do i see the sun or the clouds?

This morning at 4 AM just as daylight was beginning to break I woke up. I know this is rather early however, after 5 hours of sleep I felt refreshed and awake. I rolled out of bed into the kitchen to make some coffee as I do most mornings. Early in the morning is such a great time of reflection for me. The sun is coming up, it's quiet, still and the busyness of the day hasn't started yet - I just love it!

During this quiet time a few things came to mind: Am I a person of resolution or one who is full of excuses? Do I try to resolve a problem or do I immediately create reasons why something will not work? No matter what the situation is there is a choice to make. We make decisions everyday, what time do I get out of bed, what do I wear, what do I eat, etc.. you get the point. Do we make excuses for our behavior, do we rationalize our actions?

Today I could have stayed in bed and made many excuses about why 4 AM was too early to be awake, but I did not I rolled out of bed with joy and started the coffee. I even went for a run, I am not a runner, I am a wanna be runner so I should say I try to run or a make an effort to run, nonetheless I went. I took the stairs up eight flights when I returned, passing the elevator - this would have been a great time to make an excuse to take the elevator instead of the stairs, but I did not.

Believe me not all of my days begin like this, I would certainly like them to. I desire to see the sun through the clouds, soak up the beauty that is all around me and be an individual of resolution not excuses!

Sponsor a child for camp!!!

We are in the midst of planning a children’s summer camp in the village of Zdvizhivka, just outside of Kyiv. The camp will take place July 13-17 and the team needs your help!

We have a team of six preparing to come from the states, however they have not met their budget and we have not met ours in Ukraine. We are in a financial pinch and would love it if you would find it in your heart to sponsor a child to attend the camp. We are falling short about $4800 and therefore, offering each of you reading this an opportunity to help us out by sponsoring a child for the camp! Based on the number of children expected — 100 — we are suggesting a gift of $48.00 per child.

We will be transporting children daily from the city, providing lunch, crafts, music, sports, and the Gospel. We are continuing to look for qualified translators and other helpers who will donate their time, though we will have to pay their travel, accommodations, and meal costs. Of course, we would love to be able to provide a small monetary gift, but we have not made any promises!Prayerfully consider whether you might sponsor a child or two. Or even give a gift of ANY size to help offset the costs of this camp. From what we’re hearing, this is only the second camp ever in Ukraine to specifically invite HIV+ children.

Checks are tax-deductible and should be made payable to IFI, Inc. (International Faith Initiatives, Inc.) with a note on the memo specifying UMO camp. (Ukraine Medical Outreach) Please send donations to IFI, Inc., 5592 Pinecrest Circle, Noblesville, Indiana 46062.

We will be sure to let you know specifically which child you sponsored. And we hope to post pictures as well. (Though we will NOT be able to identify which children are HIV+ due to privacy laws.)

Thank you, in advance, for your prayers and gifts.In Christ,
Allyson

Flock Together

I am not referring to birds of a feather flocking together - I am talking about sheep, God's sheep.

Over the past week or so I have been hit several times with the same message, so I ask the Lord what is it you are trying to tell me? The message has been about the shepherd and His sheep. Is he telling me I am the lost sheep, is He telling me to go after the one and leave the 99, is He simply expressing the importance of being a part of a flock? To this day I am not sure, but I know it will be clear to me one day soon.

I was asked to write a very brief children's story about a sheep. I first decided to research sheep to find out more about the animal. The one big lesson for me was that they travel in a flock for protection from their enemies. As Christians are we not taught to do the same. This is why fellowship is so important, why being a part of a church family makes a difference in your christian walk and why we have the strength to be able to face challenges in life. A church family provides support in so many different ways. I am reminded daily I cannot do anything on my own.

Diligence or Obstinacy?

Diligence is perseverance in carrying out action and Obstinacy is the quality or state of being stubbornly unyielding.

If the goal is to serve the Lord and do His will than that would mean I should have diligence to carry out the passion He has placed in my heart. If I am being obstinate and not in God’s will than I am not being an obedient servant. One’s heart always speaks to one’s mind; however both can provide the incorrect information. The mind if not focused on Christ can play tricks on you and the heart if strictly following feelings or emotions can be mistaken.

The enemy is very capable of distorting the truth whether it is in our hearts or our minds. We serve one true and holy God who desires to be close to us, who wants to direct our paths in the way we should go. If we trust in Him completely and have faith even as small as mustard seed the Lord will provide and He will lead us. Do not be held captive by man’s way remain focused on the Lord and His ways will direct you every day.

We do not have to have the answers we should just be at peace with the questions!

I'm Back !

Well really I never left, I was experiencing technical difficulties since last August.

So I find myself almost 9 months after my last blog trying to sum up what has been happening here. My apologies I will do my best to keep up with this blog as I love to write I am more than happy to share my thoughts and experiences with you .

I have almost been here a full year now and quite honestly there were days, even weeks where I did not think I would make it this long. Clinging to God's word, knowing the desire and passion to work with orphans has been on my heart for many years has given me the strength to press on each and every day.

I realize I am not a patient person and I would like everything that comes to mind to happen now. In life as you know things take time, it is not our timing, but God's timing as He is always in control.

A large lesson I am being taught is that it is okay to be still. It is in the stillness that we have an abundant opportunity to reflect upon the Lord and His word. Although it is difficult for me to just "be" that is when I am able to focus my eyes and mind on the Lord without distractions. Often I sit and plan my day what do I need to do or what should I be doing? I get so caught up in being busy I take my eyes off the Lord.

Psalm 27: 14 "wait for the Lord; be courageous and let your heart be strong."

In the stillness of this day may we walk with our Lord and know He is our strength, may we all embrace the stillness of each day!

Praises :)

I think I mentioned in my email newsletter a girl by the name of Nadia? Nadia came to the youth outreach during our June VBS to play some sports. She just loves to play softball, a girl after my own heart. Anyway Nadia is 15 and tested to attend college this fall in Kiev, she was not a believer when she attended the youth outreach in June. Well God is smiling as Nadia has accepted His Son Jesus into her heart! She made several friends at the church and we all have stayed in touch with her. Inna and Kevin Bohn actually invited Nadia to come to camp with them and Nadia agreed, here is how Inna tells the story of Nadia's salvation.

We took her to camp with us and were praying for an opportunity to talk with her about Christ. Yet, she came up to me on the third day of the project and announced that she had received Christ. I asked her when and how it happened. I was quite surprised to learn that it happened on the train on the way to the project. She was going together with two Christian girls from Kiev university campus, and they asked her if she was a Christian. They shared Four Spiritual Laws with her and she prayed to receive Christ into her heart. It was quite amazing to see Nadia transform and grow right before our eyes.

After my lecture on fear Nadia confessed to me that there were some things in her life she was fearful to try because of what others might think about her. One of them was singing in front of other people. She decided to make a step of faith and sing a song with a couple of other students at the evening meeting. After that she kept singing and performing in skits at our meetings. Another fear she had was speaking to strangers. Interesting enough, Nadia shared her new faith during the evangelistic outreaches with more people than anyone else at the project.

There was a special prize for a student who would prove to be the most passionate evangelist – a pair of evangelist's shoes, and Nadia got the prize! The shoes were too big for her though and she gave them to an African guy. What amazed me even more was the fact that the second day (three days after she became a Christian herself) I saw her sharing the Gospel on her own with two young men at the beach, although she was supposed to be paired up with a more mature Christian since it was her first experience (see the picture). We were so happy to watch Nadia learn to spend her quiet time with the Lord, sing and pray to Him, share her faith and make new Christian friends with other students.

Nadia attend church this past Sunday and brought her mother with her, she will also join in a Bible study for girls her age. To God be the Glory!

running water what a blessing!

July was a very busy month for me. One team came in from America as another one left. I was asked to help with a camp outside Odessa in a village near the Black Sea, I had a friend coming to visit and stay with me for a week and my tourist visa was getting ready to expire. What's a girl to do.

Camping near the Black Sea was an absolute adventure I will never forget. A group of us traveled to the village by van from Kiev preparing to conduct a Vacation Bible School there, no problem. The plan was to host the VBS and then enjoy a bit of rest at the beach so we would camp for 12 days total.

We arrived at the camp site in the dark, again no problem we will shine the headlights so we can set up the tents right. Camping Ukrainian style - imagine weeds about two feet high we were told to begin packing them down, I am thinking are they for real why not locate an area that has already been cleared, seems logical to me? Nope it was no joke, so I begin packing down the weeds and setting up the tents. I really have camped before just never like this! This was the true down and dirty camping. We did not have a cleared camp site, there wasn't any running water to speak of except the sea, a toilet do we really need one, and shower well that is what the sea is for. I was in for a life changing experience and I knew it as soon as we arrived at the sea.

By day two I was ready to find the bus station or train station and call it quits. I was near the beautiful Black Sea with about 15 Ukrainian people and could not communicate for 12 days this would be a record for me. About two days into camping I had a mild break down and a girl named Ania began speaking in English to me! Thank you Lord! Ania was such a blessing, I was happy she was there. Needless to say I stayed at the camp for 10 days and took my first train ride back to Kiev Monday July 21. A city that is about an 8 hour drive by van took 14 hours by train.

The train is a unique way to travel as well. We departed Odessa at about 7 PM so we would have to sleep on the train. Getting on the train and walking to our seats was actually exciting. The train has open compartments with four beds in each section. While you are sleeping it is basically a slumber party on the train as you can see everybody as they sleep. I slept fairly well on the train, but I would not choose to travel by train if I had an option. I always thought a train would be faster than a car, but it is not, it actually takes longer. We arrived in Kiev the next morning about 9 AM on July 22.

I took the metro back to my apartment. I had to make one stop before I went home. I stopped at a local shop to purchase a razor, I was looking forward to getting home taking a nice long bath or shower and shaving my legs!! That is exactly what I did and I felt like a new women.

I had one day before my house guests would arrive so I had to get a few groceries items. July 23 at about noon I met my friends at the train station, this turned out to be a day of rest for all of us, as we were all so tired. Two days later July 26 I would depart and go to Budapest Hungary which was two fold: I had to renew my tourist visa and I was able to visit with another friend there. What a blessing it was to be able to do that.

I am back in Kiev now, my friends are all gone and I am preparing for a medical clinic in September. This past Thursday at the office I received communication that our bike outreach scheduled for August 10 has been cancelled. The region in Ukraine has been terribly damaged by flooding. Our church is trying to put together a team to go help with the relief efforts. As of right now you cannot get a vehicle to the villages, everything is being taken in and out by helicopter.

I am so thankful for running water and a toilet. It is the little things in life that make me happy. Through all of this I do feel as if I am able to relate better to the children living in the streets and the homeless population. The Lord is good and is always near.

Good Times!

Today I arrived at the train station to greet the American team and take them to the airport as they are celebrating Independence Day by flying back to the United States.

I will miss them, it has been great having them in Ukraine. VBS ended one week ago today, it seems like it was ages ago. I learned a valuable lesson again, apparently God needs to tell me things a few times before they actually sink in :)

Proverbs 19:21 "many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (thank you Kendra)

This scripture was sent to me the first day of VBS and I reminded myself daily of it. As I planned for the camp, organizing all the details and bringing two teams together that did not speak the same language I realized only God could pull this off. I could plan all I wanted to, but when it came down to implementing the program with the children the plans went out the window. I need to trust God and have faith that His plans will prevail regardless of the structure I have in place. When working in teams you have to be flexible without a doubt, there are so many different personalities involved that only God can calm the storm. We all prayed together and asked the Lord to use us for His plans and His will after all that is what he asks of us isn't it? The results were that children heard the Gospel and came to know Christ which is exactly what the Lord asks of us as His disciples.

Thoughts for today...

As I sit in my office on a Sunday morning I am missing my church, fellowship, music etc... it has been about seven weeks since I have been to a church service in English. Although I spend time with God daily, I am missing the relationships and fellowship with other believers. I am with believers here and I can sense their hearts, however my conversations are limited.

What do my actions say about me? Am I living by the Spirit, am I accomplishing His will, am I being a good and faithful servant? I pray for my actions to speak words lined with selfless love, encouragement and sincerity each day. Since I am limited in my communication here, I speak through my actions and I pray they resemble that of my savior Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

What are my heart’s desires? What is passion fueled by? A few thoughts on that, perhaps it is fueled by change, pain, joy, opportunity, loss of comforts,love, selflessness, faith, trust, discipline, responsibility, obligation, obedience, accountability, respect, giving, caring, genuine, dedication, enjoyment, I do not know but I will keep searching.

What do your actions say about you? What are you communicating?

Russian Language Classes!

This week I started language school on Thursday. It was a milestone week for me as I took the marschutka, metro, changed metros too and walked to the school completely by myself. Two days in a row and I did not get lost, Friday I even took the marschutka back to Bucha alone. I even had to tell the driver where to stop! WOW this is a big step for me.

Attending language school, that is another story for me; I signed up for the intensive class. My morning of public transportation went well I even arrived early and anybody who knows me well knows I am generally a bit late, but not today. So I arrived at the school twenty minutes early, plenty of time, there is a gentleman there speaking English so naturally I slip into my social mode since I can speak and another person will understand me. We started with small talk, what class are you taking, where are you from, what are you doing in Ukraine… that was the magic question, no I did not witness to him, but God was certainly present. I asked him what his name was he said Tyler, I told him my name and said I was here as a missionary working with youth and orphans. Well guess what - Tyler is Christian teaching English at the language school, attending an English speaking church and working with the street kids trying to rescue them and set up an orphanage for them so they might have a place to live. God is so clever; really, I did not even want to go to class I was so tired, a serious dislike of public transportation and all, what a blessing to arrive at the school and encounter yet another divine appointment.

Class was another story; it began with the teacher Leika speaking entirely in Russian after about an hour of that I was frustrated as I did not feel as if I was learning a thing. Jeff the other student agreed, we politely spoke with Leika letting her know we realize we signed up for an intensive class, but it is difficult for us to learn when we are not at all familiar with what you are saying, would you mind for today at least explaining to us what you are saying in Russian? She was extremely receptive to us; she had just moved back to Kiev two days earlier from Canada and was happy to speak in Russian and English.

My second day of language class, I woke up very tired, not enough sleep the entire week and I was not feeling well, but I knew it was Friday and if I could just make it through one more day I would have a full day to relax and rest up for the next week. So I got ready for class, public transportation all over again, it takes almost an hour and a half to get to school and often I will have to stand on the marschutka or the metro due to the number of people traveling so you can imagine how it might be a bit draining on any given day. Needless to say I made it to school, I even arrived thirty minutes early today, so I decided take a walk and see what was around the school. I walked one block away from the school, I cannot tell what direction, but it was not far at all. I stumbled upon a beautiful park, benches, flowers, a fountain, it was gorgeous, and I was so excited to find such a place amongst so many buildings and downtown area. The park is a perfect place to sit, read, take pictures, observe people, whatever, it is a great new discovery and I was happy to stumble upon it. I walked into class only to find my teacher was sick along with the other student; I wished I too was home in bed at that moment. What did I get up and out of bed for this morning feeling the way I did? I had a substitute teacher, Liliya and she will speak in Russian only and for three hours I will have a one on one session with her. I was not really up for this, I wasn’t feeling well, I was tired; I actually started to tear up when I did not understand her. She kept going, I explained I want to learn, but it is difficult when I do not understand. We got over that hump and it was an excellent class I learned so much from her. It was such a blessing to have a one on one lesson by the end of class we were laughing and joking with each other!

The Devil Prowls!

Today is June 2, 2008 the first day of our medical missions outreach clinic. We have one optical doctor here for eye exams for the children and there are many children to see.

The devil is on the prowl today as I could sense as soon as I woke up this morning. I rolled over to look at the clock 6:02 AM, Lord could I just stay in bed a bit longer? I know we chat in the mornings but today would you mind if I cut or chat short or postponed it until evening time? I was at the church the night before getting ready for the clinic and I am tired. I did stay in bed until 6:45 AM, got up put on a pot of coffee and headed to the shower in hopes of the water waking me up a bit. At 7:00 AM I am finished in the bathroom I went into the kitchen fixed a cup of coffee and headed to my room to finish getting ready for the day. Before I knew it, it was 7:20 AM, I ride was supposed to arrive by 7:30 AM so I rushed to the kitchen, purse, jacket and bag in hand ready to go. I thought I better eat something since I am not sure what will happen with the clinic, I may not have a bite to eat until I return home for the night? Needless to say the van did not arrive until after 8:00 AM to pick us up, the clinic starts at 9:00 AM and we are picking up the doctor on the way to the church, traffic, exam equipment, two stops on the way we will be fortunate to make it to the church by 9:00 AM!

We did exactly that! It was 9:00 AM at the church and nothing had been done yet, no tables set up, no people have shown up for appointments yet, the exam room was not ready etc…. you could cut the tension with a knife. I cannot speak the language, but I can sense things. We arrived at the church and we are trying to get things done only to find many people standing around doing NOTHING, hanging around in my office chatting where all the stuff is for the day. Get ‘er done is what I wanted to say, but would anybody understand me- um let me think for a minute – NO!

Our first appointment showed up at about 9:45 AM, I guess that is a part of the culture? I am not quite sure; nobody really seemed surprised by that so I suppose it is normal? Our first appointment arrived, we were expecting three children ages 6 and up, instead we got a grandmother and one child age 5, no problem we will roll with it. Okay now where is Natasha? She is doing all the registration as she is the one who spoke with every individual on the phone, she is cannot be found? No problem the doctor was still not ready to see anybody so it was actually a blessing they were late for their appointment.

So this is the way the day had started! It is now 11:00 AM here and the day is underway. We will be behind, but the joy of the Lord will pull us through. Please pray for the medical outreach this week as it will continue today through Wednesday.

One Month

One month in Kiev, I am not settled yet, I think it will take a while?

It is like a puzzle. When I work on a puzzle I like to dump all the pieces out of the box, then I begin to flip them all over so the right side is facing up, from there I like to locate all the outside pieces to make the frame of the puzzle, then I begin to fill in the whole picture.
Right now, I suppose I am trying to locate all the pieces to put together the puzzle frame. Where does each piece belong? I haven’t even looked at the big picture yet, maybe just a glimpse; however, I am not quite ready to put it all together yet. The frame must be built, prayer, support, a place to live, learn the language, build relationships, become familiar with new surroundings, learn the culture, etc…

I need to be accepting of the fact that this is a major change in life and it is okay that all the pieces of the puzzle are not in place just yet. I feel as if the frame is coming together and a few pieces of the inside structure are being placed together. Next week we will have a medical mission team here to see children from the district. This will allow the church an opportunity to reach out to many of the children. This will be the first major outreach opportunity towards the orphans since I have been here. It will serve as a building block, as these children will also be invited to attend VBS at the church only three weeks after. I am excited to see what other pieces God will put together with the children.

I need to remember it is only one piece at a time. All the pieces will come together in God’s perfect timing. All the pieces will create a beautiful picture when it is completed. As of today, I remain living outside the city, language school has been placed on hold one more week due to the medical missions and the orphans at the church next week, support is at approximately fifty percent, I am building relationships, becoming more familiar with the area and learning the culture every day. For now that will have to be enough.

Passion Kyiv 2008

It is my third Friday night in Kyiv and I am living 20 km outside the city, most individuals travel by public transportation however, I am a bit shy about traveling by myself due to my mishap one day earlier. I really want to attend Passion how do I get there and who do I go with? The people I do know are already busy and not attending Passion. I called Inna, she is getting married in one week and is not able to go, I called Ira and Tonya they are both sick and cannot go. So Ira took it upon herself to call a friend she knew spoke English thinking I needed an interpretor.

Vlad called me and I said there is this concert I really would like to attend tomorrow night, he said no problem what time does it begin, where should we meet and how should we travel there? WOW, I did not even think I said I will be at the church could you meet me there and we can travel by the metro to downtown. What did I just agree to? I am having a total stranger take me to a concert in a city of 5 million people? I did not think about in any longer, I must be at Passion somehow, some way I will attend. I did find out just before leaving for the concert he does know my pastor so I felt fine about it.

I am so glad I went. Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redmon, Charlie Hall all in one place at one time praising the Lord - in Kyiv - in ENGLISH! What a blessing, it was exactly what I needed to be refreshed. Shine your light, walk with God, be a blessing to others, there is nobody more famous than Jesus!

Vlad and his sister Oksana live in Bucha too so it was the metro to the train to Bucha after the concert that night. No problem when you trust in the Lord. Life is good.

Wednesday May 21, 2008

Another good day here in Ukraine. I received a ride to the office today to meet my new friend and co-worker Vovo. I asked Vovo to travel via metro with me to the language school so I would not get lost, he was happy to help. As we were traveling on the metro he reminded me that the work I desire to do as it say in James is very important and respectable. ( James 1:27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.) I also spoke with my new friend Aimee yesterday and she explained with mission work rarely is it ever what you expect!

I am one who likes to jump into my work head first and get started. I am reminded daily that God is in control. There are so many things that need to happen and be taken care of before I may begin my work directly with the orphan children. As that is my passion the Lord is telling me to wait on Him, in His timing. I am being molded more and more each day.

The sun is shining today and there is a gentle breeze to cool the warmth of the sun. How beautiful it is ! I love the fact that every where you walk there are vendors on the street selling produce or flowers, it is amazing you feel like an apple as you are walking or as you get off the metro you buy one it is as simple as that. Take time today to enjoy a walk, absorb the warmth of the sun that God has provided.

Josh McDowell - Kiev, Ukraine

I went to listen to Josh McDowell speak yesterday and it was all about parenting so perhaps the message was intended for me to share, since I do not have any children of my own. :)
He said there are 3 things you can be certain of:
1) There is no guarantee to parenting
2) It is never too late to start where you are
3 ) You may just have a difficult child

He has 7 principles of parenting:
1) Affirmation - Affirm your childs emotions (Romans 12:15) When they are happy be happy when they weep weep with them!
2) Acceptance - provide unconditional acceptance (Romans 15:7) Accept as God accepts
3) Appreciation - expressing this to a child tells them they are important ( Matt 3:17)
4) Availability - Make yourself available to your children it tells them they are important to you (Matt 19:13-14)
5 ) Affection - Hug your child
6) Approach your child's world - (if they play barbies play with them)
7) Accountability - Owe it to your children to provide reasonable boundaries and rules

Josh said it is not biblical to discipline what a child is doing wrong instead praise and appreciate all they are doing right. Make your family your number one ministry, do not sacrifice your family for the ministry of church - family should be your first priority. Do your children feel they come after the church if so you are not in God's will. First the head of the household should be a great husband and a great father.

That about sums it up! He had to rush thru the last three so he did not provide the scripture that went with it.

Imagine

Yesterday morning I woke up and decided it was time for me to branch out and try public transportation on my own! What was I thinking? I am currently living about 30 minutes outside the city so I must take the bus to the church each morning or find a ride. Well this particular morning I had to be at the church at 9:15 AM, I could either tell the group to go without me and not go at all, I would miss Josh McDowell speaking and stay in Bucha for the day or attempt to take the bus to the city on my own. As I left the house to walk to the bus stop, the family said see you later as I walked out the door. They informed me I need bus 381 CB - okay no problem I thought I can do that.

I watched at least 3 buses go by with 381 on them and I decided I need to get on a bus soon as I had to be at the church in 30 minutes so I boarded the bus paid the fare and down the road we went. About 1 km from my stop the bus took a left hand turn, OH NO this is not the way I need to go. Do I call somebody, but who, who would understand English well enough to understand what I am saying? I am in a small pickle, I am in the very back of the bus the only way out is in the front and it is standing room only. Are you getting the picture. I remained calm and continued on the bus for another 15 minutes or so. When I arrived at a metro station I pushed my way to the door so i could get off the bus before I broke down. At the metro station I recognized the street and new I was about two stops from the church, do I attempt another form of public transportation like the metro - under ground unable to see where I am traveling - okay maybe I can do better on the metro I thought. I walked through the tunnel people every where, I decided not to brave the metro I would rather see where I was traveling so above ground I went out of the tunnel and into the day light. By this time I have been traveling for about an hour already. No problem, I some what know where I am, I will just walk :) About 16 blocks later I am one block from the church and my friend Vilodi found me. We walked back to the metro station to travel to see Josh McDowell...

Live and learn try new things what is the worst that can happen you get lost, trial and error. Later that day I found out the bus made a left due to a traffic problem. So you see I was never lost to begin with, God was by my side the entire way.

Three weeks in Ukraine, life is good!

All is well in Ukraine aside from not speaking the language most days are good. I have been working at the church and have jumped right in. We have a medical clinic taking place the first week in June for the orphans in the community, I have been working on that to schedule the families. That same week I will begin an intense language program to learn some Russian, I need to get past Good morning how are you? That will only take me so far. It is amazing just how much I do understand even though I do not speak the language.

I am also working on the VBS program for the end of June. We are inviting about 50 orphans from the area around the church. There is a group coming from Asheville to participate in the VBS program. I am very excited to be working on this program with the American group and the Ukrainian group together.

Yesterday I was asked to sublease an apartment about 4 blocks from the church it was a direct answer to prayer. The couple is and American couple headed back to the states for 8 months and asked if i would stay at their place, it was such a blessing. Most of the apartments I have looked at all three were very small and expensive!

I also have experienced all forms of public transportation: the trolley bus, the maschutka, the metro all are very crowded but what do you expect from a city of 7 million people, I would have to say I prefer the metro over the other two. It is a guessing game for me right now as far as where I am headed and what metro or trolley to take, I will learn soon enough. It is difficult when you cannot read the signs to know where you are headed :)

Last week we met with a mayor of a town about 120 km outside of Kiev, we plan to have another orphanage there. It would be nice to have a facility closer to where I am living.

The past two weeks I have spent one on one with an orphan named Gela. She is 11 and a beautiful young lady. My heart aches for her as she is being sent back to the orphanage tomorrow. I do not want her to go and it brings tears to my eyes to think of sending back there as she does not want to go either. The orphanage is 12 hours away so she will go by train in the morning. She is an amazing little girl, it is hard to understand why one would leave her. Her mother died a year ago and her father is in Russia somewhere. Her grandmother is around but very old - her older brother lives with the grandmother. He is a troubled child. Gela told me yesterday she used to buy alcohol for her mother before she went to live at the orphanage it is very sad. She came to stay with Nickolay and Luda for a bit where she and I have shared a room for the last two weeks. I have bonded with her and I hate to see her go back, I hope she will be adopted soon. She is such a smart beautiful girl. I cannot imagine being so young and so alone in this world. She loves affection, holding hands and hugs. She loves to eat too. She can speak a bit of english and plays any instrument she picks up. She loves to share and help around the house too. What a great girl she is, I will miss her more than I can express in words.