The Key

We were walking along the sidewalk on our way to the international
church, or so we thought. Turns out we had directions to the wrong
building, on the wrong side of the city. If I recall correctly we
reached the church about four hours after departing from our home. I
still wonder what the members of the first church, the wrong one,
thought after a group of English speakers showed up, trying to ask
questions, and then disappeared again without a word.

Regardless I
am convinced all the hassle was not a mistake. My reasoning may seem a
bit silly though.

It was because of a key.

An old, rusty
key.

It was lying in the dirt next to the sidewalk. Half buried
in Ukrainian soil. Nothing special to look at.

Being known for
collecting objects from the grounds of nine other countries before I
doubt my teammates even noticed as I bent to collect my newest treasure.
I remember thinking “Hmmm a key, those are pretty symbolic.” It was at
the beginning of our Ukraine adventure though and I had no reason to
think further upon its potential symbolism. My only other thought was
that it was a whole lot cooler than the mounds of bottle caps already
collected for some future artistic purpose still undetermined.

Returning
to the States the key became part of my collection of keys I carry
around daily, a constant reminder of Kiev and her people that I love so
dearly.

Randomly the other day I began to think on it again.
Keys are symbolic of authority. If a key is given to me, say for my
workplace, it means that someone is entrusting me with that place and to
some degree I have authority there. When I picked up that heavy, metal
key on our walk that cool, fall evening I had no idea I would fall in
love with that city. Reflecting back now though I feel it is just
another whisper that, whether short or long term, I have a place in
Ukraine.

Honestly it is getting hard for me to be in Haiti. My
time here is quickly coming to a close and my time to raise support for
Ukraine is as well. I have spent many nights recently crying because I
feel Ukraine, my heart, my dream is slipping through my fingers. I have
fought to not be bitter thinking that if I were not in Haiti I would
already have a plane ticket and my camp costs covered. Then again I know
this season in Haiti has been exactly where God has wanted me so I am
left with nothing but to trust He is in control.

In all I need around $3500 to cover my costs from
mid-June to the end of July (maybe August-ish). About $1800 of that is
just airfare costs and another $800 is the cost of my week and half
working with CCX’s summer English camp. The remaining amount will cover
costs of food, transportation and housing for the remaining time.

Flight
costs continue to rise and I need to purchase my flight and pay for
camp by May 31 so I can send my information to CCX. So I am asking that you
would consider prayerfully and financially supporting my return to
Ukraine. If you need more information or have questions, feel free to drop me an email.