In the imaginations of millions, Siberia is a dark, hard, cold place. While it is cold, some of the warmest times of my life have been spent at kitchen tables in the homes of Russian and Buryat people, drinking cup upon steaming cup of tea and sharing the stories that make up the tapestry of our lives. Siberia is a boundless region full of life, multiple cultures, fascinating history, unlimited stretches of taiga, steppe and tundra, coursing rivers and the pearl of Siberia, that vast inland sea called Baikal.
A place isn’t really a place without its people. Through them you come to know the history, names and character of the land. I have spent eight years in Siberia, learning Russian, acquainting myself with many of her peoples. In 2003, I married my wife, Yulia, who comes from the Buryat people, one of many proud native ethnic groups who have called Siberia home. I now call Siberia home, and her people, my people.
Being a part of a people, you can’t help but love them, and desire their welfare. You want all the peoples of earth to know whom the remarkable, hospitable, resourceful and delightful people of Siberia are. Be they Buryat, Russian, Tuvin, Tatar or Yakut, or any of the many peoples who thrive in Siberia.
And so our hearts are for the people. We seek to honor them, promote their welfare and love them as their Creator loves them. Practically we do this by engaging in Buryat culture, championing it, and loving the people where they are at regardless of their spiritual worldview for this is what our Lord has called us to. One of our goals is to improve the welfare of orphans in our city. Together with a local wrestling coach and friend who has opened a wrestling school for orphans, we will develop a mentoring program. Mentoring relationships will be a great step toward keeping them out of a life of crime, where most orphans end up. Finally, we actively participate in the lives and development of the people of our church community, called “Love of Christ”.
Would you drop me a note at nomadruss@hotmail.com. I want to talk with you about a possible visit.
My wife and I will come to visit within the year. hope yto meet you and share some tea and stories together
Tell me about yourself William!
Did you get my reply William?
Yes, I just got it. I am a physician, working in Phoenix, Arizona caring for Native Americans (possibly the same genetic heritage as your peoples). my wife I Russian and we have been married for just over a year. we have been speakingabout going to be of service in an orphanage in Vladivostok (Mary mother of God Mission). Perhaps we might meet and
work with you in your orphanage endeavors. I have, for some strange reason, been sensing a definite call to visit SIberia for several years now.
Good idea to let the world see the beauty of other peoples and lives. That is a must to understand each other. The best thing is of course to live among them – as you do – but that is something not granted everyone. Thank you for sharing with us. Great photos and good stories!
Thank you also for stopping by my blog!
My pleasure. I am blessed to live with the Siberians!
Bless you for your endeavors to make this world a better place – and for diving in with such abandon. I often think if we would only truly get to know each other, this could be a much better world. I also wanted to compliment the image in your banner, it is absolutely beautiful. Take care.
Thank you BFI!! Knowing one another is incredibly vital. Community is vital. You can’t love someone you don’t know.
I like that image a lot too! :) U take care 2!
I’ve always been fascinated by Siberia and I can’t tell you how glad I am to have found your blog Alex! It’s wonderful how you’ve found yourself among the people there and have become a part of them. :) It’s really heartwarming.
I wish you all the best in everything you do and really looking forward to your lovely posts! (By the way I think I came across your blog while looking at posts about Kalmykia :D)
privet Alex! A happy Independence Day!
Privet Zorigtkhuu, Thank you! I wish you a happy Naadam! May God bless you!