So...my life is tough. I get to go camping for two weeks and "rough" it. Why am I such a wimp? I don't know, but camping is definitely not my lifestyle. Although the country around here is beautiful. I praise God for it, because it is so different from Kentucky. It's mainly flat with little grassy knolls dimpling the countryside. We're right next to a river (which one I'm not sure). The wildflowers are amazing, so many bright colors. So vibrant and screaming with life. Red, blue, violet, yellow; there's even a cactus-like plant.
This life is so simple it almost makes me want to live here...almost. Live in a tent (which I could get used to), eat what you make, swim, work, and praise God. The Urkrainians here are so vocal and alive. They yell their praises to God, and dance so vibrantly. I want to join in, but I don't know the steps, and I'm afraind of looking foolish. Yup, sounds like me. I want to have faith like these people. They just praise God with their lives, it's who they are. I feel we're missing that in the States; Sergei says it's because we don't have hardships, I don't know.
The first day we just arrived here, at lunch and dinner (and we went swimming). Matthew and I just tossed the frisbee with the kids. It was fun even if they don't know how to throw. There are only 4 kids (all boys) for teen camp that aren't connected to being a helper somehow. Kides camp should have more. It's nice, though, because we get to know them better (Maxima, Ilian, Dima, and Vitalik). There are more workers than kids, but it's fun. The cook here, Dima, says I'll speak Russian by the time I leave, and he'll speak English. I'm not too sure about that, but being the odd man out linguistically does make you communicate better and learn faster. I've already learned quite a bit, although not enough to get by.
Tuesday we did a lot of the same. We woke up ast 6 am (the workers) and have quiet time, 7 the kids wake up, 8 is kalesthenics (uuugh), 0 is breakfast, 10 is swimming, 11 a work job, 12 a lesson, 1 is free I think, 2 lunch, 3 swim, 4-6 games (which we lead), 6 dinner, later we have worship time. On Tuesday we had a bonfire where we sang. Matthew and I got to sing in English, which was great (there are so few chances here). I am so thankful that Igor and Vika are here. They translate for us and withough them it would be a nightmare, even if I'm learning (but mostly signing). It was great to get to see how the Ukrainians worship, which like I said is a lot more vibrant than in the US.
This week I"ve been in another mood. At 7 am todeay I went to worker worship and since I couldn't sing I thought. I am so worried about what others think of me, to the point where I'll actually change myself. I've been living in hate: of others, but mostly of myself. I'll think horrible thoughts that I don't want or would never think of just to show how hateful I am. But today I had a burst of light in a dark time where I struggle to even believe in God. I was looking at the sky when I thought "Who cares if they like me?" Now I know this is an American phrase of defiance, but I meant it. I saw the sky and kenw there was a God who created it, and he must love me to have made it so perfectly. He is LOVE. EVen if I lived to seek only pleasure, I wouldn't be fulfilled, but I am in his love. And it is enough tto be loved by the creator of all and not others. I've been annoying to be liked, but I want to love and if they like me it's a plus.l I've sought heaven in fear of hell, but not because I want to love Love. Heaven and hell are irrelevant, love is the relevance. Without it life is meaningless, and there is no heaven or hell. God is relationship within himself, I learned from "The Shack", and he wants me to join in relationship with him. This is mindblowing to me, and has greatly helped my walk that he is Love, and loves me. I guess that's enough, and I'm holding to it.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Meandering...
Meandering
Along a dark tunnel,
Night entombs me with her heavy cloak,
Filled with scorn for the man I've become,
hate for flaws, fear of being fogotten.
Unforgiving stench that rifles my nose,
stifles the mind.
Meandering,
I see a light ahead in the darkness,
I hear a host crying "You are Love",
He is the worthy one, standing in the gleam.
He takes each by the hand and removes their cloak.
But like Sisiphys, I've already condemned myself to a personal hell.
Falling down the hill of love to a valley of self-loathing.
I roll up again, but slip;
He reaches for my hand, but in my hate I withdraw and fall.
Meandering,
The light seems distant,
But the gleam is there.
I fill up my cup with mud,
but it cakes and cracks, not firm.
Water seeps down and affirms me.
I may be meandering, but I'm not lost.
Along a dark tunnel,
Night entombs me with her heavy cloak,
Filled with scorn for the man I've become,
hate for flaws, fear of being fogotten.
Unforgiving stench that rifles my nose,
stifles the mind.
Meandering,
I see a light ahead in the darkness,
I hear a host crying "You are Love",
He is the worthy one, standing in the gleam.
He takes each by the hand and removes their cloak.
But like Sisiphys, I've already condemned myself to a personal hell.
Falling down the hill of love to a valley of self-loathing.
I roll up again, but slip;
He reaches for my hand, but in my hate I withdraw and fall.
Meandering,
The light seems distant,
But the gleam is there.
I fill up my cup with mud,
but it cakes and cracks, not firm.
Water seeps down and affirms me.
I may be meandering, but I'm not lost.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A week gone quickly...
Wow, I hadn't realized that it has been almost a week since I last posted, that's not too good. Well, not too much different happened for most of the week, but I'll try to catch you up. On Monday we worked on the fence in the morning and in the evening did VBS again. I always enjoy the VBS so much because the kids here are so friendly, and so eager to learn some English. Each lesson has some English words thrown in for them to learn, so they like to practice with us occasionally. Especially Julia, who speaks a little English, and likes to use it whenever possible. We've been averaging around 20 kids a night, which is great. I often feel that VBS is a little hokey when we put it on, because it seems like that's all people do when they go on mission trips. However, every time I do it, I see the merit of it and love it more. I haven't been able to do any Bible study leading or ESL, but I'm helping with leading songs, which sort of counts for both.
On Tuesday some people went to the orphanage again, and the rest of us stayed and worked on the fence. I must say the painting the fence is fairly monotonous, and there is a lot of it to paint. I'm having trouble seeing it's worth, but I have to keep reminding myself that everything I do for the glory of God is worthwhile. I got to help with the grocery shopping, which was fun. Stores around here are a little different than in the States. You aren't allowed to bring in a bag, for fear of shoplifting. However, you have to pay for your own grocery bags (reduces overuse of them), so you can bring your own plastic bags to carry groceries home with. Grocery shopping is always one of my favorite first cultural experiences, and it was just as much fun then. They have ice cream everywhere here, and it is good. I like to try a new one whenever possible. VBS was great in the evening again, and it seems every evening we had at least two new kids.
Wednesday, instead of working on the fence, the team decided to go downtown for a couple of hours (with Matthew and I tagging along). But first we went to the children's hospital. Oksana Brower's other nephew (Dima, brother of Roma who had spilled boiling water on himself) had an allergic reaction to shellfish and was in the hospital for a day. It was interesting to see a Ukrainian hospital, although I didn't go in because they could only let three of us up to see Dima. Then we went downtown and walked around in a mall for a bit. Malls in Ukraine are more open than in the US. The stores don't really have doors, so you just walk in and look around for what you want. The clothing is really nice, as in most of Europe, and it is extremely Ukrainian to look your best at all times. I'm trying to find some clothes, but I haven't found any I like yet. That evening we had our last VBS as the team would be leaving the next day before they could do another one. This evening we had another water balloon fight (so much fun!), a game where the kids poured water into a cup on my and some other team members' heads, and we split into groups and the kids used what English they had learned on native English speakers (us). It really helps in language development to be able to talk with a native speaker of that language (thank you ESL class).
Thursday was a bit of a sad day because the team had to leave. In the morning some worked on the work project, but I went with Melissa and Elisa to the orphanage (which is every Tuesday and Thursday). This time we got to play outside. Daniel was all over me again, and we had fun chasing each other, and his sister Julia. I put them both on my knee and bounced them around like a horse (like you used to do to us, Dad), and they loved it. Then the older boys came out. My heart really breaks for them, because if they go into the second stage orphanage (this was first stage where they are dropped off and can't be adopted, they look for a relative), they are not likely to get adopted because they are "too old". No one wants to adopt a teenager, even though they need love too (more than some kids, in fact). Around 60% of these boys end up in the Black Market when they leave the system, which shows how little loved they are. So I played soccer with them when Daniel and Julia were finally distracted by coloring. I think they enjoyed it, I did, even though I was terrible. One little boy (Roma) kept making me switch positions from goalie to offense because I was so bad. But they enjoyed it, especially scoring on an American (which they take immense pleasure in). I just loved being able to love on them, and show them someone cares, even if he can't play soccer. Then, at 3 pm we said our goodbyes to the team, who were heading on the train to Kiev for souveniers and then their plane. It was sad to see them go, but I am excited that the ministries I am involved in aren't limited by what the team is doing (although it never really was, I suppose). I'm just excited to see what will happen now. We just relaxed the rest of the evening, and watched Finding Nemo.
Friday went by quickly. Bill Brower came the night before and informed me I was to work construction with the Ukrainians the next day. I'll admit I wasn't too happy (I'm not much a one for construction, as most of you know), but I was excited to show that I wanted to work with the Ukranians, and to see how they work. I think it's important to not act superior because I'm American (there's no reason to), and to do the same work as the local people. It also helped me work on my whole "this is for God, not for me" thing. Have to admit, I haven't got it down yet (I don't expect I will any time soon, or in years to come even). So the next day came, and I got up to head down to work (they work in the building I stay in, which is now with the Tarrs because they needed our apartment for a couple who are adopting a Ukranian boy). I met up with Sasha, a local who speaks fairly good English, and was to work with him. However, it was raining extremely hard, so the only construction I did was move a couple of doorframes out of the rain. However, Bill Tarr asked Sasha and I to scrape paint off of the stairwell that leads to their apartment, which we happily obliged. We used soapwater and sandpaper to get it off, and it took a couple of hours. It was nice to get to talk to a Ukranian one on one. Sasha is trying to get his master's degree (in what I'm not sure), and wants to be a pastor, but has no building for his church. He's only 26 (just a few years older than me), and is married to Oksana (it's a common name here). His dream is just to build a house for his family, which made me realize how greedy we are in the States, and how much we take for granted. We talked about places we'd been (I've been to far more places than he, obviously). One thing stuck with me, though. He was asking me if I'd been to the Grand Canyon. I said no, as I haven't. He then said "I don't understand Americans. They have the opportunity and the money to do things, but they never take them." It hit me rather hard that as Americans, we are so worried about keeping what we've earned, that we never really enjoy life. We have opportunity to do things, not just travel, but help the world, and we're too afraid of failure or loosing money or a day's work to do them. I'll have to think on that some more. I later weedwhacked the yard (they do it instead of mowing) for a couple of hours and got a bit done. The yard I was cutting was about to my thigh, so it took a while. We just rested the rest of the day (Matthew had been busy painting a mural of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for the youth center, which looks great so far).
Today was our day off. Matthew and I got up at around 9 and headed for downtown. We just read at the beach for a little while (more like by the beach, as where we were was just a rocky outcrop), and walked around looking for clothes and seeing the city. It really is a lovely town, and the sea is beautiful (I've got pictures up on Facebook). We're resting up right now for the two weeks of camp next week. I'm a little nervous about being the only English speakers, but I'm trying to learn to rely on God, even if I'm in a phase of doubt. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, I believe they are helping me in so many ways, including my faith. Keep praying, especially for the two camps over the next two weeks. I won't likely blog during them, as there will be no electricity, but I'll keep a journal there and hopefully put it up later. Thanks for keeping up with me, and I love you all.
David
On Tuesday some people went to the orphanage again, and the rest of us stayed and worked on the fence. I must say the painting the fence is fairly monotonous, and there is a lot of it to paint. I'm having trouble seeing it's worth, but I have to keep reminding myself that everything I do for the glory of God is worthwhile. I got to help with the grocery shopping, which was fun. Stores around here are a little different than in the States. You aren't allowed to bring in a bag, for fear of shoplifting. However, you have to pay for your own grocery bags (reduces overuse of them), so you can bring your own plastic bags to carry groceries home with. Grocery shopping is always one of my favorite first cultural experiences, and it was just as much fun then. They have ice cream everywhere here, and it is good. I like to try a new one whenever possible. VBS was great in the evening again, and it seems every evening we had at least two new kids.
Wednesday, instead of working on the fence, the team decided to go downtown for a couple of hours (with Matthew and I tagging along). But first we went to the children's hospital. Oksana Brower's other nephew (Dima, brother of Roma who had spilled boiling water on himself) had an allergic reaction to shellfish and was in the hospital for a day. It was interesting to see a Ukrainian hospital, although I didn't go in because they could only let three of us up to see Dima. Then we went downtown and walked around in a mall for a bit. Malls in Ukraine are more open than in the US. The stores don't really have doors, so you just walk in and look around for what you want. The clothing is really nice, as in most of Europe, and it is extremely Ukrainian to look your best at all times. I'm trying to find some clothes, but I haven't found any I like yet. That evening we had our last VBS as the team would be leaving the next day before they could do another one. This evening we had another water balloon fight (so much fun!), a game where the kids poured water into a cup on my and some other team members' heads, and we split into groups and the kids used what English they had learned on native English speakers (us). It really helps in language development to be able to talk with a native speaker of that language (thank you ESL class).
Thursday was a bit of a sad day because the team had to leave. In the morning some worked on the work project, but I went with Melissa and Elisa to the orphanage (which is every Tuesday and Thursday). This time we got to play outside. Daniel was all over me again, and we had fun chasing each other, and his sister Julia. I put them both on my knee and bounced them around like a horse (like you used to do to us, Dad), and they loved it. Then the older boys came out. My heart really breaks for them, because if they go into the second stage orphanage (this was first stage where they are dropped off and can't be adopted, they look for a relative), they are not likely to get adopted because they are "too old". No one wants to adopt a teenager, even though they need love too (more than some kids, in fact). Around 60% of these boys end up in the Black Market when they leave the system, which shows how little loved they are. So I played soccer with them when Daniel and Julia were finally distracted by coloring. I think they enjoyed it, I did, even though I was terrible. One little boy (Roma) kept making me switch positions from goalie to offense because I was so bad. But they enjoyed it, especially scoring on an American (which they take immense pleasure in). I just loved being able to love on them, and show them someone cares, even if he can't play soccer. Then, at 3 pm we said our goodbyes to the team, who were heading on the train to Kiev for souveniers and then their plane. It was sad to see them go, but I am excited that the ministries I am involved in aren't limited by what the team is doing (although it never really was, I suppose). I'm just excited to see what will happen now. We just relaxed the rest of the evening, and watched Finding Nemo.
Friday went by quickly. Bill Brower came the night before and informed me I was to work construction with the Ukrainians the next day. I'll admit I wasn't too happy (I'm not much a one for construction, as most of you know), but I was excited to show that I wanted to work with the Ukranians, and to see how they work. I think it's important to not act superior because I'm American (there's no reason to), and to do the same work as the local people. It also helped me work on my whole "this is for God, not for me" thing. Have to admit, I haven't got it down yet (I don't expect I will any time soon, or in years to come even). So the next day came, and I got up to head down to work (they work in the building I stay in, which is now with the Tarrs because they needed our apartment for a couple who are adopting a Ukranian boy). I met up with Sasha, a local who speaks fairly good English, and was to work with him. However, it was raining extremely hard, so the only construction I did was move a couple of doorframes out of the rain. However, Bill Tarr asked Sasha and I to scrape paint off of the stairwell that leads to their apartment, which we happily obliged. We used soapwater and sandpaper to get it off, and it took a couple of hours. It was nice to get to talk to a Ukranian one on one. Sasha is trying to get his master's degree (in what I'm not sure), and wants to be a pastor, but has no building for his church. He's only 26 (just a few years older than me), and is married to Oksana (it's a common name here). His dream is just to build a house for his family, which made me realize how greedy we are in the States, and how much we take for granted. We talked about places we'd been (I've been to far more places than he, obviously). One thing stuck with me, though. He was asking me if I'd been to the Grand Canyon. I said no, as I haven't. He then said "I don't understand Americans. They have the opportunity and the money to do things, but they never take them." It hit me rather hard that as Americans, we are so worried about keeping what we've earned, that we never really enjoy life. We have opportunity to do things, not just travel, but help the world, and we're too afraid of failure or loosing money or a day's work to do them. I'll have to think on that some more. I later weedwhacked the yard (they do it instead of mowing) for a couple of hours and got a bit done. The yard I was cutting was about to my thigh, so it took a while. We just rested the rest of the day (Matthew had been busy painting a mural of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for the youth center, which looks great so far).
Today was our day off. Matthew and I got up at around 9 and headed for downtown. We just read at the beach for a little while (more like by the beach, as where we were was just a rocky outcrop), and walked around looking for clothes and seeing the city. It really is a lovely town, and the sea is beautiful (I've got pictures up on Facebook). We're resting up right now for the two weeks of camp next week. I'm a little nervous about being the only English speakers, but I'm trying to learn to rely on God, even if I'm in a phase of doubt. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, I believe they are helping me in so many ways, including my faith. Keep praying, especially for the two camps over the next two weeks. I won't likely blog during them, as there will be no electricity, but I'll keep a journal there and hopefully put it up later. Thanks for keeping up with me, and I love you all.
David
Monday, June 8, 2009
A weekend in Ukraine...
Well, it's been a couple of days. I must admit I didn't really want to blog, nor did I have much time to. It seems every time I sit down to do something, I am needed for some other job or ministry. But we are done with our fence-painting for the day, and I'm not needed until a meeting at 2.
Friday was a fairly average day. We continued painting the fence, and had VBS later that night. However, during the fence-painting, an elderly Ukrainian man, who spoke no English, came up and started talking to me. He started pointing at my brush, and eventually took it from me and started walking down the fence. It turns out he was pointing out where I had missed a couple of spots, so I smiled and painted what he pointed out. He then invited me to a smoke break with him (which I of course said I couldn't, Mom), and started talking about Jesus, I think. It's really hard to tell with Russian, but I'm almost positive he said Jesus, and he did the cross on his chest. Needless to say, it was a funny moment, and we all had a good laugh about it later. But that is typical of the Ukrainian people. While they do not like to draw attention to themselves, at all, they are always more than willing to help and point out things. They are fairly straightforward, although in a way that is not mean or harsh, and they genuinely want to get to know you. This is a bit different than I had expected, because I was expectly a fairly cold culture, which means that they are time oriented, stand-offish, and a less relationship-oriented. But Ukrainians are extremely relationship oriented, going so far as to go out of their way to not offend people or draw attention to themselves. I may be wrong, but that seems to be my impression to me.
Later on we went back down to the promenade by the sea and took some pictures at night. The lighting was amazing because there was a bright moon out that was reflecting off of the water, and there was a carnival getting started, so all of those lights were out. I'll have to put up some pictures if I can later. It was lovely just to walk along the promenade and take pictures, enjoying the breeze from the sea and just relaxing a little. We ran into Sasha, Oksana, Catya, and Louja (who all work either construction for the guys or in the office for the girls) which was nice, they thought we were lost (we assured them we weren't). We got some great cherry-vanilla ice cream (Ukrainians seem to love ice cream), and then headed home for the night.
Saturday was an off day. In the morning we went to the local bazaar, which included food, clothing, and hardware. There were even people selling puppies and kittens along the streets. It was a jumbled mess, but it was fun to walk through. The guys and girls split up, although we all went mainly looking through the clothing bazaar.We ran into Larissa and her mother (Larissa makes food for us in the evenings), which shows how small the town can be. Matthew and I are determined to get some more European looking clothes, if only one outfit. But we didn't find anything, so Bill Brower (who was leading) took us guys to the hardware bazaar and then to an overlook of the city. It was so peaceful up there, and after some funny pictures that looked like Matthew was holding Ken and me in his hands, we just sat on the edge of a wall that overlooked the city and the sea for about a half an hour. It was quiet and a great place to think.
Later that day we went to Ernie and Anna's house which is about a half an hour from the center. Their house is about a kilometer from the sea (about a half a mile), so we went down there for several hours. I didn't feel like getting in the water, so except for a little walk along the edge I stayed in the sand and read most of James and the Giant Peach. It was fun and relaxing just listening to the waves crashing and feeling the sun on my back. I began to wax philosophical and thought about how God made each grain of sand, and put design in each one, and how many there were, and how big the sea was, and then the universe. It made me appreciate a little how big God is, especially with my recent struggles with doubts. Those are getting a little better, but I'm still struggling a little bit. I've been seeking the Lord here, which is something I had kind of stopped doing for a while, so I've been growing a little closer. It kills me that I'm trying to be a missionary here, and I'm struggling like this, but I think that's life. Everyone struggles with their faith, even missionaries, and I can't let it keep me down. I just have to seek out God's will for me in my life, and try to be in a relationship with him. Hopefully all of this will become a little more clear as the summer progresses.
On Sunday we had church, of course. It was Pentecost sunday too, so we had communion for the service (which was pretty much the same as in the States). However, the first service we went to lasted for around 2-3 hours. I was kind of getting antsy, not to mention the fact that I was trying to deal with my faith while hearing someone speak in Russian for an hour and a half. I think the more stressed out I get the more I feel that my faith is in crisis, or I struggle with doubts, which makes sense. It was just a little long for me though, but in the end I was blessed for it. I was wondering about whether I should take communion or not with my faith the way it's been, but in the end I decided to to be a part of the church and admit my sins to God. It may have been a mistake, but I'm glad I did it. It was nice to be a part of the Ukrainian church when there is so little else I can do with them. I can't sing in Russian, and I can't understand the sermon, so this was a wonderful way for me to do something with them to show my faith. I just realized this now, so it's a little funny to me. Although the sermon was given by Ernie so I could technically understand it. He talked about the Pentecost and how the tongues of fire represent the presence of God and his purifying fire. We also went to a second service in Primorsk, which is about a half an hour away from Berdyansk. I liked this service a little better, the people seemed more into the message, and it was a little shorter (about 1 and 1/2 hours). Oh, I forgot to mention that we had two people give testimonies at each service (not me), and then we all got up and sang the new version of Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone). Ken sang a verse (two actually), then I sang one, and then Matthew. It was cool to get to minister in song to the Ukrainians like they have to me through their services.
The Ukrainian church is wonderfully alive. The people are so loving, and they just want to follow the Lord. Sergei said something interesting as he drove us home to Berdyansk (before stopping for ice cream, which the missionaries love). He said that the Orthodox church do their services for the Lord, so even if no one was there they would do it. The Protestant church does it for the people. It made me appreciate the Orthodox culture a little more, that we are doing this for God, not just for ourselves. It's great if we benefit, but it is first and foremost for the Lord. Well, it's Monday now, and there was no inspector of my painting today. The team has only a couple more days left, so that's a little sad. Then Matthew and I will leave for camp, which is going to be a stretch for me, so please pray. And continue to pray for my doubts. I'm trying to deal with them, but I know it will help with more prayer. Also pray for the ministries here, and the team as they hed home on Thursday (especially Shushan, who wants to be a missionary here, so it is hard for her to leave; and John, who gets extremely airplane-sick). Thanks for the love and prayers.
David
Friday was a fairly average day. We continued painting the fence, and had VBS later that night. However, during the fence-painting, an elderly Ukrainian man, who spoke no English, came up and started talking to me. He started pointing at my brush, and eventually took it from me and started walking down the fence. It turns out he was pointing out where I had missed a couple of spots, so I smiled and painted what he pointed out. He then invited me to a smoke break with him (which I of course said I couldn't, Mom), and started talking about Jesus, I think. It's really hard to tell with Russian, but I'm almost positive he said Jesus, and he did the cross on his chest. Needless to say, it was a funny moment, and we all had a good laugh about it later. But that is typical of the Ukrainian people. While they do not like to draw attention to themselves, at all, they are always more than willing to help and point out things. They are fairly straightforward, although in a way that is not mean or harsh, and they genuinely want to get to know you. This is a bit different than I had expected, because I was expectly a fairly cold culture, which means that they are time oriented, stand-offish, and a less relationship-oriented. But Ukrainians are extremely relationship oriented, going so far as to go out of their way to not offend people or draw attention to themselves. I may be wrong, but that seems to be my impression to me.
Later on we went back down to the promenade by the sea and took some pictures at night. The lighting was amazing because there was a bright moon out that was reflecting off of the water, and there was a carnival getting started, so all of those lights were out. I'll have to put up some pictures if I can later. It was lovely just to walk along the promenade and take pictures, enjoying the breeze from the sea and just relaxing a little. We ran into Sasha, Oksana, Catya, and Louja (who all work either construction for the guys or in the office for the girls) which was nice, they thought we were lost (we assured them we weren't). We got some great cherry-vanilla ice cream (Ukrainians seem to love ice cream), and then headed home for the night.
Saturday was an off day. In the morning we went to the local bazaar, which included food, clothing, and hardware. There were even people selling puppies and kittens along the streets. It was a jumbled mess, but it was fun to walk through. The guys and girls split up, although we all went mainly looking through the clothing bazaar.We ran into Larissa and her mother (Larissa makes food for us in the evenings), which shows how small the town can be. Matthew and I are determined to get some more European looking clothes, if only one outfit. But we didn't find anything, so Bill Brower (who was leading) took us guys to the hardware bazaar and then to an overlook of the city. It was so peaceful up there, and after some funny pictures that looked like Matthew was holding Ken and me in his hands, we just sat on the edge of a wall that overlooked the city and the sea for about a half an hour. It was quiet and a great place to think.
Later that day we went to Ernie and Anna's house which is about a half an hour from the center. Their house is about a kilometer from the sea (about a half a mile), so we went down there for several hours. I didn't feel like getting in the water, so except for a little walk along the edge I stayed in the sand and read most of James and the Giant Peach. It was fun and relaxing just listening to the waves crashing and feeling the sun on my back. I began to wax philosophical and thought about how God made each grain of sand, and put design in each one, and how many there were, and how big the sea was, and then the universe. It made me appreciate a little how big God is, especially with my recent struggles with doubts. Those are getting a little better, but I'm still struggling a little bit. I've been seeking the Lord here, which is something I had kind of stopped doing for a while, so I've been growing a little closer. It kills me that I'm trying to be a missionary here, and I'm struggling like this, but I think that's life. Everyone struggles with their faith, even missionaries, and I can't let it keep me down. I just have to seek out God's will for me in my life, and try to be in a relationship with him. Hopefully all of this will become a little more clear as the summer progresses.
On Sunday we had church, of course. It was Pentecost sunday too, so we had communion for the service (which was pretty much the same as in the States). However, the first service we went to lasted for around 2-3 hours. I was kind of getting antsy, not to mention the fact that I was trying to deal with my faith while hearing someone speak in Russian for an hour and a half. I think the more stressed out I get the more I feel that my faith is in crisis, or I struggle with doubts, which makes sense. It was just a little long for me though, but in the end I was blessed for it. I was wondering about whether I should take communion or not with my faith the way it's been, but in the end I decided to to be a part of the church and admit my sins to God. It may have been a mistake, but I'm glad I did it. It was nice to be a part of the Ukrainian church when there is so little else I can do with them. I can't sing in Russian, and I can't understand the sermon, so this was a wonderful way for me to do something with them to show my faith. I just realized this now, so it's a little funny to me. Although the sermon was given by Ernie so I could technically understand it. He talked about the Pentecost and how the tongues of fire represent the presence of God and his purifying fire. We also went to a second service in Primorsk, which is about a half an hour away from Berdyansk. I liked this service a little better, the people seemed more into the message, and it was a little shorter (about 1 and 1/2 hours). Oh, I forgot to mention that we had two people give testimonies at each service (not me), and then we all got up and sang the new version of Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone). Ken sang a verse (two actually), then I sang one, and then Matthew. It was cool to get to minister in song to the Ukrainians like they have to me through their services.
The Ukrainian church is wonderfully alive. The people are so loving, and they just want to follow the Lord. Sergei said something interesting as he drove us home to Berdyansk (before stopping for ice cream, which the missionaries love). He said that the Orthodox church do their services for the Lord, so even if no one was there they would do it. The Protestant church does it for the people. It made me appreciate the Orthodox culture a little more, that we are doing this for God, not just for ourselves. It's great if we benefit, but it is first and foremost for the Lord. Well, it's Monday now, and there was no inspector of my painting today. The team has only a couple more days left, so that's a little sad. Then Matthew and I will leave for camp, which is going to be a stretch for me, so please pray. And continue to pray for my doubts. I'm trying to deal with them, but I know it will help with more prayer. Also pray for the ministries here, and the team as they hed home on Thursday (especially Shushan, who wants to be a missionary here, so it is hard for her to leave; and John, who gets extremely airplane-sick). Thanks for the love and prayers.
David
Thursday, June 4, 2009
What hurts the most....
Hey everyone. I realize I am posting twice in one day, but these blogs don't leave a lot of room for lengthiness. Today (Thursday) was a little bit different. Instead of working on the fence like usual the group split up into different ministries because it was raining. One group went shopping, one went to the hospital to check up on a boy who goes to the church who spilled boiling water on himself (he's doing much better), Matthew is going to paint a mural of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the youth center here, and I went with the group to the local orphanage.
This orphanage is called first-stage because it is where the kids are dropped off to be in the orphanage system. Parents who either can't take care of their children or don't want them anymore (which happens all too often) simply leave their kids here and walk away. The kids stay here for 30-90 days while the orphanage tries to find a family member to take the children. All too often the parents will pick them up for a couple of days and return them for another 90 days because they don't make enough money to care for them. Because the orphanage is run by the church, they know their kids will be fed and clothed where they couldn't. It's so sad, and it broke my heart to think of all these kids who have to live apart from their parents because of money. In Ukraine everything costs just about as much as in the States, but Ukrainians make about 1/10 the money. It's just not set up for families to have a lot of children, which is unfortunate because the government gives money to families who have children. This is also part of the problem, because the parents often take the money and use it to buy a car or house, and then can't pay for the child they just had. The best thing we can do here is just love these kids as much as possible.
And that's exactly what we did. As soon as we walked in and the kids came into the room we were in, they ran up to us and hugged us. One little boy, Daniel, ran into my arms and refused to be put down the entire 4 hours we were there. All we did was play games with them, and make these little angel ornaments. We got to talk to them (as much as is possible when they only speak Russian and us only English), and play with them. I was so overjoyed, because I played with Daniel for most of the time. He craved male attention, which is hard to come by in the orphanage system which is mostly run by women. In fact, all the little boys there came up to me and a guy from the team, Ken, to play with and rough-house. They wanted to wrestle, and play tag, and just play with older guys. I felt so honored to be able to be a positive male role model in their lives, if even for only a couple of hours. I don't know if we had any impact on them, but they definitely made a place into my heart.
At one point we were putting the kids up on a little tower of foam blocks, and it was starting to tip a little so I put the kids off. They took this as a new game where they were trying to beat me and climb past me onto the blocks. I had so much fun as an onslaught of little boys and girls came running at me and tried to get past me, and I just scooped them down and hugged and tickled them as the game went on. The kids were so loving, and it was surprising that they still able to love so much even though they had been abandoned. It makes me thankful for my parents, and for God allowing them to have the capacity to take care of me and my siblings. I can't imagine if they had dropped me off at an orphanage one day and never returned. So we loved these kids as much as possible, and then had to leave.
We had an hour left before lunch, so we headed to the local bazaar and looked at the stalls. It was interesting, as there were separate parts for stands that were always there, and rented stalls. The smells of dried fish (which is popular here) and vegetables filled the air. There were rows and rows of stalls filled with all kinds of fish, meat, cheese, breads, vegetables, fruits, and lots of other things. We even went into the meat market and saw some butchering going on.
Tonight is the second to last night of VBS for the week here. Next week we will hold it again with the team, but in a different area of town. I'm starting to really love Ukraine, but I still feel a little tug in my heart for Hungary. It makes me feel a little guilty that I come here, and all I can think about is Hungary, but I guess that is God telling me that that is where I belong. Maybe, I'll have to wait and see.
After the team and the camp, Matthew and I will be working with Bill Brower in the youth center. I am so excited, as this is why I chose to come to Ukraine. The center is an after-school program were the kids just come and hang out. We make relationships with them, and then try to talk to them about Christ. I don't really feel in any position to spread the word of Christ right now until I get my own faith a little more in order, but I can definitely love these kids. If this center wasn't here, they wouldn't have anything else to do but go downtown and get drunk. It really is a wonderful ministry, and I love working with youth as I found out last summer with SMT.
Then at the end of the summer and Irish team will come in and we'll work with them. It's nice to finally know at least a basic outline of what we will be doing, although I get the feeling that God might change our plans more than once. He's funny like that, but it always comes out for the better, and I'm excited to see what he has planned for me this summer. I'm really trying to work out my faith with him, and it's great to do that here were I can serve and heal at the same time. I love God so much, and just want to draw closer to him. Please pray for me in this, and in all the other aspects of our ministry here. I'm trying hard to get to know people and build relationships, but it's hard with the language barried. Pray that it won't be a barrier, but a wonderful collection of unique cultures, and that I would pick up some Russian quickly. I've already learned some, but not nearly enough to have a conversation. Thanks for all of your love and support, and I love you all.
David
This orphanage is called first-stage because it is where the kids are dropped off to be in the orphanage system. Parents who either can't take care of their children or don't want them anymore (which happens all too often) simply leave their kids here and walk away. The kids stay here for 30-90 days while the orphanage tries to find a family member to take the children. All too often the parents will pick them up for a couple of days and return them for another 90 days because they don't make enough money to care for them. Because the orphanage is run by the church, they know their kids will be fed and clothed where they couldn't. It's so sad, and it broke my heart to think of all these kids who have to live apart from their parents because of money. In Ukraine everything costs just about as much as in the States, but Ukrainians make about 1/10 the money. It's just not set up for families to have a lot of children, which is unfortunate because the government gives money to families who have children. This is also part of the problem, because the parents often take the money and use it to buy a car or house, and then can't pay for the child they just had. The best thing we can do here is just love these kids as much as possible.
And that's exactly what we did. As soon as we walked in and the kids came into the room we were in, they ran up to us and hugged us. One little boy, Daniel, ran into my arms and refused to be put down the entire 4 hours we were there. All we did was play games with them, and make these little angel ornaments. We got to talk to them (as much as is possible when they only speak Russian and us only English), and play with them. I was so overjoyed, because I played with Daniel for most of the time. He craved male attention, which is hard to come by in the orphanage system which is mostly run by women. In fact, all the little boys there came up to me and a guy from the team, Ken, to play with and rough-house. They wanted to wrestle, and play tag, and just play with older guys. I felt so honored to be able to be a positive male role model in their lives, if even for only a couple of hours. I don't know if we had any impact on them, but they definitely made a place into my heart.
At one point we were putting the kids up on a little tower of foam blocks, and it was starting to tip a little so I put the kids off. They took this as a new game where they were trying to beat me and climb past me onto the blocks. I had so much fun as an onslaught of little boys and girls came running at me and tried to get past me, and I just scooped them down and hugged and tickled them as the game went on. The kids were so loving, and it was surprising that they still able to love so much even though they had been abandoned. It makes me thankful for my parents, and for God allowing them to have the capacity to take care of me and my siblings. I can't imagine if they had dropped me off at an orphanage one day and never returned. So we loved these kids as much as possible, and then had to leave.
We had an hour left before lunch, so we headed to the local bazaar and looked at the stalls. It was interesting, as there were separate parts for stands that were always there, and rented stalls. The smells of dried fish (which is popular here) and vegetables filled the air. There were rows and rows of stalls filled with all kinds of fish, meat, cheese, breads, vegetables, fruits, and lots of other things. We even went into the meat market and saw some butchering going on.
Tonight is the second to last night of VBS for the week here. Next week we will hold it again with the team, but in a different area of town. I'm starting to really love Ukraine, but I still feel a little tug in my heart for Hungary. It makes me feel a little guilty that I come here, and all I can think about is Hungary, but I guess that is God telling me that that is where I belong. Maybe, I'll have to wait and see.
After the team and the camp, Matthew and I will be working with Bill Brower in the youth center. I am so excited, as this is why I chose to come to Ukraine. The center is an after-school program were the kids just come and hang out. We make relationships with them, and then try to talk to them about Christ. I don't really feel in any position to spread the word of Christ right now until I get my own faith a little more in order, but I can definitely love these kids. If this center wasn't here, they wouldn't have anything else to do but go downtown and get drunk. It really is a wonderful ministry, and I love working with youth as I found out last summer with SMT.
Then at the end of the summer and Irish team will come in and we'll work with them. It's nice to finally know at least a basic outline of what we will be doing, although I get the feeling that God might change our plans more than once. He's funny like that, but it always comes out for the better, and I'm excited to see what he has planned for me this summer. I'm really trying to work out my faith with him, and it's great to do that here were I can serve and heal at the same time. I love God so much, and just want to draw closer to him. Please pray for me in this, and in all the other aspects of our ministry here. I'm trying hard to get to know people and build relationships, but it's hard with the language barried. Pray that it won't be a barrier, but a wonderful collection of unique cultures, and that I would pick up some Russian quickly. I've already learned some, but not nearly enough to have a conversation. Thanks for all of your love and support, and I love you all.
David
Let's meet the locals...
So continuing my ongoing epic adventure in Ukraine, the past couple of days have been really great. Tuesday evening was a lot of fun. We had six kids come in, three boys and three girls, and the VBS went off more smoothly than I would have thought it could go. The basic outline of the night is that we play with the kids as they come in (they love to play frisbee), sing songs, have an
English lesson, a Bible lesson, play more games, and then it's time to say goodbye. There was one little boy, Igor, who really got into everything. He loves to learn English, and works with Vika, who is one of the translators who works with us even though she speaks no English. But she understands it....I don't really get it either. VBS is a much better ministry here than I had originally thought. I had fears that the lesson, which is themed on space, would not translate well into the Ukrainian mindset. Some things just don't translate accross cultural boundaries. But the kids seemed to like it a lot, especially learning the space words in English.
The past couple of days have been a little hard for me in these respects. I'm trying to work with the team, but I feel that everything I am doing is menial. We're painting a fence every morning for around four hours, and then I have nothing to do until VBS rolls around because the team has everything else planned out. I know that I'm supposed to do everything with a joyful spirit, and that every little bit counts, but it's a little discouraging to think that for two weeks my ministry will be in a sense restrained to the confines of someone else's plans that I had nothing to do with. But I guess that that's really every plan, if God is behind it. I'm learning that just because I am here to minister, doesn't mean that what I think I should be doing is what is needed most. Sometimes they need the fence painted more than for me to go around meeting teenagers, or to help clean up the kitchen. It's a good lesson, but it's hard for me to learn and let go.
Every evening we have devotions with the team and the missionaries. They're a nice time to get to hear people's testimonies and worship God. But the hardest part for me is when we have to talk about our God-sightings. We say where we saw God and in whom or what. It's hard for me because I've been so far from God recently that I'm having a hard time seeing him anywhere. Then I feel bad for that, and the fact that I don't think anyone will see God in me, so what is the point of me doing ministry here? But I'm hopeful that throughout this summer, God will change me and help make me able to see him more clearly. I've read the Shack while here, and it helped me to see that God just wants to be with me, he doesn't want to condemn me or make me feel bad, but wants me to want to be with him, and in that do his will. I'm trying.
After VBS and devotions I went to a local couple's apartment with Shushan (whose friends they are) and a girl from the team named Carly. It was a really great time of fellowship, and the couple (Catya and Louzha, that's not how you spell it but how it sounds) were so nice. They just gave us something to drink and asked us about our life goals with God, and what we plan to do as missionaries. Louzha and Catya work with a group from Virginian called Hearts for Orphans. They give girls who are graduating out of the orphanage system a place to stay and a means of learning some life skills. Most orphans don't get any economic or technical training at all, and they are released into the world at the age of 16, when they are a legal adult. So most just turn to a life of crime for the boys, and prostitution for the girls because they have absolutely no life skills. They don't even know how to cook. Needless to say, this couple has a huge heart for God and these girls, and were wonderful to talk to and play Skipbo (even if Catya was a little over competitive).
Wednesday we did basically the same thing as Tuesday, with the exception that at VBS we had 9 by the end instead of 6 kids. These kids are really starting to like us, and Igor brought mints for everyone. Playing games with them is a blast, and they have so much energy. Matthew and I found out that after the team leaves we will be going to an all Russian camp. We'll be sleeping in tents, and our job is to teach the kids there American sports, which they so desperately want to learn. I'm a little nervous to be around only Russian speakers, as the missionaries will not be there with the exception of Oksana, Bill's wife. Since we're going to be working with youth this summer, Bill Brower has taken over charge of Matthew and I instead of the head missionary Ernie Smith. I'm hoping to do a good job with the kids, and hope to show Christ's love to them. I'm not too sure how to best reach these kids yet, as I haven't quite figured out the culture yet. They seem so much like Americans, but then they'll throw me a curveball and do something so Ukrainian I feel stupid for forgetting. Well, that's it for this blog, thaks for your prayers.
David
English lesson, a Bible lesson, play more games, and then it's time to say goodbye. There was one little boy, Igor, who really got into everything. He loves to learn English, and works with Vika, who is one of the translators who works with us even though she speaks no English. But she understands it....I don't really get it either. VBS is a much better ministry here than I had originally thought. I had fears that the lesson, which is themed on space, would not translate well into the Ukrainian mindset. Some things just don't translate accross cultural boundaries. But the kids seemed to like it a lot, especially learning the space words in English.
The past couple of days have been a little hard for me in these respects. I'm trying to work with the team, but I feel that everything I am doing is menial. We're painting a fence every morning for around four hours, and then I have nothing to do until VBS rolls around because the team has everything else planned out. I know that I'm supposed to do everything with a joyful spirit, and that every little bit counts, but it's a little discouraging to think that for two weeks my ministry will be in a sense restrained to the confines of someone else's plans that I had nothing to do with. But I guess that that's really every plan, if God is behind it. I'm learning that just because I am here to minister, doesn't mean that what I think I should be doing is what is needed most. Sometimes they need the fence painted more than for me to go around meeting teenagers, or to help clean up the kitchen. It's a good lesson, but it's hard for me to learn and let go.
Every evening we have devotions with the team and the missionaries. They're a nice time to get to hear people's testimonies and worship God. But the hardest part for me is when we have to talk about our God-sightings. We say where we saw God and in whom or what. It's hard for me because I've been so far from God recently that I'm having a hard time seeing him anywhere. Then I feel bad for that, and the fact that I don't think anyone will see God in me, so what is the point of me doing ministry here? But I'm hopeful that throughout this summer, God will change me and help make me able to see him more clearly. I've read the Shack while here, and it helped me to see that God just wants to be with me, he doesn't want to condemn me or make me feel bad, but wants me to want to be with him, and in that do his will. I'm trying.
After VBS and devotions I went to a local couple's apartment with Shushan (whose friends they are) and a girl from the team named Carly. It was a really great time of fellowship, and the couple (Catya and Louzha, that's not how you spell it but how it sounds) were so nice. They just gave us something to drink and asked us about our life goals with God, and what we plan to do as missionaries. Louzha and Catya work with a group from Virginian called Hearts for Orphans. They give girls who are graduating out of the orphanage system a place to stay and a means of learning some life skills. Most orphans don't get any economic or technical training at all, and they are released into the world at the age of 16, when they are a legal adult. So most just turn to a life of crime for the boys, and prostitution for the girls because they have absolutely no life skills. They don't even know how to cook. Needless to say, this couple has a huge heart for God and these girls, and were wonderful to talk to and play Skipbo (even if Catya was a little over competitive).
Wednesday we did basically the same thing as Tuesday, with the exception that at VBS we had 9 by the end instead of 6 kids. These kids are really starting to like us, and Igor brought mints for everyone. Playing games with them is a blast, and they have so much energy. Matthew and I found out that after the team leaves we will be going to an all Russian camp. We'll be sleeping in tents, and our job is to teach the kids there American sports, which they so desperately want to learn. I'm a little nervous to be around only Russian speakers, as the missionaries will not be there with the exception of Oksana, Bill's wife. Since we're going to be working with youth this summer, Bill Brower has taken over charge of Matthew and I instead of the head missionary Ernie Smith. I'm hoping to do a good job with the kids, and hope to show Christ's love to them. I'm not too sure how to best reach these kids yet, as I haven't quite figured out the culture yet. They seem so much like Americans, but then they'll throw me a curveball and do something so Ukrainian I feel stupid for forgetting. Well, that's it for this blog, thaks for your prayers.
David
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Berdyansk, city by the sea...
It is now about the fifth day that I have been in Ukraine, and I am settling in. The apartments that we are staying in are pretty nice. We're staying in what is called "the center", which is the future church that the missionaries are building here for the Ukrainians. It will also have a computer lab, library, ESL classrooms, and around 4 apartments. The apartments, like I said, are very nice; they have comfortable beds, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. All of the guys are in one apartment, and the girls are staying in the Tarrs apartment (they're missionaries who just moved here from another part of Ukraine). Once the team leaves Matthew and I will be moving in with the Tarrs, as our apartment is needed for someone else.
The first full day that we were in Berdyansk was Sunday, and it was a wonderful day. We went to church at 10 in the morning (which is great for a late-riser like me), and the service was interesting. It was all in Russian, and started out with around an hour of worship through singing. While we didn't understand the words, the music was fun to listen to (it seemed like they took music from other genres and added worship songs to them; they used an accordion sound several times for instance). The whole singing time was very Ukrainian, and the people there really got into their worshipping of God. Then Pastor Sergei got up and gave a message on prayer, and why it was necessary. It was a little hard to keep up with the sermon as I had to listen to an interpreter the whole time, but it was nice.
Then came the testimonies. They introduced the team, and us VIAs, and then Bill Brower (a new missionary to the field) and his wife Oksana gave their testimony of how they had been in the states while on furlough. Bill had been in a rather serious accident right before leaving that left the doctors thinking he might not live through it, even less come back to Ukraine. But through prayer and the work of God he has practically made a full recovery, and only has two scars left to show for it. At this news, a woman sprung up and shouted "Let's sing and dance for God", and the entire congregation got up, joined hands, and began to dance in a circle around the sanctuary. It was one of the most uplifting experiences that I have ever had in a church service, and the joy of these people at Bill's healthy return was palpable. I had taken the Ukrainians to be rather reserved people, like I said before, but they were so loving to the Browers, and so overjoyed, it made me want to have the same joy that they have. It seems in the States that we are so concerned with image that we don't allow ourselves to have the kind of joy that demands that we dance on the spur of the moment (that's if you are allowed to dance at all, haha).
The rest of Sunday was spent tourning downtown Berdyansk, which is beautiful and newly renovated. We went by the Sea, which is a nice blue color, and saw several statues, even one of Lenin (whom they fondly call "Papa Lenin" here in Ukraine). Everything commercial in Ukraine seems so similar to the US that it is hard at times for me to remember that there are cultural differences here. For instance, when you go to a store and want a soda, you do not get it yourself but only the staff there can get it for you, even though it is in your reach. I'm sure I'll learn all of these things as I go along, but it's a little daunting to think how much I have to go.
Monday was a holiday here, so we just did a little work in the yard in the morning (moving stones and picking up sticks), and went to a rally in the afternoon. It was national children's day here, and to celebrate local churches put on a parade against abortion. It seemed almost funny for me to realize that the people here in Ukraine have such similar worries as we do in the States. Not everyone just accepts abortion here like I hate to admit I thought about Europe, but many are against it. After the rally we walked around downtown Berdyansk again, and visited a local youth center.
The youth center is called Immanuel Youth Center, and is run by a lovely couple (although I can't remember their names at this point). We had icecream and soda with them (as it is customary to offer something like this to guests, although not necessarily icecream), and had a great conversation. One of the team members, Shushan, is planning on coming back after college to be a missionary here, and has in fact lived here for two years previously doing mission work. She is our main translator around town, and she helps us immensely. I really appreciate the team here, even if I feel a little left out because they made most of their plans without two VIA in mind. But we're helping out where needed, and I'm trying not to get discouraged.
Right now I feel a little useless, because the team doesn't need much help from either Matthew or me, and the missionaries don't want to get us started on our ministries until the team leaves. But through a book I'm reading (The Shack, which is a great book), I'm coming to understand that all of this is God's plan. He's thrilled that I am just following his will, and even though I don't see the big picture of painting a fence (which we started today), it is all for his glory. I'm really hoping to draw closer to God this summer, and learn more about the Ukrainian people. I'm really starting to love them, and hope that love grows deeper and more Christ-like. Christ loves these people just as much as he loves me, which I have a hard time remembering at times, but it is so true. He is "especially fond" as The Shack puts it, of all of us and just wants us to be in relationship with him. That's what I'm trying to do. Well, I'm going to end it here. We're preparing for VBS tonight, which will run through Friday. I'm not too sure how it will work out since most of the kids don't speak English, but I'm sure that it will be great. Pray that we will minister well to these kids, and also for the health of our team. There was a bit of a health scare, that I don't think I can write about here but ask me if you want more details. Everyone is fine, but we have to be a bit cautious right now, and it puts a little damper on our spirits. Thanks so much for your love and prayers.
David
The first full day that we were in Berdyansk was Sunday, and it was a wonderful day. We went to church at 10 in the morning (which is great for a late-riser like me), and the service was interesting. It was all in Russian, and started out with around an hour of worship through singing. While we didn't understand the words, the music was fun to listen to (it seemed like they took music from other genres and added worship songs to them; they used an accordion sound several times for instance). The whole singing time was very Ukrainian, and the people there really got into their worshipping of God. Then Pastor Sergei got up and gave a message on prayer, and why it was necessary. It was a little hard to keep up with the sermon as I had to listen to an interpreter the whole time, but it was nice.
Then came the testimonies. They introduced the team, and us VIAs, and then Bill Brower (a new missionary to the field) and his wife Oksana gave their testimony of how they had been in the states while on furlough. Bill had been in a rather serious accident right before leaving that left the doctors thinking he might not live through it, even less come back to Ukraine. But through prayer and the work of God he has practically made a full recovery, and only has two scars left to show for it. At this news, a woman sprung up and shouted "Let's sing and dance for God", and the entire congregation got up, joined hands, and began to dance in a circle around the sanctuary. It was one of the most uplifting experiences that I have ever had in a church service, and the joy of these people at Bill's healthy return was palpable. I had taken the Ukrainians to be rather reserved people, like I said before, but they were so loving to the Browers, and so overjoyed, it made me want to have the same joy that they have. It seems in the States that we are so concerned with image that we don't allow ourselves to have the kind of joy that demands that we dance on the spur of the moment (that's if you are allowed to dance at all, haha).
The rest of Sunday was spent tourning downtown Berdyansk, which is beautiful and newly renovated. We went by the Sea, which is a nice blue color, and saw several statues, even one of Lenin (whom they fondly call "Papa Lenin" here in Ukraine). Everything commercial in Ukraine seems so similar to the US that it is hard at times for me to remember that there are cultural differences here. For instance, when you go to a store and want a soda, you do not get it yourself but only the staff there can get it for you, even though it is in your reach. I'm sure I'll learn all of these things as I go along, but it's a little daunting to think how much I have to go.
Monday was a holiday here, so we just did a little work in the yard in the morning (moving stones and picking up sticks), and went to a rally in the afternoon. It was national children's day here, and to celebrate local churches put on a parade against abortion. It seemed almost funny for me to realize that the people here in Ukraine have such similar worries as we do in the States. Not everyone just accepts abortion here like I hate to admit I thought about Europe, but many are against it. After the rally we walked around downtown Berdyansk again, and visited a local youth center.
The youth center is called Immanuel Youth Center, and is run by a lovely couple (although I can't remember their names at this point). We had icecream and soda with them (as it is customary to offer something like this to guests, although not necessarily icecream), and had a great conversation. One of the team members, Shushan, is planning on coming back after college to be a missionary here, and has in fact lived here for two years previously doing mission work. She is our main translator around town, and she helps us immensely. I really appreciate the team here, even if I feel a little left out because they made most of their plans without two VIA in mind. But we're helping out where needed, and I'm trying not to get discouraged.
Right now I feel a little useless, because the team doesn't need much help from either Matthew or me, and the missionaries don't want to get us started on our ministries until the team leaves. But through a book I'm reading (The Shack, which is a great book), I'm coming to understand that all of this is God's plan. He's thrilled that I am just following his will, and even though I don't see the big picture of painting a fence (which we started today), it is all for his glory. I'm really hoping to draw closer to God this summer, and learn more about the Ukrainian people. I'm really starting to love them, and hope that love grows deeper and more Christ-like. Christ loves these people just as much as he loves me, which I have a hard time remembering at times, but it is so true. He is "especially fond" as The Shack puts it, of all of us and just wants us to be in relationship with him. That's what I'm trying to do. Well, I'm going to end it here. We're preparing for VBS tonight, which will run through Friday. I'm not too sure how it will work out since most of the kids don't speak English, but I'm sure that it will be great. Pray that we will minister well to these kids, and also for the health of our team. There was a bit of a health scare, that I don't think I can write about here but ask me if you want more details. Everyone is fine, but we have to be a bit cautious right now, and it puts a little damper on our spirits. Thanks so much for your love and prayers.
David
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ukraine at last...
So I finally made it to Ukraine. It took quite a while too. I left on the 28th of May, had to fly from Louisville to Atlanta, Atlanta to Boston, Boston to Paris, and Paris to Ukraine. Might I add that the Charles De Gaul Airport in Paris is HORRENDOUS! It took me over a half an hour to get through security when my plane was supposed to be leaving as I got to security because it took so long for us to get off of the plane in Paris. But that aside the trip went without a hitch (although a few missed flights were nigh at hand once or twice). In Boston I met up with the other VIA who is staying with me this summer, his name is Matthew. He's a really great guy from Columbus, OH (you know you're excited, Dad), and he goes to Ohio Christian University. We also met with a group that is going to be here with us for two weeks from Kentucky Mountain Bible College. They're a really nice group (there's six of them) and they are really hard workers.
Well, my first day in Ukraine was mainly spent in jet lag. We arrived in Ukraine at around 12 pm Ukrainian time (around 6 am for those on the eastern time zone), so I had been up for around 24 hours already. But I am not staying in Kiev, where we landed, which is in the northern part of the country. I am staying in Berdyansk, which is in the southern part of the country on the coast of the Sea of Azov. It's pretty much exactly opposite of Kiev, so we had to take a train ride to get there. But the train didn't come until 8 pm, which meant we had 8 hours in Kiev to spend. I was pretty excited about that, except for the fact that I was really exhausted, and kind of angry about Paris (I really didn't like Charles De Gaul). So we drove around the city, and went to a pretty cool street that had some nice nick-nacks (however you spell that) to buy from Ukraine. We also did a bit of sight-seeing and went around Kiev looking at some monuments.
Kiev is a fairly beautiful city, although I think I prefer Budapest (which is in Hungary for those who don't know). The people are nice enough, and the monuments we saw were beautiful, especially the churches. The Ukrainian Orthodox Churches (sort of like Greek and Russian Orthodox) are shaped like an onion on top like those pictures you see of Moscow or the Red Square. It was neat to see, and I enjoyed it. However, there was one thing that I had to get used to, and that is the alphabet here. I don't think Russian itself would be that hard to learn, but Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which for the most part looks completely different from the Roman alphabet (which we use in English). For instance, what looks like a B in Russian sounds like a V, there's a backwards N that makes the E sound, and a backwards R that makes the Ya sound. It's a little confusing at first, and I was exhausted, so I got into a bit of a bad mood.
However, after a while the missionary who met us at the airport, named Ernie Smith, saw that we were tired, so we ate at McDonald's (I wasn't too thrilled that that was my first meal in Ukraine), and we waited in a lounge at the train station until the train came. Once I was on the train it was great, because they have beds to sleep on, so I slept through pretty much the entire 12 hour trip. That's right, it was a 12 hour train ride. However, where we got off at the train station is not Berdyansk, but another city still another 3 hour drive from Berdyansk. So we got off the train (after I accidentally broke off a spout for the hot water holder and it started spewing all over the train, not one of my better moments) we headed for a car and were off once again to Berdyansk.
I drove with Matthew and the guys one of the guys on the team (there are two) in a car with a pastor of the church I'll be working at in Berdyansk, Sergei. He speaks great English, and we had a nice drive. Ukraine has some beautiful farmland, and the dirt is almost black it's so rich. It's considered the bread basket of Europe, sort of like Kansas or Nebraska in the US. We stopped for lunch at a church Ernie works with in a town called Tokmok (I think), and the pastor there named Peter, and his wife Anya served us lunch. It was delicious and totally Ukrainian. We had little open-faced sandwiches and some cole slaw like stuff that tasted great, boiled eggs with mayo (it's better than it sounds) and fruit. They also gave us a drink called compost there, which is like Kool-aid but made with real fruit. So after Pastor Peter and Anya told us how they met (which was totally by God), we left and finally arrived in Berdyansk.
Now all of this has pretty much been two days, and there are another two days to account for, but I am afraid this post is getting too long, so I will hopefully post another blog later today or tomorrow. I really feel like God is starting to help me be free of some of my doubts here. I am seeing the way he is working with the Ukrainians, and it is wonderful. They're style of worship, the way the rely on God, and the missionaries themselves are all wonderful. I had thought the Ukrainians would be like the Hungarians, but they are a little different. Very polite, but reserved, they want to make friends and try hard to include you even if you don't speak Russian. I am really liking these people, but that is the topic for another post. The Cyrillic is getting easier too, and I have eased up on my initial grumpiness with some sleep. I'm hoping to do some real good here, and want to work hard. Keep me in your prayers, and I'll try to keep this blog up as I can.
David
Well, my first day in Ukraine was mainly spent in jet lag. We arrived in Ukraine at around 12 pm Ukrainian time (around 6 am for those on the eastern time zone), so I had been up for around 24 hours already. But I am not staying in Kiev, where we landed, which is in the northern part of the country. I am staying in Berdyansk, which is in the southern part of the country on the coast of the Sea of Azov. It's pretty much exactly opposite of Kiev, so we had to take a train ride to get there. But the train didn't come until 8 pm, which meant we had 8 hours in Kiev to spend. I was pretty excited about that, except for the fact that I was really exhausted, and kind of angry about Paris (I really didn't like Charles De Gaul). So we drove around the city, and went to a pretty cool street that had some nice nick-nacks (however you spell that) to buy from Ukraine. We also did a bit of sight-seeing and went around Kiev looking at some monuments.
Kiev is a fairly beautiful city, although I think I prefer Budapest (which is in Hungary for those who don't know). The people are nice enough, and the monuments we saw were beautiful, especially the churches. The Ukrainian Orthodox Churches (sort of like Greek and Russian Orthodox) are shaped like an onion on top like those pictures you see of Moscow or the Red Square. It was neat to see, and I enjoyed it. However, there was one thing that I had to get used to, and that is the alphabet here. I don't think Russian itself would be that hard to learn, but Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which for the most part looks completely different from the Roman alphabet (which we use in English). For instance, what looks like a B in Russian sounds like a V, there's a backwards N that makes the E sound, and a backwards R that makes the Ya sound. It's a little confusing at first, and I was exhausted, so I got into a bit of a bad mood.
However, after a while the missionary who met us at the airport, named Ernie Smith, saw that we were tired, so we ate at McDonald's (I wasn't too thrilled that that was my first meal in Ukraine), and we waited in a lounge at the train station until the train came. Once I was on the train it was great, because they have beds to sleep on, so I slept through pretty much the entire 12 hour trip. That's right, it was a 12 hour train ride. However, where we got off at the train station is not Berdyansk, but another city still another 3 hour drive from Berdyansk. So we got off the train (after I accidentally broke off a spout for the hot water holder and it started spewing all over the train, not one of my better moments) we headed for a car and were off once again to Berdyansk.
I drove with Matthew and the guys one of the guys on the team (there are two) in a car with a pastor of the church I'll be working at in Berdyansk, Sergei. He speaks great English, and we had a nice drive. Ukraine has some beautiful farmland, and the dirt is almost black it's so rich. It's considered the bread basket of Europe, sort of like Kansas or Nebraska in the US. We stopped for lunch at a church Ernie works with in a town called Tokmok (I think), and the pastor there named Peter, and his wife Anya served us lunch. It was delicious and totally Ukrainian. We had little open-faced sandwiches and some cole slaw like stuff that tasted great, boiled eggs with mayo (it's better than it sounds) and fruit. They also gave us a drink called compost there, which is like Kool-aid but made with real fruit. So after Pastor Peter and Anya told us how they met (which was totally by God), we left and finally arrived in Berdyansk.
Now all of this has pretty much been two days, and there are another two days to account for, but I am afraid this post is getting too long, so I will hopefully post another blog later today or tomorrow. I really feel like God is starting to help me be free of some of my doubts here. I am seeing the way he is working with the Ukrainians, and it is wonderful. They're style of worship, the way the rely on God, and the missionaries themselves are all wonderful. I had thought the Ukrainians would be like the Hungarians, but they are a little different. Very polite, but reserved, they want to make friends and try hard to include you even if you don't speak Russian. I am really liking these people, but that is the topic for another post. The Cyrillic is getting easier too, and I have eased up on my initial grumpiness with some sleep. I'm hoping to do some real good here, and want to work hard. Keep me in your prayers, and I'll try to keep this blog up as I can.
David
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