In trying to decide what was the most memorable part of my trip to Russia, I considered many different moments and places that I experienced along the way. In the end, though, they all seemed insignificant compared to the general, overlaying feelings that shaped the interaction between people from our group and those whom we met. For me these were feelings of friendship and openness that were seemingly always present wherever we went. I found that in every place we visited the people were more than anxious to communicate and share ideas, and that this willingness resulted in friendships that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I think that everyone should have the chance that I have had, and I hope that those who do will take advantage of it when it comes.

Margaret Morris

The people of Obninsk made us feel very welcome. I had a very good feeling during the toasts and exchanges of good will at the welcome and farewell dinners. The mayor was very gracious. Irena was very energetic and loving. My host family was so nice and I truly feel like I have Russian family now. I was very impressed with our interpreters: Victor, Nina, and Vadeem. They were so kind to answer our many questions and were very patient with our group.

I am very impressed by what all we got to see on our visit. The children's school in Kaluga and the orphanage in Obninsk are both making great strides in affecting the future of Russia. The Center for Hope is doing many good things. I am impressed with all the volunteer effort. I wish we could have quick, easy solutions to their many concerns. The private physicians' clinic was very nice. It's great that it's succeeding! I am proud of the support they are receiving from Oak Ridge.

The Russian Orthodox Church also seems to be progressing well. The seminaries, monastaries, and convents we visited all seemed to be alive with activities and programs. The task of restoring the churches seems like an overwhelming one, but they are making progress. And hooray for the chapel at the hospital! It's nice to know the people have a place to go for spiritual health when they are sick or nursing a sick one.

I really enjoyed riding through the countryside in route to our various destinations. The farm houses and landscapes were picturesque. The youth camp was very refreshing and brought us closer to nature. And the expressions on the children's faces who were eating s'mores for the first time were unforgettable.

Another highlight was getting to see the Obninsk museum. They've done a nice job of describing the history of the Obninsk area, and I was impressed with the quality of art work displayed.

The Obninsk Symphony did a fine job, too. Art and Culture continue to be very important to the Russian people, even in these hard times, which gives me hope for their future.

The lifestyle in Obninsk is much slower than we Americans are accustomed to. I enjoyed walking in Obninsk and didn't miss my car.

Getting to visit Obninsk was a tremendous experience. I will never forget the nice people we met and saw. I am sad that times are difficult for them now. I hope that they feel love and support from the people of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and from the USA.

Sincerely,

Margaret Morris

While some were working, others were discussing with Russian women how a camp for diabetic children might be developed. Another group talked with the Obninsk’s Mayor Shubin, about how we might work together to benefit Oak Ridge and Obninsk.

Reverend Laura Jean Myers and Reverend David Lovelace, Methodist Ministers, led a worship service in a former Communist governmental building. Erik Ehinger, FUMC youth choir member, played and sang an original song he had written for that special occasion. Also on that day, the group learned about a childrens home and the Center for Hope. The Center for Hope is supported by the city and the church. Children from both places entertained the group. The Center for Hope and the children's home need funds to renovate their buildings so more children can be served.

The group visited many churches, monastaries and convents. They met the archbishop of Kaluga at the end of the school year celebration at a church school in Kaluga. The group visited museums in the Kaluga region, traveled the Moscow subway and visited the Kremlin and Cathedral Square in Moscow.

Time spent in St. Petersburg, the city built by Czar Peter the Great, gave insight into the history and culture of Russia. The group was in St. Petersburg during "White Nights", when there was only three hours of darkness a day. Visits to the Hermitage Museum and the Summer Palace in Pushkin were high points of the visit.

This was the second trip to Obninsk for1eaders Paul Haas and David Lovelace.

The last stop before returning to the US was a day in Helsinki Finland where the group had a city tour, then explored on their own. They attended Sunday services at a Lutheran Church, built into rock, before they boarded the p1ane for their return home.

Those who participated in the mission trip reported a new appreciation for the Russian people, their language, religion and culture. Members of the group are reporting on their trip to various groups in their communities.