Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Registration Complete...Finally!!!

Well as you can see from the title I have finally finished registration. This is registration to have permission to live in Ukraine. Just one of the many changes they have made in the last year is making this necessary so it was the first time I ever had to do it. It really was such a long and arduous process. I am finished after working on it for more than a month, which is depressing to think that all of it was only for one year. If I feel led to stay another, I will have to do it all over. It is hard to explain how frustrated I was, the process here isn't as smooth when it comes to government forms and offices, and when you add on top of that the fact that almost every week has some sort of holiday,
AND the offices I needed were only open two days a week, then you can start to imagine my frustration. So basically it was almost impossible to get anything done. Really just venting my frustration here so sorry, but thank God it is finished. Now I can start working again without any interruptions from this. Already started a couple new groups this week, or rekindled them I guess I could say. Anyway, that's all I will say about that, thank you if you were praying for my registration. Many friends had more problems than me and even some were using a lawyer, I did without and although a long process, I can be very thankful because it could have been much worse.

 So what have I done in the last few weeks besides registration you might ask. Well I don't know if you read earlier about when we planted potatoes, but of course we had to weed this large field of potatoes too so they will grow better. It was a long day...woke up at 5:45 and worked until about 5:00 pm, but besides a few blisters it was a good day. We were helping some friends not far from here. It is always nice to go to them and to eat nice fresh vegetables, and Ukrainian borshch...especially after a long day of work. And on the plus side, all my potatoes throughout the year come from them anyway...so in a way I was working for my own food ;) I am no expert...but I can say I now know much more about planting and growing potatoes, so if you ever need help with this don't be shy to ask, haha.

 If you have been following this blog or my newsletters you probably know that we are helping one poor family with 7 children, the youngest of which has some developmental problems that we just found out is cerebral palsy. As you know this isn't something that will just go away, but there are some treatments that can give baby Liza a better standard of living, maybe even a chance to walk, and at the least to sit up on her own. Praise God for generous donations for baby Liza, without which she would probably just be bedridden all her life. She is actually making some progress already with the medication and is holding her head up more on her own. Also she has gained some weight and is looking much more healthy. Pray please for her and her family...her mother was having a hard time accepting that she is really sick.

 Other things that we could really use some prayer support for: We are preparing camp and are in need of funds and some cooks to be in the kitchen. Without these we won't have this camp so please be praying for that. Also, looking to the future...the family I am working with here feels called to take in some children from the orphanage to help raise them, but they need first their own house and not an apartment. Just pray that God would provide for this if it is his will for them. They have some land they are trying to sell back where they are from which could help in this, but are having some problems getting the necessary documents. Anyway, that is their dream for this place, one which I also think would be great for this place as there is no such place for orphans in Horodok, and it would be a great witness in this place, as well as a chance to bring up children in the truth of the scriptures and give them a real family, and place were they will be loved and cherished.

 I am really enjoying the warmer weather and the fresh vegetables and fruits. If you ever get a chance to come here I promise you wouldn't forget it...it truly is a beautiful place with such beautiful people. Also, in about a week the European championships for football (soccer) will begin here and in Poland...so please pray for safety for all. Thanks for following my blog and for your prayers and support. See you soon!
God Bless