we finally got our last newsletter posted on the internet. We think it actually looks better in the hardcopy form than when seen in a web browser. But if you'd like to see it take a look at http://hqmail.agmd.org/~cecil.eshelman/nl2008summer/NL2008summer.html
First, a praise report. We were able to get a visa to Canada for Deanna for Christmas. When we first applied they told us to send more documents. So we got the documents together and took a quick trip up to Washington D.C. We were speaking in a church in Virginia on Sunday a week and a half ago, and the kids didn't have school on Monday (teacher's work day), so we all went together. It took three hours of waiting at the Canadian Consulate, but they did issue the visa. Since Deanna needs to leave the States every six months (she doesn't have U.S. citizenship yet) this will help keep everything legal. Praise the Lord we don't need to get her airline tickets all the way back to Russia for Christmas.
We also went for a walk around the capital and visited the Air and Space Museum.
At the Air and Space museum, Timothy pondered becoming a missionary to Mars. 
Every time Vera would see a U.S. flag, she would stop and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Do you have any idea how many U.S. flags there are in D.C.?
From time to time we hear from Jason, who is in Khabarovsk. He's studying Russian, ministering to students, and holding things together for us while we are gone. Things seem to be going well for him. Please pray for him that the Lord would send him good friends, empower his work and give him clear direction from day to day. Jason has started keeping a blog at http://redroses4russia.blogspot.com/
Our Calendar of speaking engagements is filling up nicely, especially for Sunday morning services. We have something scheduled every Sunday from now to the middle of February (even the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the one before Christmas). This is good since the more we get around the more likely we will raise our financial support to return to Russia next summer (our target date of return is August 2009). Please pray that the schedule keeps filling up, that the services are times where the Lord moves and ministers, and that God meets all our needs.
The World Missions Summit is coming up over New Years in Ohio, and we plan to be there. The WMS is a tri-annual gathering of students and missionaries (although anyone can come). This year they expect over 5,000 students and over 400 missionaries to meet in Cincinatti. The purpose is to expose young people to the call of God and the concept of foreign missions. There will be "Meals with a Missionary" where you get to eat with a missionary and discuss subjects. There will be displays, booths and special events. Cecil will by playing the part of an Orthodox priest during the Eurasia Experience (so he's been asked to grow a beard). If you're interested and want to learn more, check out their web site at http://theworldmissionssummit.ag.org/conf_info.cfm
On a personal note, Deanna is learning to ride a bike.
And Vera got to ride a pony.
Although we expect to be home schooling when we return to Russia, the kids are attending public elementary school now. Things are going well. Deanna is learning English very quickly in 1st grade. Vera is in advanced Math classes in 2nd grade. Timothy is making the "A and B" honor roll in 4th grade.Well, it looks like it's time to start writing another newsletter. Please pray for us to have inspiration to write an exciting (or at least interesting) letter.
In His Grace,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Deanna Eshelman
