For many years I have thought of America and tried to imagine: what it is like in reality? I’ve read books, watched movies and documentary films about USA. In my school years I had a dream to move to USA and became a millionaire (billionaire possibly) :). But God thinks differently.  Instead, He gave me a chance to visit the USA as a Christian and see with my own eyes the real Christian America!

I started my journey by taking an overnight train from my home in Penza to Moscow. From Moscow I flew to Washington, D.C. and from there by plane to Minneapolis, MN. In Minneapolis, I was met by dear brothers Oleg Volkov and Jack Phelps. They took me to my hotel where I finally could have some rest after a long trip from Russia.

Then the Conference started. I could see the spiritually matured brethren who had taught me with their acts and behavior what it means to be a Christian. Also it was a great experience for me to learn about church operations, how to serve people, and how to solve the problems in the spirit of humbleness and obedience to the Word of God.

I enjoyed this beautiful fellowship for a week. Every day some of the brothers invited me to have a lunch or a dinner with them, making my time in the USA very comfortable.  Dear brother Eric Sauder was very kind, and he took me and pastor Timur of Latvia to the nearest Christian Book Store where we had an opportunity to purchase some Bibles and Christian souvenirs.  On the last day in Minneapolis, Eric took me and pastor Ravil of Siberia on a short trip around Minneapolis and shared with us a good lunch before we went to the local airport and said good-bye to each other.

After the Conference, I traveled to Lexington, KY, where I was met by dear brother Ben Burgher and his wife Sherrill.  I stayed at their nice dacha (farm) for another week.  They were so kind to me!  I even called them “my second family”.  During my last week in USA we had a lots of events and activities. I spoke to the Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church before the Sunday worship, where I gave my testimony and made a short presentation of myself and my hometown and church.

After the Service we had a nice party at the Burgher dacha where we ate the Burghers’ burgers ?,  drank some wine, and then we shoot the guns a lot!   Unforgettable!

Also we visited Clay City Elementary School where I had a chance to speak to the kids about Russia. They were so attentive and quiet while I speak!  After I finished they shot me with many questions.  I was glad to tell them that there are no bears walking around the streets in my hometown (except in the Zoo) and that we have two McDonalds in Penza, which made them very happy.  Next we visited a local attorney and famous writer and champion Joe Bowen, who kindly presented me his book.

On the day before my departure Ben took me to the Christian School where we met brother Todd Van Campen.  After the lesson we said good-bye to Ben and moved to the Van Campen’s home where I had an opportunity to meet Todd’s wife Guinevere and their three lovely sons and daughter. After the lunch we had a short home worship during which brother Brian O’Leary joined us. After the worship he took me to his car, and we made a trip around the city, visiting some interesting places: churches, horse farms, etc.  In the evening we went to a restaurant and had a delicious dinner. After dinner Brian brought me to a hotel where he kindly provided a nice room for me. On the next morning he picked me up and took me to the airport where we said good-bye to each other, and I began my trip back home to Penza.

© Sasha from Russia :)