Priveet from Horodok!

It's Laney :) This is my 3rd year in Ukraine and it has been the most...interesting by far.

I hate to be cliche but words truly cannot describe the experiences I have had in this beautiful country. When returning from mission trips it is very common for people to say they have become so much more grateful for the luxuries they have in America, the cleanliness they maintain or the wealth they have. It would be very easy for me to say the same on my return home, but I would be lying.

Whether walking down the street or having a conversation with old friends, I am so very humbled time and time again by the joy these find in their life. Jump in your nice car and drive to English class really quick? I think not. It is more like, sacrifice an extra 20 minutes of sleep in the morning because you have to walk to the other side of town. Yet, the kids do it with smiles on their faces and big hugs awaiting us on our arrival. Ukraine lacks the convenience of fast food and on the go "stuff" we have in America, yet I am believing more and more that the Ukrainians truly have the advantage. Being "forced" to sit down and enjoy a more creates and opportunity for deeper relationships and fellowship with loved ones.

The generosity and kindness of these people never ceases to amaze me. Just yesterday Tanya, Joe and I were invited to a girl's house for what we thought would be tea and cookies (which is more than enough to begin with.) Our American way of thinking was proved wrong once again. We were greeted in a private dining room with a table set for royalty. There were plates full of traditional food, and we were absolutely not allowed to serve ourselves. After the meal was a cake made with berries picked right from the backyard. Olya told us her mother had cooked for an hour to prepare the food before we came. All of our jaws dropped when we began to ponder what American would do such for a stranger.

To wrap it up, I am in love :) The people could not be more kind to us and full of a genuine love that challenges any other. They are hungry for the gospel and the love of a Savior.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. There is much more to be accomplished!
Dopobachinya!