Click here to view a photo slideshow from Angel Gibson’s update from Russia, September 2007.
Angel Gibson is currently in Russia doing MSIA initiations and ordinations. Angel provides this update from the trip:
DAY 18
John-Christer picks me up this morning to take me to the airport — it’s a cold, rainy day in Stockholm, but John-Christer brings the sun in his loving as he drops me off. I’m going to see him later today as he is coming this evening to Moscow. All goes well with my flight on SAS. When I arrive in Moscow I’m surprised already by the ease I have in moving through immigration and customs. As I walk out the customs area door, Luba Zhikareva and Radislov Lopukv, are right there to meet me practically jumping up and down, touching me out of disbelief that an MSIA staff person has actually made it to Moscow.
Radislav immediately moves into action to get a taxi for me and Luba; he is waiting at the airport until 9pm for John-Christer to arrive (it is 6:30pm now). As Luba and I ride into town (takes about 1 1/2 hrs with all the traffic), she is full of questions and is so willing to practice her English, as well as give me a few basic words in Russian. I subsequently found out that there are some Russian sounds that so far my mouth just wasn’t able to make–at least during this stay. On the ride into town I am struck by how many stores and advertising of commercial businesses there are — this sure is a different town then I remember from 1988!
Luba is like a veritable guardian angel helping me bring my luggage up to my room, making sure that all is to my liking. I’m thrilled with my room which seems positively luxurious with a big huge king bed, lots of pillows and lots of walking-around-the-room space. I peer out the window and see that we are near the Olympic stadiums. Luba leaves me to have a little rest and catch up on urgent email. I squeeze in a late dinner and wow, another surprise, the food is great — I even get some Japanese spicy rice noodles and vegetables that are as good as any I ever tasted. Who knew! I finally tuck myself in because tomorrow is one long and full day. Thanks for the Light!
DAY 19
Even though the bed is magnificent, I am buzzing all night long like a live wire. After a quick breakfast, I meet in the lobby a group of Russian MSIAers that will be with me for a little sight-seeing and Light placing. Radislav with John-Christer in tow, Luba, Irina, Olga, Ludmila and another Lubov (which means love) are all there excitedly waiting to take me on our adventure. We set off on foot for what will be almost 3 hours of non-stop walking and metro riding. As we walk towards the metro, Luba says to me that she really wishes there could be some sun here in Moscow because it is so grey and cold (feel low 50’s/high 40’s). The metros are awesome structures and so much lighter — full with entrepreneurs showing their wares. Radislav is the captain of this troupe and deftly guides us through the subway system until we find ourselves right in the heart of Red Square — home of the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the GUM (now a galleria type place with the likes of Jill Sanders, Luis Vuitton and many other boutique stores). I remember when all we saw at this square was a 31 Flavors ice cream store, the GUM was pretty cold and not much to shop for, and kids were begging us for our jeans. Now, wouldn’t you know, that as we walk up the stairs from the metro there is the sun shining out against a baby blue sky. We all can’t believe it. The group figures it was the Traveler answering their prayers. The sun stayed out the entire time we were walking around sight-seeing!
Today Red Square has been taken over by Elton John roadies — Russian style — who are preparing for the first ever Moscow concert with Elton to take place Sep 18 — looked just like NOW productions preparing for MSIA’s Conference! We tour St. Basil’s Cathedral which is very colorful inside and out and has those famous spiral balls on top of it. I longingly look at the cafes that are outside of the GUM, thinking how good an espresso would taste, but our captain, Radislav, has much more for us to see and visit. At one point we go into a little church in the Red Square, Kanzansky Cathedral, that was built by Ivan IV as thanks for winning a war or battle, I believe. We take the time for each of us to place a lit candle all around the Cathedral and ask for Light. As we walk outside, across the way are 3 costumed men, representing Ivan the Terrible and two of his Cossacks. I can’t resist and pay a little to these men to have my picture taken with them. This little picture adventure turns into a crowd gathering and suddenly all sorts of people are taking our pictures as we’re laughing and mugging for the cameras.
Time to move on through the lovely stretch of gardens next to the square — forgive me but all I remember is the Alexander gardens. Some water catches my eye and we walk over to what looks like a canal framed with restaurants that ends up in a huge fountain with large iron horses in it. This fountain is at the bottom of stairs that lead up to what used to be a hall for equestrian demonstrations and is now used for large shows. Finally we head to the Bolshoi theatre which I wanted to see — home of the famous Bolshoi Ballet. Well my romantic fantasy was soon disillusioned as I saw the magnificent front of this building was hidden by canvas and scaffolding. Undaunted I do a few ballet moves that John-Christer captures on camera so that I can say I danced in “front” of the Bolshoi.
By now we must head back towards Radislav’s house for the meat of the day is still ahead of us. Luba and Irina come with me to my hotel to pick up the recording equipment for the ordinations and then we begin our own adventure by walking, metro and mini-bus line to get to Radislav’s home. By the time we get to the mini-bus I am so happy to be sitting down. We arrive at Radislav and his wife, Irina’s home. And here’s where I am blown away. In this little 2 room apartment are 14 people who have come from far and wide in Russia to receive their initiations and, for some, ordination. Some of these spiritual warriors talk about spending 2 days by train, walking and metro to get here. There is a feast of little sandwiches, fruit and biscuits that they have manifested to share…and there is such joy and gratitude and love in the room. Their focus and attention is so great; they really listen deeply as I begin the talk. And when we do the initiations each one of them is so on purpose that the time flies by swiftly. We do four ordinations afterwards and it is so lovely to see the tears of loving and gratitude being shared.
Then we all go to a Sushi restaurant nearby to celebrate the first MSIA visit to Russia; we wave our red napkins in celebration. I am so touched and humbled at the end of the dinner when I find out that they all have pooled their monies to take care of John-Christer’s and my dinners…some of them giving what we would think of as the “widow’s mite.” We have a fun picture taking session with everyone being snapped with everyone. John-Christer was very popular to have a picture taken with. And this is a testament to his huge loving and caring to support and be with his Russian family that he did all on his own. God bless you, J-C, I sure appreciated and am very grateful for your presence there. By now it’s 10pm and time for me to get back to the hotel, pack, do a few emails and then head to the airport. Yep, I’ll be taking the 2:30am taxi to catch my early am flight to London and then Athens. Thank you dear Russian family for all the loving and sharing you demonstrated for me and all your fellow Russian family. Your love of the Travelers is profound.
DAY 20
I manage to get a little 45 min snooze before I get ready to go to the airport in the middle of the night. Luba comes with me to the airport as she wants to make sure I have no problems in checking in. It takes us about 1hr 15mins to drive to Dromoded airport and this place is a beehive of activity — flights going and coming here. Check-in is easy, thank goodness. My body is a little achy today so I’m glad Luba is there to hold with me. I have about 7 hours of flying to do today with some waiting so I’m gearing for the long haul. I also have a tight connection in London that has now become a squeeze since our flight is 45 minutes late taking off. Ah well, I turn to gratitude that at least I’m on the plane. We’ve taken off and London will be nice to see, even if I have to get a later flight to Athens.
I arrive in London with about 35 minutes to get to my next flight. But who knew that transiting would be such an adventure today! OK, I surrender to the eventuality that I’ll be re-booking for the next available flight to Athens as it is now 8:10am London time and my flight takes off in 10 minutes, and I’m still in line for security. Well wonders and the Light never cease. I gird up my courage and go the first class fast track telling them I have 10 minutes before my flight. They whip me through and I run to the gate only to find that my Athens connection has been delayed. Yeay! Another Light Action. Catching my breath, I relax knowing all is fine–it always was–but now I’m letting myself have the fullness of the knowing. Once on board I take advantage of some more spiritual exercises and snooze time.
When I arrive in Athens I find out that my luggage didn’t make the connection, but the good news is that British Air already sent a message to this effect and they were sending it on the next flight. Frankly, I’m just as happy to just handle my hand carry. Our lovely Anastasia is waiting for me outside. I’m delighted to see her and very grateful that she is taking the time to pick me up. We catch up on our lives, and she tells me about the Greek fires that had taken place a few weeks ago in the Peloponnese area. She is happy to hear that we can do Services for people who aren’t on Discourses and now it looks like my Services day tomorrow is filling up. We say goodbye until tomorrow. I like my hotel which is located right in the Plaka, a wonderful cafe and store area below the Parthenon. Tonight I will do some resting and quiet time. Thanks for your Light for my travels; the flow has been beautiful and grace-filled. Keep it coming!
DAY 21 – ATHENS – YA SOO!
What a lovely day today! Thanks for all the Light coming my way. I’m feeling vastly improved. I did Services with our Greek MSIA family here in Athens and a newcomer. They seem very enthusiastic about having another visit with more friends coming in to get Services, so we will see how this develops. It certainly is amazing to walk around under the Parthenon and around the Agora in the 80 degree temperature. Truly blue skies, colorful classic buildings, hearing lots of “En Taxi (OK) and Neh (Yes) and Efharisto (Thank You). I am in the land of the Olive Oil. I see the beginning of the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square. During my break between Services I visit the Grand Bretannia Hotel. This is one lovely and very “grand” hotel in the classic style. I had lunch on the roof with a panoramic view of the Parthenon — truly majestic as it sits high above the city on its own mountain top plateau. I started imagining life in Athens when the Parthenon was buzzing with activity in the temples. After Services I was treated by friends to dinner atop my own hotel with a much more up close and personal view of the Parthenon spectacularly lit up, balmy breezes blowing. I was thinking of all the seeds the Travelers have planted here and how they seem to have taken root as our newcomer is eagerly questioning me about MSIA.
Well, this has been a most amazing staff trip. As I write this Vincent and Lesley are vacationing in France and I would bet doing some Light column placing and ministering along the way. Tomorrow and Saturday I’m joined here in Athens by my brothers, sisters and my Greek mom to celebrate her 80th birthday — Greek style — her dream come true to have all her children with her in Greece. Please do keep the Light coming this way and to France as we continue our journeys; we appreciate it and are so grateful for the blessing.
POSTSCRIPT — On the way back from Europe
Well, it’s been quite a trip! The Greek Island cruise with my brothers, sisters and mom ended this morning with lots of hugs, laughs and some good-bye tears. I am grateful for so much, not the least of which is the Greek people along the way who so graciously accommodated my no onion/garlic and pork requirements with class and creativity. I was very lucky to have some time with a long-time MSIAer, Basilio Christou. Hearing that I was going to be waiting at the airport all morning, Basilio came out to keep me company. We caught up on the last few years and he sends his love to all his friends and asks that you all send Light to him, Anastasia, their family and MSIA in Greece. I overnight tonight in London and fly to Los Angeles in the morning. Thank you each again for the Light and loving you’ve sent to me, J-R, John, and the travel staff during our European trip. We have a quick week back in Los Angeles and then we’ll be on the road again heading for the Midwest and the heartland, U.S.A. The Blessings Abound.
Signing off for now,
Love and Light,
Angel
Click here to read Days 1 through 4 with Angel Gibson.
Click here to read Days 5 through 8 with Angel Gibson.
