Sunday, November 30, 2014

Crane Vs. Crane

It was freezing and I didn't want to get out of my warm little domichka so Anna Kate volunteered to document the arrival of the long awaited container. Wow... words can't express the trouble/waiting/worrying this little[BIG] container gave the Kellys but man was every moment worth it. This HUGE thing was filled to the brim with clean matresses, baby supplies, medical equipment for wounded/amputee soldiers and clothes for families in the war zones.



As I said on Facebook, "Our 'job' for the next couple of days... Sorting this huge crate is a big job but also such a ginormous blessing for the people here!!!!!! So glad it finally made it from Abilene, Tx to our baby village out in the woods!!!!! If crates could talk, this one would share quite a story." So thankful that Andrei & Misha (orphans that stay with us on the weekends until the Morrows move in January), all the older shelter kids, 2 of the refugee dads, Uncle Ray, Zander, Lindsay, Anna Kate, Andrew and I were able to get the stuff unloaded and sorted in record time with minimal scrapes and bruises that night!!!! It was cold and snowy at some parts, but everyone kept pushing through and working with good attitudes. 

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Training Thankful Hearts

Since we are behind in school (rushing, rushing, rushing) I usually feel like I'm a chicken with my head chopped off. Thanksgiving snuck up on me but also came just at the right time. It is easy to rush through the day instead of pausing and thanking God for all of our blessings. Here are some pics of the crafts we did and the joy we found in living in the moment.

 Thankful Pumpkins- each side of the pumpkin has a thankful thought

It took us 10x longer than expected to make these Pilgrim women to make these because of all the contagious giggling!







On Thanksgiving Day, friends and family gather around and have a traditional meal with turkey and all the fixings. We went around the room and listened to everyone say what they were thankful for. It was hard to keep dry eyes as Ukrainian refugee families shared how thankful for being safe, clean, and fed when so many of their friends and family members back home went without. God is moving and working in ways that go beyond anything I could have imagined! On a side note, Jenny went above and beyond being sweet by making me gluten free green beans and pumpkin pie (my 2 favorite thanksgiving foods). Hard not to be thankful when surrounded by wonderful friends and good food!!!!


After lunch had settled in our tummies, Natalie, Nathan and I decided to brave the weather and take pictures in the snow! Anna Kate chickened out and got cold but not before we could take this precious picture.











Thursday, November 20, 2014

What's All That White Stuff???

Yesterday plain boring   Today breathtaking


First Snow Day of the winter so that means we go out and take pics, right?!?!?






*Snow before Thanksgiving??? Oh boy is this going to be a long winter....

 

           *btw snow on trees tastes disgusting.. yuck


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

My Little Loves

Today was a good babysitting day with the girls (Noah went with his parents to Kiev). The girls picked my favorite disney princess movie for lunch time, enjoyed the fresh air & took action pics/vids, AND maintain good attitudes even if I said no to them.






Love these little girls more and more each day!!!




Sunday, November 9, 2014

Koo-Koo in Kiev

Sometimes it is nice to get off the property and change up the scenery. This weekend I went home with Anna Kate to the Cranes' house in Kiev. I always love getting to spend time with this family and  leave their house feeling recharged and ready for the next week! Borscht and homemade chocolate chip cookies, crafts, laughs, giggles and selfies are what the dr. ordered for this weekend! Thank you Crane Family for adopting me and continuing to shower me with love <3 p="">




Friday, October 31, 2014

Spoooky Town

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!! As this is one of my favorite holidays, we celebrated Halloween by doing daily crafts to get us in the spirit! The kids had a blast, and to be honest, so did I!!! We had Mummy Monday, BATastic Tuesday, Webby Wednesday, and Friendly Ghost Friday.







Natalie (The Evil Queen) was my partner in crime. She helped out by decorating the classroom, scooping out pumpkin guts, and helped the kids fish for candies at our mini carnival for the kiddos.

Danik (the mummy) and Yeva (Princess Minnie) joined in our festivities even though they don't typically celebrate in Ukraine

From left to right: Yeva (Princess Minnie),  Abbie (Princess Elsa), Noah (Mike the Knight), Danik (Mummy), and Sophie (Princess Anna) in the front

Monday, October 6, 2014

Surreal to Real

Tonight I talked to one of my best friends about the future. We talked about what would happen if Putin overtakes Kiev, if we could evacuate.. What would we do if we had to live in the states? What do we pack in our backpacks in case we need to evacuate? There might have been tears involved and major uncertainties/insecurities uncovered. We might have been trying to grasp possible realities but we can't. Until the unthinkable happens, we probably won't.

Two years ago I was fighting the panic of an uncertain future. "What are your plans after you graduate?" "What jobs are you applying for?" "Have you considered grad school?" The things that kept me afloat were not making decisions but hoping and trusting God. Thankfully the verses and truths found in them remain the same even if the my situations don't. 
"Trust in The Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will keep your paths straight." 
"I have plans for you' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Take one day at a time. Worring about the future is a waste of time. Hold in to hope because we serve THE GOD of hope. After all, tomorrow is another day. 

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Praising You in the Storm

Today in my village is a rainy, cold day, the best kind of day for thinking, meditating, and reading. Today also happens to be Sunday, a day of rest and worship. This mix led to one of the most heart wrenching church services I've ever attended. Bear with me as I try to paint the picture:

A gathering of about 25 mothers, fathers, staff, and children.
One teenage boy leads several songs and another prays.
One man leads a discussion in the beauty of families and how important families are. He rejoices at the fact that most of these people finally became reunited today after being split up because of the war.
A time for popcorn style prayer time is given....

Do you know what they pray for? Do they pray for Putin's death or retribution on Russia? Do the tell God how mad and angry they are for being seperated from their loved ones and having to witness death, destruction, or hunger?

NO

They thank God over and over for the blessings. For families being reunited after long times of separation. For God providing a safe haven, clean beds, warm food, and a way out of the danger zones. For God's grace and mercy. For Jenny and Andrew opening up their camp for those less fortunate. For the people watching their children (especially Lindsay and Ray) when they could not. For those neighbors, friends and families still surrounded by danger. For the sweet moments that they were living right now... the present became such a present.

What can I take from such a powerful moment? How can I learn from these sweet, beautiful people? Live in the present and treasure those moments. Take advantage of the time with your family. Instead of being bitter about the past, worried about the future, or overwhelmed about present problems, look to God and praise him.

"God I will praise you in the storm or sunshine. I will look to you in times of doubt. I will praise you for the small blessings you send my way. Thank you for your provisions and future plans. You are my rock and my fortress. You are the cornerstone of my faith that I continue to build on and find shelter in. Thank you for these people here at camp and thank you for bringing them into my life. Help me to step out of my comfort zones and help me as I continue to grow into the woman You want me to be. Through Jesus' name I pray to you. Amen"

Friday, September 12, 2014

1st Day of 1st Grade

Happy Friday everyone! We started the weekend off right with the first day of school. Between me cleaning/organizing and Sergai & Kola finishing up the entry way, the schoolroom was finally kid friendly and we were able to start school!!! We played games, sang songs, and did review workbooks instead of normal desk work. The kids also noticed everything "new" in the classroom and received their first day of school goodies (princess pen&markers, glitter pen, and super cool doodle book).
So thankful school started off on a good foot! No tears, fighting, or screaming :) It blows me away how both girls automatically held pencils/markers/pens correctly and completed all the desk work without complaint. Last year, these tasks were daily struggles that led to tears, bad attitudes, and sometimes timeouts. This year? Piece of cake!

Lord, continue to give me the patience when those tears and 'tudes come and the wisdom to teach these precious children what they need to know this year. Also, continue to give my co-workers and friends the strength and patience while hosting displaced people from of eastern Ukraine. 

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

This Ain't My First Rodeo

Hey guys, 
Well it's the beginning of a new school year. I'm back in Ukraine an ready for action! So far I have unpacked my bags, dusted/vacuumed, and cleaned out my fridge. My little domichka is ready for another year of laughter, tears, and everything in between. 
Trying to get back in the swing of things is tricky but hopefully our school will be able to start soon. These little cuties came to visit me soooo I have them their "back to school" and "I missed you" tshirts.
*notice the future wildcats :)
 **Sohpie didn't want to pose with her new shirt but I wanted her pic anyways

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Stepping Into the Unknown


If you haven't heard yet, I'M COMING BACK TO UKRAINE!!!! 

Yes, Ukraibe is in a war with Russia (Thanks to Putin). No I don't speak the language. Yes, I feel safe to return but I do have escape stradegies in place just in case. 
 With so many uncertainties, stresses, and new challenges, I put my hope in God. I put my trust in God. I put my life in God. 

Friday, April 4, 2014

Polished Poland People

Can I get am AMEN!!!!

Poland was a breath of fresh air. I was able to sit in a park and read for hours, try out fun coffee shops, talk to strangers. I'm not the biggest fan of traveling by myself, but I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I had to leave Ukraine for my residency permit, so Jenny and Andrew helped me set up an awesome side trip to Poland. Things I learned: polish sausage is better in Poland, they have Starbucks and Root Beer (my two favorite drinks!!!!), and I rely way to much on my iPhone even when I can't call people. Since my phone decided to freeze and stay frozen, I only have a few photos to share with you....







 *Starbucks decor*





They have a beautiful walkway around downtown. I spent hours walking, people watching and reading next to all the beautiful beginnings of spring.




Success!!!! Got my visa and am one step closer to my Ukrainian Residency!!!! (PS. Check out how they spelled my name in Ukrainian = totally legit)


4-4-14