Well we have been back for a couple of weeks now and it sure is fun to think back on the good times and remember all that we were able to do. One of the team members, Justin, was gracious and talented enough to put a video together to capture the trip and allow all of you to enjoy it as well.
So without further delay...here it is
http://justinhall.us/ukraine2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
You are the God of the City...You are the King of these people...
Last time when I wrote a comment on the blog, Did I mention that I like the team...yes I really do like them. This time I want to say I love them and I dont want to let them go. This time I am happy that they are leaving a part of them here in Ukraine...Joe will be staying.
One body in Christ, separated by oceans and many different parts of the world, I still feel as though we are all close family when I am with them. I am thankful and honored for letting me be an interpreter and helping them with Ukrainian life. The week flew by as if it were only a day.
They did a great job, I mean really great - (Doosza Dobray) as some like to say like Tom. Their enthusiasm for teaching the kids this week amazes me. It is fun to watch Joe, Justin, Tom, Seb, and Hikaru playing fubtbol, ultimate frisbee, etc. with the kids. The girls...Laney, Tanya, Ningning, Merrie, and Maureen are always surrounded by both girls and boys. Merrie's smile always cheers me up. Tom keeps everything under control and is willing to help everyone. He takes care of what is needed and he really helps all team member grow and feel indespensible.
But the main thing I see here in this unified team - their desire to share God's love, serve the Ukrainian people, and help them to understand their need in Christ as their Lord and Savior. I hope that this time was not the last time they will be in Horodok. Praying that the seeds sown in the children's little hearts will grow and bring fruit of repentance. Maybe one day we can sing about Horodok with Chris Tomlin "You are the God of the City, You are the King of these people, You are the Lord of this nation."
Love,
Lilya
Friday, July 9, 2010
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!
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!
I am pleasantly surprised everytime that I come back to Horodok, Ukraine. The people, the fellowship, the smiles, the laughter, but mostly the love. This year, my Ukrainian sister, Laney, and I got honor to teach the intermediate english class together. Our students are so intelligent and they are also the loudest, of course. During group time, the kids seem to be very captivated by the worship music and testimonies of our team, which is very encouraging to us.Today, our class will have a party and I am very excited!
Yesterday, Laney, Jojo, and I were invited into one our students home, her name is Julia. We went expecting to just sip chai and chat, but being in Ukraine, of course a full delicious meal was prepared, along with dessert, and chai. :) I love this cutlture, its so comforting to be here, and i'm not ready to leave Horodok. But, we are all very excited that Jojo gets to stay and work with the children in this city for the next year because he's going to do such great things. The children in Horodok know why we are here, beyond the fact that we come to teach English, we are here to save them. I believe that the extravgent love that we are touching them with every minute that we are here speaks more words then we could ever say, even if we could speak Ukrainian fluently.
Please keep praying for us!
Sincerely, Tanya!
Yesterday, Laney, Jojo, and I were invited into one our students home, her name is Julia. We went expecting to just sip chai and chat, but being in Ukraine, of course a full delicious meal was prepared, along with dessert, and chai. :) I love this cutlture, its so comforting to be here, and i'm not ready to leave Horodok. But, we are all very excited that Jojo gets to stay and work with the children in this city for the next year because he's going to do such great things. The children in Horodok know why we are here, beyond the fact that we come to teach English, we are here to save them. I believe that the extravgent love that we are touching them with every minute that we are here speaks more words then we could ever say, even if we could speak Ukrainian fluently.
Please keep praying for us!
Sincerely, Tanya!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)