"He's Got Something Up His Sleeve...Except It's Not A Rabbit."

I know, I know. I haven't written in almost three weeks. Shame on me as a blogger. From the busyness of the mission trip, I had little time to sit down and write an overview of each day. I would first like to say thank you for those you prayed for me, the team, the people we ministered to, and everything in between. Your prayers were answered in extraordinary ways and I felt the presence of Abba everyday.

When I back to Ukraine in January, I felt a strong urge to go and serve somewhere here. I knew that God did not lead me to this country to only give myself to this family, but to these people. However, I had no clue where to start. I spent hours everyday looking for opportunities with organizations, churches, humanitarian aid, etc. I became discouraged as I found that no trips matched the dates I needed. A connection with Samaritan's Purse came up, so of course, I went after it. I assumed that this was "it." This was my golden ticket. Confession: when I typed that, I thought of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. You know, the scene where 'Grandfather Joe' is skipping around the room in his night gown. Disturbing.

Back on a serious note, one of my biggest dreams was to pass out shoe boxes with Samaritan's Purse. I convinced my heart and mind that this was a gift from the Lord. He had heard my prayers and put a cherry on top...just because He loved me. All my thoughts and energy were centered around this. Just when I thought things couldn't get better...MY plans came to a halt. It didn't work out. After this "no", I was finished. I told myself that maybe it's better that I just continue to serve in this family.

That's when He revealed what He planned for me...

 Isaiah 55:9 (Message)

"I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work.' God's Decree. 'For as the sky soars high about earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think."  

That's when a friend from Operation Mobilization very casually asked me if I was interested in going on a mission trip in April. I was so amazed. I was so humbled. I was so overwhelmed. Even though His spirit is among us (even when I think about it, He's sitting beside me as I'm writing this blog), I still looked up at the clouds, smiled and whispered, "Thank you, Papa."

"Life is Blossoming"

 

I can't get over how stinkin' gorgeous the flowers are here. Everyday there are new bursts of colors around the house. My Daddy suggested that I should share pictures of the flowers from our house. The previous owners bought these tulips bulbs in Holland. So I guess we have something in common...we're both foreigners.

Сонця поцілунокn (sun kiss)

pop of pink

feminine flowers

vision in white

those pretty daffodils

no name, beautiful identity

coalesce

we're gathered together here today

"Spring Has Sprung!"

Ms. Independent riding in the wind.

Diana Blue Eyes.

Alona Bologna.

Katya is fabulous; wolf/fox and rabbit are frightening.

Love me some Ukrainian orthodox churches.

I love this picture. The end.

He sure does love army print. Please tote the awesome 1960's Russian vehicle in the background. I want one.

Fierce.

Katroosya.

Sneezhana is all smiles.

Yula and Alina (pastor's daughter) playing in the park.

"30 Days, 100 Ways."

 I can believe it's already April 4th! Where has 2011 gone? The older I get, the faster time goes. Honestly, it sucks. I remember and treasure the days that felt like they would neeevvverrr end.

The past few days have been spent making plans for coming home...something that I have avoided doing for quite awhile. It's official. I'm flying back to the States on May 19th. I will be flying back home the next day. I counted 45 more days in the country and 30 days with this family (I will be on the mission trip in Vinnytsia for approx. 15 days). As May approaches, each day here becomes bittersweet. I rejoice every moment I can laugh and smile with my family and friends. I weep every moment I think about being an ocean apart from them. However, it challenges me to love and serve wholeheartedly and selflessly the days I have left here.

So to celebrate and remember my time here, I'm going to list 30 things I love/have loved about my time here (so far).

1. I love the Tkachuk family: Ruslan, Archie, Sasha, Dima, Yura, Katya, Vika, Diana, Alona, Sneezhana, Bogdon, Bogdonchik, Isabella, and Yula.

2. I love the value of family. 

3. I love the quietness of living in a village.

4. I love the organic diet. 

5. I love that close friends kiss each other on the cheek.

6.  I love that every occasion calls for sweets and hot tea.

7.  I love waking up to the sound of giggling, singing, and laughing.

8. I love Russian/Ukrainian pop music.

9. I love the cute little babooshkas walking down the street.

10. I love the pastel colored houses.

11. I love hanging out with Sasha and Katya.

12. I love how beautiful each season is. 

13. I love when the kids sing 'Happy Birthday'.

14. I love the beautiful Orthodox churches.

15. I love traveling and spending time in Vinnytsia.

16. I love cooking with Mama Archie.

17. I love the sunrises and sunsets.

18. I love saying "privet."

19. I love taking Yula,Sneezhana, and Isabella to sadik.

20. I love our church.

21. I love real talk with Ruslan.

22. I love how the blue clouds and skies are always picture-perfect.

23. I love the golden sunflower fields.

24. I love going to Baboosya's (Ruslan's Mama's) house.

25. I love having Moldova as a neighbor.

26. I love watching American movies and cartoons in Ukrainian.

27. I love the welcoming feeling you get when you meet someone new.

28. I love the Ukrainian national anthem.

29. I love the 8 BIG smiles I see everyday.

30. I love that I chose to come to Ukraine at 19 year old.