We were all excited about coming to Eastern Europe but didn’t expect the culture shock. We looked like we stepped into a world of fashion wearing rags. Some of us were too tired to care. We walked down streets that reminded me of DC. It was weird but definitely a good step before going home.
After Kiev, we took a 15 hour train to Lugansk(The trains are awesome!). Lugansk, is a smaller city with about 500,000 people. We worked with New Tone schools doing conversational English with students there. They debated and looked at different issues like global warming, crime and punishment, fashion, and God and religion. Sandy and I worked together at one of the locations and loved our staff and students. They showed us so much love and kindness. Some of our students took us around the city one night and on a picnic. They even brought us a cake and made us a card for our last night with them.
students on our last night
some of the staff at New Tone
We didn’t want to leave New Tone. We didn’t know how it could get any better. Then we went to Camp Dream. It is a camp for orphans and children in the area. We met some of the orphans during our time in Lugansk. Boba(pronounced Vova), a seven year old boy, I instantly fell in love with and he was “attached at the hip” as they say. There are so many kids that don’t receive love and long for it, and we were able to give that. We were exhausted, but God filled me. I had just enough for the kids and our amazing staff/translators. We were so blessed. We played games, had bible class, crafts, and sports at the camp. We even went to the river and swam to Russia! Pretty cool.
Camp Dream-our teams/translators
my class
We enjoyed ourselves so much here and it was hard to leave everyone. Our contacts, the Ferdon’s were so amazing to us; they treated us as family. We were so blessed to serve along side this American couple who is committed to serve Lugansk for 10 years. You are amazing!!
On the last day, my class made me a card. It was so thoughtful and made me sad to leave. Another goodbye…leaving people that capture your heart.
