Today we are going on a retreat. I don't know much about it other than we will be gone overnight, returning late on Wednesday. They have promised a big fireplace to sit by, time to relax and reflect, and a sauna "if there is enough electricity"! LOL. I'm not really sure what that means, but am not too concerned about whether there is a sauna or not... Right now I'd settle for hot water. Our building has been without hot water since late yesterday, for the first time since our arrival.
The day today appears to be like Michigan's weather yesterday, a beautiful sunny fall day! The trees here are almost bare from the rains of Sunday and Monday, but the golden leaves are scattered all around the ground and a few are clinging to the trees in desperation.
Please pray with me that I will take the opportunity to reflect on so many opportunities and emotions that I have experienced since arriving here in Kiev. I am excited to get away and have yet another cultural experience... Their version of a retreat!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Dr. Hooverman and Genady translating this weekend as he explains his journey through life.
These 2 gentlemen provided the special music on Saturday. They sang a traditional Ukrainian chorus.
We attended the concert of prayer on Saturday night with the youth group from Bucha church, and then on Sunday evening, I also went to the concert of prayer for the whole church.
These 2 gentlemen provided the special music on Saturday. They sang a traditional Ukrainian chorus.
We attended the concert of prayer on Saturday night with the youth group from Bucha church, and then on Sunday evening, I also went to the concert of prayer for the whole church.
In my element...
Isn't it interesting to think about what makes you excited and really happy? And, even how some of that changes over time...
This past weekend there was a missiologist from Sweden visiting who gave lectures on Saturday. He and his wife were the first missionaries to a small area in Thailand several years ago. He now has his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies and works for Swiss Air preparing business executives who are moving to different countries. He helps them anticipate challenges and learning curves. I loved listening to him talk about his own journey and what some of his challenges are now as well.
The other really exciting piece is that there were people from all over the world at the lectures. Some I had met in Kiev previously, but it was great once again to touch base with them and meet others and hopefully offer some encouragement to very difficult circumstances in many closed countries. God is faithful and His timing is perfect. When I see my brothers and sisters who often have difficulties traveling back to their home countries, I have to remind myself of this. I am sorry to not be more specific, but for their safety, I cannot.
This past weekend there was a missiologist from Sweden visiting who gave lectures on Saturday. He and his wife were the first missionaries to a small area in Thailand several years ago. He now has his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies and works for Swiss Air preparing business executives who are moving to different countries. He helps them anticipate challenges and learning curves. I loved listening to him talk about his own journey and what some of his challenges are now as well.
The other really exciting piece is that there were people from all over the world at the lectures. Some I had met in Kiev previously, but it was great once again to touch base with them and meet others and hopefully offer some encouragement to very difficult circumstances in many closed countries. God is faithful and His timing is perfect. When I see my brothers and sisters who often have difficulties traveling back to their home countries, I have to remind myself of this. I am sorry to not be more specific, but for their safety, I cannot.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Garlic, anyone????
There are many firsts in life. Today was the first time that I bit into a clove of raw garlic. I waited until the Ukrainian at the table did it first because I thought it was a joke. After all, if you like garlic flavor in your soup, wouldn't you just mince it and put it in the pot? Apparently not. Honestly, as long as you had a spoonful of soup it wasn't that bad. But, note, I only had one!!
Monday, October 23, 2006
So much to say, so little time
My apologies for not blogging over the past two weeks. We've been pretty busy and unfortunately, my blogging habits don't seem to be consistent yet...
I'll do my best to give you an overview of the past couple of weeks. We had the opportunity to attend the Franklin Graham Evangelism conference here in Kiev. It's always great to hear messages in your native tongue! It was also fun to see Ukrainians encouraged in their faith and excited about going home and sharing what they've learned with their church. Interestingly, we met in the large auditorium in Kiev. It's quite an old building with ornate fixtures. Victor told us to explore the building in our spare time because it was originally built as a prison where they held many Christians during communism and then used as a school, and now open to organizations such as the evangelism conference that we attended. Praise the Lord! There is such interesting history here.
We are staying with 3 mk's while their parents are in the states. It's great to have a little more space and also nice to get to know the girls better. The dog, which there is a picture of with Sarah keeps us on our toes. They live a short 10 minute mashrutka ride away. So, I am certain when we traveled with all of our stuff, there were many raised eyebrows. And, as we walked up to their building in the pouring down rain, we were reminded of the fact that we are not used to taking taxis.. WHAT were we thinking, not taking a taxi with our suitcases, etc? We made it safe and sound.
It's been fun to get involved with the youth group here. The youth pastor and his wife have had a discouraging year, and so we are praying that we can be a blessing and encouragement to them during our stay. The junior highers in particular have been really excited to start a fresh new year! The youth pastor is finishing up seminary this year. Pray that God will direct them as they decide what He wants for them in the coming years.
Once again, transportation continues to be a challenge. This past Wednesday morning, we needed to travel from the home we are staying at back to KCU to teach English composition. We waited for the mashrutka, only to be passed by a couple of times because it was so full... By the way, I didn't know there was such a thing as no more room on a mashrutka... ha ha ha; and there was a traffic jam, so we decided that we could probably walk just as fast, or faster. We intended to walk a little way and ten when the traffic cleared to catch another bus. We ended up walking the whole way--about 45 minutes. You just never know here. All the more reason to always wear comfortable shoes! :)
We have enjoyed having some friends over for dinner and also being invited to many Ukrainians homes for meals. Yesterday was the highlight. We had dinner with some people that I've met on previous visits and they had a couple over who are friends of theirs. The husband is Ukrainian and the wife is from the middle east. She came to Kiev to study architecture. She met her husband and stayed here in Kiev. They started attending a local church here and she became a christian about a year ago. After dinner we sat around the table and she fired questions at us about our faith and God and the christian life in general. It was great! We are going to get together with them again in a couple of weeks.
There are days when I think, I want to stay here for another 6 months; then there are days when I want to come home tomorrow. I guess that's part of living life an ocean away. It's hard to believe that our stay is almost half over. I wish I could transport many of you over here. I want to share the sights, the tastes, and even the smells with you. I miss processing so much of my experience with you all. I've learned so much -- about God, about Ukraine, and even about myself.
I haven't met with the parliament members yet about the street children. There were several members ill the day we were supposed to meet. So it is being rescheduled. I am still looking forward to this dialogue.
I had my first guitar lesson!!!!!!!!!! Yeah! I can play the melody from Yesterday and 2 chords!
Thanks for all of your prayers. I am doing well. Enjoying many new experiences and facing new challenges. I have a nasty cold. Please pray that I can quick get over this before the weather gets much worse.
I'll do my best to give you an overview of the past couple of weeks. We had the opportunity to attend the Franklin Graham Evangelism conference here in Kiev. It's always great to hear messages in your native tongue! It was also fun to see Ukrainians encouraged in their faith and excited about going home and sharing what they've learned with their church. Interestingly, we met in the large auditorium in Kiev. It's quite an old building with ornate fixtures. Victor told us to explore the building in our spare time because it was originally built as a prison where they held many Christians during communism and then used as a school, and now open to organizations such as the evangelism conference that we attended. Praise the Lord! There is such interesting history here.
We are staying with 3 mk's while their parents are in the states. It's great to have a little more space and also nice to get to know the girls better. The dog, which there is a picture of with Sarah keeps us on our toes. They live a short 10 minute mashrutka ride away. So, I am certain when we traveled with all of our stuff, there were many raised eyebrows. And, as we walked up to their building in the pouring down rain, we were reminded of the fact that we are not used to taking taxis.. WHAT were we thinking, not taking a taxi with our suitcases, etc? We made it safe and sound.
It's been fun to get involved with the youth group here. The youth pastor and his wife have had a discouraging year, and so we are praying that we can be a blessing and encouragement to them during our stay. The junior highers in particular have been really excited to start a fresh new year! The youth pastor is finishing up seminary this year. Pray that God will direct them as they decide what He wants for them in the coming years.
Once again, transportation continues to be a challenge. This past Wednesday morning, we needed to travel from the home we are staying at back to KCU to teach English composition. We waited for the mashrutka, only to be passed by a couple of times because it was so full... By the way, I didn't know there was such a thing as no more room on a mashrutka... ha ha ha; and there was a traffic jam, so we decided that we could probably walk just as fast, or faster. We intended to walk a little way and ten when the traffic cleared to catch another bus. We ended up walking the whole way--about 45 minutes. You just never know here. All the more reason to always wear comfortable shoes! :)
We have enjoyed having some friends over for dinner and also being invited to many Ukrainians homes for meals. Yesterday was the highlight. We had dinner with some people that I've met on previous visits and they had a couple over who are friends of theirs. The husband is Ukrainian and the wife is from the middle east. She came to Kiev to study architecture. She met her husband and stayed here in Kiev. They started attending a local church here and she became a christian about a year ago. After dinner we sat around the table and she fired questions at us about our faith and God and the christian life in general. It was great! We are going to get together with them again in a couple of weeks.
There are days when I think, I want to stay here for another 6 months; then there are days when I want to come home tomorrow. I guess that's part of living life an ocean away. It's hard to believe that our stay is almost half over. I wish I could transport many of you over here. I want to share the sights, the tastes, and even the smells with you. I miss processing so much of my experience with you all. I've learned so much -- about God, about Ukraine, and even about myself.
I haven't met with the parliament members yet about the street children. There were several members ill the day we were supposed to meet. So it is being rescheduled. I am still looking forward to this dialogue.
I had my first guitar lesson!!!!!!!!!! Yeah! I can play the melody from Yesterday and 2 chords!
Thanks for all of your prayers. I am doing well. Enjoying many new experiences and facing new challenges. I have a nasty cold. Please pray that I can quick get over this before the weather gets much worse.
A couple more :)
Our friend from the middle east. 
One of the places to look out over part of downtown Kiev.
The famous crowded mashrutkas that we keep talking about.
The past two weeks...
Eating with friends to celebrate birthdays
Sarah and Chloe or Clova --her Russian name -- styling her pink parka for winter walks.
We had our friends Sasha, Natasha and Egor over for lasagne.
Sunday dinner with Irena and her family and friends.
Sarah and Chloe or Clova --her Russian name -- styling her pink parka for winter walks.
We had our friends Sasha, Natasha and Egor over for lasagne.
Sunday dinner with Irena and her family and friends.
Some photos to capture the past two weeks
Our traveling attire as we battled the rain lugging all of our 'stuff'...
Isn't this the wierdest apple you've ever seen? I bought one just to take a picture of and put on my blog. The Ukrainian's call it an Adam's apple. The instructions tell you to cut it into small pieces and soak it in vodka for 10 days, then to put it on sore joints... hmmm. Didn't try that. I was going to taste it, but one of my classmates was convinced it was poisonous so I was chicken. The inside was all milky...
We had the privilege of attending the Franklin Graham evangelism conference in Kiev. There were about 500+ pastors and church leaders there. One night this guy started playing the piano. I said, Sarah, I recognize him! Huntley Brown has played at Calvary several times, so after the evening program was finished, we went up and talked with him. Funny to run into people like this so far away!
Isn't this the wierdest apple you've ever seen? I bought one just to take a picture of and put on my blog. The Ukrainian's call it an Adam's apple. The instructions tell you to cut it into small pieces and soak it in vodka for 10 days, then to put it on sore joints... hmmm. Didn't try that. I was going to taste it, but one of my classmates was convinced it was poisonous so I was chicken. The inside was all milky...
We had the privilege of attending the Franklin Graham evangelism conference in Kiev. There were about 500+ pastors and church leaders there. One night this guy started playing the piano. I said, Sarah, I recognize him! Huntley Brown has played at Calvary several times, so after the evening program was finished, we went up and talked with him. Funny to run into people like this so far away!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Harvest Sunday
Today was the harvest festival at Bucha Church. They had a beautiful display of their bountiful harvest. A time of thanksgiving.
And, the second picture is my little friend, Artur. He loves to say my name and gets excited to see me. And, as you can see in the picture is the only 2 year old Ukrainian drummer that I know of.
And, the second picture is my little friend, Artur. He loves to say my name and gets excited to see me. And, as you can see in the picture is the only 2 year old Ukrainian drummer that I know of.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
IMPORTANT
if you have not registered to vote, you need to! Immediately!
I beleive that you have until October 8 to register and vote in the November election. So, if you have not done so, PLEASE make the time and uphold your civic responsibility!
I beleive that you have until October 8 to register and vote in the November election. So, if you have not done so, PLEASE make the time and uphold your civic responsibility!
SOOOO many things to be excited about
Kiev 2006 that I'm not quite sure where to start!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday I bought a guitar and will hopefully start lessons within a week!
You have heard Sarah and I talk about the huge problem of children living on the streets in Kiev... my friend Victor is meeting with Christian members of the Ukrainian parliament in a week and a half and has asked me to participate in the meeting because of my legislative background. PLEASE pray for insight and wisdom as we discuss this issue.
There is a former missionary who lives in Sweden that is coming to talk with my class at KCU about missions and the wolrd and cultures in October. I am very anxious to meet him and hear his perspective on the world and the many places he and his family has served.
Next week there is a large Billy Graham conference in Kiev that we will have the opportunity to be a part of. The organizaiton holds evangelism conferences to help enable churches and beleivers around the world. Pray for many who will be traveling to participate in the conference.
I got an email from my neice!
The weather continues to be amazing here! Tonight was downright balmy walking downtown.
The book that I wanted to use as text for my class actually IS translated into Russian, even though up until today no one had bothered to tell me when I asked...
It's been a great week!
Yesterday I bought a guitar and will hopefully start lessons within a week!
You have heard Sarah and I talk about the huge problem of children living on the streets in Kiev... my friend Victor is meeting with Christian members of the Ukrainian parliament in a week and a half and has asked me to participate in the meeting because of my legislative background. PLEASE pray for insight and wisdom as we discuss this issue.
There is a former missionary who lives in Sweden that is coming to talk with my class at KCU about missions and the wolrd and cultures in October. I am very anxious to meet him and hear his perspective on the world and the many places he and his family has served.
Next week there is a large Billy Graham conference in Kiev that we will have the opportunity to be a part of. The organizaiton holds evangelism conferences to help enable churches and beleivers around the world. Pray for many who will be traveling to participate in the conference.
I got an email from my neice!
The weather continues to be amazing here! Tonight was downright balmy walking downtown.
The book that I wanted to use as text for my class actually IS translated into Russian, even though up until today no one had bothered to tell me when I asked...
It's been a great week!
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