Two roads diverged in a wood, and we took the one less traveled

Last night Jimmy wrote a little bit about some of the frustrations and roadblocks that we have faced during this trip to Northwestern Siberia. And, he was not over-exaggerating. I told a friend yesterday that I am having a greater appreciation for the passages in the book of Acts where Luke writes that they wanted to go to some places, but the spirit would not allow them. That is a little taste of what things have been like over the past few days.

However, today was different. Two days ago we decided that we would fly from our "home base" here in Surgut to the "neighboring" city of Khanti-Mansisk, which is the cultural capital of the Khanti people. So, after just three (very short) hours of sleep, we headed for the airport at 4:30 this morning in the hopes of gathering some more information about the Khanti.

The unfortunate news is that due to sub-zero temperatures this week and logistical problems, we still have not been able to make an excursion to where the Khanti reindeer herders are. Part of that problem lies in the fact that each year they must migrate their herds further and further away from the Ob River area because each year the oil companies expand their territory into areas which have traditionally been occupied by the Khanti, which makes them harder to find, and even more difficult to get to once you do find them.

However, the good news is that our researcher, Sarah, was able to send us some information about a national park in Khanti-Mansisk which portrays life in a Khanti village, much like Colonial Williamsburg in America.

As you might expect, the park "Torum-Maa" was for all practical purposes closed. As a matter of a fact, the park was deserted except for a couple who came out of a log cabin long enough to tell us to wander around the park and enjoy ourselves. However, short of spending time with the reindeer herders themselves, this was an answer to our prayers. We had free rein of the park, which was nestled into the wooded side of a mountain coved in about two feet of snow. It really was breathtakingly beautiful. And, in addition, there were examples of a number of Khanti buildings, "Chums" (which are like teepees), and sacred sites, including totem poles. We were able to shoot video at our leisure (which means that Marc could take 30 or so times to say the script correctly), and we had a rare opportunity to enjoy God's creation in Northwest Siberia.

Those couple of hours alone, would have caused me to say that it was a good day and worth the loss of sleep to get there. But our good fortune did not end in the woods. After lunch at at local cafe to fill our bellies and warm our limbs we decided to stop at one more museum dedicated to Khanti life. This time we were able to have an English-speaking guide, Natasha, who not only gave us a multitude of information about Khanti life, but agreed to do so on-camera. Of course, we will share more about Khanti life and culture in upcoming posts and in the finished videos.

Then it was back to the airport for the 40-minute return flight to Surgut and an evening of downloading, updating and posting. And, I must admit, our spirits are much lighter tonight than they have been in previous nights. Please pray for us tomorrow as we finish writing scripts, record voice-overs and start to assemble the information we have into the Engage Russia packages. And, we are still praying that God would make a way for us to spend a day with the Khanti herders. Maybe tomorrow will be that day.

Blessings from Siberia,

Marc (for the team)