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"

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. 

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

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. 

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

Slava Ukrainai (Glory to Ukraine)

Ukraine has a history of oppression, violence, and dishonesty with their political leaders.

The people of Ukraine have had enough. They are taking a stand against their president with courage, peace, and truthfulness. 

This is what I whitnessed on my day in Kiev during this revolution. 

Many are peacefully gathered for the love of their country and fighting for a better future. They gather around a stage where people sing, chant, speak and read poems. 

They have taken all the Christmas decorations down and repurposed them. Personally, I love what they did to the main tree. Most of the country's flags (blue and yellow) have cities written on them that support and join in the revolution all over the country.

They have united together and help support one another throughout the cold. People were seen passing out cookies and warm drinks. There were also several metal bins used for warming up hands even when it was snowing. 

They mean business and are not afraid of the cold or being uncomfortable at night. There were so many tents set up for people to sleep in! 

This tent was the best by far. Christians sign up for times slots comitted to pray here even if the protesting got violent (which it hasn't). 

Please continue to pray for these people. They have come so far, but they have a long road ahead of them. Thank you Lord for rising up a generation of people that are willing to stand up for justice and peace in the face of hardships and violence. Please protect them under the shadow of your wing and change the hearts of those in power. 

Cookies and Cheers (But NO Tears)

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! This christmas was definitely a memorable one over here in Ukraine. I was able to skype my family and watch the annual present exchanges. I also got to celebrate christmas with the Kelly family. Man, I forget how exciting it is for Santa to come and all the preparation/anticipation that comes with Christmas...

My room all decorated, just in time for Christmas! 

 Picking out Cookies for Santa :)

 Good Morning and Merry Christmas!!!! Can't wait to see what Santa brought!!!!!!

P.S. this was my favorite christmas gift! They know me too well and encourage my disney princess lovin'