Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I was able to visit this boy who was from the orphanage. He has been in the hospital for two weeks due to his broken arm. I was able to bring him some treats and a book "25 favorite stories of the Bible." He was so happy to have visitors. the other kids in the same room have family to visit them each day. 
I was at this orphanage with the 9TH grade visiting and sharing with them. i asked how many would go onto a trade school next year? They ALL raised their hands to say "yes." One girl stated, "We are the left-overs, no one cares about us." I was able to tell them all that Jesus loves them. i was also able to tell them how much I would enjoy going to their graduation. They were excited about this.
This morning the sun was shining which was a wonderful treat:) Still cold but not as bad as this past weekend. I spent most of the day looking for an apt for Andrie and his brother. It was not an easy task but one I was grateful to help in. Once everything was completed the owner of the apt didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay a few days, which was not an option. I was renting an apt not a room. I talked with Andrie and his brother about God and they agreed they would like to know more about HIM!! Iwill follow up with them about church later.
Monday, January 25, 2010
This morning I had a call from an orphan who is in the trade school. i have known Andrie for a few years now. He and his brother have been sleeping at the train station for the past 2 nights. Andrie is suppose to be in the trade school but is in dept and afraid to go back. His brother lost his job and now has no place to live. I rented them a place to stay for the night. For about $25.00. In the AM I will get then a place to stay for a month and then it will be up to them to keep the rent up. this will give them a new beg and a warm place to live. I know it will also show Christs love for them and a way to open up the Gospel to them. Andrie has no parents at all. His older brother is in prison. I couldn't turn away Andrie and the brother he is with now to the cold. they had no money. Pray for this time.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
cold cold and more cold. the temperature is -16 degrees with snow. It makes one not wanting to go outside at all. On Sunday 24Th they promise even colder temps. On Sunday i will be taking kids to church and spending time with them. today I went to purchase some more games. A new store opened up with all kinds of games and toys. American prices.
Monday, January 11, 2010
It has been a while since I have been able to update my blog. Much has taken place. I was in Kerch, Ukraine which is an overnight train ride then on a bus for over four hours. I went to Kerch to celebrate Christmas with some orphans I know. An Ukrainian Christian lady from Kerch is meeting the needs of the orphans she has permission to visit with. Since this orphanage wasn’t under quarantine it would be a great time to encourage her and also re-visit the orphans I know in Kerch. It was a good meaningful time but a long trip.
I moved into a dif apartment after looking at several. I needed to move since the current apt would be needed. The apt I am in now is on the 6th floor and praise God it has an elevator. I will post pictures of it soon, I hope. I am not settled in just yet but time will allow for this.
Last Friday we had another bible study with the older kids from the trade school. It is so sad to see them in danger of choosing worldly destructive ways of life. I pray that this coming Friday they return and continue to seek the TRUTH. I also brought several of them to church this past Sunday. I know the seeds are being planted in their lives but its difficult because I don’t see it myself.
Anya, my translator has been helping me so much. It is a blessing to have such a devoted Christian willing to help and have the same care and compassion.
Anya will be calling the directors of the orphanages today as the quarantine should be lifted by now. I pray they will not choose to have any other.
I see political signs all over the place. I am tired of seeing them. It is like our election in the states all over again. There is a BIG issue in Ukraine with the direction of the country. Ukraine seems to be in the middle of the east and west. The two contrasts of these sides cause many problems and therefore not much movement for the health of the country. Half want to move toward the Western world and the other towards the East. The elections are Sunday 17th.
Keep Ukraine in your prayers as the people will go and vote for a new president. Continue to keep me and all the kids in your prayers. Health, safety, favor into the orphanages, connecting with the kids, and showing them Christ.
I moved into a dif apartment after looking at several. I needed to move since the current apt would be needed. The apt I am in now is on the 6th floor and praise God it has an elevator. I will post pictures of it soon, I hope. I am not settled in just yet but time will allow for this.
Last Friday we had another bible study with the older kids from the trade school. It is so sad to see them in danger of choosing worldly destructive ways of life. I pray that this coming Friday they return and continue to seek the TRUTH. I also brought several of them to church this past Sunday. I know the seeds are being planted in their lives but its difficult because I don’t see it myself.
Anya, my translator has been helping me so much. It is a blessing to have such a devoted Christian willing to help and have the same care and compassion.
Anya will be calling the directors of the orphanages today as the quarantine should be lifted by now. I pray they will not choose to have any other.
I see political signs all over the place. I am tired of seeing them. It is like our election in the states all over again. There is a BIG issue in Ukraine with the direction of the country. Ukraine seems to be in the middle of the east and west. The two contrasts of these sides cause many problems and therefore not much movement for the health of the country. Half want to move toward the Western world and the other towards the East. The elections are Sunday 17th.
Keep Ukraine in your prayers as the people will go and vote for a new president. Continue to keep me and all the kids in your prayers. Health, safety, favor into the orphanages, connecting with the kids, and showing them Christ.
had a great time with these kids from Kerch, Ukraine. treats and tea. 
the group of orphans in front of a 2010 new year sign in town 
Anderi is in the 6th grade this year. I have known him for three years now. His mom would never allow him in at night so he would wonder around. He is now in the orpananage and dreams to play professional soccer.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
It has been a week since I have arrived in Ukraine. I have not seen the sunshine since I have been here. But I have much joy serving God with ministering to the orphans. Some great things have taken place some small others not too small but I will take any of them:) In a local church I helped begin a bible study/fellowship involving older orphans that are out on their own. We will be meeting each Friday. The pastor of the local church agreed to continue when my time in Ukraine is up. our first Friday went very well and I hope more will attend next Friday.
The orphanages are under quarantine. This means no visitors at all. Many locals believe it is all political. Ukraine is having their presidential elections this month. I will have to wait for a time until this passes. By chance I have been able to visit some orphans which has been great to reconnect with them. I will be traveling to Kerch, Ukraine on Monday January 4th to visit a group of orphans I have known for several years now. Their orphanage is not under quarantine. I will travel all night by train and then a three hour bus ride. I don't really mind the train since I can sleep.
Before leaving I am looking for a new apartment. The apartment I am in now is not available for me to use after the 11th. Trying to find an apartment to rent is not easy. I am still dealing with my lost luggage. Customer service or any kind of help has not really reached this part of the world yet. I hope to have more information tomorrow. well maybe!
New Years Eve was not as good as it could have been. It was sad to see the older orphans all drunk. they spend their money and then the rest of the month they don't have a dime and many times any real food. They are too young and immature to be responsible to live with any sense direction. I was so tired and stressed about the situation I went to bed knowing I couldn't do anything. i will have a good talk with them :)
more later....
Monday, December 28, 2009
what an ordeal to Ukraine
My journey to Ukraine
My travel to Ukraine was quite the experience. Getting out of St. Louis was the first challenge. With the light snow cars were all over the highway. It was a parking lot at best. We decided with amount many others to travel on the shoulder going the opposite way. I thought I was in Ukraine already.
On my way to Munich, Germany I had a great discussion and sharing with a man from India. He was a Hindu. I was able to share with him about the living God and the gospel. He went away encouraged and thanked me for sharing.
Donetsk from Munich Germany the flight was diverted to a different city due to heavy fog. When we landed in a different city in Ukraine there was no direction or help in what to do next. I knew I needed to get my luggage. After waiting a long time I found only one set. The other piece I had to file a missing claims report. That in itself was a joke as many had lost their luggage. Thank God I at least had one. I called Anya my translator who has been helping me for several years. She is wonderful and a great Christian women of God. She mentioned that eight orphans from the trade school had come to the airport to greet me. It was difficult since I wasn’t able to be with them and greet them myself. I hope to call today and see where this lost luggage could be. How I could have one without the other is a mystery.
Not knowing what to do and feeling like a lost puppy I went through customs and then headed for the Lufthansa office. A large crowd of people with no direction, order, crowded around the small window. Pirate taxi drivers were making deals with us stranded passengers. Lots of hand motions going back and forth. Once again now really understand what was happening all of sudden a lady heads out of the office and the crowd of people stated to follow. I was able to ask someone who spoke very little English what was going on. She said, “bus.” In a mad rush I followed the crowd. It as everyone for themselves in hopes to get a seat. I have been in a situation before here knowing why the people were acting in such a panic. The
There was never any information when we would arrive or where they would drop us off. When someone would ask the driver when we would get there he said, “we get there when we get there.” that is a Ukrainian answer a lot.. After 11 hours we were dropped off at 6AM. I was so tired and couldn’t feel a thing. The bus was no Greyhound. More like a large van.
On my first day I went to meet with the kids from the trade school. I also visited with some kids from the orphanage I happened to see outside while walking. I hope to call the orphanage about visiting the kids. I heard they are not allowing visitors because of the swine flu.
My travel to Ukraine was quite the experience. Getting out of St. Louis was the first challenge. With the light snow cars were all over the highway. It was a parking lot at best. We decided with amount many others to travel on the shoulder going the opposite way. I thought I was in Ukraine already.
On my way to Munich, Germany I had a great discussion and sharing with a man from India. He was a Hindu. I was able to share with him about the living God and the gospel. He went away encouraged and thanked me for sharing.
Donetsk from Munich Germany the flight was diverted to a different city due to heavy fog. When we landed in a different city in Ukraine there was no direction or help in what to do next. I knew I needed to get my luggage. After waiting a long time I found only one set. The other piece I had to file a missing claims report. That in itself was a joke as many had lost their luggage. Thank God I at least had one. I called Anya my translator who has been helping me for several years. She is wonderful and a great Christian women of God. She mentioned that eight orphans from the trade school had come to the airport to greet me. It was difficult since I wasn’t able to be with them and greet them myself. I hope to call today and see where this lost luggage could be. How I could have one without the other is a mystery.
Not knowing what to do and feeling like a lost puppy I went through customs and then headed for the Lufthansa office. A large crowd of people with no direction, order, crowded around the small window. Pirate taxi drivers were making deals with us stranded passengers. Lots of hand motions going back and forth. Once again now really understand what was happening all of sudden a lady heads out of the office and the crowd of people stated to follow. I was able to ask someone who spoke very little English what was going on. She said, “bus.” In a mad rush I followed the crowd. It as everyone for themselves in hopes to get a seat. I have been in a situation before here knowing why the people were acting in such a panic. The
There was never any information when we would arrive or where they would drop us off. When someone would ask the driver when we would get there he said, “we get there when we get there.” that is a Ukrainian answer a lot.. After 11 hours we were dropped off at 6AM. I was so tired and couldn’t feel a thing. The bus was no Greyhound. More like a large van.
On my first day I went to meet with the kids from the trade school. I also visited with some kids from the orphanage I happened to see outside while walking. I hope to call the orphanage about visiting the kids. I heard they are not allowing visitors because of the swine flu.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
glimps of Donetsk's
Donetsk is the fifth-largest city in Ukraine. With a population of over 1,120,000. While the majority of people in central and western Ukraine speak Ukrainian, most residents of Donetsk are Russian-speaking Ukrainians (Ukrainians are an East Slavic ethnic group primarily living in Ukraine) According to 2001 population census, Ukrainians make up 56,9% of Donetsk area and Russians 38,2%.
Donetsk's residents belong to many different religious bodies: Eastern Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Protestant, and Roman Catholic as well as Islam Mosques and Judaic synagogues The largest religious body with the most members is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
The city was founded in 1869 by a Welsh businessman, John Hughes who constructed a steel plant and several coal mines. The city's steel industry was expanded and since 1924 it was renamed Stalino after Joseph Stalin. Joseph Stalin was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union's Central Committee from 1922 until his death in 1953...Today, the city still remains an important industrial centre for coal and steel in Ukraine.
In the beginning of World War II The territory of Donetsk at the time of the Nazi German
Mostly consisted of a Jewish ghetto. Donetsk consisted of 507,000, and after the war - only 175,000 remained. World War II almost completely destroyed the city, which was mostly rebuilt on a larger scale at the war's end.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Donetsk and other neighboring cities suffered heavily, as many factories were closed down and many inhabitants lost their jobs. However, in spite of the difficult economic situation in Ukraine Economy of Ukraine is a developing city.
Donetsk's residents belong to many different religious bodies: Eastern Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Protestant, and Roman Catholic as well as Islam Mosques and Judaic synagogues The largest religious body with the most members is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
The city was founded in 1869 by a Welsh businessman, John Hughes who constructed a steel plant and several coal mines. The city's steel industry was expanded and since 1924 it was renamed Stalino after Joseph Stalin. Joseph Stalin was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union's Central Committee from 1922 until his death in 1953...Today, the city still remains an important industrial centre for coal and steel in Ukraine.
In the beginning of World War II The territory of Donetsk at the time of the Nazi German
Mostly consisted of a Jewish ghetto. Donetsk consisted of 507,000, and after the war - only 175,000 remained. World War II almost completely destroyed the city, which was mostly rebuilt on a larger scale at the war's end.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Donetsk and other neighboring cities suffered heavily, as many factories were closed down and many inhabitants lost their jobs. However, in spite of the difficult economic situation in Ukraine Economy of Ukraine is a developing city.
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