Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Power Outage

Micah's parents set up a Skype party for us last night. They had been planning this for a few weeks and we were so excited to talk to our friends and family on the computer. It was Memorial Day in the States, so about 20 people made their way to Bob and Jeanne's for a brunch and a chance to talk to us. Well, wouldn't you know it, a big storm blew through Kaharlyk and 30 minutes before our scheduled chat, the power went out. What a bummer! Micah and I sat in our dark kitchen, just counting the minutes and praying that the power would return. It did not. Although we were very frustrated at the situation, God gave us the opportunity to have some quiet time together, talking, praying, and reconnecting. I am learning to appreciate the power outages because it forces us to focus on each other more and not be distracted by TV or computer. We do hope that we can schedule another Skype party soon.

To all of you who were waiting to talk to us: We are sad that we missed chatting with you! Hopefully it was still a fun time, hanging with good friends and eating good food. If any of you want to Skype us individually, we would love to hear from you! We thank God for your friendship and support!!!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Funny things our kids say...

It is really great when your kids' personalities start to come out. Josie is quite an observant little girl and is full of random, yet usually very thought-provoking questions. The other day, while in hysterics, she asked, "Why did God have to make mosquitos? I don't understand why they are so mean!" Danny Foote, in all his wisdom, explained his theory, that before Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, mosquitos were friendly, nice insects. But after the fall of man, mosquitos turned into mean, hurtful creatures. Josie thought about that for a few seconds, and then continued to cry. Micah then decided that Josie would not do so well at Tabir 120 this summer where there would be tons of bugs and lots of mosquitos. Upon hearing this decision, she again burst into hysterics, and told her daddy that she truly loves all the bugs that God made and can she please still go to camp!

Jaden is becoming very protective of his sister. When she gets punished from Mom or Dad, he gets very emotional and tells us very forcefully, "Don't do that to my sister!" On Mother's Day, we had to take him to the hospital after gashing his head open. It was quite an ordeal for him, but he is getting used to the idea of the doctor. Josie, on the other hand, is not so sure about the thought of medical treatment here. The kids are going to the clinic in town to get physicals for school today. This morning, Micah, trying to be reasurring, said that all they have to do is check them over and put the device on their arm to get their blood pressure. The mention of "blood" sent her into hysterics yet again (do you think we have a drama queen?). Jaden then reassured her by saying, "Don't you worry, Josie. I will hold you."

Sunday, May 20, 2007

What a year...

So, we are new to this blogging thing, but it seems like the best way for our family and friends to keep up with what we are doing. And what are we doing? Well, we are learning to live in a foreign country, attempting to learn a new language, trying to raise four very active children, finishing building our home, and finally, looking to see what ministry God would have us be a part of here in Kaharlyk, Ukraine.

We've been here a year, and what a year it has been. Tons of new experiences, trials, surprises, joys, and new friendships. We are starting to understand how things work here; that it takes forever to get anything done, that it is all about who you know, that the Ukrainian people love to display their hospitality, that driving in Kiev is a high-risk activity. All that aside, we see God working here in Ukraine and that is more exciting than any of our experiences. We feel blessed to be able to be a part of what He is doing here. What that part will be, we don't fully know yet. We are just taking it day by day, looking for little opportunities to serve and help out where needed.

Side note from Christy: It has been almost 10 years since my dad passed away. Today would have been his 57th birthday. I have been thinking about him quite a bit lately. At one time in his life he had prayed about taking a mission trip to Russia, but it never happened. He would be thrilled that we are here serving in Ukraine. He would also be thrilled that he has 7 grandsons, and of course, one granddaughter.