A FAITH JOURNEY

“The Word of the Lord is worth more than gold, even more than much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey straight from the comb” (Psalm 19:10).

PatM has kept personal journals for more than thirty years so it comes as no surprise that writing has become a significant part of her faith journey. She writes for an organization that conducts medical expeditions to the remote parts of Russia. Teams also do outreaches to the homeless, refugees, widows, and orphans in the Moscow region and beyond. Pat has also participated in some of the remote expeditions and has assisted in developing the Live & Learn program, events for graduated orphans to help them adjust to “the real world.”

In addition to writing and her mission activities, Pat has become involved in several art forms. She first developed an interest in ceramics in the 1990s. Moving to Russia in 2007 after several previous trips, she was fortunate to discover Vadim Kirill, an accomplished commercial sculptor, and she took classes under his direction for about five years. Another aspect of her faith journey, she is especially drawn to biblical images in creating her work. For example, her first piece finished in bronze is called “Reaching out – Mark 5:28” and portrays the woman Jesus healed when she reached out to touch the hem of His garment.

A native of Oregon, Pat holds a graduate degree in Pastoral Theology. She has self-published two books for travelers (“A Journal for the Spiritual Traveler” and “Missionary Landscapes”), as well as her story of how her early years prepared her to come to Russia: “Hiding in the Bulrushes: A Personal Exodus from Fear to Shouts of Joy.” “Bulrushes” can be ordered through Amazon.com. Proceeds from the book go to support the Live & Learn program for aged-out orphans.