Living Inspired.

"Oh, October!"

...Phew. October is really over. This past month has been nothing less than c-r-a-z-y. I'm so thankful to have Mama Archie, Katya, and Isabella back home with us. 
There was waaaayyyy too much that went on this month for me to write about, however, I will highlight some of the events.

• Played the role of Mama and big sister for a month (more of the big sister part. Bless Ruslan's heart, he had to play Papa & Mama)
• Spent the first week with Ruslan's Mama, who speaks 0 English. However, this gave me the advantage of picking up a few Ukrainian words. 
• Got to meet Maxim, one of the many teens/kids that lived with Ruslan and Archie. What a sweet guy. He provided some comic relief in the midst of all the craziness. 
• Took the girls to dance by myself which included riding the marshootka. 
•  Spent the day in Vinnytsia with the youth group from church. It was so enjoyable to just fellowship with other believers.   
• Took a day trip (ha, that's an understatement) to Moldova to get my Ukrainian Visa! Yes, Moldova is a country.
• Sat/talked in two English classes...hopefully I will be visiting more schools here in Mohyliv from now on.
• Going to Alona's, Bogdanchik's, Sneezhana's, and Yula's "Fall Festivals" at school and sadik (kindergarten). Too.freaking.cute. 
• Learned how to use a knife. Yes. For those of you who don't know me, I hate knives. This is a big deal. No judging.
• Spent some time in the kitchen learning how to make compot (a Ukrainian fruit drink), soups, salads, etc. 
• Taught the kids a little bit of English. Phrases include: "How are you," "What happened," "spread bread please," "pour me a drink," "nothing," "sleep," etc...it's time to teach them some Raegan lingo.
• Sadly, I experienced a great deal of homesickness. No fun.
• Talked to several of my friends/family on the telephone through Skype. Hallelujaaarrr.

• ^^Had the pleasure of listening to the 2010-2011 GCA Ensemble singing. Man, I sure do miss my music family.
• Spent a month living,loving,and laughing with the most incredible kids. Vika,Diana,Alona,Sneezhana,Yula,Bogdon,and Bogdonchick: you all are some kind of wonderful.

If someone asked me in all honesty if I wanted to repeat October, I would say no. I have never been so emotionally/physically/mentally/and spiritually challenged in my life. There were many times that I wanted to "throw in the towel" and walk away...but I wouldn't learn, would I? The entire purpose of October was to just.be.taught. Taught how to be a Mama, to be an older sister (which, I've never had this experience. I've always been the baby), to provide for family, to face fears had on instead of run away, to be selfless and serving, to be patient and peaceful in all circumstances, to be humble, to be merciful...

Above all, to do small things with great love.