Our last night in Rivne, we spent it in the small house/farm that was close to the space where we taught English classes. My pockets had been filled with farewell notes from my students and I received many hugs. Sometimes I forget that when God uses you to teach English, so much more happens.
They prepared a smorgasbord of Ukrainian delights that all barely fit upon their small dining room table. The family had moved it outside, so while we enjoyed our meal, we could see goats and the country side. Sergei and Julia, the two who had been cooking for us everyday, pulled out all of the stops with Ukrainian delights. For a small farming family, I really saw their love. I ate around their table and wondered how beautiful God is when He takes strangers and makes them family with His name being at the center.
When we left, I could see the tears in their kids eyes, and I thought I saw the others wipe their faces too. I can't be be sure… my eyes blurred. I knew I had done ministry right because it hurt to leave.
Travel for the next four days was a whirlwind. After running through airport security, making sure my pack fit into the right overhead container, train hopping and flight catching, we made it to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. A whirlwind of languages I had never heard filled my earspace as I tried to keep my head on straight. God bless my team leader and logistics!
We then spent three days on a bus, driving from one end of Tanzania to the other. We arrived to cheers and a warm reception from our contacts. They cheered and took all of our packs and put them on a bus. Embraces and functional English kept us company as we jumped on our last bus. However, this bus seemed less like transport.
It was now a family vehicle, with God as our guide.
Right now I am $1.8K from being fully funded. My deadline is at the end of this month. If you can give, I be so grateful!
