Beliye Nochi

During the summer months in St. Petersburg the city witnesses a phenomenon called "White Nights". The nature of the White Nights (Beliye Nochi) can be explained by the geographical location of St. Petersburg. It is the world's most northern city located at 59 degrees 57' North (roughly on the same latitude as Oslo, Norway, the southern tip of Greenland and Seward, Alaska). Due to such a high latitude the sun does not go under the horizon deep enough for the sky to get dark. The dusk meets the dawn and it is so bright in the summer that street lights are not needed.

I think it is appropriate in this part our our journey to talk about light and darkness. When it seems as if darkness (the unknown, doubt, questioning, fear) is swirling all around us, we look to the light. The light of hope, peace, and faith in God our father. It is the same light that has surrounded us on every part of our journey. We have been blessed beyond measure. God has lit our path and shown us his way, he continues to exceed our greatest expectations. Why would this be any different? When the darkness creeps in, we can dwell in fear and doubt or we can choose to dwell in God's magnificent light- we are choosing the light!

"You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light." -2 Samuel 22:29