you want to happen, you should spit three times over your shoulder (similar to "knock on wood")?
ESSENTIAL INFO
Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International, serving with Christian Camping International/Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia.
A printable version in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
Visit www.krhamm.com/pray for links to print versions, archives and more.
For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit www.krhamm.com.
You can help! Please visit www.krhamm.com/support for ways you can help our family & ministry.
Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at Flickr.com. (And now Sonia's pictures too!)
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