So one morning we quietly sat together in our Ukrainian living room, talking sweetly to one another when all of the sudden… a squealing- naked child (see above photgraph) came thundering into our house. This child we later found his name to be Denis… but back to the story… we all froze in shock of what was happening and as Denis rounds the corner of a chair he runs into the caveman-like Matthew Rock. Mind you beards and fro-like hair are abnormal to Ukrainian society. So this child is caught in a state of fear/shock and cannot pull himself away from the locked eyes of Matthew. This stare down from one surprised mind to another held for about 10 solid seconds. As Denis was trying to figure out if this bearded gentle man was really gentle and Matthew was wondering how a half naked boy got himself so close so quickly. Anyhow… end of story, Denis snaps out of the trance and squeals a mighty one while bolting back out the door.
Our ministry this month would be yours truly teachin some children (and a few grown men) to play softball. Now, I have done my share of lessons and camps back in America, but there is NOTHING that would compare to this sort of teaching. I found myself wondering how someone doesn’t have a clue how to put on a glove. Thats makes it all worth it. The curious minded are so eager to learn the “American” game. So we were challenged to play against the Ukrainian team. GRACE. It was real fun, no lie, we had a blast teaching and pointing and trying to communicate the rules of a pop-fly… a tag-up.. and all sorts of detailed rules of the game. The Ukrainians caught on rather quickly and we got to enjoy some good competition!
Oh the Love of God is too good I say. Welp in the middle of our drought and 120 degree heat we found ourselves swimming in a rock-quarry! Our contacts blessed us beyond words… we were in a little place of heaven I believe! We spent the day exploring higher rocks to leap off of into the water, we swam til we were sore, we played catch with a football while jumping off the rocks into the water… what a fantasy.
Not much longer and my feet will be marching the grounds of America. First I would like to ask prayer for re-entering… I know I have changed and been transformed for life over the past year, and I want to be able to bring that change freely back to where God has asked me to be. Thank you all for constant support/prayer and thought. I know i say it alot but my deepest thanks to all of you, I would not have had the opportunity without you. Each of yall has made it possible for me to serve, travel, learn, and respond to the voice of our Father. Thank you.
I cannot wait to hug and love on all of you!
