Initial Russia thoughts - Orthodoxy

Well I'm back from Russia and there are so many things to tell that there is no way I will be able to tell them all right now. I'm sure I'll post bits and pieces over the next few days.

My favorite thing about the trip was working with the Orthodox Church. I knew when we went over there that we would be doing this but I had no idea what it really meant. Let me just say that this was a HUGE deal. Apparently it never happens but God blessed us with a unique connection in Father Dimitry. He truly cares about the people of his church and wants them to know Jesus for themselves. He was also very open to us coming there.

We were also open to learning about Orthodoxy. I enjoyed that our group didn't have the mindset that they are wrong and we are right and we are here to make them like us. Instead there was a great respect for them even in things that we didn't quite understand completely. In being open to learn we all saw God in a whole new light. In case you didn't know, God is HOLY and should be feared.

I got to attend two Orthodox services in my long skirt and head covering. I had the opportunity to worship God in ways that I wouldn't have ever imagined by crossing myself and bowing and being covered with the sweet scent of incense.

I feel like this trip was about opening my mind to the hugeness, variety, and similarity of God (if that makes any sense). God is definitely not an either or type of guy but an AND type of guy. I have a feeling I'll be learning this one for awhile.

More thoughts on the Russia trip to come...