The Last "Prazdnik"

For Americans, the Christmas holidays in Ukraine seem to last forever, but they are finally over after fireworks at midnight marked the celebration of the "Old" New Year (don't know where that comes from, but I'll check). So we're ready to hit the ground running to build relationships and plant seeds in preparation for the spring "thaw!"

I spent the last 2 weeks of December in St. Louis with my family, along with a short hop to Little Rock to catch up with friends there. I arrived back in Kharkov on the night of the 3rd of January, tired, but thankful the Lord worked out travel without any "hitches". Now, 10 days later, I'm about back to my regular sleep cycle and expecting the Lord to give me, and Team Kharkov, the best year ever!

We are seeing Him do incredible things - things that only He could do, such as bringing almost a thousand children and parents to a Christmas party/play on December 24th, opening doors in schools for character / Christian ethic groups, and giving Amanda and I the opportunity to work in cooperation with the Women's Ministry Coordinator for the Baptist churches of the Kharkov oblast. So we are excited, yet aware of our need to seek His face more than ever.

Now all we need is SNOW!!!!!!!!

First Snow (YEAH!!!!) & Thanksgiving

We had our first snowfall this week - several inches. Shadow loved it (until the pads of her feet got full), and so did I. We had an extra walk during the day just to enjoy it.

I'm amazed at the peacefulness of snow each time it falls! The world is "quieter", "softer", and, of course, "brighter"! It really overcomes the darkness, for the nights are lighter as a result of a layer of snow. Every time it falls, I thank the Lord for allowing me to experience snow with the heart of a child. (Now, if only the body would be able to do that!!!!)

On Tuesday, Team Kharkov celebrated Thanksgiving (I know, it's next Thursday, but we're ahead over here)! This time next week (Thursday), our team will be traveling west for a mini-retreat. We're excited about the opportunity to see a part of the country none of us have visited previously, and having time to relax, play, and pray together. So, we decided to prepare our meal this week so it would not be quite as hectic.

I hope to add some pictures soon. I'm just afraid once I get started, I may never stop (I have literally thousands of digital pics from the past couple of years).

Have an awesome day!

His Gifts are Awesome!

The Lord really provided me with a wonderful birthday yesterday, but then how could it be otherwise when so many brothers and sisters in Christ lift your name before the throne? Add to that the messages and e-cards I received via e-mail and "skype" and it was truly a blessed day!

By far the most delightful part of the day was our visit to a women's shelter in the Aleksayivka region of Kharkov. We were told by the director that there are 3 or 4 shelters in all of Ukraine (not certain if this is correct or not) as she walked us through the 4 large rooms of this "Detski Sod" (kindergarten) they were given for this purpose. The shelter has been operating for 7 years and is "home" to 15 or 16 women at this time. As Amanda and I walked through the center, we both looked at each other with anticipation and excitement....the possibilities for ministry to women and others through small groups are awesome.

The most significant part of this is how the Lord is walking before us, and we are seeking to follow His path. Aleksayivka is a region of the city we prayerwalked for the first time 2 weeks ago. At that point, none of us had ever seen the region "up close and personal," so we "randomly" selected a block of apartments to begin our prayerwalk emphasis. Imagine our surprise (and delight) when we drove to the middle of that block of apartments yesterday to look at the shelter. We had no idea 2 weeks ago that it was located in this old school, yet the Lord knew as we walked past the building and prayed that we would go through the door of that same building very soon!

We do not yet know how we will be involved, or what the Lord has planned for us in this region, but there is no doubt He is working! For the first time in the 4 years I have lived here, pastors and Baptist leaders from different churches in different regions of the city have a desire to see work begun in Aleksayivka. We can hardly wait to see what He is going to do in and through His people in the weeks and months ahead.

Thanks to all who sent birthday greetings. Just so you know, my team made me a wonderful lunch complete with chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes, and a heavenly apple/berry pie. I was also the recipient of some great John Piper books and new winter "Crocs", along with handmade birthday cards. Couldn't ask for more, and yet our Father always gives "more than we can ask or imagine." I even asked Him for a little snow for my birthday, and while we didn't have a blizzard, every flake that I saw was a reminder of His faithfulness to give us the desires of our heart. I've decided this next year is going to be the best year of my life so far, and I look forward to sharing with others how the Father causes it to be just that!

Here We Go

I've been "meaning to" start a blog for months, but never followed through. So here goes my best attempt to keep family, friends, prayer partners, and anyone else who is interested up to date about daily happenings in my adopted city - Kharkov (HAR-kov), Ukraine. Be patient. It will take some time to get into the habit of writing, but there are so many things the Lord does each day that I don't share on our prayer letters, and I really want you to know more about how He is moving in this place I call "home".

Thanks for joining me on this adventure!