Off to Russia!!!

Well, I'm off to Russia in a few hours. I can't believe it's finally time. It only took 14 months. It's been a busy month, wrapping up life and work in Seattle. I had applied for a leave of absence in Microsoft, but it was rejected. Oh well, I guess God thinks I don't need a safety net. After 8.5 years at Microsoft I'm finished. It was a great job and a great company. I won't miss the late nights, though, or commuting over the 520 bridge. I had to move all the stuff out of my apartment into storage in Seattle during a snowstorm that shut down the city. That was fun. I also solidified my living arrangements in Russia (I believe). I'll be renting a small house on the outskirts of Anapa, one that my friend Shawn was renting until he came back to the US 2 weeks ago. Sounds like it's a good place and the rent is a tremendous deal (~$550 a month, plus utilities).I've spent the last week in NH, celebrating Christmas with the family. We had another blizzard here in NH and spent 3 days cooped up in the house. Marcia came out to NH for Christmas, which was a lot of fun, also. It was great having her here before I leave. It was wonderful celebrating Christmas here at home, again. I got to see several friends, too, which was nice. We had a little send off for me with some friends from church. Everyone prayed for me and the English camp and the people in Russia. I had a send off party when I left Seattle, also. God has put some amazing people in my life and I am very blessed. A lot of people have given me financial contributions for my work in Russia. Thank you so much, everyone. It looks like I've got enough for 6-9 months in Russia, now, depending on how much I eat and whether I can find work. I really appreciate it, you guys are awesome. I'll be coming back to the USA at the end of March for a few weeks to reapply for another visa. First Seattle and maybe I'll pass through NH again on the way back to Russia. I'll send out another update after the English camp in a couple weeks. I gotta run, I've still got errands to do.

Please pray:
1) For safe travel for me and the team from Crossroads Bible Church to/from Russia
2) For the Russian people at the English camp and that we would be good witnesses to them
3) That I would get settled in Russia and get moving on the English teaching with the church
4) That I would find work and get a work permit in Russia

Blessings,
Ryan
Russian cell (including country code): 011 7 909 444 4898