It's hard to believe that a year has already passed since we moved to Ukraine.  Often throughout the course of this year we have felt like the ministry was very slow going causing us to wonder how much we've actually accomplished and if we we were crazy to think we could actually change the world.  After having sat in our kitchen a few nights ago amazed that a year has already flown by, we began to reflect on how the Lord has used us this year and what exactly we have accomplished in a years time. Once we were finished reflecting we were actually amazed at how much the Lord has already done, and we're just getting started!

  

LANGUAGE

 

 

 

As far as language skills go, Andy is amazing! His language skills are so good that we only need an interpreter for official meetings. He can understand almost everything and is fully capable of carrying on casual conversations with just about anyone. He is often my own personal interpreter (lucky me!).  I am so thankful that he had previously taken a year of Russian before we came here. His awesome Russian skills have made a significant impact on our adjustment to living in Ukraine. As far as my own Russian skills are concerned they are also improving.  I reminded myself the other day that when we moved here I could not read the alphabet, nor could I even begin to distinguish sounds or words when someone spoke.  Now, I can read and write (even in cursive, which is not as easy as English cursive).  I can carry on basic conversations as well as identify almost all words when someone is speaking. Even though I don't know all the meanings of the words, the fact that I can hear words and distinguish sounds is quite an improvement.   Although we have both made great strides, we are going to continue our diligent studies of the language. 

Living in Ukraine is another area of great accomplishment. We have mastered the public transportation system.  We can not only get around our own city, but have already traveled to other parts of Ukraine without an interpreter.  I can even get around confidently without Andy.  It is very comforting to know that you are able to find your way home in a foreign country.  Also, we have become quite the chefs over the past year, since life in Ukraine doesn't permit you the ease of purchasing a prepared frozen chicken and vegetable meal from the local Trader Joe's (Oh, how I miss TJ's).  We have accepted the fact that it takes longer to get things done in Ukraine. We have alos begun to drink tea and eat chocolate on a daily basis which is a common Ukrainian habit.  I have learned how to make tortillas, pancakes, and a chocolate cake, all from scratch.  The list could go on but you get the point. We have made quite a few lifestyle adjustments over the year and we still love it all. 

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

 

We are so thrilled to have just purchased not one but TWO mopeds (pictured above)!  God is so good.  We were believing God to be able to buy one Chinese made moped.  As we were moped shopping we stumbled upon a big tin shed of a store, full of imported pre-owned Japanese (i.e. higher quality) mopeds. The men who worked there were like moped geeks (in a good way).  This wasn't just their means for survival it was very obvious that mopeds were also their hobby.  We found two old-school style mopeds that had phenomenal prices.  We decided to take the leap of faith and stretch ourselves a little farther than we expected and purchase two mopeds, which was more money than we were already stretching our faith for to begin with. After having money show up from unexpected sources we bought two of the cutest mopeds in all of Sevastopol. And of course, Latte has a basket so that he can ride along too.  We have had a great deal of fun cruising all over the city, extremely happy not to be sweating away our patience on the public transportation during the hot summer. 

 

MINISTRY

 

 

Although we don't have 100's of kids clamoring for our attention some of the ones we have been working with have begun to jokingly call us mom and dad, making comments like "we are like one big happy family."  Although they are joking, there is no doubt in our minds that they are finding in us what they have been missing for years; a real family.  The relationships we have built with these particular kids is real and genuine.  It can be so easy to measure are success by the number of kids who desire our attention and affection, however, the Lord continues to remind us that our primary purpose here is not to work first hand with kids. (Of course, we recognize that the ones he has brought into our lives he has done so for a very significant reason. How else would we set the example for the locals as to what should be done for these kids?)  Our primary purpose here is to awaken the local churches of this great need, so close to the heart of God, and launch them into action to care for and disciple orphans.   The Lord recently told us to have a meeting gathering all of the individuals we have met who already have a heart for orphans, particularly the older ones.  When we started planning the meeting we realized that we have contacts with six different churches from Sevastopol.  We were amazed at how many churches we had actual contacts with.  Although this gathering is still in the planning stages, we are thrilled at what the Lord is going to do.  We are looking forward to the progress of the vision as we enter into our second year here. We know God has BIG plans in store.  

 

FINANCIALLY

 

 

Truly, the Lord has blown me away.  His provision has been incredible. We have only 33% of our needed, committed monthly supporters.  Despite this low percentage, we have met our budget expenses every month. Sometimes we aren't sure how, but nonetheless it is clearly the provision and faithfulness of God.  This next year, we are continuing to believe God for 100% of committed/consistent monthly support by the end of 2008. If you would like to help us reach that vision please click here!