So the last time I updated y’all I
was getting ready to head out on my 40-day outreach in Ukraine. Now it is drawing to a close and I will
be heading back to Hungary in just over a week. So much had happened and God is teaching me such precious
lessons that I know I will look back on for years to come.
Shortly before my coming the pastor
in Kiev stepped down from the pastorate and the family I was to stay with was
asked to step into that position.
George and Sharon Markey and their four boys have been serving in the
church in Ternopil for several years.
It was decided that George’s brother Jon would take over the senior
pastorate in Ternopil and George and his family would move to Kiev and take
over there. I have been able to
help with that transition in whatever way I can. I stay with the boys on the weekends while George and Sharon
go to Kiev for Saturday events, Sunday services, and Monday prayer meetings. Kiev is about a five-hour drive from
Ternopil.
There have been some hot days and
some rainy days but, with a lake in the middle of downtown, Ternopil has been a
delight. My greatest joy has been
to be back in the kitchen, doing laundry, and spending time with the boys (all
of which I haven’t done as much of as I normally do since leaving for Bible
College). It has been challenging
at times, but my young charges are quite hilarious and our favorite pastimes
are walking to the park, taking public transit to church, drinking kefir and
having teatime when it’s raining.
I have had the joy of meeting
several people at the church such as when the shower backed up, and accepting
vegetable deliveries. I continue
to work on my Ukrainian and have a had a few successful communications. I learned enough mom commands to be
able to baby sit Ukrainian speaking children for a short time.
I have treasured my time here as I
feel God is sending me through a delightful missionary wife boot camp before
becoming just that in January.
Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me. Please keep praying.
Rinsing off at the conference in Hungary
The deluxe smoothie made by the oldest of my young charges Samuel
Sorry with the Markey cousins (two of the missionary families here in Ukraine) is never boring
Of course getting in some Skype time with my love
This is Kiyoshi (Markey boy #2) he is a Lego building master
This is Samuel (Markey boy #1) he is the master chef in the making
Here he is enjoying some beet greens with me (oh yes we did mom)
The sweet babushka the Markeys frequently buy veggie and fruit from on their way to Kiev
Fun day to the Lego store with the three older boys
Sharon Markey and 3/4 of her posse of delights
At the park watching six kids (two of which don't speak English).
Getting my language study in.
Getting my language study in.
What we do on those hot Ternopil days
Exploring the city center
Of course stopping for a fresh Ukrainian cup of Joe
Yes, there is a lake in the middle of downtown
I just really like cool lookin' doors
My friend Tanya who took me exploring
Yes, I have found it!
Peter (Markey boy #3) the one most like my amazing self as a 4-year-old
James (Markey boy #4) The one with the sunny disposition
Prayer requests:
- Safe travels back to Hungary on August 3rd (also my handsome daddy’s birthday)
- For George, Sharon, and the boys as they start a new life in Kiev
- For Jon and Steff who will be staying in Ternopil and leading the church here
- For safe travels as I go back to California at the end of August
- Continued prayer for Jared and I as we plan our wedding and prepare for marriage
