May 28, 2008
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ But does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
James uses this passage to argue that faith and works go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. And just as faith without works is useless, Paul states in 1 Corinthians 13 that without love, faith and woks are useless. Faith and Love are both essential to those who walk with God. So how will this be reflected in our lives? The scripture from James addresses the physical needs. The children I am working with have been given food and clothes. These needs are met. And while it is important to be clothed and fed, it is only the beginning. Every day, my eyes are awakened to new needs. Each child is different. Their pasts are like chains that imprison them. All need to be loved but in different ways. For Vitalic, who is afraid to dream and to go after his dream, he must be challenge, he must be encouraged until he finds the courage to be himself. For little Nina it is to be watched. Colia, needs a strong hand to guide his infinite supply of energy. And for Lassia, it is to be held.
When I came to Ukraine, it was unclear to me exactly what I would be doing. Working with children, Yes. Loving them, Yes. Teaching English, Yes. Allowing God to open my heart to a new part of him, Yes. But how exactly, I didn’t know. But I did know God was calling me. After being here for two months and preparing to apply for my visa, I am still not exactly sure. There is not a clear plan or a map (although I would like one). I am teaching English, but informally. It is a task but not a goal. My goal is to love, to build individual relationships with each child, to meet their individual needs. At the same time, I will continue to develop The Kingdom Discovery to formally teach lessons. I use my bulletin board as a tool to not just teach but to help make each child feel special. This past week I added an long strip of paper to the door. On one side is inches, on the other side centimeters. In the middle is a line, a name, and a smiley face marking the height of each of the children.
The Individual Child
I live with seventeen children. Wow! That sounds like a lot, especially when we only have one bathroom. Between me and the children and the caretakers it is a full house.
On a side Note: My new roommate didn’t seem to mind when he moved in this week. He also didn’t care that he woke me up at 2:30am and didn’t let me fall back to sleep until sometime after 5:00am. Since his arrival Sunday I have not gotten much sleep. His name is Meesh. For those of you who don’t know Russian, Meesh is the word for Mouse. Please pray that he either leaves my room for a new home elsewhere or that he finds his way into the lovely jar (the homemade mouse trap), we have provided for him to stay.
Back to the kids- Considering the past that these children have survived it is a miracle to see what God has done in their lives and to watch them grow in a safe environment. But as I have already stated wounds from a youth are difficult to overcome and if action is not taken to heal them then they will stay with an effect a person for the rest of their life. Each child is different. My time here is not enough to help every child heal completely from everything. Healing is a lifelong process, that each individual must choose for themselves- orphan or not. But that doesn’t mean my time here is wasted either. It just means that it is valuable.
Vitalic
I have spoken of Vitalic often. He has a remarkable ability to speak English. He wants to be a translator. The first Sunday I was in church without another American to translate and he found out that he was to translate he trembled with fear as he put his head down and slumped his shoulders. When I questioned him about why he was afraid, he said it was a long story. When I asked what it was, that I would listen, he said – later, because church was about to begin. That was about three weeks ago, and I still have not heard the story. However, God has given me the opportunity to speak with him numerous times. He has begun to share. He admitted that he is afraid to translate. That his fear keeps him from translating. We have also discussed that his ability is a gift from God. Every day we are talking more. This gives him the opportunity to exercise his gift. He has started translating small things for me, like questions for the care takers and about the arrival of my new roommate. He is willing to proofread my Russian typing and writing. Vitalic is fifteen years old but in many ways he is younger and in many ways he is older. He is the oldest of three boys. Before they came to live here he was basically raising them, helping them to find food, and forcing them to eat when they had the chance. Before Vitalic came here, he was being taught to speak Dutch in school. While he was there, it was his dream to speak English. In Vapnyarka, the foreign language taught is English. Vitalic excels in English. God has given him a home, a safe place to live, a place to grow up without the full responsibility of taking care of his brothers and he has given him the opportunity to have his dream come true- to speak English. I believe that God has amazing things in store for him. Please pray for Vitalic. Pray that he could overcome, all that holds him back. Pray that he would not be afraid to dream, that he would not be afraid to accept the gift God has given him. I am excited to see what God does with his life.
Lassia
Monday night I walked into the girls’ room and found myself in the middle of craziness. If you are a woman who can remember the slumber parties of your youth, or have your own daughter you know of the giggling, the fun, and the silliness that takes place when girls get together. Seven girls sharing a room is not much different. Girls were sitting on a bunk, giggling and acting goofy. Others were playing with a Chinese jump rope, one was playing with a doll, all were having fun. I was invited to join some girls sitting on a top bunk. A little Russian, a little Ukrainian, and a little English. We communicated. We laughed. It was a fun time. One of the girls laid down with her head in my lap while we were hanging out. She was warm from all the activity. She placed my cold hands on her pink cheeks to cool them.(My hands are almost always cold) I began to stroke her cheek with my hand. A simple gesture that would seem common to most but to this little girl it was just what she needed. It wasn’t long until the other girls went into the living room to watch TV. As I sat stroking her cheek, I wondered if anyone had done that before. What a sad thought that a child could go her whole life without just being held, cuddled, or treasured. Girls came in and out to get things, to play with the jump rope, but Lassia lay still, resting on my lap with my hand on her cheek. An hour later the girls came into get in bed. And I was faced with the challenge of sneaking out, replacing my lap with a pillow and trying to get enough of Lassia’s blanket out from under to tuck her in. After kissing her on the cheek I joined the other girls for their bedtime prayers. I went to bed thankful for the opportunity to be with these precious children. When I came out of my room in the morning, I was greeted by a huge hug from Lassia. Last night after dinner she came and found me, hours before bedtime. Tiffany please, my bed and you- she brushed her cheek with her hand to demonstrate what she wanted. Okay, I said. I put on my pajamas, brushed my teeth and joined her. We talked for a little bit, as I gently ran my fingers up and down her back, stroked her cheek and ran my fingers through her hair. It wasn’t long before she was asleep. It seems strange that a child would rather go to bed while the sun still shines, with her head on someone’s lap than to playing with the other children in the living room. Or is it really that strange, that a child seeks comfort she has never known?
Nina
Nina has a beautiful imagination. She loves to play with dolls and give concerts. The other night while I was in the girls’ room with Lassia asleep on my lap, Nina entered. She decided to play with the Chinese jump rope by herself, by ringing it around two stacks of stools. (If you are wondering what a Chinese jump rope is, it is an elastic rope that has been tied to make a circle, like a giant rubber band. Two children put it around their ankles and stretch it out while a third child must complete different challenges, like jumping over it this many times or jumping on one side of the stretched boundary and then jumping to the other landing with both feet on the rope. Once a child completes certain tasks the rope is then moved from the ankles to the knees and the child must complete the tasks again with the rope at a higher level. If a child fails to complete one of the tasks, then one of the children with the rope at his ankles exchanges places with the child and is given the opportunity to complete the tasks. They continue to take turns till someone completes all the tasks. The first one done is the winner.) Back to Nina. As Nina secured the rope around the stools she looked up at me and asked me, “Will you watch me?” yes, I said. She finished setting up the rope and was about to begin when she looked up at me again, “Will you watch me?” Yes I answered. I sat and watched Nina, as she attempted to complete all of the tasks. I was her audience. To be watched was her desire.
As I sat stroking the cheek of a sleeping child and watching another, my heart was moved. Wow! God loves these children. He knows their needs. I don’t always know why I am here but he does. He loves these kids so much that He brought me from America just to hold them, just to watch them. He loves us all that much, we just choose not to recognize it.
Please continue to pray for the children here. Pray for me, that I would make the best of every opportunity to help meet their needs. And pray that God would provide these opportunities. But also pray for your own children. Pray for the children you meet every day. Don’t be afraid to offer an encouraging word or pat them on the back. Ask them how they are doing. Really care, really listen, and really love them. I recently read this quote by Jill Briscoe, "Lots of people do never do anything because they can't figure out how to do everything." Please do something. We weren't created to do everything. We were created to work together, each using our gifts to serve God.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Inside Out
May 23, 2008
“Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day.” Those words crossed my mind yesterday as I looked out the window and saw gray skies, trees swaying every which way as a blustery wind forced them into submission. The wind was howling, cracks of thunder could be heard frequently. The wind was cool as it blew the smell of wet earth through my window. The water fell gently over the earth and then as if all at once, the clouds broke open pouring all they had on the earth. Rain, rain go away? Come again another day? Why do we sing that anyway? Is there really a good day for the rain to come?
When I first arrived in Vapnyarka, it seemed like it rained at least every other day and every night. Days that it didn’t rain were gray. It was as if the sun had abandoned this small town. The sky was gray and dreary, few leaves were on the trees, flowers were not blooming and the roads had become paths of rocks and mud with puddles to dodge and streams running down the center. This depressing environment was magnified by the sight and sound of dogs everywhere. These are not the kind of dogs that you want to cuddle up or play fetch with. No, these dogs are meant to protect someone’s property, if they meet you they do not want to make friends; they want to take a bite out of you. It was a dark time in my journey. The events leading up to my arrival were heartbreaking. And now that I had arrived, I was all alone with no direction. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it three months, let alone a whole year. Living one day at a time is all I could do. Give thanks for what I did have. I wasn’t comfortable but comfort becomes trivial when you are concerned about survival. God was there but so was Satan. The rain continued. Thanks to the prayers, support, and words of others here and in the U.S. I was encouraged. I knew I could make it. I was not alone.
Since that time much has happened. Spring has come, flowers have bloomed, trees are green, it rains less often, and I have officially put away my winter coat. The dogs still bark but the sound of birds singing beautiful songs can also be heard. I am getting around town much better on my own. My language skills are improving.
I wish I could tell you, “I am finished writing now, because things are just peachy!” I mean, if there is one thing that I do not doubt, it is that God has me here in this place at this time. So of course, because He is here, everything is perfect. Everything is good. I don’t get home sick. I don’t experience culture shock. Every door opens with ease. WRONG! This week has actually been rather difficult. I have been stressed about making arrangements for my Visa and having to change my airline ticket. And then there is the thought of ten more months here. It is something I look forward to but at the same time; I am anxious about what will happen as winter sets in and the Christmas season comes. What then? It seems odd to be away from my family at Christmas. Not being able to have a real conversation in English is also rather taxing. It is at these moments, when I am down and out and anxiety has found a place in my heart that Satan decides to speak up. “What am I doing here? It is so much easier to work with kids in the U.S., at least they can understand everything I am saying. Will my being here make a difference to anyone? I could just go home at the end of June. Why bother with the hassle of a Visa? If this really was the will of God, then why is it so difficult?”
Thankfully, this is not the only voice I hear. It is no coincidence that as I read the scriptures God pulls things out of my daily reading or directs me elsewhere to reveal His truth. I have heard such promises as:
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
1 Peter 5:10 “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”
I have also been encouraged as I read the story of Paul and the other believers. Throughout the book of Acts we see apostles travel throughout their world, sharing the gospel. They do miracles, they are loved accepted and taken care of by the church. And they are imprisoned, beaten, and many are killed. But still they go on. Still they give Praise. Still they share.
I have not been imprisoned or beaten. My suffering is small compared to Paul’s but like Paul I am greatly encouraged by other believers. It is miraculous to me that when I least expect it God uses my friends and family to speak to me on his behalf. It never fails that when I am discouraged or confused someone writes me something that specifically addresses the burden on my heart. How wonderful it is to be part of something so great, a body of believers, a family. I may be far away but I am not alone.
When I looked out the window yesterday and saw the storm move in, for the first time since I have been here, it wasn’t a dark cloud moving in. It was a refreshing shower. As the rain poured down, I found peace. It was as though God was saying, look I am here. Allow my love to pour down. Let it come into your life, may it quench your thirst, may My love be a source of growth. I will not leave you, my child. Let me wash your worries away. Be made new in me.
To even question whether my serving in Ukraine makes a difference in anyone’s life is a ridiculous question; because I know without a doubt that it has changed mine. It isn’t easy, but it isn’t supposed to be. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
“Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day.” Those words crossed my mind yesterday as I looked out the window and saw gray skies, trees swaying every which way as a blustery wind forced them into submission. The wind was howling, cracks of thunder could be heard frequently. The wind was cool as it blew the smell of wet earth through my window. The water fell gently over the earth and then as if all at once, the clouds broke open pouring all they had on the earth. Rain, rain go away? Come again another day? Why do we sing that anyway? Is there really a good day for the rain to come?
When I first arrived in Vapnyarka, it seemed like it rained at least every other day and every night. Days that it didn’t rain were gray. It was as if the sun had abandoned this small town. The sky was gray and dreary, few leaves were on the trees, flowers were not blooming and the roads had become paths of rocks and mud with puddles to dodge and streams running down the center. This depressing environment was magnified by the sight and sound of dogs everywhere. These are not the kind of dogs that you want to cuddle up or play fetch with. No, these dogs are meant to protect someone’s property, if they meet you they do not want to make friends; they want to take a bite out of you. It was a dark time in my journey. The events leading up to my arrival were heartbreaking. And now that I had arrived, I was all alone with no direction. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it three months, let alone a whole year. Living one day at a time is all I could do. Give thanks for what I did have. I wasn’t comfortable but comfort becomes trivial when you are concerned about survival. God was there but so was Satan. The rain continued. Thanks to the prayers, support, and words of others here and in the U.S. I was encouraged. I knew I could make it. I was not alone.
Since that time much has happened. Spring has come, flowers have bloomed, trees are green, it rains less often, and I have officially put away my winter coat. The dogs still bark but the sound of birds singing beautiful songs can also be heard. I am getting around town much better on my own. My language skills are improving.
I wish I could tell you, “I am finished writing now, because things are just peachy!” I mean, if there is one thing that I do not doubt, it is that God has me here in this place at this time. So of course, because He is here, everything is perfect. Everything is good. I don’t get home sick. I don’t experience culture shock. Every door opens with ease. WRONG! This week has actually been rather difficult. I have been stressed about making arrangements for my Visa and having to change my airline ticket. And then there is the thought of ten more months here. It is something I look forward to but at the same time; I am anxious about what will happen as winter sets in and the Christmas season comes. What then? It seems odd to be away from my family at Christmas. Not being able to have a real conversation in English is also rather taxing. It is at these moments, when I am down and out and anxiety has found a place in my heart that Satan decides to speak up. “What am I doing here? It is so much easier to work with kids in the U.S., at least they can understand everything I am saying. Will my being here make a difference to anyone? I could just go home at the end of June. Why bother with the hassle of a Visa? If this really was the will of God, then why is it so difficult?”
Thankfully, this is not the only voice I hear. It is no coincidence that as I read the scriptures God pulls things out of my daily reading or directs me elsewhere to reveal His truth. I have heard such promises as:
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
1 Peter 5:10 “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”
I have also been encouraged as I read the story of Paul and the other believers. Throughout the book of Acts we see apostles travel throughout their world, sharing the gospel. They do miracles, they are loved accepted and taken care of by the church. And they are imprisoned, beaten, and many are killed. But still they go on. Still they give Praise. Still they share.
I have not been imprisoned or beaten. My suffering is small compared to Paul’s but like Paul I am greatly encouraged by other believers. It is miraculous to me that when I least expect it God uses my friends and family to speak to me on his behalf. It never fails that when I am discouraged or confused someone writes me something that specifically addresses the burden on my heart. How wonderful it is to be part of something so great, a body of believers, a family. I may be far away but I am not alone.
When I looked out the window yesterday and saw the storm move in, for the first time since I have been here, it wasn’t a dark cloud moving in. It was a refreshing shower. As the rain poured down, I found peace. It was as though God was saying, look I am here. Allow my love to pour down. Let it come into your life, may it quench your thirst, may My love be a source of growth. I will not leave you, my child. Let me wash your worries away. Be made new in me.
To even question whether my serving in Ukraine makes a difference in anyone’s life is a ridiculous question; because I know without a doubt that it has changed mine. It isn’t easy, but it isn’t supposed to be. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Monday, May 19, 2008
Be Careful!
May 19, 2008
Note to travelers: When they pass the butter around the table, be careful how much you spread on your slice of bread because there is a good chance that it is mayonnaise.
Note to travelers: When they pass the butter around the table, be careful how much you spread on your slice of bread because there is a good chance that it is mayonnaise.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Part of the Family
May 17, 2008
“Part of the Family”
Moving into the Children’s Center a couple of weeks ago, I was a little nervous. I am happy to report that I have found living here much more comfortable than my other accommodations. This week I got news that I will be able to stay here. This is a huge praise. Living here has not only allowed me spend more quality time with the children but also have had the opportunity to get to know the caretakers better. I feel that I have become part of the family. This past week I helped in the kitchen, making potato dumplings. Perhaps by the time I get home, I will be able to make a whole Ukrainian meal - potato dumplings, potato soup, and mashed potatoes. Being part of the family also means that I have been allowed to participate in the cleaning. This morning while the kids were at school (kids go to school on Saturday when they have been off for a holiday), I helped the three other women strip the beds. We bleached the frames and changed the sheets. It was very interesting to see what treasures each child kept in between their sheet and under their mattress; sunflower seeds, water bottles, dirty socks, hot wheels, notebooks, baby doll clothes, and even a pair of scissors.
I have also started to make an effort to become a more active part of the church family here. This past Thursday I attended a house group. I joined met in a Ukrainian home with other adults from the church. One of the young men in the group speaks English well enough to translate. We began the meeting by drinking tea and eating cookies. (You will not be able to enter a Ukrainian’s home without having tea and cookies.) After opening in prayer we sang songs of praise. We discussed Sunday’s sermon, revisiting the scripture passages. This was good for me because Sunday I was without a translator and was only able to find some of the verses and get the gist of the message but not the details. We closed by sharing prayer requests and praying together. It was an enjoyable time for me to interact with people my own age. We were able to speak Russian and English and some Ukrainian. It is inspiring to hear the stories of other believers and to see what God has done in their lives. Their passion is great. It never ceases to amaze me how God brings so many different people together in His name. This is the testimony of the church, it is greater than anyone person, it is the work of God in all of us for His Glory. Slova Boga! Praise God!
“Celebration of Life”
There are three birthdays on my calendar this month. We have celebrated two. It is a wonderful thing to celebrate someone’s life. It is crucial in the development of these children’s self-esteem that their birthday is a special day. Observing these two birthdays I gained new insight into the lives of the children I am working with.
Traditionally in Ukraine, when it is someone’s birthday they are the one who plans the party and buys the cake and ice cream. Friends may bring small gifts but for the most part the person with the birthday is responsible for the expense of the party and the entertainment of guests. For the children at the Children’s Center birthdays are celebrated at a meal. When the child comes into the kitchen he or she sits on a chair while all the other children and staff gather around them to pray a special blessing over them. Then Happy Birthday is sang, with an additional verse of Jesus loves you. Children then are presented with a gift from the Children’s Center. Both of the kids whose birthdays were celebrated were older children. They received deodorant and perfume or cologne. After the birthday gift is given, all children find their place at the table and eat supper. Ice Cream, cake, and candy is served to finish off the meal. It is a tasty treat for all to enjoy.
Both birthdays I have been a part of were celebrated in a similar fashion, however the children’s response to their celebrated day was very different. Vitalic’s birthday was the first celebrated. I have written of Vitalic before, he is the boy who speaks English very well but is terrified to use it or translate, a mystery I am still working on; please keep him in your prayers. On Vitalic’s birthday he was very quiet. He did not say anything about it all day. No one said anything about it. This made me a little nervous. I knew and I knew the kids knew because it was on the calendar outside my door. At first I thought the entire day would pass as if an ordinary day. Finally I asked Vitalic at Lunch (3:00pm) if it was his birthday (maybe I was the one confused). He quietly said yes and looked away quickly. So I asked if they would sing to him since I knew this was a common practice. He looked at me and shrugged as he answered maybe. Thankfully, a few minutes later they brought out a stool and made him sit on it so they could pray and sing for him. After the blessing, singing, and gift giving he returned quietly to his seat and ate his meal and his cake and ice cream. It was as if he was trying to hide. He was thankful for his gift to be sure and thankful that people had honored his birthday but it was not openly welcomed. It is heartbreaking to me to see a boy with such potential who is so fearful of life.
The second celebration was for Nella. She helped me put the birthdays on the calendar at the beginning of the month and everyday when we move the today icon to the present date she points out her birthday. For weeks she smiled and grinned at the thought. She was not shy about her birthday. When the day came, others wished her Happy Birthday! She thanked them gratefully. It was her day and it had finally come. She helped pass out the cake and candy- everyone was enjoying her birthday; the day she was born; a celebration of her life. She was a part of the celebration.
Everyday I spend with these kids I discover new things- about their talents, their abilities, likes and dislikes, their personalities, things that excited, things they love but I also see more of their pain, their wounds, the curses passed down to them from parents they barely know. In the time they have lived here they have been given a safe loving environment where their needs are met and boundaries and expectations are set. But the healing process is a long and difficult one. Each child has their own wounds rooted deep within them. Only through Christ will they find the healing truth they need. Please pray for the each of the children- Pray that they would become strong men and women of God and where there are lies planted, that they would be uprooted and in their place God’s love would take hold and grow deep in their hearts so that they may find healing and build a new life of blessings which they will pass on to the next generation.
“Girls will be Girls and Boys will be Boys”
No matter where you go in the world, you will find smiling girls who dream of performing on stages and being delighted in by all who will watch. You will find boys with scraped up knees and elbows, seeking great adventure. During my time here, I have seen many children who meet this description, but two stand out. It gives my heart great joy to see them partake in life as God intended it. For God has certainly made men and women both in his image but very different parts of it.
The other day I had a front row seat to the greatest show on earth, actually I was the only one seated in the audience. Nina, one of my seven year old students stopped jumping rope when she saw me sit down, “Concert, Tiffany!” is all she said. I watched as she tied one end of her jump rope to the fence and looked up at me with a smile. Speaking into the other end she made an announcement and then began to sing a song. When she was finished she bowed and I clapped. She made another announcement and picked up an American Flag from the fence. Then she began to dance, humming along as she went. She sang and danced 4 or 5 songs stopping for my applause at the end of each. It was a beautiful thing. She was getting some one on one attention that she desperately needed and my heart leapt for joy as tears swelled in my eyes at the thought of, “This is God’s desire for every child. To be loved. To be watched. To be delighted in. To be encouraged to reach for dreams to imagine. If I leave Ukraine and Nina does not know anymore English than when I came, it really doesn’t matter. What does matter is that she knows that she is loved, that she is special, that she is beautiful, and that she is valuable.
Colia is not the youngest boy in the children’s home but he is the shortest. What he lacks in height, he makes up for in orneriness. He has bruises from head to toe. He never slows down. There is never a dull moment. Like a tornado of energy he leaves and enters a room. But he is always there when you need help. He often makes sure I am taken care of. I find that I never stop laughing when Colia is around, even when I have no idea of what he is saying.
Colia is all boy. On our way to the woods the other day the caretaker could be heard yelling at him to get off his bike and walk as the road steeped downhill. “Not hearing her” Colia sped up and down he went laughing and yelling for people to move out of the way. When we arrived at the forest, he ramped his bike over a bump and into a small dip into the terrain. He circled around until he lost speed and fell to a slow stop on the ground. After about an hour and a half some of the children had to go back to practice music. A new young teacher and I were left with the other 7 children. While the caretaker was gone, Colia became bored and began pestering the girls, taking their ball. When they would finally get it back he would wrestle it back from them while they were crying and screaming at him. The young teacher yelled at him but took little action (She is only 20 and has little experience with children but she is learning). Colia would give it back to the girls when she yelled but would then take off running after them, only to take it again. Finally, I decided to do something. I was hesitant because it is difficult to communicate big ideas. So I sat with Colia, holding his arm and using broken Russian to explain to him that he need to leave the girls alone. But Colia needed something more. Like Nina he needed attention, but a different kind. He needed boundaries, somewhere to stop. Colia did not need somebody to yell at him, he gets yelled at all the time. He needed somebody to stop him. He also needed something else to keep him busy. So I took out my Frisbee and for the rest of the afternoon Colia and I passed it back and forth.
The environment the kids at The Children’s Home live in is not comparable to the brokenness from which they come. But like every kid they need one on one attention. It is hard to get this with seventeen siblings and only a handful of rotating adults. While I am here, it is my goal to take time out to spend with each individual child. I believe it is important to their development. Please pray that these opportunities continue to arise. Pray that God will guide my steps, may I go where he needs me and do his work not what I think it should be.
I have uploaded a picture of Colia and some of the pictures of Nina’s performance to the most recent album. Please remember both of them in your prayers.
Warning to all persons traveling the streets of Ukraine, DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH ANY ANIMALS YOU MAY PASS OF THE ROAD, WHETHER THEY BE DOGS, GEESE, COWS OR EVEN GOATS- IF YOU DO THEY MAY CHARGE AT YOU. DO KEEP THEM IN YOUR HINDSIGHT IN CASE THEY DECIDE TO ATTACK ANYWAY.
As many of you know the time has come for me to apply for my Visa. Please pray for this process. Also pray for construction and finances for the new Children’s Home facility. Continue to pray for the Skala family and their ministry. Pray for the children. Please continue praying for Dr. Vladimir. I have not heard anything recently but will let you know if I hear anything. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you for being a blessing in my life.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
“Part of the Family”
Moving into the Children’s Center a couple of weeks ago, I was a little nervous. I am happy to report that I have found living here much more comfortable than my other accommodations. This week I got news that I will be able to stay here. This is a huge praise. Living here has not only allowed me spend more quality time with the children but also have had the opportunity to get to know the caretakers better. I feel that I have become part of the family. This past week I helped in the kitchen, making potato dumplings. Perhaps by the time I get home, I will be able to make a whole Ukrainian meal - potato dumplings, potato soup, and mashed potatoes. Being part of the family also means that I have been allowed to participate in the cleaning. This morning while the kids were at school (kids go to school on Saturday when they have been off for a holiday), I helped the three other women strip the beds. We bleached the frames and changed the sheets. It was very interesting to see what treasures each child kept in between their sheet and under their mattress; sunflower seeds, water bottles, dirty socks, hot wheels, notebooks, baby doll clothes, and even a pair of scissors.
I have also started to make an effort to become a more active part of the church family here. This past Thursday I attended a house group. I joined met in a Ukrainian home with other adults from the church. One of the young men in the group speaks English well enough to translate. We began the meeting by drinking tea and eating cookies. (You will not be able to enter a Ukrainian’s home without having tea and cookies.) After opening in prayer we sang songs of praise. We discussed Sunday’s sermon, revisiting the scripture passages. This was good for me because Sunday I was without a translator and was only able to find some of the verses and get the gist of the message but not the details. We closed by sharing prayer requests and praying together. It was an enjoyable time for me to interact with people my own age. We were able to speak Russian and English and some Ukrainian. It is inspiring to hear the stories of other believers and to see what God has done in their lives. Their passion is great. It never ceases to amaze me how God brings so many different people together in His name. This is the testimony of the church, it is greater than anyone person, it is the work of God in all of us for His Glory. Slova Boga! Praise God!
“Celebration of Life”
There are three birthdays on my calendar this month. We have celebrated two. It is a wonderful thing to celebrate someone’s life. It is crucial in the development of these children’s self-esteem that their birthday is a special day. Observing these two birthdays I gained new insight into the lives of the children I am working with.
Traditionally in Ukraine, when it is someone’s birthday they are the one who plans the party and buys the cake and ice cream. Friends may bring small gifts but for the most part the person with the birthday is responsible for the expense of the party and the entertainment of guests. For the children at the Children’s Center birthdays are celebrated at a meal. When the child comes into the kitchen he or she sits on a chair while all the other children and staff gather around them to pray a special blessing over them. Then Happy Birthday is sang, with an additional verse of Jesus loves you. Children then are presented with a gift from the Children’s Center. Both of the kids whose birthdays were celebrated were older children. They received deodorant and perfume or cologne. After the birthday gift is given, all children find their place at the table and eat supper. Ice Cream, cake, and candy is served to finish off the meal. It is a tasty treat for all to enjoy.
Both birthdays I have been a part of were celebrated in a similar fashion, however the children’s response to their celebrated day was very different. Vitalic’s birthday was the first celebrated. I have written of Vitalic before, he is the boy who speaks English very well but is terrified to use it or translate, a mystery I am still working on; please keep him in your prayers. On Vitalic’s birthday he was very quiet. He did not say anything about it all day. No one said anything about it. This made me a little nervous. I knew and I knew the kids knew because it was on the calendar outside my door. At first I thought the entire day would pass as if an ordinary day. Finally I asked Vitalic at Lunch (3:00pm) if it was his birthday (maybe I was the one confused). He quietly said yes and looked away quickly. So I asked if they would sing to him since I knew this was a common practice. He looked at me and shrugged as he answered maybe. Thankfully, a few minutes later they brought out a stool and made him sit on it so they could pray and sing for him. After the blessing, singing, and gift giving he returned quietly to his seat and ate his meal and his cake and ice cream. It was as if he was trying to hide. He was thankful for his gift to be sure and thankful that people had honored his birthday but it was not openly welcomed. It is heartbreaking to me to see a boy with such potential who is so fearful of life.
The second celebration was for Nella. She helped me put the birthdays on the calendar at the beginning of the month and everyday when we move the today icon to the present date she points out her birthday. For weeks she smiled and grinned at the thought. She was not shy about her birthday. When the day came, others wished her Happy Birthday! She thanked them gratefully. It was her day and it had finally come. She helped pass out the cake and candy- everyone was enjoying her birthday; the day she was born; a celebration of her life. She was a part of the celebration.
Everyday I spend with these kids I discover new things- about their talents, their abilities, likes and dislikes, their personalities, things that excited, things they love but I also see more of their pain, their wounds, the curses passed down to them from parents they barely know. In the time they have lived here they have been given a safe loving environment where their needs are met and boundaries and expectations are set. But the healing process is a long and difficult one. Each child has their own wounds rooted deep within them. Only through Christ will they find the healing truth they need. Please pray for the each of the children- Pray that they would become strong men and women of God and where there are lies planted, that they would be uprooted and in their place God’s love would take hold and grow deep in their hearts so that they may find healing and build a new life of blessings which they will pass on to the next generation.
“Girls will be Girls and Boys will be Boys”
No matter where you go in the world, you will find smiling girls who dream of performing on stages and being delighted in by all who will watch. You will find boys with scraped up knees and elbows, seeking great adventure. During my time here, I have seen many children who meet this description, but two stand out. It gives my heart great joy to see them partake in life as God intended it. For God has certainly made men and women both in his image but very different parts of it.
The other day I had a front row seat to the greatest show on earth, actually I was the only one seated in the audience. Nina, one of my seven year old students stopped jumping rope when she saw me sit down, “Concert, Tiffany!” is all she said. I watched as she tied one end of her jump rope to the fence and looked up at me with a smile. Speaking into the other end she made an announcement and then began to sing a song. When she was finished she bowed and I clapped. She made another announcement and picked up an American Flag from the fence. Then she began to dance, humming along as she went. She sang and danced 4 or 5 songs stopping for my applause at the end of each. It was a beautiful thing. She was getting some one on one attention that she desperately needed and my heart leapt for joy as tears swelled in my eyes at the thought of, “This is God’s desire for every child. To be loved. To be watched. To be delighted in. To be encouraged to reach for dreams to imagine. If I leave Ukraine and Nina does not know anymore English than when I came, it really doesn’t matter. What does matter is that she knows that she is loved, that she is special, that she is beautiful, and that she is valuable.
Colia is not the youngest boy in the children’s home but he is the shortest. What he lacks in height, he makes up for in orneriness. He has bruises from head to toe. He never slows down. There is never a dull moment. Like a tornado of energy he leaves and enters a room. But he is always there when you need help. He often makes sure I am taken care of. I find that I never stop laughing when Colia is around, even when I have no idea of what he is saying.
Colia is all boy. On our way to the woods the other day the caretaker could be heard yelling at him to get off his bike and walk as the road steeped downhill. “Not hearing her” Colia sped up and down he went laughing and yelling for people to move out of the way. When we arrived at the forest, he ramped his bike over a bump and into a small dip into the terrain. He circled around until he lost speed and fell to a slow stop on the ground. After about an hour and a half some of the children had to go back to practice music. A new young teacher and I were left with the other 7 children. While the caretaker was gone, Colia became bored and began pestering the girls, taking their ball. When they would finally get it back he would wrestle it back from them while they were crying and screaming at him. The young teacher yelled at him but took little action (She is only 20 and has little experience with children but she is learning). Colia would give it back to the girls when she yelled but would then take off running after them, only to take it again. Finally, I decided to do something. I was hesitant because it is difficult to communicate big ideas. So I sat with Colia, holding his arm and using broken Russian to explain to him that he need to leave the girls alone. But Colia needed something more. Like Nina he needed attention, but a different kind. He needed boundaries, somewhere to stop. Colia did not need somebody to yell at him, he gets yelled at all the time. He needed somebody to stop him. He also needed something else to keep him busy. So I took out my Frisbee and for the rest of the afternoon Colia and I passed it back and forth.
The environment the kids at The Children’s Home live in is not comparable to the brokenness from which they come. But like every kid they need one on one attention. It is hard to get this with seventeen siblings and only a handful of rotating adults. While I am here, it is my goal to take time out to spend with each individual child. I believe it is important to their development. Please pray that these opportunities continue to arise. Pray that God will guide my steps, may I go where he needs me and do his work not what I think it should be.
I have uploaded a picture of Colia and some of the pictures of Nina’s performance to the most recent album. Please remember both of them in your prayers.
Warning to all persons traveling the streets of Ukraine, DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH ANY ANIMALS YOU MAY PASS OF THE ROAD, WHETHER THEY BE DOGS, GEESE, COWS OR EVEN GOATS- IF YOU DO THEY MAY CHARGE AT YOU. DO KEEP THEM IN YOUR HINDSIGHT IN CASE THEY DECIDE TO ATTACK ANYWAY.
As many of you know the time has come for me to apply for my Visa. Please pray for this process. Also pray for construction and finances for the new Children’s Home facility. Continue to pray for the Skala family and their ministry. Pray for the children. Please continue praying for Dr. Vladimir. I have not heard anything recently but will let you know if I hear anything. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you for being a blessing in my life.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Settling In
May 9, 2008
To say that the past week has been eventful would be an understatement. I have moved to a new home, experienced cultural traditions, been on a wild ride, and went shopping at the bazaar by myself.
Home Sweet Home
When I returned from Kiev, I was homeless. I was to stay at the Children’s Center for a few days. I am still there. The people I was living are having some difficulties with the remodeling process. After two days of sleeping in the living room on a pull out chair arrangements were made for me to move into the room that once belonged to Julie, the girl who passed away and her sister Victoria. I have found that living at the Children’s Center is a great blessing. Believe it or not, it is more peaceful here. I am able to spend more time with the children. I also have my educational tools at my fingertips. I turned my bedroom door into a bulletin board. It has an English Calendar on which we were able to put the children’s birthdays and Ukrainian and American Holidays. The kids are also learning basic words like months, days, and seasons. There is also a list of colors and an activity I made for the children to make multiple words by exchanging the first letter of three letter words with various letters to make new words. This allows them to see word patterns, practice reading, and build vocabulary. I included a list of words, which I will translate next week while the kids are in school to help them check to see if the word they created is real. It was gratifying to see the kids whose birthdays are this month light up when they saw them on the calendar. One of the girls helped me get all the birth dates and write the kids names in Ukrainian. She has taken great pride in the calendar that she helped to construct. I myself was excited when I woke up this morning to kids outside my door making words. I could hear them reading them, checking them and discussing what letters to use to make another word. I hope to continue using the door as a tool for education by adding to it and changing words and activities.
Living here, I do get to spend a lot more time with the kids, especially in the mornings before school and in the evenings after all their homework is finished. I often get to join them for their bed time prayers. While they are at school though, I have time to read, study, recharge, and work on the development of combining life skills and English education. God has given me many ideas. My plan is to create a special club like environment called The Kingdom of Discovery. Students will become citizens of the imaginary kingdom. While there they will learn everything from life skills to English. Kids will learn by doing work independently and in groups. By participating in activities, completing assignments, and winning challenges children will be able to earn Gems (The Currency of The Kingdom of Discovery). With these they will be able buy prizes and such. It is important that these kids learn to work for or earn things. Because of their circumstance they have a tendency to beg for what they want or try to make people feel sorry for them to get things. Managing money is a skill they need but is not readily taught in their society. I also hope to create forms for them to fill out for things like banking. This is not part of the school curriculum here as it is in the U.S. Students will also learn about applying scriptural principles. We will focus a lot of time on the fact that they were all created unique and special. Many of these children struggle with having a good self-esteem and are often starving for attention. It is important for them to have a good sense of self. These lessons should be instrumental in helping to prevent them from seeking unhealthy ways to fill the need for the love and attention they desire. I am excited to see what God will do with the program as it is developed and implemented. Please pray that God will continue to do His work. Pray for me, that I am doing His will for the children. I also ask that you join me in praying for someone to assist me in the execution of the project. To have a Ukrainian, who speaks a little bit of English to communicate with me but also has a desire to mentor the children would be a great blessing. The material is also more effective when taught to children in their native language. A Ukrainian also has a better understanding of their culture than I will ever have. I also believe that having a Ukrainian who is committed to working with the children would be able to continue the work even after I am gone, which is crucial to the continuous development of the children.
Cultural Tradition
In a culture as old and rich as Ukraine’s there are countless traditions and practices. One of these traditions is the revisiting a loved one’s grave forty days after their death. Sunday, May 4th marked not only the end of the Easter week but 40 days since my arrival in Ukraine and Julie’s tragic death. After church family, friends, and the oldest children from the children’s center piled into cars and the church bus and traveled to the cemetery. The cemetery itself was an interesting experience. There were many other people there. Easter week is not only a celebration of the resurrection but a time to visit the dead. Most of the graves were surrounded by a fence. Whether this practice is to keep out dogs or to mark territory, I am unsure. Some of the graves had a table and bench beside them for their loved ones could come and picnic with the deceased. Unlike North American Cemeteries, the grass was not cut. Overgrown weeds and grass gave seldom traveled on paths an untamed look.
In the midst of all of this, I found myself standing at the grave of a young girl I only knew through stories. I may not have known her but I know this, she lived a beautiful life, bringing blessings to all those who met her. She lived an abandoned life. And as her mother says, “she touched everyone at their soul”. I will never understand why God took Julie from this place, from these children, or from her family. That is where faith comes in. On this 40th day marking her death a handful of those she touched gathered to honor her life. They read scripture, sang songs of worship, and listened as Julie’s mother gave an account of her life and her love for God. People visiting other gravesites were stopping to listen as Natalia spoke. Julie may be gone from this earth but she continues to touch people for Christ.
After the service we went to a near buy restaurant where a banquet was held in her honor. People ate and fellowshipped in her name. They stood and told stories. Even though I did not understand every word it was evident that Julie brought great joy to those around her.
Transportation???
Sunday afternoon I road back to town with the few children who came and others that lived nearby, in the church bus. While in Ukraine I have ridden in cars, subways, and even crammed into a trolley but this bus did beat all. A small square European or Russian van, I’m not sure exactly but you won’t find one in the US. It had a bench seat in the front, like the cab of a truck where the pastor, the driver, and two adults sat. Back to back to their seat were two, one person seats with a square metal box attached to the floor beside it. On top of the metal box they had placed a board wrapped in a blanket. This served as a third seat, where I sat facing the back of the bus. There were no other bus seats. But no need to worry, they improvised with metal folding chairs. They were not in rows but placed wherever they would fit. Five people sat scattered in these chairs. As we stopped and went the chairs would scoot a little in one direction or another. While this was a fascinating experience in itself, the adventure was not complete until we traveled over the train tracks. The unexpecting passengers, including myself, were jostled every which way as they bounced out of their seats, falling on one another as they came down on a chair that had moved and propelled them in another direction. Thankfully my seat was attached to the car but it did throw me forward. I caught myself just before landing on someone. It was a feeling similar to trying to walk in a boat as it hits a gigantic wave you never saw coming. No one was hurt and we laughed the rest of the way home.
Victory Day
On May 9th, Ukrainians celebrate Victory in Europe Day. May 8th is the date recognized by most of the world as Victory in Europe Day for WWII, however in Ukraine they didn’t find out until the 9th, so that is when they celebrate. In order to honor the event, I went with some of the children to attend a concert that two of the boys were in. It was a program of music, singing, and dancing, lots of dancing. The Ukrainian National Anthem opened the show followed by a moment of silence from the people as they listened to the sound of marching. Afterward a group of four, two boys and two girls, performed a ballet to illustrate the tragedy of the invasion of the fascist. As the program continued children and adults participating in the singing of Ukrainian songs and dancing traditional dances to celebrate their culture. A couple of the dances were actually performed to American music. The costumes were spectacular. The love of the arts in Ukraine was obvious, as children of all ages gave wonderful performance; my favorite of course was the last one of the night, in which my two boys took part in a traditional Ukrainian dance wearing brightly colored national costumes.
May 9th is an important holiday in Ukraine. The kids are off school. Television programming is filled with war movies and remembrances. It is a day remembered even on wedding days, when brides and grooms make their way to the local war memorial to show their respect and give thanks to those who sacrificed so that they would be able to marry. Just be sure to take a picture to prove you were there because if a babushka believes otherwise you can be sure of a brutal beating.
Bazaar
Step by step I am becoming more and more comfortable in my surroundings. Last week I attended the local Friday bazaar with my American friend Kathy who was visiting from Odessa. We observed the people, looked at all the merchandise and even bought a few small things. This week I went back by myself. What an experience. Talking to people; Asking questions; Trying to understand; Explaining that I speak a little Russian. One lady found out I was from the U.S. and went into the street to yell to her friend on the other side of the street about five booths down to come down and meet me because I was an American. It was not long before I could hear the people in the other booth discussing my nationality and asking the lady I had been talking to about me. Her friend came down and apparently her daughter is currently studying in the U.S. I tried to explain what I was doing but am not sure if I explained it correctly. It was a fun adventure to communicate and practice my language. It was encouraging to see familiar faces from church and the children’s center. Some of them were very surprised that I was all by myself. Please pray that my understanding of the culture and language continue to grow and that I am brave enough to jump in even when I don’t know what is going on.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It has been encouraging to hear from you as I walk down this road. Thank you for being a part of my Journey. I could not do it alone.
God Bless, Tiffany
To say that the past week has been eventful would be an understatement. I have moved to a new home, experienced cultural traditions, been on a wild ride, and went shopping at the bazaar by myself.
Home Sweet Home
When I returned from Kiev, I was homeless. I was to stay at the Children’s Center for a few days. I am still there. The people I was living are having some difficulties with the remodeling process. After two days of sleeping in the living room on a pull out chair arrangements were made for me to move into the room that once belonged to Julie, the girl who passed away and her sister Victoria. I have found that living at the Children’s Center is a great blessing. Believe it or not, it is more peaceful here. I am able to spend more time with the children. I also have my educational tools at my fingertips. I turned my bedroom door into a bulletin board. It has an English Calendar on which we were able to put the children’s birthdays and Ukrainian and American Holidays. The kids are also learning basic words like months, days, and seasons. There is also a list of colors and an activity I made for the children to make multiple words by exchanging the first letter of three letter words with various letters to make new words. This allows them to see word patterns, practice reading, and build vocabulary. I included a list of words, which I will translate next week while the kids are in school to help them check to see if the word they created is real. It was gratifying to see the kids whose birthdays are this month light up when they saw them on the calendar. One of the girls helped me get all the birth dates and write the kids names in Ukrainian. She has taken great pride in the calendar that she helped to construct. I myself was excited when I woke up this morning to kids outside my door making words. I could hear them reading them, checking them and discussing what letters to use to make another word. I hope to continue using the door as a tool for education by adding to it and changing words and activities.
Living here, I do get to spend a lot more time with the kids, especially in the mornings before school and in the evenings after all their homework is finished. I often get to join them for their bed time prayers. While they are at school though, I have time to read, study, recharge, and work on the development of combining life skills and English education. God has given me many ideas. My plan is to create a special club like environment called The Kingdom of Discovery. Students will become citizens of the imaginary kingdom. While there they will learn everything from life skills to English. Kids will learn by doing work independently and in groups. By participating in activities, completing assignments, and winning challenges children will be able to earn Gems (The Currency of The Kingdom of Discovery). With these they will be able buy prizes and such. It is important that these kids learn to work for or earn things. Because of their circumstance they have a tendency to beg for what they want or try to make people feel sorry for them to get things. Managing money is a skill they need but is not readily taught in their society. I also hope to create forms for them to fill out for things like banking. This is not part of the school curriculum here as it is in the U.S. Students will also learn about applying scriptural principles. We will focus a lot of time on the fact that they were all created unique and special. Many of these children struggle with having a good self-esteem and are often starving for attention. It is important for them to have a good sense of self. These lessons should be instrumental in helping to prevent them from seeking unhealthy ways to fill the need for the love and attention they desire. I am excited to see what God will do with the program as it is developed and implemented. Please pray that God will continue to do His work. Pray for me, that I am doing His will for the children. I also ask that you join me in praying for someone to assist me in the execution of the project. To have a Ukrainian, who speaks a little bit of English to communicate with me but also has a desire to mentor the children would be a great blessing. The material is also more effective when taught to children in their native language. A Ukrainian also has a better understanding of their culture than I will ever have. I also believe that having a Ukrainian who is committed to working with the children would be able to continue the work even after I am gone, which is crucial to the continuous development of the children.
Cultural Tradition
In a culture as old and rich as Ukraine’s there are countless traditions and practices. One of these traditions is the revisiting a loved one’s grave forty days after their death. Sunday, May 4th marked not only the end of the Easter week but 40 days since my arrival in Ukraine and Julie’s tragic death. After church family, friends, and the oldest children from the children’s center piled into cars and the church bus and traveled to the cemetery. The cemetery itself was an interesting experience. There were many other people there. Easter week is not only a celebration of the resurrection but a time to visit the dead. Most of the graves were surrounded by a fence. Whether this practice is to keep out dogs or to mark territory, I am unsure. Some of the graves had a table and bench beside them for their loved ones could come and picnic with the deceased. Unlike North American Cemeteries, the grass was not cut. Overgrown weeds and grass gave seldom traveled on paths an untamed look.
In the midst of all of this, I found myself standing at the grave of a young girl I only knew through stories. I may not have known her but I know this, she lived a beautiful life, bringing blessings to all those who met her. She lived an abandoned life. And as her mother says, “she touched everyone at their soul”. I will never understand why God took Julie from this place, from these children, or from her family. That is where faith comes in. On this 40th day marking her death a handful of those she touched gathered to honor her life. They read scripture, sang songs of worship, and listened as Julie’s mother gave an account of her life and her love for God. People visiting other gravesites were stopping to listen as Natalia spoke. Julie may be gone from this earth but she continues to touch people for Christ.
After the service we went to a near buy restaurant where a banquet was held in her honor. People ate and fellowshipped in her name. They stood and told stories. Even though I did not understand every word it was evident that Julie brought great joy to those around her.
Transportation???
Sunday afternoon I road back to town with the few children who came and others that lived nearby, in the church bus. While in Ukraine I have ridden in cars, subways, and even crammed into a trolley but this bus did beat all. A small square European or Russian van, I’m not sure exactly but you won’t find one in the US. It had a bench seat in the front, like the cab of a truck where the pastor, the driver, and two adults sat. Back to back to their seat were two, one person seats with a square metal box attached to the floor beside it. On top of the metal box they had placed a board wrapped in a blanket. This served as a third seat, where I sat facing the back of the bus. There were no other bus seats. But no need to worry, they improvised with metal folding chairs. They were not in rows but placed wherever they would fit. Five people sat scattered in these chairs. As we stopped and went the chairs would scoot a little in one direction or another. While this was a fascinating experience in itself, the adventure was not complete until we traveled over the train tracks. The unexpecting passengers, including myself, were jostled every which way as they bounced out of their seats, falling on one another as they came down on a chair that had moved and propelled them in another direction. Thankfully my seat was attached to the car but it did throw me forward. I caught myself just before landing on someone. It was a feeling similar to trying to walk in a boat as it hits a gigantic wave you never saw coming. No one was hurt and we laughed the rest of the way home.
Victory Day
On May 9th, Ukrainians celebrate Victory in Europe Day. May 8th is the date recognized by most of the world as Victory in Europe Day for WWII, however in Ukraine they didn’t find out until the 9th, so that is when they celebrate. In order to honor the event, I went with some of the children to attend a concert that two of the boys were in. It was a program of music, singing, and dancing, lots of dancing. The Ukrainian National Anthem opened the show followed by a moment of silence from the people as they listened to the sound of marching. Afterward a group of four, two boys and two girls, performed a ballet to illustrate the tragedy of the invasion of the fascist. As the program continued children and adults participating in the singing of Ukrainian songs and dancing traditional dances to celebrate their culture. A couple of the dances were actually performed to American music. The costumes were spectacular. The love of the arts in Ukraine was obvious, as children of all ages gave wonderful performance; my favorite of course was the last one of the night, in which my two boys took part in a traditional Ukrainian dance wearing brightly colored national costumes.
May 9th is an important holiday in Ukraine. The kids are off school. Television programming is filled with war movies and remembrances. It is a day remembered even on wedding days, when brides and grooms make their way to the local war memorial to show their respect and give thanks to those who sacrificed so that they would be able to marry. Just be sure to take a picture to prove you were there because if a babushka believes otherwise you can be sure of a brutal beating.
Bazaar
Step by step I am becoming more and more comfortable in my surroundings. Last week I attended the local Friday bazaar with my American friend Kathy who was visiting from Odessa. We observed the people, looked at all the merchandise and even bought a few small things. This week I went back by myself. What an experience. Talking to people; Asking questions; Trying to understand; Explaining that I speak a little Russian. One lady found out I was from the U.S. and went into the street to yell to her friend on the other side of the street about five booths down to come down and meet me because I was an American. It was not long before I could hear the people in the other booth discussing my nationality and asking the lady I had been talking to about me. Her friend came down and apparently her daughter is currently studying in the U.S. I tried to explain what I was doing but am not sure if I explained it correctly. It was a fun adventure to communicate and practice my language. It was encouraging to see familiar faces from church and the children’s center. Some of them were very surprised that I was all by myself. Please pray that my understanding of the culture and language continue to grow and that I am brave enough to jump in even when I don’t know what is going on.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It has been encouraging to hear from you as I walk down this road. Thank you for being a part of my Journey. I could not do it alone.
God Bless, Tiffany
Saturday, May 3, 2008
An Update From The Dr.
Words From Dr. Vladimir:
Hello friends. I just felt like it is time to write a short update on My health so that you would know how to pray for me if our Lord places that
desire in your heart. I do appreciate each one of your prayers and emails.
Yesterday they returned my brain biopsy results as multiform glioblastoma.
This is the worst possible malignant tumor of the brain. Even two years ago
they would not give me more then 6 month life expectancy with that. But now
at MD Andersons they think it is not the end of the world. The tumor like that cannot be removed as it sits deep in the brain and it will stay with me
probably as long as I live. But at least now they are giving me treatment that has prolonged people decent quality of life for up to 2-3 years, which
is good. Newer experimental treatments are now looking at 6-8 years survival. If tumor is stable and allows me to work it will be a success. Would you pray for the success, please?
I started chemotherapy yesterday and will start radiation therapy Hopefully on Monday. Feel pretty weak but I am not going to give up. I will have to take 30 radiation treatments and 6 chemotherapy treatments to stabilize and hopefully to even decrease the tumor so that I could go back to work. I will have to stay here for 6 weeks for that.
God has been good to me in every possible way and I am staying with wonderful Christians Roger and Debbie Stevens who take great care of me. Apparently my tumor is actively draining energy from the brain and sometimes I just have to eat like right now or I fall and can't get up; that has happened during the day and night as I cannot sleep well too. So Debbie was nice enough to fix me some eggs and bacon and store in the fridge so I could grab and eat at least a bit and that will bring me back on my feet. She takes me to the hospital and even pulled the wheelchair with me (she is small lady over 60) as I could not make it on my feet yesterday and the day before yesterday. I really appreciate her care so much. I would not be able to make it without her.
I will have to stay on chemotherapy for life they explained; once in several months I will do MRI to see if tumor is stable. If it is growing then they will add more chemotherapy or radiation. So it looks like I will need to struggle for life like every day as long as I live.
Even before the biopsy came back as I prayed God told me: "I am going to give you the worst possible tumor. But that's alright. I need you with the incurable tumor here. It has to do not only with you but also with people around you. Mostly it has to do with people back home, but also with some people here in America. So don't be selfish and do not only think about yourself. Just trust me and I will take good care of you." I do trust God who does not sleep nor slumber. As Gary Lehman said, however God is going to use us, it is fine. I believe so too. So I have peace in my heart and I am not going to give up.
I do have major prayer request. Because it looks like I will have to stay on chemotherapy for the rest of my life I will need to have it available. The treatment I receive now is free and I am grateful for the opportunity immensely. But I have to think about my treatment after I go back home. Temodar, the drug my oncologists recommend to me to take "as long as it works for me", that is, for life costs like 2 thousand dollars a month in the Ukraine (5 in US). Other treatments are cheaper but they do not allow for work because of toxic side effects and people cannot keep up with their jobs. I would like to continue working as I have wonderful and fulfilling job as pediatric urologist back home. So my prayer request for you would be that God would provide me with this Temodar for life or give me decent income so that I could afford it as long as I need.
Thank you so much for your prayers. I do appreciate each one of them.
Vladimir.
Hello friends. I just felt like it is time to write a short update on My health so that you would know how to pray for me if our Lord places that
desire in your heart. I do appreciate each one of your prayers and emails.
Yesterday they returned my brain biopsy results as multiform glioblastoma.
This is the worst possible malignant tumor of the brain. Even two years ago
they would not give me more then 6 month life expectancy with that. But now
at MD Andersons they think it is not the end of the world. The tumor like that cannot be removed as it sits deep in the brain and it will stay with me
probably as long as I live. But at least now they are giving me treatment that has prolonged people decent quality of life for up to 2-3 years, which
is good. Newer experimental treatments are now looking at 6-8 years survival. If tumor is stable and allows me to work it will be a success. Would you pray for the success, please?
I started chemotherapy yesterday and will start radiation therapy Hopefully on Monday. Feel pretty weak but I am not going to give up. I will have to take 30 radiation treatments and 6 chemotherapy treatments to stabilize and hopefully to even decrease the tumor so that I could go back to work. I will have to stay here for 6 weeks for that.
God has been good to me in every possible way and I am staying with wonderful Christians Roger and Debbie Stevens who take great care of me. Apparently my tumor is actively draining energy from the brain and sometimes I just have to eat like right now or I fall and can't get up; that has happened during the day and night as I cannot sleep well too. So Debbie was nice enough to fix me some eggs and bacon and store in the fridge so I could grab and eat at least a bit and that will bring me back on my feet. She takes me to the hospital and even pulled the wheelchair with me (she is small lady over 60) as I could not make it on my feet yesterday and the day before yesterday. I really appreciate her care so much. I would not be able to make it without her.
I will have to stay on chemotherapy for life they explained; once in several months I will do MRI to see if tumor is stable. If it is growing then they will add more chemotherapy or radiation. So it looks like I will need to struggle for life like every day as long as I live.
Even before the biopsy came back as I prayed God told me: "I am going to give you the worst possible tumor. But that's alright. I need you with the incurable tumor here. It has to do not only with you but also with people around you. Mostly it has to do with people back home, but also with some people here in America. So don't be selfish and do not only think about yourself. Just trust me and I will take good care of you." I do trust God who does not sleep nor slumber. As Gary Lehman said, however God is going to use us, it is fine. I believe so too. So I have peace in my heart and I am not going to give up.
I do have major prayer request. Because it looks like I will have to stay on chemotherapy for the rest of my life I will need to have it available. The treatment I receive now is free and I am grateful for the opportunity immensely. But I have to think about my treatment after I go back home. Temodar, the drug my oncologists recommend to me to take "as long as it works for me", that is, for life costs like 2 thousand dollars a month in the Ukraine (5 in US). Other treatments are cheaper but they do not allow for work because of toxic side effects and people cannot keep up with their jobs. I would like to continue working as I have wonderful and fulfilling job as pediatric urologist back home. So my prayer request for you would be that God would provide me with this Temodar for life or give me decent income so that I could afford it as long as I need.
Thank you so much for your prayers. I do appreciate each one of them.
Vladimir.
Travel Insights
May 3, 2008
My Dear Friends,
In order to help you better understand the fusion of tradition dating back hundreds of years and new technology I have added some pictures to the end of the “Easter in Kiev” album. These pictures were taken while we were traveling around the Vinnitsa Oblast. Also, for those of you who may visit Ukraine some day and are wondering what to pack- Fish Net Hose go with everything.
My Dear Friends,
In order to help you better understand the fusion of tradition dating back hundreds of years and new technology I have added some pictures to the end of the “Easter in Kiev” album. These pictures were taken while we were traveling around the Vinnitsa Oblast. Also, for those of you who may visit Ukraine some day and are wondering what to pack- Fish Net Hose go with everything.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Being a Tourist
May 1, 2008
During the Easter holiday in Kiev, I found much needed rest. Easter was not the only part of Ukrainian tradition I was able to observe. While there, I also joined the group of visiting missionaries as they toured some of the local sites.
The first site we visited was an ancient monastery. Thousands of miles of tunnels lay under its grounds. For hundreds of years the priests living there go into the underground tunnels to read, to pray, and to write. Priests would go into an underground room for years with someone bringing them bread and water. They never left. With the lack of sunlight, they would go blind. They died in the tunnels. As we traveled down in the tunnels, holding a candle between our fingers to light the way, we saw the mummified priests who once lived in the tunnels. Orthodox worshipers visit the tunnels. They stop and pray at the mummified bodies. Often you will see them kissing the glass that surrounds them. Signing a cross is often a common practice for worshipers as they stop in front of the dead priest.
The second stop was a WWII Memorial and Museum. The museum was closed for the holiday but we were able to see the monuments outside and hear some of the History from our missionary tour guide, Cliff. During the war Ukraine was completely occupied by the Nazis. 27 Million Ukrainians died during the war. A monument depicts those who fought against the invasion. Among the faces of the soldiers are regular working men, women, children of all ages, and even grandmothers.
The last monument we visited was in honor of the over 300,000 men women and children, many of whom were Jews who were gathered, marched, and then shot into a ravine by the Nazis occupying Kiev. The memorial sits above the land around it. A tower of men women and children stands in honor of those who died that day. The crowning point is a mother cradling her baby for protection.
There is not a Ukrainian that was not affected by the war. People celebrate its ending on May 9th. Victory in Europe day was actually May 8th but they did not receive the news until the 9th, so that is when it is celebrated. It is also a custom for a bride and groom to visit there local war memorial on their wedding day to pay their respects and show thanks for the sacrifice that was made for them.
It was wonderful to see a new side of Kiev but early Tuesday morning it was time to head for home. I rode the passenger to Vinnitsa with the visiting group. I was able to visit some of the work of the church in and around Vinnitsa. Our stops included men’s and women’s rehabilitation homes, churches, and an economic development sight. The economic development site included a tire and car repair facility, saw mill, and a brick manufacturing area. For those of you who do not know, the city of Vinnitsa was a major military stronghold for the Nazis. Hitler’s Eastern Front Headquarters was located just outside the city.
My last stop with the group was the House of James. This is another children’s home in the area. For more information about this ministry you can check out houseofjames.org Only an hours’ drive from Vapnyarka, this is the closest ministry to mine. From there, someone drove me back to Vapnyarka. It was wonderful to arrive at the Children’s Center to all the smiling faces of the children. Due to renovations at the home I was living at, I will now be staying at the Children’s Center indefinitely. This has been a fun experience and given me the opportunity to bond with the kids.
Please continue to pray. Through your prayers I have seen God do incredible work here. Thank you for your commitment to God and to praying for the happenings going on in Ukraine.
God Bless, Tiffany
During the Easter holiday in Kiev, I found much needed rest. Easter was not the only part of Ukrainian tradition I was able to observe. While there, I also joined the group of visiting missionaries as they toured some of the local sites.
The first site we visited was an ancient monastery. Thousands of miles of tunnels lay under its grounds. For hundreds of years the priests living there go into the underground tunnels to read, to pray, and to write. Priests would go into an underground room for years with someone bringing them bread and water. They never left. With the lack of sunlight, they would go blind. They died in the tunnels. As we traveled down in the tunnels, holding a candle between our fingers to light the way, we saw the mummified priests who once lived in the tunnels. Orthodox worshipers visit the tunnels. They stop and pray at the mummified bodies. Often you will see them kissing the glass that surrounds them. Signing a cross is often a common practice for worshipers as they stop in front of the dead priest.
The second stop was a WWII Memorial and Museum. The museum was closed for the holiday but we were able to see the monuments outside and hear some of the History from our missionary tour guide, Cliff. During the war Ukraine was completely occupied by the Nazis. 27 Million Ukrainians died during the war. A monument depicts those who fought against the invasion. Among the faces of the soldiers are regular working men, women, children of all ages, and even grandmothers.
The last monument we visited was in honor of the over 300,000 men women and children, many of whom were Jews who were gathered, marched, and then shot into a ravine by the Nazis occupying Kiev. The memorial sits above the land around it. A tower of men women and children stands in honor of those who died that day. The crowning point is a mother cradling her baby for protection.
There is not a Ukrainian that was not affected by the war. People celebrate its ending on May 9th. Victory in Europe day was actually May 8th but they did not receive the news until the 9th, so that is when it is celebrated. It is also a custom for a bride and groom to visit there local war memorial on their wedding day to pay their respects and show thanks for the sacrifice that was made for them.
It was wonderful to see a new side of Kiev but early Tuesday morning it was time to head for home. I rode the passenger to Vinnitsa with the visiting group. I was able to visit some of the work of the church in and around Vinnitsa. Our stops included men’s and women’s rehabilitation homes, churches, and an economic development sight. The economic development site included a tire and car repair facility, saw mill, and a brick manufacturing area. For those of you who do not know, the city of Vinnitsa was a major military stronghold for the Nazis. Hitler’s Eastern Front Headquarters was located just outside the city.
My last stop with the group was the House of James. This is another children’s home in the area. For more information about this ministry you can check out houseofjames.org Only an hours’ drive from Vapnyarka, this is the closest ministry to mine. From there, someone drove me back to Vapnyarka. It was wonderful to arrive at the Children’s Center to all the smiling faces of the children. Due to renovations at the home I was living at, I will now be staying at the Children’s Center indefinitely. This has been a fun experience and given me the opportunity to bond with the kids.
Please continue to pray. Through your prayers I have seen God do incredible work here. Thank you for your commitment to God and to praying for the happenings going on in Ukraine.
God Bless, Tiffany
Celebrating the Holiday
April 30, 2008
Christ Has Risen! Christ Has Risen! Christ Has Risen! Easter is one of the largest holidays in Ukraine. It is larger than Christmas. At midnight we visited an Orthodox Church to see some of the traditions. People line up around the church at midnight with their Easter Baskets. Inside the basket you will find eggs, bread, vodka and anything else the people want blessed for their Easter meal. There is a special Easter Cake in the bread. A large candle is stuck in the top and lit. It burns bright from midnight until about 6:00AM when the priest comes out of the church with a bucket of holy water and a large brush. The priest uses the brush and water to put the fire out. If he puts out your candle or splashes you with the Holy Water then you will have a blessed year.
While people are standing outside the church others are inside. Inside you will find people lighting candles, praying before ornate pictures of the saints, and using their hand to make a cross in front of them. People stand and listen as a choirs chant, bells ring, and priests read scripture and other traditional literature. All the women are required to have their heads covered when they enter the church.
All day, people great each other with “Christ Has Risen!”; to which one responds “Christ has Risen Indeed!” (Spoken In Russian, of course) In every religious service you will hear this proclaimed three times before anything else begins. The celebration is so huge that the children get the whole week off school. Easter in Ukraine seldom falls on the same day as Easter in the West because they follow the Orthodox calendar.
After getting a glimpse of the Orthodox celebration of Easter I took a nap and then woke again for the Sunrise service. The local Nazarene Church held the service in a beautiful park overlooking the city. We joined together in singing, hearing the word of the Lord and enjoying the gorgeous view of the city. Fortunately for me, one of the visiting missionaries, Dr. Crocker gave the message in English. This made it much easier for me to understand.
The regular Sunday service is held at 11:00AM, which I also attended. Dr. Heneke a visitor from the U.S. preached in this service. Two English sermons in one day was a blessing. To celebrate the Easter holiday the children performed during the service. They sang songs and played a song with bells. A huge candle with one of the largest flames I have ever seen was lit during the service. A table at the front of the church was decorated with traditional Ukrainian’ embroidered cloth. It held traditional Easter cakes. No one is quite sure why the table of cakes was there but as the Babooshkas came in the door the table filled up.
For those of you who are wondering, the traditional Ukrainian Easter Cake has a shape similar to a cupcake. It is much larger. They are usually between about 6” to 12” in height. It is also much dryer. Many have icing on top. The American missionaries say they make good French toast.
This is a small sample of Easter here in Ukraine. Behind all of the traditions and activities it has very deep and spiritual meaning to the people who celebrate. It is a Christian Holiday that survived the reign of Communism. Easter is indeed not just another holiday but a celebration of the resurrection of Christ and the new life Jesus offers.
Christ Has Risen! Christ Has Risen! Christ Has Risen! Easter is one of the largest holidays in Ukraine. It is larger than Christmas. At midnight we visited an Orthodox Church to see some of the traditions. People line up around the church at midnight with their Easter Baskets. Inside the basket you will find eggs, bread, vodka and anything else the people want blessed for their Easter meal. There is a special Easter Cake in the bread. A large candle is stuck in the top and lit. It burns bright from midnight until about 6:00AM when the priest comes out of the church with a bucket of holy water and a large brush. The priest uses the brush and water to put the fire out. If he puts out your candle or splashes you with the Holy Water then you will have a blessed year.
While people are standing outside the church others are inside. Inside you will find people lighting candles, praying before ornate pictures of the saints, and using their hand to make a cross in front of them. People stand and listen as a choirs chant, bells ring, and priests read scripture and other traditional literature. All the women are required to have their heads covered when they enter the church.
All day, people great each other with “Christ Has Risen!”; to which one responds “Christ has Risen Indeed!” (Spoken In Russian, of course) In every religious service you will hear this proclaimed three times before anything else begins. The celebration is so huge that the children get the whole week off school. Easter in Ukraine seldom falls on the same day as Easter in the West because they follow the Orthodox calendar.
After getting a glimpse of the Orthodox celebration of Easter I took a nap and then woke again for the Sunrise service. The local Nazarene Church held the service in a beautiful park overlooking the city. We joined together in singing, hearing the word of the Lord and enjoying the gorgeous view of the city. Fortunately for me, one of the visiting missionaries, Dr. Crocker gave the message in English. This made it much easier for me to understand.
The regular Sunday service is held at 11:00AM, which I also attended. Dr. Heneke a visitor from the U.S. preached in this service. Two English sermons in one day was a blessing. To celebrate the Easter holiday the children performed during the service. They sang songs and played a song with bells. A huge candle with one of the largest flames I have ever seen was lit during the service. A table at the front of the church was decorated with traditional Ukrainian’ embroidered cloth. It held traditional Easter cakes. No one is quite sure why the table of cakes was there but as the Babooshkas came in the door the table filled up.
For those of you who are wondering, the traditional Ukrainian Easter Cake has a shape similar to a cupcake. It is much larger. They are usually between about 6” to 12” in height. It is also much dryer. Many have icing on top. The American missionaries say they make good French toast.
This is a small sample of Easter here in Ukraine. Behind all of the traditions and activities it has very deep and spiritual meaning to the people who celebrate. It is a Christian Holiday that survived the reign of Communism. Easter is indeed not just another holiday but a celebration of the resurrection of Christ and the new life Jesus offers.
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