Settling in Colorado

So, we have been in America for over 6 weeks. What a transition it has been!!! Life in the States is so different from life in a small Ukrainian town. The pace of life, the cost of living, overabundance of choices are all things we are adjusting to. We miss our friends and church family in Ukraine, but we look ahead to all that God will do here in America. Here is a brief rundown of our journey over the past month and a half...

Arizona
As we were preparing to move to America, we sought counsel as to what our transition would look like. We were advised to take some time and connect with our home church and those who supported us over our six years in Ukraine. This was great wisdom and proved to be time well spent. We spent one month with individuals and groups sharing our hearts and giving glory to all God did in and through us. We reflected upon His greatness and power in spite of our weakness and encouraged others to follow Jesus and trust Him. What comfort and security lie in knowing we have a God who is for us and not against us. One who is working and has a plan and a purpose for our lives. One who directs and equips us to finish this race. Looking back we were and are so blessed to have many of you as friends and partners in our journey of faith. You partnered and weathered the storms with us and we thank you!

Jaden with the bearded dragons

Sharing with supporters at church

Smores at Mimi and Poppi's

Enjoying Memorial Day with friends

Colorado
After one month in Arizona, our real transition began...to the place we would settle and call home. Aurora, Colorado would be our final destination. Christy flew ahead of me with Justin, Jeremy and Josie to get our apartment in order. I followed a few days later with a moving vehicle and some personal belongings. Jaden and our dog Cadence accompanied me in the cab for our 2 day journey. Oh yes, and we brought along 5 lizards (1 Chuckwalla, 2 desert iguanas and 2 bearded dragons) who all seemed to do fine riding in the back of the moving van. It was a long trip but Jaden and I had fun counting the number of rattlesnakes we saw on the side of the road. We arrived safely and began to settle into our new apartment.

Moving Van with my 56 Bug

As I sit in my apartment, I look around at all the things the Lord has provided. From couches and beds to a dining table and chairs, the Lord has truly blessed and taken care of us. We came with literally nothing and have watched the Lord work through people to come alongside us and take care of our needs. We are literally starting over, and are blessed and thankful in how God has worked. Our new pastor, (Ed Taylor from Calvary Chapel Aurora), has kept in touch with us over the past three months. He has encouraged us, prayed for us and let his congregation know our needs. Christy and I have really been refreshed attending services and meeting new friends we will soon minister with. We are excited about ministry here and what future doors the Lord will open. As for now we just want you to know we value your prayers and continued financial support as we settle. We have signed a 9-month apartment lease about 10 minutes from the church. We are still waiting for our van and house to sell in Ukraine. Please pray about continuing to support us through the end of the year.

The Lord gave me a verse back in Ukraine about trusting him with this new transition.
Isaiah 41:9-10  I have called you back from the ends of the earth so you can serve me. For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Thank you Lord for your promises!

New Job
Christy and I have started working with her mom's business. Jackie stages homes in the Denver area and hires us to move and set up the furniture. I have been working on sprucing up Jackie's business with a new logo and brochures. Hopefully this investment will increase business as well. I am enjoying getting into graphic design again but do feel like I have a lot of catching up to do. My computer is outdated as well as my software but I am doing my best with what I have. If you know anyone who wants to donate towards this, please let me know.

Our Kiddos
The kids are adjusting pretty well. They really miss their friends in Ukraine. The time in Arizona was blessed as they spent time with Mimi and Poppi and the cousins. But then they went through another goodbye as we headed to Colorado. They are continually praying about meeting new friends and seek to befriend kids in the apartment complex and at church. We all have been enjoying swimming everyday in pool here, and we have already visited the zoo and Science Museum. Jaden will start soccer this week and I have volunteered to coach his team. Please pray that the Lord would comfort their hearts and bring in special friendships for each of them.

Our Little Scientists

That sums it up!!! Thank you for your prayers and support. May you be encouraged as the Lord answers our prayers and guides our lives for His glory!