Q Home Q Do More Q The Gift Q Prison

A ministry or vacation day? It's hard to know what to call it. What we do know is that the dacha visit was evidence of God at work in lives. We had stepped out of our comfort zone to experience real Russian life, and our hosts had set aside past reservations to give us a day we will never forget.

Private transportation is somewhat hard to come by in Russia, but our host rounded up two cars to shuttle us all. Before long the seven of us (Stowmans, Linda, and interpreter) got our first view of the little village of dachas-- summer "cabins" surrounded by gardens.

What a welcome we received from our friend Dasha and her parents. Her father proudly gave us a tour of the beautifully handcrafted cabin, and her mother showed off her neat garden plots covering two lots. Inside lunch was set out-- piroshki and a fermented drink called "kvass." We were in the heart of Russia.

Planning for the hot day, the perfect swimming spot had been scouted out along the river. We relaxed for the first time in days as we floated in the warm water and soaked up the sun on the rocky beach. The scenery-- green, tree covered hillsides rising above the opposite shore-- was breathtaking. It all seemed like a wonderful dream.

Back at the dacha we visited and helped get the evening meal on the table. Cold cucumber-radish-kvass soup made up the first course. Hot palamini, a fresh tomato-cucumber salad doused in dill, and more piroshki made for a big second course. A latticed strawberry tart served with tea was the crowning touch on the meal.

Before leaving this world, Russians and Americans sat together in the shade of the garden. We exchanged a few songs and took pictures before heading home. We left with hearts singing at the goodness of our God.

___________________________