“”””I love it here and don’t plan on going back to America.
Yes, you can own property here. I feel totally safe.””””
Early on when your adopted country invaded Ukraine you felt safe, but then you fled to the United States and say that you were getting uncomfortable in Russia, you even hoped they would have a revolution.
What happened and what happened to your goal of your child being educated in Russia?
I feel very safe her, I moved back at the start of the month. The locals are very kind to me as an American, which contradicts one of my initial concerns.
I did not claim that we escaped to the US, nor do I remember advocating for a revolution. Any such statement, if made, would have been driven by fear at the onset of the conflict. The prospect of family and friends being drafted to Ukraine (which some were), along with the possibility of my brother-in-law’s conscription, was frightening.
In May 2021, I returned for my visa renewal; it wasn’t an escape. During that period, I attended some medical appointments and encountered health issues. Four months later, my wife and son joined me for the holidays, which was part of our original plan (to spend the holidays in America with my family). By February, we decided to return. However, on the day we intended to purchase our tickets, the conflict in Ukraine erupted. Initially, I was apprehensive about returning, but as the situation prolonged, we made the decision to go back. The Lord had other plans for us, and I am glad. I became involved with a church, served as a Sunday School teacher, deepened my faith, and received training for missionary work.
The Lord has a plan, and had I returned when we desired, I would have missed out on the many wonderful experiences of the past three years. Additionally, I was diagnosed with another medical condition which might have remained undetected had I been here rather than there. I was in the right place at the right time.
We have returned to Russia. We arrived back nearly a month ago and discovered a small church that requires assistance. I am thankful that God guided us to be here at this time.
My son is currently receiving his education here, and I intend for my second child, who is due to be born here in January, to also be educated in this place, God willing.