31 January 2008 Krasnoyarsk as reported by Lise’ B.

One of the most exciting thing on this trip for me, is to watch the faces of the kitchen and wash (laundry) help as we hand them the Gospel Aprons made by so many of the women across the United States. As I tandem with my interpreter, Ksusha to the kitchen, the kitchen help can hardly believe they have a visitor, let alone someone from America! When we speak and let them know they are receiving a gift from someone in America, they can hardly believe it. Often I let them know that the woman who made these prayed for them. Their response many times are tears and huge, huge smiles; each grin displaying gold teeth.

I wish you could see their faces. I wish you could see the big soup pots and the kitchen facilities where they cook and labor until the beads of sweat roll down their faces. You see, in their world, the cooks and the wash (laundry help) are considered to hold one of the lowest job positions. They are flabber-ghasted when we come bearing gifts….truly. They cannot believe that some one in the America would even think of them. Receiving these small gifts, brighten their day, and bring great hope and much joy. And, of course, the Gospel explanation cards are in the pockets, are very important. So keep on sewing ladies, and any men brave enough to join in.

Each day we come back tired, but I think, so far, we have handed out around 60 aprons.