The Journey Home

      We were anxious to get home and see our family again, but at the same time it was very difficult to leave Russia, especially Krasnoyarsk, and the people we have come to love so much.  And now that we have been home for a few weeks we miss them even more.  But we feel blessed to be back in the company of our own dear family.
      Our journey home began on the early morning hours of July 9th, 2013 at the Krasnoyarsk Airport.  We left our apartment at about 5:30 in the morning when Brother Vettsel drove us to the airport.  We we so glad to see some of our Young Single Adults already there to see us off.  Masha K. Masha S, Anton and Galya were all there.  It meant so much to us to know that they had to get up very early to get to the airport.

From the left, Masha Kokova, Anton Kovrigin, Sister Noel, Elder Noel, Masha Shishmareva and Galya Shashilo.

           We had only one problem at the airport.  We were traveling by S7 Airlines (Siberian airlines).  We had two extra bags and fully anticipated paying extra for the bags in the usual amount of about $60 to $100 per bag.  I was astonished when they told me it would be $1000 ( 32190 rubles).  I thought it was a mistake and talked to a manager.  But it was no mistake.  Our tickets cost about $1000 (to Edinburgh) and the cost of two extra bags equaled that amount.  But I guess that's life and it didn't dampen our spirits.  We enjoyed the few remaining minutes we had with some of our best friends before boarding.
      With a very uncomfortable 10 hour lay over in Moscow and a short stop in London we arrived in Edinburgh on time and made it to our hotel with all our bags. We stayed in Edinburgh for 6 days and visited all the sites in Edinburgh as well as Loch Lomond, St. Andrews and Glasgow briefly.  We attended church in Edinburgh.  We had a wonderful time.  I served in Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, 50 years ago as a young missionary.  In some ways it hasn't changed.  We had a wonderful time. 

Edinburgh Castle

The Scottish countryside, from the train on the way to St. Andrews.

St. Andrews Old Course.

St. Andrews University in the background

A little house on Princes Street Gardens

The Highland Games at Loch Lomond.

      After 6 days in Edinburgh we traveled to London for 3 days.  London was very busy and crowded but it was a fantastic experience for us.
     

Karen talking to a "Bobby" near Parliment. 

            We arrived home on July 18th and all the kids, grandkids and some cousins and nieces and nephews were there to greet us.  

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      This was a moment we will never forget.  We are so blessed to have such a family.  The friends and "family" we left in Russia will always have a place in our hearts. They have changed our lives forever.   Our mission experiences will never be forgotten. Thanks to all those who supported us with their letters, packages and prayers.