As the months go on and days go by, it never ceases to amaze me how so often the smallest and simplest interactions can dramatically change and touch someone’s life. This has been Ukraine for me.
I am here to minister to those around me, yet through the people I have encountered, I have indeed been blessed!
I am here to minister to those around me, yet through the people I have encountered, I have indeed been blessed!
SVETA – 
This woman is my Babushka (grandmother here in Ukraine). I met her at ICA Worship the first Friday I was here. I immediately felt drawn to her and the need to pray with her and for her. Most people at this church speak english, but this dear lady does not. The Holy Spirit is alive and well in her life. We hugged and cried and prayed for each other. Only love and God was the common understanding, as no matter what either of us said, we were unable to speak each other’s language. It wasn’t until Sunday that I was able to have a friend translate what she so dearly wanted me to hear. She had been praying wisdom over me. I never told her anything about my life, and even if I did, she couldn’t understnad what I was saying – yet the Holy Spirit filled her heart and mouth with words and prayers for me. The past two Sunday’s I’ve had the blessing of loving her and having her give me words, encouragement and love that went far beyond reach. She lights up with delight when she sees me. It didn’t take much of anything for her to capture my heart – yet I still don’t know if she knows how much she has touched my heart! It was God’s perfect timing that brought us together.
This woman is my Babushka (grandmother here in Ukraine). I met her at ICA Worship the first Friday I was here. I immediately felt drawn to her and the need to pray with her and for her. Most people at this church speak english, but this dear lady does not. The Holy Spirit is alive and well in her life. We hugged and cried and prayed for each other. Only love and God was the common understanding, as no matter what either of us said, we were unable to speak each other’s language. It wasn’t until Sunday that I was able to have a friend translate what she so dearly wanted me to hear. She had been praying wisdom over me. I never told her anything about my life, and even if I did, she couldn’t understnad what I was saying – yet the Holy Spirit filled her heart and mouth with words and prayers for me. The past two Sunday’s I’ve had the blessing of loving her and having her give me words, encouragement and love that went far beyond reach. She lights up with delight when she sees me. It didn’t take much of anything for her to capture my heart – yet I still don’t know if she knows how much she has touched my heart! It was God’s perfect timing that brought us together.
VICKA – A young, vibrant, energetic and amazing woman of God. She is passionate about music, photography and living her life for God, and God alone. Meeting her was an amazing opportunity. Although our time together was short, I enjoyed every moment we spent together. She has now returned home, which is where the rest of my Squad is! It was hard to say good-bye, yet a blessing to know that she will be loved by those that are dear to me. I enjoyed a day walking the streets downtown Kiev, cameras in hand, laughing, loving, listening, praying and sharing! This dear friend never needed to say much – but her genuine love touched my life in every way!
THE FLOWER LADY – One small action. A single smile. Kim and I went out one afternoon to had out food to a few people. 
It took much convincing to have this lady take the food we had to offer – for free – yet when she did, she was grateful and we walked away feeling overjoyed and at peace! She sits outside the mall with buckets of flowers, making beautiful bouquets, trying to make her days wage. Every day, I walk by this lady on my way to internet and grocery shopping. I love smiling and waving at her, taking notice of someone who most people just pass on by. One morning, no different than the rest, I looked over at her and she called me over. She was pointing to flowers and I was showing her I had no money…she shook her head, cut the ends off an arrangement, and with the biggest smile on her face, handed me the flowers – for Free! I stood there beaming from ear to ear, gave her a hug and the typical kisses on each cheek and walked away. I prayed for her and still cannot believe the sacrifice this lady made, for me. I was reminded that it was my gift – from God – and to enjoy them!
It took much convincing to have this lady take the food we had to offer – for free – yet when she did, she was grateful and we walked away feeling overjoyed and at peace! She sits outside the mall with buckets of flowers, making beautiful bouquets, trying to make her days wage. Every day, I walk by this lady on my way to internet and grocery shopping. I love smiling and waving at her, taking notice of someone who most people just pass on by. One morning, no different than the rest, I looked over at her and she called me over. She was pointing to flowers and I was showing her I had no money…she shook her head, cut the ends off an arrangement, and with the biggest smile on her face, handed me the flowers – for Free! I stood there beaming from ear to ear, gave her a hug and the typical kisses on each cheek and walked away. I prayed for her and still cannot believe the sacrifice this lady made, for me. I was reminded that it was my gift – from God – and to enjoy them!
These are only a few of the many beautiful women I have met here in Ukraine. Unlike so many, they have their focus on God and others. I have been blessed. It has once again taught me to open my eyes to the people around me, and not just stare at the ground or mind my own business as I am walking the busy streets. To take TIME, rather than be in a rush!
It doesn’t matter who we are, where we are or what we do. Whether it is a simple smile as we are walking by a stranger or a deep conversation, everything that we do and say is to honour and glorify God. These women touched my life. Often, we inspire and encourage someone without even realizing it! Who’s life have you touched and impacted today!?
