1 Family + 11 children + 2 dogs + 2 cats + 1 bunny + 8 world racers…
Welcome to my month 10!
So it’s hard to believe but I am actually in month 10 of the World Race! It has been an incredible trip thus far around the world. This past month we left Africa and headed for a new continent…Europe! It has definitely a huge difference in culture, language …and especially temperature! Sadly, my stylish tank top tan lines from working in the African sun have been covered with long sleeves and warm jackets! This month we have been doing ministry in Ukraine. We have been living/working primarily in the small town of Fruenze, Crimea. It is located in southern Ukraine and is right on the Black Sea. Crimea is connected to the Ukrainian mainland by a small 8 km strip of land. Crimea is one of the more multi-cultural areas in Ukraine and several people groups are represented. As many of you know Ukraine was once a part of the Soviet Union, and gained its independence in 1990. Because of the Communist influences, Ukraine suffered spiritually in many ways. Many of the churches were effected b/c often Christians were persecuted and even jailed for their beliefs. In addition to this, many of the churches in Ukraine were and are still unwilling to work with those in other denominations.
The Orthodox Church in Saki
This month we have been blessed to work with and live with an awesome family, the Biletsky’s. They have taken us in as family, which says a lot seeing as how they already have 11 children! The family is part of a local church that shows its love throughout the community in practical ways. One of the first days that we arrived we helped a disabled neighbor clean out her yard. Throughout the month we’ve had the opportunity to visit the elderly in hospice and help out with a local children’s ministry in a small village. It has been really great to see how simple acts of love can not only bring joy to people but also help to display the love of Christ. Although sharing the gospel is extremely important, often times we can miss out on the service part of loving people! Another huge part of the family and churches ministry is music! Nearly every one of the children is musically gifted! Because of this, we’ve had the opportunity to go throughout the city and sing and play music! In a local town, Saki, there are lots of people with disabilities because they is a local health center. On most Saturdays we had the opportunity to bring joy to people by playing music and talking with them. I will say that most people had more joy listening to the family play and sing than they did us World Racers….but we got an “A” for effort! Below are some pictures from the town/month….
The Biletsky Family!
Our sweet ride for the month…
My Ukrainian “Bobuska” (Grandma)
