We concluded our trip with two days touring Moscow. This was a much needed time to reflect as a team on the entire trip, the people we had met, the relationships we had built and the conversations the Lord had allowed us to have. It was also a time for us to see more of Russia and - in stark contrast to the atmosphere at camp - to further experience the culture. We went inside the Kremlin, walked around Red Square and saw St. Basil's Cathedral (the iconic multi-colored one), visited the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Christ our Savior, took a river cruise, and wandered around a Russian market.
At 1:50 a.m. this morning (6:50 p.m. Wednesday EDT) we left our hotel and headed to the airport. It was very difficult to say goodbye to our hosts and translators who have been such a blessing to us. But after emotional goodbyes we had a smooth flight to London (except for Pete... just ask him!) At Heathrow airport we were able to enjoy an English breakfast together as a team before parting ways to take various flights to Ohio, North Dakota, Maryland and Idaho.
The CBC team then flew to Charlotte, NC and we are presently in the air on the way to Dayton. We are thankful for God's grace in sustaining us on this trip and for bringing us home safely. We have been so encouraged to know that many back home were following our progress via this blog and praying for us every day. We look forward to seeing you in person and sharing more about this incredible trip, the impact it has had on us, and all that God is doing in Russia!