Greetings from Baku

Dear Asbury family,

The team in Baku is doing well! The consultation meetings were held Thursday and Friday where we made new friends and renewed old friendships. We learned some of the new things being done in the country and were encouraged at the growth that is occurring. There is an increasing number of things being organized for children and a focus on the youth also. The local people are very committed to seeing advancements. It is humbling for us to see and hear their passion as it is not so easy for them to be bold here, yet they are. We were eating lunch together in a local restaurant and one of the girls who had sung at the meeting got up and sang in the restaurant. It was a song that we were surprised to hear when we learned what she was singing - the content was not what we expected! Despite that, she sang right on and was not afraid.

The one thing that causes angst with all of us is the driving in the city. Driving is the art of negotiation done with the front bumper. Lanes on the street are just for options - not for driving within. We are most thankful for our very experienced and accident-free driver!

Lisa, Melanie, and Bob arrived late Thursday night and were able to see some of the city yesterday with our host. We all went to an old caravan place which is now a restaurant last night and had a typical Azeri meal and Azeri music. It was great fun with a flame swallower and other entertainment in addition to the meal. Lisa has gotten some wonderful pictures of the city and we are looking forward to sharing those when we return.

This morning we are preparing to leave our American host home which is hardly mission accommodations! They are so good to us and we are grateful for their wonderful hospitality. The work really starts today as we drive to G-City which is about 5 hours away. We are hoping to see the Greater Caucuses Mountains on the way if the clouds lift. We are looking forward to our time there and will try to send an update of our work in that city.

Thank you all for your thoughts and messages to "Dad". The notes for the team have been much appreciated!!

Mary Ann