Monday night I was talking with Piotr who told me that his father was a pastor during communism in Western Ukraine. He talked about having to meet in several locations and when the police came and arrested his dad. As I listened, I was sickened by the reality that this was real life. It wasn't the game that someone in the US created to help teens understand the underground church, but that I know people who have lived this. Understandably, the game helps us associate tangibly with struggles of others, but it sickens me now to think of how we almost make fun of finding out who is 'KGB' and who can be trusted and who cannot. It is not a game. It is real life to believers all over the world. It is life, not a game.
The second harsh reality was when we took Operation Christmas Child gifts into the Chernobyl region. We visited two schools with a total of around 250 students. There is still a 'dead' zone where the roads are closed and the cities/villages are completely empty. Buildings have caved in roofs, all of the belongings are gone -- it is like something that you see in movies, not in real life. While we did not travel into the dead zone, we were in a village approximately 10 kilometers from the dead zone.
It reminded me of my first visits to Ukraine. Cold and dark rooms. Students that did not know that the Bible is a book filled with stories about God. Kids who had never heard the song Jesus loves me.
When I prayed for dinner last night, I told God that I didn't have words. I didn't know what to pray for except that He would protect them from the daily hazards that they live with and that He would touch their little lives with His grace. That somehow He would continually give them interaction with people that would serve as His hands and feet to show them how much He loves them.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Reading Noah's Ark to Artur. Atleast I can translate most simple children's books into Russian now when I read to them! 
Luba Kulbich and I. She calls me her little bird, which you can obviously see is funny just because of the fact that she comes barely to my shoulder!
Some of the team at Ukrainian Center for Christian Cooperation patiently waiting for the party to start. 
Sincerely Yours
When I was about 16 years old I sang a song called 'Sincerely Yours' at church. This morning while I was getting ready for a Christmas Party, God brought this song back to me out of the blue. All day, while traveling, enjoying friends, talking, serving, waiting in line, all day I've been thinking about the words. I want to share them and some of my reflection from today:
Lord, I take my pen to write to you a letter
Knowing even now you know what's on my mind
But I think perhaps it might make me feel better
if I see myself here written in a line
And as I close I see a phrase I've took for granted
And it leaps out as I see it written there
And as the truth of it begins to become implanted
These two words have now become my heartfelt prayer
Sincerely Yours
Lord, I sign my life to you
Sincerely Yours
With a strong and honest wish to be the best that I can be at what I am
Without a thought for me
Lord teach me now to be... Sincerely Yours
Without a proud or selfish line
Sincerely Yours
From now until there is no time
Please make my life become a letter you can keep and never throw away
I'll write it till the day that I become
Sincerely Yours... Sincerely Yours...Sincerely Yours.
As I wrestle with how does Ukraine and my love for the people here fit into what God wants for me, this song brought me to my knees this morning. It's always interesting to remember songs sung and lessons taught and then see the circumstances and life events that God brings across my path following them. So, today I reflected on what does 'sincerely yours' to God look like? I've had moments, hours, days where I was sincerely sold out to God, but honestly monthly and yearly consistency is almost impossible, isn't it? So, I revisited my life's letter today.
I am ashamed by the selfishness and am humbled through so many friends life experiences here in Ukraine. I am amazed at the many open doors here for ministry.
I think about jobs, things I've occupied my time with; some profitable and many others not...
I am reminded of God's grace. That only because He first loved me that I am His.
That I yearn for God's voice in my daily life. That I depend on Him to bring people into my life who need His touch. And, that even in my disappointment in others and changes in ministry focus that He is in control and knows what is best for me and that He orchestrates what is ahead. In my delusion of control and self direction, only He knows what is in store, whether it's 1 hour or 10 years ahead.
So, today I take my pen and write again a letter to God and sign it simply, Sincerely Yours.
Lord, I take my pen to write to you a letter
Knowing even now you know what's on my mind
But I think perhaps it might make me feel better
if I see myself here written in a line
And as I close I see a phrase I've took for granted
And it leaps out as I see it written there
And as the truth of it begins to become implanted
These two words have now become my heartfelt prayer
Sincerely Yours
Lord, I sign my life to you
Sincerely Yours
With a strong and honest wish to be the best that I can be at what I am
Without a thought for me
Lord teach me now to be... Sincerely Yours
Without a proud or selfish line
Sincerely Yours
From now until there is no time
Please make my life become a letter you can keep and never throw away
I'll write it till the day that I become
Sincerely Yours... Sincerely Yours...Sincerely Yours.
As I wrestle with how does Ukraine and my love for the people here fit into what God wants for me, this song brought me to my knees this morning. It's always interesting to remember songs sung and lessons taught and then see the circumstances and life events that God brings across my path following them. So, today I reflected on what does 'sincerely yours' to God look like? I've had moments, hours, days where I was sincerely sold out to God, but honestly monthly and yearly consistency is almost impossible, isn't it? So, I revisited my life's letter today.
I am ashamed by the selfishness and am humbled through so many friends life experiences here in Ukraine. I am amazed at the many open doors here for ministry.
I think about jobs, things I've occupied my time with; some profitable and many others not...
I am reminded of God's grace. That only because He first loved me that I am His.
That I yearn for God's voice in my daily life. That I depend on Him to bring people into my life who need His touch. And, that even in my disappointment in others and changes in ministry focus that He is in control and knows what is best for me and that He orchestrates what is ahead. In my delusion of control and self direction, only He knows what is in store, whether it's 1 hour or 10 years ahead.
So, today I take my pen and write again a letter to God and sign it simply, Sincerely Yours.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
A friend has been spoiling me by painting - actually designing my nails almost weekly. We have fun talking while she is creatively designing my 'look' for the week!
We learned how to make blinni this weekend! For those who have never tasted this treat, my favorite version is filled with a sweet cream cheese and then served with warm raspberry jam. They are very similar to crepes. Yummmmmm!
Students comment on our little tree that they can see through the window. It's been fun to spread a little dose of Christmas cheer!
Jingle Bells...
Christmas in Irpine with friends.
Lena and I just after the Christmas concert on Saturday night.
I'm peaking at the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box gifts that are being distributed to children all over Ukraine. What a great, tangible way to demonstrate that God sent His son as a gift to mankind at Chrsitmas time!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Wrapping things up
It's so bizarre to be completely removed from our over materialized holiday traditions in the States. It's been enlightening and refreshing to not see commercials for everything under the sun or have newspapers stuffed with ads to entice you to buy more. There are a few Christmas decorations and lights up in businesses here, but the lines are still manageable. Today it is around 40 degrees and the sun is shining brightly! No snow in the recent past or in the upcoming forecast that I'm aware of.
It is also bizarre to have completed teaching the missions course and English Composition classes this past week. There are papers and tests to grade, but that experience is quickly coming to an end. We also completed our semester of Russian classes on Friday. By the grace of God we know quite a bit more Russian than when we landed. Now, the hard part, to practice what I've learned!
This weekend we are headed to Irpine to stay with a family that are friends form church. There is a choir sing celebration for Christmas that should be fun. It will be relaxing to get away after the busyness of this past week.
Even though I rag on our materialism, when I visit American missionaries homes with their Christmas decorations up there is a pang of wishing I could be with all of you for the Christmas season. I am enjoying understanding another cultures rich holiday traditions and spending time with friends here as well.
It is also bizarre to have completed teaching the missions course and English Composition classes this past week. There are papers and tests to grade, but that experience is quickly coming to an end. We also completed our semester of Russian classes on Friday. By the grace of God we know quite a bit more Russian than when we landed. Now, the hard part, to practice what I've learned!
This weekend we are headed to Irpine to stay with a family that are friends form church. There is a choir sing celebration for Christmas that should be fun. It will be relaxing to get away after the busyness of this past week.
Even though I rag on our materialism, when I visit American missionaries homes with their Christmas decorations up there is a pang of wishing I could be with all of you for the Christmas season. I am enjoying understanding another cultures rich holiday traditions and spending time with friends here as well.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Geography is irrelevant
My screensaver on my laptop is ‘As you are going’. As it bounces around on my screen everyday, I am reminded of the commission given broadly to believers by Jesus just before His ascent to heaven. I remember understanding while preparing to speak to a group of high school students last year the vast command and the specific implications in my life. Every time someone in Ukraine introduces me as a missionary from Michigan I smile. Even though I have always tried to live out my faith deliberately with those that God places in my path, living oversees for a semester has definitely brought a new perspective to making disciples as I am going or as I am living my life. This is perhaps the starkest revelation to me in Ukraine is simply that I am living life. Different location, similar daily struggles, similar day to day annoyances, and similar joys and triumphs. In Retreat with the Psalms, the authors speak of a woman who spends time in a monastery. She reflects that you can’t dress perfectly either outwardly or inwardly when you go to church numerous times everyday. It is the realness of life with a God who knows all of my strengths, weaknesses, challenges and triumphs before they even happen. It is about the sincerity of my heart before a Holy God as I struggle to live out His Kingdom while learning a different culture. It is about learning some new aspects of how I am created as I live outside of my comfort zone and appreciate some of our cultural differences.
For those of you who are counting the days... I am flying home on Tuesday, January 16. I beleive my flight lands in Grand Rapids at 4:18 pm.
For those of you who are counting the days... I am flying home on Tuesday, January 16. I beleive my flight lands in Grand Rapids at 4:18 pm.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Who put the mouse in the mashrutka?
It's been a bit of a whirlwind since we returned a week ago from our Thanksgiving holiday in Poland. On our journey home to Ukraine, both Sarah and I had the flu... Not fun... I will not elaborate. But, after about 16 hours of sleep, we both were feeling much better.
On Wednesday night we celebrated our 3rd and final Thanksgiving dinner in Ukraine. We cooked all afternoon, this time managing not to blow any fuses and enjoyed one last time of sharing a bit of our holiday tradition with our friends. It has been interesting to make such an extended holiday out of Thanksgiving. Some of the Christmas/New Year's Decorations are up in Kiev, but it is a welcome change not to have the commercialism everywhere like in the states.
Language class continues for another 2 weeks. Steady progress is a continued blessing and our friends anticipate more and more understanding as they challenge us daily with conversations that they are certain we can understand in Russian.
This Sunday was a milestone for me as it was the first time I sang with the choir at Bucha church, all in Russian and Ukrainian. I've been practicing for a while with them and I guess they were finally ready to let me try it. No major blunders, so we were all happy!
I also sang 'I know my Redeemer Lives' on Sunday morning. Once in a while as you are preparing a sermon/lesson/song it is amazing how God brings life circumstances to light. On Friday morning I was riding on a mashrutka/bus and I was listening to this song. I was in a seat that faced the rest of the passengers. As I listened to Nicole C. Mullin sing about the hope and faith of our redeemer, I looked in the faces of despair, filled with the drudgery of everyday life. I often pray for God to break my heart with the things that break His heart, and as I looked at the bus full of Ukrainians, it broke my heart that they live in a place where the government attempted to remove God for decades and now the aftermath is seen in a culture that has less than 5% evangelicals in a city that grows at a rate of approximately 600,000 people a year. My redeemer is their only hope. My favorite 2 lines of the song are: I know he's alive because I spoke with Him this morning... He's alive, I've got to tell everybody... and The same hands that hold me when I'm broken have conquered death and bring me victory! Well, I guess that's 3 lines. It's a great song.
Oh... the humor of the week was a mashrutka/bus ride from the outreach office to the subway. I got on and noticed that everyone was grouped towards the front. A little odd, but not horribly alarming. Then a babushka (grandmother) sitting across from me started pointing and shrieking. The driver started chastising her and out of the corner of my eye, I see a little mouse running under the seats up to the front somewhere. I did what any normal human being would do and put my feet on the seat, which incurred them all yelling at me -- I forgot myself -- a social fau pau here -- so, I chose to ride the rest of the way with my feet up in the air. Thankfully the mouse must have been frightened by the woman's shrieking and stayed put. Wherever he went. Many Ukrainians have assured me that this is a rare occurrence - in fact, I have not found anyone else who has ever encountered the same experience. Figures...
Thanks again for your prayers and emails! My challenge is simply to ask God to let you see people in your daily life as He sees them. I realize none of you have a mashrutka ride to work, but as you do your Christmas shopping, get fuel, eat in restaurants, interact with your neighbors... Whoever God brings across your path, see them as God sees them.
On Wednesday night we celebrated our 3rd and final Thanksgiving dinner in Ukraine. We cooked all afternoon, this time managing not to blow any fuses and enjoyed one last time of sharing a bit of our holiday tradition with our friends. It has been interesting to make such an extended holiday out of Thanksgiving. Some of the Christmas/New Year's Decorations are up in Kiev, but it is a welcome change not to have the commercialism everywhere like in the states.
Language class continues for another 2 weeks. Steady progress is a continued blessing and our friends anticipate more and more understanding as they challenge us daily with conversations that they are certain we can understand in Russian.
This Sunday was a milestone for me as it was the first time I sang with the choir at Bucha church, all in Russian and Ukrainian. I've been practicing for a while with them and I guess they were finally ready to let me try it. No major blunders, so we were all happy!
I also sang 'I know my Redeemer Lives' on Sunday morning. Once in a while as you are preparing a sermon/lesson/song it is amazing how God brings life circumstances to light. On Friday morning I was riding on a mashrutka/bus and I was listening to this song. I was in a seat that faced the rest of the passengers. As I listened to Nicole C. Mullin sing about the hope and faith of our redeemer, I looked in the faces of despair, filled with the drudgery of everyday life. I often pray for God to break my heart with the things that break His heart, and as I looked at the bus full of Ukrainians, it broke my heart that they live in a place where the government attempted to remove God for decades and now the aftermath is seen in a culture that has less than 5% evangelicals in a city that grows at a rate of approximately 600,000 people a year. My redeemer is their only hope. My favorite 2 lines of the song are: I know he's alive because I spoke with Him this morning... He's alive, I've got to tell everybody... and The same hands that hold me when I'm broken have conquered death and bring me victory! Well, I guess that's 3 lines. It's a great song.
Oh... the humor of the week was a mashrutka/bus ride from the outreach office to the subway. I got on and noticed that everyone was grouped towards the front. A little odd, but not horribly alarming. Then a babushka (grandmother) sitting across from me started pointing and shrieking. The driver started chastising her and out of the corner of my eye, I see a little mouse running under the seats up to the front somewhere. I did what any normal human being would do and put my feet on the seat, which incurred them all yelling at me -- I forgot myself -- a social fau pau here -- so, I chose to ride the rest of the way with my feet up in the air. Thankfully the mouse must have been frightened by the woman's shrieking and stayed put. Wherever he went. Many Ukrainians have assured me that this is a rare occurrence - in fact, I have not found anyone else who has ever encountered the same experience. Figures...
Thanks again for your prayers and emails! My challenge is simply to ask God to let you see people in your daily life as He sees them. I realize none of you have a mashrutka ride to work, but as you do your Christmas shopping, get fuel, eat in restaurants, interact with your neighbors... Whoever God brings across your path, see them as God sees them.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for so much.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for each breath.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for the sunshine today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful to be with Leszek, Ania and their family today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful that my family is all healthy.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful that my family can be together today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for technology that enables the ease of communication -- even an ocean away.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for so many people's generostity allowing me the opportunity to be in Ukraine this fall.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for the blessing of so many friends who speak into my life.
His love endures forever...
We have so much. And, there is so much opportunity to give and be a blessing to others. I continue to pray that God opens my eyes to the needs and hurts of others. Allowing my heart to break when I see things through God's eyes. May I be a blessing in your lives as you have been in mine.
Have a wonderful day! Appreciate moments and memories with people you love.
...His love endures forever...
I am thankful for so much.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for each breath.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for the sunshine today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful to be with Leszek, Ania and their family today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful that my family is all healthy.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful that my family can be together today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for technology that enables the ease of communication -- even an ocean away.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for so many people's generostity allowing me the opportunity to be in Ukraine this fall.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for the blessing of so many friends who speak into my life.
His love endures forever...
We have so much. And, there is so much opportunity to give and be a blessing to others. I continue to pray that God opens my eyes to the needs and hurts of others. Allowing my heart to break when I see things through God's eyes. May I be a blessing in your lives as you have been in mine.
Have a wonderful day! Appreciate moments and memories with people you love.
...His love endures forever...
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Contrasts
I've been thinking a lot about the power of words in the past couple of days. Learning a new language brings obvious attention to the importance and distinction of each spoken and written word.
The book of James talks about words having the power to build up or tear down. He likens controlling our tongue to the rudder controlling a ship or a bit controlling the entire horse.
I've always been fascinated by contrasts like the need and danger of fire. We cannot live without the heat and energy derived from fire, yet it has enormous power to destroy and kill. Also, think about water. Obviously, we need water daily. But the destruction caused by flooding is incredible, and again life threatening - even in very small amounts if not managed carefully.
As I stumble into the Russian language, I am often concerned about getting 'lost in translation'. Thankfully I have very gracious and encouraging friends who help me muddle through, but it's been a powerful reminder to choose my words carefully, and to use language with purpose.
The book of James talks about words having the power to build up or tear down. He likens controlling our tongue to the rudder controlling a ship or a bit controlling the entire horse.
I've always been fascinated by contrasts like the need and danger of fire. We cannot live without the heat and energy derived from fire, yet it has enormous power to destroy and kill. Also, think about water. Obviously, we need water daily. But the destruction caused by flooding is incredible, and again life threatening - even in very small amounts if not managed carefully.
As I stumble into the Russian language, I am often concerned about getting 'lost in translation'. Thankfully I have very gracious and encouraging friends who help me muddle through, but it's been a powerful reminder to choose my words carefully, and to use language with purpose.
This Weekend
At the willowcreek leadership summit my friend Piotr and the band from Bucha Church, One of Us, led us in worship on Saturday.The building that we held the conference in had the Secretary of Defense's office which we used as the green room. Can you even imagine???????????????????????? Here I am sitting behind the desk with the Ukrainian flag in the background.
Friday was national student's day in Ukraine. The students here at KCU had an evening program where they all entertained us with humor and creativity.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Holland, Michigan
The nationals that we are working with are preparing to host the first Willowcreek Leadership Summit here in Kyiv this weekend -- Friday and Saturday. There will be an anticipated 1000 people attending from Ukraine and all over Eastern Europe. Please pray with us that these men and women will be challenged to practice Godly leadership in their ministries throughout this region of the world, and that they will ask questions of themselves that will reveal motives, agendas and struggle with heart issues as they listen to and participate in this upcoming conference.
We have been busy helping putting packets together -- takes very little language ability! :) And, will help with feeding this crew. HA HA HA. I see the humor in the fact that I am working on a conference like this and with the food team. I have nothing against all of you who diligently provide nourishment for so many, it's just that typically my gifts are not utilized in this capacity. You can laugh with me if you know me well... I am looking forward to helping in whatever capacity they can use me.
And, as people are flying in from different parts of Europe and the US to assist with this undertaking, we discovered that one of the media men is from Holland, Michigan! Small world. And, he has spent time with Ed and Kent Dobson in Israel. It is fun to be a part of the family of God and to see how He creates a web of workers to broaden His message and kingdom.
When we stayed with the missionary kids a few weeks ago, I asked their daughter who is graduating from High School this Spring if when she left her comfort zone in South Dakota because her family was moving to Kyiv, Ukraine to be missionaries if she had ANY idea that she would have SO MUCH FUN and that her world would be expanded exponentially? She admitted that she was terrified to come here and glad that God had shown her so many things, including friends from all over the world. "I had no idea how much fun I would have in this big city", she told me.
God has amazing plans in store for each one of us if we are willing to follow Him completely. The ride will be bumpy at times, He doesn't promise comfort, but He does guarantee His love and provision. And I can personally testify to an inexplicable joy!!!
We have been busy helping putting packets together -- takes very little language ability! :) And, will help with feeding this crew. HA HA HA. I see the humor in the fact that I am working on a conference like this and with the food team. I have nothing against all of you who diligently provide nourishment for so many, it's just that typically my gifts are not utilized in this capacity. You can laugh with me if you know me well... I am looking forward to helping in whatever capacity they can use me.
And, as people are flying in from different parts of Europe and the US to assist with this undertaking, we discovered that one of the media men is from Holland, Michigan! Small world. And, he has spent time with Ed and Kent Dobson in Israel. It is fun to be a part of the family of God and to see how He creates a web of workers to broaden His message and kingdom.
When we stayed with the missionary kids a few weeks ago, I asked their daughter who is graduating from High School this Spring if when she left her comfort zone in South Dakota because her family was moving to Kyiv, Ukraine to be missionaries if she had ANY idea that she would have SO MUCH FUN and that her world would be expanded exponentially? She admitted that she was terrified to come here and glad that God had shown her so many things, including friends from all over the world. "I had no idea how much fun I would have in this big city", she told me.
God has amazing plans in store for each one of us if we are willing to follow Him completely. The ride will be bumpy at times, He doesn't promise comfort, but He does guarantee His love and provision. And I can personally testify to an inexplicable joy!!!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Some photos from this past week
Leeza, one of the students in the youth group
The national opera house
It is an amazing building!
The national opera house
It is an amazing building!
Cultural Experience
On Thursday night we went with 2 of our friends from language school to Swan Lake at the National Opera House here in Kiev. The building itself is worth the price of the ticket, and as expected Tchaikovsky's music was not a disappointment either. They did a magnificent job with their interpretation of the classic ballet.
Friday night was another choir practice. I am happy to say that I am starting to remember the words and tunes of the new melodies, so I'm nearly as worried about getting the Alto section in trouble for not enunciating clearly! Ha ha!
An early Saturday morning took me to a conference being held among several of the Christian Universities and Seminaries in Ukraine. I had the privilege of listening to and then talking briefly with Dr. Manfred Kohl from Canada who challenged the institutions with several charges, including that of unity in Christ. It was great to hear someone with a very rich history in Ukraine (he has traveled here approximately 50 times in his lifetime) and from my recent observations here, I concur with much of what he said. And, of course, I like to meet people from around the globe and learn from their perspectives.
Friday night was another choir practice. I am happy to say that I am starting to remember the words and tunes of the new melodies, so I'm nearly as worried about getting the Alto section in trouble for not enunciating clearly! Ha ha!
An early Saturday morning took me to a conference being held among several of the Christian Universities and Seminaries in Ukraine. I had the privilege of listening to and then talking briefly with Dr. Manfred Kohl from Canada who challenged the institutions with several charges, including that of unity in Christ. It was great to hear someone with a very rich history in Ukraine (he has traveled here approximately 50 times in his lifetime) and from my recent observations here, I concur with much of what he said. And, of course, I like to meet people from around the globe and learn from their perspectives.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Pictures from 'Ukrainian Thanksgiving'
Our feast. The funniest moment of the evening was when they informed us that all of the other students at KCU were looking in the windows and wishing they could be inside with them.
Our group enjoying each other and our dinner.
Ira, my translator and friend helping with final preparations tonight.
...You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows...
Yesterday I spent HOURS scouring Kiev for a turkey. We found parts, but not a whole bird. Turkey breast fillets and two large drumsticks were more than sufficient to feed my missions class their own Thanksgiving dinner tonight. The students who drove us around on our excursion and helped with translation told other students and faculty today that they were amazed at how much food we bought and they thought that we could host a large wedding feast with what we purchased.
We found what was essential to prepare cheesecakes, turkey, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and a few other treats. I discovered today why there is a market for large personal ovens in the states -- Thanksgiving. We filled up every inch of available oven space in the cafeteria at Kiev Christian University. Today we ran around and baked/cooked all afternoon and were ready at 6:30 on the nose when my students were waiting patiently to taste what they had smelled in the afternoon.
There are moments in life that are memorable with crystal clear clarity for years. Tonight was one of those moments for me. Immediately following our meal they asked me to sing, so I sang 'You Said' by Shane and Shane -- a powerful song about asking God for the nations. We sang together and then one of the students sang Amazing Grace in Russian. After dinner and several words of gratitude for my time in the kitchen today, the students shared one by one what they were thankful for. I continue to be amazed at their depth of insight and willingness to serve and reach the lost for Christ. They repeatedly go on weekend excursions to evangelize a different area of Ukraine as well as mission trips throughout the former soviet union over their summer break. We laughed and ate together, then we shared part of our hearts with each other tonight.
At the end of the evening they presented me with a thank you card they had made as well as a picture with a stop sign that says stop and pray in Russian. I will treasure the memory of tonight and that picture as long as I live. My heart is full of gratitude and excitement.
We found what was essential to prepare cheesecakes, turkey, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and a few other treats. I discovered today why there is a market for large personal ovens in the states -- Thanksgiving. We filled up every inch of available oven space in the cafeteria at Kiev Christian University. Today we ran around and baked/cooked all afternoon and were ready at 6:30 on the nose when my students were waiting patiently to taste what they had smelled in the afternoon.
There are moments in life that are memorable with crystal clear clarity for years. Tonight was one of those moments for me. Immediately following our meal they asked me to sing, so I sang 'You Said' by Shane and Shane -- a powerful song about asking God for the nations. We sang together and then one of the students sang Amazing Grace in Russian. After dinner and several words of gratitude for my time in the kitchen today, the students shared one by one what they were thankful for. I continue to be amazed at their depth of insight and willingness to serve and reach the lost for Christ. They repeatedly go on weekend excursions to evangelize a different area of Ukraine as well as mission trips throughout the former soviet union over their summer break. We laughed and ate together, then we shared part of our hearts with each other tonight.
At the end of the evening they presented me with a thank you card they had made as well as a picture with a stop sign that says stop and pray in Russian. I will treasure the memory of tonight and that picture as long as I live. My heart is full of gratitude and excitement.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
First Winter Snow
Kiev is under a fresh, thin blanket of winter snow tonight. As I was browsing in one of the main department stores this afternoon and observed that there was one person looking in the women's shoe department and about 60 in the women's boot area I couldn't help but wondering if this was approaching sooner than later.
It is a very fine snow so the roads are slick, but everything glows. Again, a reminder that just as the dirt and grime of the city is covered in a fresh blanket of snow, so Jesus' blood covers our sins and and ugliness of our lives to make us white as snow.
Many envision a Dr. Zhivago scene when they think of Kiev in the winter and tonight was the closest to that picture that I've seen. We got all excited -- because we were driving in a car -- not walking around in it and wanted to start listening to Christmas music. It makes me laugh because I know sooner than later I will complain about the snow, but it's good to appreciate it from the inside looking out at the winter wonderland.
This week has flown by. After returning from our retreat excursion we continued with our language classes and ministry commitments. I had another guitar lesson! And, I sang with the Bucha church choir on Friday night at their rehearsal. It was fun, but took a lot of concentration. I had to sing songs I had never heard before in a different language. My friends on both sides of me were impressed that I could read the Russian. I was worried that the Alto section was going to be reprimanded for not enunciating clearly when I would stumble through sections of the words! It will come. And, it was great fun.
And a quick update on language school for those who have been praying for me: please continue to pray for me. My teacher told us last week that she has taught us everything about the several cases, so if we don't know something it's our own fault. Ha hA Ha. I think her timetable for me to speak fluent Russian is just slightly different than my timetable. By the grace of God I continue to grasp more and more of this beautiful and extremely difficult language.
It is a very fine snow so the roads are slick, but everything glows. Again, a reminder that just as the dirt and grime of the city is covered in a fresh blanket of snow, so Jesus' blood covers our sins and and ugliness of our lives to make us white as snow.
Many envision a Dr. Zhivago scene when they think of Kiev in the winter and tonight was the closest to that picture that I've seen. We got all excited -- because we were driving in a car -- not walking around in it and wanted to start listening to Christmas music. It makes me laugh because I know sooner than later I will complain about the snow, but it's good to appreciate it from the inside looking out at the winter wonderland.
This week has flown by. After returning from our retreat excursion we continued with our language classes and ministry commitments. I had another guitar lesson! And, I sang with the Bucha church choir on Friday night at their rehearsal. It was fun, but took a lot of concentration. I had to sing songs I had never heard before in a different language. My friends on both sides of me were impressed that I could read the Russian. I was worried that the Alto section was going to be reprimanded for not enunciating clearly when I would stumble through sections of the words! It will come. And, it was great fun.
And a quick update on language school for those who have been praying for me: please continue to pray for me. My teacher told us last week that she has taught us everything about the several cases, so if we don't know something it's our own fault. Ha hA Ha. I think her timetable for me to speak fluent Russian is just slightly different than my timetable. By the grace of God I continue to grasp more and more of this beautiful and extremely difficult language.
An ostich's eye is bigger than it's brain! I told my russian teacher this when I was showing her these pictures, only I don't know how to say bigger or smaller, so I just said, "Ostriches have very big eyes and little brains". She laughed and laughed. A couple of my friends have illuded that they have met a few humans that they think may have the same problem! HA HA HA HA! Just some trivia to lighten your day.
This is a church that we walked by on our way to the farm. It seems to capture a typical image of a country orthodox church in Ukraine.
This is my friend Lena. It is such a blessing to have true friends here. It doesn't keep me from missing friends and family at home, but it certainly is an added blessing here!
This is a church that we walked by on our way to the farm. It seems to capture a typical image of a country orthodox church in Ukraine.
This is my friend Lena. It is such a blessing to have true friends here. It doesn't keep me from missing friends and family at home, but it certainly is an added blessing here!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Victor and I at the retreat. SkipBo was a big hit! We all sat by the fire and played games until very late. It was a beautiful place and a lot of fun.
Our walk to the ostrich farm on Wednesday was beautiful. Cold, but beautiful...
The Ostrich's send their greetings! :)
It was quite an experience. They have over 100 ostriches, pot belly pigs, pheasants and some chickens.
Our walk to the ostrich farm on Wednesday was beautiful. Cold, but beautiful...
The Ostrich's send their greetings! :)It was quite an experience. They have over 100 ostriches, pot belly pigs, pheasants and some chickens.
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