April 4, 2008
It has been one week since I landed in Ukraine. My arrival should have been a time of adventure and excitement but instead was a time of great tragedy, loss and confusion. I did not know what I would do or where I would go. But as my friend shared with me, God did know what kind of situation I would be coming into before I arrived and He was able to take care of me. I have a fantastic place to stay with wonderful people who have helped me adjust to my new environment.
I have also been blessed to be able to take part in a Life Skills training course at CBN. My dear friends Ruby and Lynn from LAMb International just happened to be in Ukraine
for the week to facilitate the seminar. I took the course with 11 Ukrainians who are already using the materials to change the lives of orphans. This course gave me tools and recourses to work with children that I would not otherwise have. The course covers a wide variety of topics from a Christ centered perspective. It covers everything from Self- Worth, Character Development, Decision Making, STDs, Relationships, Money Management, and Hygiene. It was encouraging to hear the success stories of the people who were already using the material with children. Through this experience, I was able to connect with old friends and make new ones.
Life in Kiev is very interesting. It is hard to believe it is more than 1,500 years old. Riding buses and subways to travel around the city is always an adventure. In Ukraine there is always room for one more on public transportation. For the most part people are very serious during transit. They keep a straight face as they travel from place to place. New tastes, sights, smells, and sounds are everywhere. Listening to them speak is very intriguing. I try to listen for words I understand. I am also learning new Russian words daily. Reading is becoming easier as I become accustom to seeing the print everywhere.
Although I am 7 time zones away from home I often see things that remind me that it is not so far away. McDonalds, Brad Pitt’s face on a passing bus, and American rap artist videos playing in the subway station. American influence has been integrated into the traditions of this age old culture.
At this point it is unsure exactly when I will be traveling to Vapnarka. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me and the situation here. You are very encouraging. It will probably be sometime next week. For now, I am living one day at a time, excited to see what God has planned next.
God Bless
It has been one week since I landed in Ukraine. My arrival should have been a time of adventure and excitement but instead was a time of great tragedy, loss and confusion. I did not know what I would do or where I would go. But as my friend shared with me, God did know what kind of situation I would be coming into before I arrived and He was able to take care of me. I have a fantastic place to stay with wonderful people who have helped me adjust to my new environment.
I have also been blessed to be able to take part in a Life Skills training course at CBN. My dear friends Ruby and Lynn from LAMb International just happened to be in Ukraine
for the week to facilitate the seminar. I took the course with 11 Ukrainians who are already using the materials to change the lives of orphans. This course gave me tools and recourses to work with children that I would not otherwise have. The course covers a wide variety of topics from a Christ centered perspective. It covers everything from Self- Worth, Character Development, Decision Making, STDs, Relationships, Money Management, and Hygiene. It was encouraging to hear the success stories of the people who were already using the material with children. Through this experience, I was able to connect with old friends and make new ones.Life in Kiev is very interesting. It is hard to believe it is more than 1,500 years old. Riding buses and subways to travel around the city is always an adventure. In Ukraine there is always room for one more on public transportation. For the most part people are very serious during transit. They keep a straight face as they travel from place to place. New tastes, sights, smells, and sounds are everywhere. Listening to them speak is very intriguing. I try to listen for words I understand. I am also learning new Russian words daily. Reading is becoming easier as I become accustom to seeing the print everywhere.
Although I am 7 time zones away from home I often see things that remind me that it is not so far away. McDonalds, Brad Pitt’s face on a passing bus, and American rap artist videos playing in the subway station. American influence has been integrated into the traditions of this age old culture.
At this point it is unsure exactly when I will be traveling to Vapnarka. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me and the situation here. You are very encouraging. It will probably be sometime next week. For now, I am living one day at a time, excited to see what God has planned next.
God Bless
1 comment:
Tiff:
It is a pleasure to receive an update from you & even more exciting to know that God is working in your life already not that we had any doubt. Sounds like by the time you do return home - you are going to be overwhelmed and full of knowledge and have a whole new love for a culture other than our own. I continue to pray for you and those around you that. We love you and miss you - it definitely is not the same without you.
Keep us posted.
Love ya
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