I want to share a sweet story with you all from a very short but humbling moment from my time here in Ukraine.
Here in Ukraine, and really in most places other than the United States, things such as nuts/nut butters, meat (other than pig, chicken, or dog), plant-based things, SWEET POTATOES:), etc. are scarce. But, with some persistent searching and a willing host, I was able to locate a small store that had some of these rarities. So, on my first adventure day I took a friend and walked to see what goodies I may find.
The store was very little, off a side street, with half of it meat butcher/half “health food store.” But, PRIASE because I found several types of good nuts, coconut milk, dates, and a few other things! I would say I was pretty content.
Now as I have learned more and more being over seas and working with people where I am the odd man out, language barrier is a REAL THING! Especially when it comes to sharing the gospel, getting to know people of the community, and even, so I thought, having a small life giving conversations in a baby health food store.
I first REALLY experienced this struggle in this little health food store, when the sweet lady running the store, did not know a lick on english. I have to say, I can’t really be talking though because I definitely don’t know any Ukrainian, minus a butchered version of “Hi!” and “Thank you!” So, once again, this left me with the easiest option of selecting my stuff, taking it to the counter, the lady typing the total on a calculator, me handing her money and a smile of “Hi, I wish I could talk to you, I’m sorry…,” and leaving. But, the Holy Spirit thought otherwise.
As I went up to pay, having deduced she for sure did not speak any English considering she was talking to me in Ukrainian the entire time, the Holy Spirit stirred in me to ask her name. Just as I went to do so, she muttered “what your name?” (pointing at me). Y’all I’m not even kidding it was the exact moment I was going to ask her and I have no idea how she spoke in English or how I understood what she said !! Anyway, Kyleigh, Amelia, and I introduced ourselves and then asked her the same. She told us her name is Natasha. In that moment, I could see joy swelling inside her as we had been able to understand what she said. I went on trying to ask her about herself and her family, desperately desiring to communicate as did she wanting to answer. I stood there for probably 10 to 15 minutes, and not a single other thing -through words- was communicated.
BUT, let me tell you, we laughed more than I have laughed in a long time just at the mere lack of words we could communicate and understood between each other. We used more unsuccessful hand gestures than I have ever in my LIFE and some how I saw, felt, and gave away more fruit of the spirit than I feel like I have through words EVER… on the race. There was more communicated between me and Natasha than words could have ever accomplished. The Holy Spirit is so good. He truly is bigger than any and EVERY little thing. It is so easy to put our God in a box because of our limited comprehension of His UNlimited nature. But I am learning the more I am willing to say yes even when I don’t understand, the more He can provide a solution/understanding and teach me.
I am so grateful for all of your continued prayers and support. I will be posting again soon so keep an eye out! Love you guys!!
