WHAT? You are going WHERE? WHY? Why would THEY send you THERE? Whats the point?
That was a variety of the response I go when I told them I was going to Ukraine this month. From the media coverage in the US, it seems like the whole country of Ukraine is in utter chaos, that things are changing every day and that entering into this place of chaos would be absolutely life threatening. So coming into Ukraine, I was a little nervous. Though I had heard from multiple people that the west side of Ukraine was completely safe and I trusted AIM's judgement, I was still nervous.
Now, having been in Ukraine for a little over two week, I can say that I love it here and I al beyond blessed to be living in this amazing country, in the amazing city of L'viv and with our ministry contacts, the Blessing Family. (Before I go on I want to emphasize that there is still a lot of political tension on the EAST side of Ukraine and people are very unsure of what is going to happen. Please be praying for Ukraine, that powers at be will come to a solution and that this crisis will not lead to war. )
My team is living outside a beautiful city called L'viv. This city is amazingly beautiful with a ton of character and very safe. We live in a great house in a little village outside the city with the Blessing Family. The Blessings are missionaries from Texas who came to Ukraine a little over 20 years ago. They came to Ukraine with a heart for the Soviet people. They have started a church that serves about 50- 75 Ukrainians and they are currently finishing off a 7000 sq. foot mission house to host retreats and conventions for churches as well as providing a place for missionaries to come and rest.
Our goal this month has been to finish up painting the mission house, trying to get it into its final stages so it can be dedicated this fall. We have also been helping out at their church with youth meetings, singing and giving testimonies in Sunday and helping to expand the church and paint it. We are basically doing whatever the family needs us to do. It has been a really awesome month.
The Blessings have 3 girls who are all currently living with their parents. They are all pursuing different ministry in Ukraine but we have had the opportunity to get to know them this month. We have become a little family this month, having movie nights, eating all our meals together, exploring the city of L'viv and just having fun. My team has been so "blessed" to be welcomed into this family & live life with them for a month. So for family and friends please know I am safe & happy and loving my time in Ukraine.
