Father Pavel is the monk in charge of the monastery in our village. Yesterday was a special holiday for the Orthodox (Holiday Here,) It was interesting for me and I got kind of excited about the holiday. Then after the bell was done ringing, the sermon was done and everyone left, or so I thought. Father Pavel paid a visit to me when I was eating fish soup at Vova’s. He brought me some gifts and they were very important to me. I had no idea that he would do this and what he gathered would not have been easy within Russia to get…
Vova had been sneaky and not told me about the visit, They knew that my Christmas was soon in coming and he wanted to give me these items above and the one item I will treasure the most is the Russian/English Bible. I have started to read in Moscow the “Everyday Saints” book and left it there. I guess God wants me to read it for now I have another one in my possession… 😉
He had printed his favorite prayer and put it in plastic for me, to protect it. He said it helps to make it through the day sometimes…
I will most likely read the Orthodox Faith Doctrine first. I will start that tonight. I sense it will help the most in understanding the Orthodox faith…
The whole area has become aware of me and people in the Big Village are aware as I walk the village shopping now. It feels good in a way and I feel both physically and spiritually welcomed in this area. Of course I am a very aloof person in many ways. But as always, certain people, including most kids and women see through that. Very few guys see around it and the ones that do become my friends…
Vova sees the Kyle I am and now it seems that Father Pavel is taking a interest in what I am doing and my future in Russia. It has been a long time since real friends have presented themselves. In America it is mostly a friend for what they can get from the friendship and or relationship. Here from day one with Sveta and now as I finally expand outward with my wings, Russians have shown that they befriend, they mean it from the heart…
The fact that this American has embraced a Tiny Russian Village and actually wants to live in that village and is excited about a monastery in that village, has stirred the people around the region and as Sveta says, “That is just right!”
Time for a second cup of coffee; Have a nice day…
Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia (WtR)