Where do I even begin? This month has been the most impactful month for me in the World Race so far! I think the best way to explain everything is to go step by step.
We arrived in Ukraine in May 26th and from there everything was amazing that could have happened… Did. When we arrived in Lviv my team and I waited to board our train from Lviv to Rivne. During the process our train broke down and we waited for a while so that they could get it running again. Once we puled into our final destination we met Tania, one of our ministry hosts, and loaded a van to make our way to our apartment.
For the first two days we began I get to know each other and learn about our ministry for the month and the things that would be expected of us. Our first task was to prepare to teach at an English camp. Learning English is a big deal in Ukraine and who better to teach them than the people who speak it all the time. So they split us up to teach different classes.
The breakdown looked like this:
Denise- beginners
Kristen- elementary
Hilary and Sang- Pre-intermediate
Loren and Chris- intermediate
Danielle- advance
Two days after arriving to our apartment, we switched apartments into a really nice one! It just so happens that it was on my birthday. My team woke me up by singing happy birthday to me and providing me with a honey bun and a candle. This is something my mom does for our birthdays every year and I hated that I was missing it. So they got in touch with my family and had them send videos for me to watch. It was the best!! Then we moved apartments. So many birthday firsts for me. Plus I was in Ukraine. God is so good!!!
Once we all had our assignments and the teaching materials they provided, we all got to work in order to make this English camp a success. The first four days we met in a church to teach in a classroom setting. The last four days we went about an hour away to have a real camp experience.
We were able to teach English classes, play sports and games, teach master classes on things like dance and art all the way to grilling out different meats, have times of worship and live life with the students. It was a busy life, but it was a fun life! We met so many incredible people there that will be friends of mine for life.
Since then I have been told that many of them want to start going to church and learn more about the bible. It’s rare that God shows you the fruits from the seeds you have planted and watered, but I’m blessed to have the chance to see it this month!
The next week we went away to another camp for married couples. In most of the couples the husband was disabled. That is the purpose of this particular camp. It’s a place for those who are disabled to come and rest and have free time to spend with their significant other. I felt so at home while I was there.
There were so many things at that camp that related to things in my life and brought me to a place of peace in my heart. These are the main similarities:
-There were many people in wheelchairs… My grandmother was in a wheelchair for many years before she passed away. She continued to have such an incredible spirit and fun loving heart through all those years… I was able to see that same laughter and joy in the people we were serving. They were so kind to us and loved us so well.
-The lady that started the camp lost her husband a couple of months ago and has a young daughter… My dad passed away when I was ten years old and my mom was left to raise my sister and I alone. My mom is the strongest person I know. She means so much to so many people and makes a huge impact on others everywhere she goes… I saw those same characteristics in Choobka and it gave me a unique chance to see the way others viewed my mom when she went through it fourteen years ago.
-I have a Ukrainian momma. She is the best and she was born with Cerebral Palsy… My boyfriends mom also has Cerebral Palsy, but I have never seen her let that stop her from anything. She is always willing to try anything at least once and she has a heart of gold. I have felt overwhelmingly loved by her since the first time I met her… In the same way, Anna is just like her. She has a smile that is contagious and she loved me so much better than I could have asked for. She knew about Dylan’s mom and how much I was missing home so she went out of her way to show me all the love she had for the week. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. Also, her husband, Oleg, is one of the best acoustic guitar players I have ever seen in my life. I adore the both of them and I think it’s safe to say they will always be part of my family. 🙂
There were so many incredible people at that camp and although I felt so at home being there, I also walked away with a better understanding of what love truly means. I will be forever grateful for all the ones who touched my heart while I was at that camp. God works in amazing ways! How else can I meet a Ukrainian that is a missionary in Africa, visiting home for a few months, marrying an American, moving to the United States and will be closer to me so we can visit anytime?? If that’s not a God things then I don’t know what is.
I have loved everything about this country. The people, the food, the love, the traditional clothing and the ministries that have taken place. I couldn’t have thought of a better place for God to send me for a month. I know I will return one day and I’m open to anything God might have in store.
Thank you Ukraine for the blessings you have brought into my life. You are the best!
**Side note- Our squad had the chance to going to Budapest, Hungary for our debrief before going to the next country and had the opportunity to be a part of the Hungary/Portugal game for the Euro Cup. Here are some of the highlights!**
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Love always,
Danielle Mills
