**This is a guilt blog because I’ve yet to post
anything this month. My real blog is coming soon**
You might be in Ukraine, if..
1. 85-year-old
grandmothers will trip and/or tackle you if you get in their way while boarding
the metro
2. It’s 8 am
and the three piece suit next to you just boarded the bus with his coffee mug full of beer.
3. You’re
only cool if you have on fur, sequence, high heeled boots, or 17 lbs. of eye
makeup. (So, being a dork works for me here)
4. You feel less trendy because you’re not sporting a multicolored mullet
5. You’re
pretty sure it’d be easier to carry your Ukranian groom over the threshold than
to ask him to pick you up.
6. You don’t
just worship Jesus, you worship “the Jesus”
7. When you walk into a McDonald’s (whose doorway you’d NEVER walk thru at home) all the Ukranians nod at you like, “yeah American…you WOULD eat here.”
8. You feel
like a bodyguard escorting your stunning teammate around the city as everyone
walks into metro windows admiring her
9. You and
your teammates have gone half insane come month 10 and decide to pay $2 to
dress up in Victorian dresses for photos. no seriously, we did that.
10. You find
that your Southern manners are completely out the window as you bow your way through crowds of people and no longer apologize to every person you bump.
Just a story I thought I’d share:
So, while enjoying my peaceful bunk of the 3rd
class train ride…I was rudely interrupted by the two intoxicated men next to me.
They were loud, happy, and extremely drunk. Refusing to understand that I couldn’t
speak to them in Russian, they just kept talking and staring at me while I read
my book. ((A Thousand Splendid Suns…great book)) Well, my wonderful teammate
Blair decides to come relieve me of this awkwardness by sitting on my bunk and chatting
with me. Well, the redhead only added to the excitement and in celebration of
Blair’s arrival, our Russian mates decide to buy cards from the vendor so they
can teach their American friends (that would be Blair and I) a card game. Well,
amidst the excitement of the card game, my extremely drunk friend misinterprets
my: “No, I don’t want to play cards” for an “I don’t understand what you’re
asking me.” As a result, he proceeds to walk over to my bunk, PICK ME UP, and
CARRY ME TO HIS BUNK FOR A GAME OF CARDS. WHAT?!?! Who would EVER think that
was a good idea? Well, friends…I was so stunned by what was happening that I
ignored what would have been my first reaction normally ((flailing around
violently until he took a hint and put me down)) but instead, I opt to sit
there frozen while he places me down in my new seat. Blair’s eyes are as big as
quarters, Shannon about chokes on her water, and his creepy bunk met nods in
ridiculous approval. But it’s not over, he doesn’t miss a beat, and after
struggling with me, the lunatic turns around like he’s going to pick up Blair. A quick “no thanks” flies
out of her mouth and she practically jumps over him to the other bunk, in an
attempt to avoid the awkward cradle hold like her unfortunate teammate. Seconds
later, Ashley’s head pops out from around the corner. She’s clearly concerned. “Kris,
you two ok?? All I know is I looked down here and saw you being carried across
the train by some stranger.” Still shocked, I mumbled an “I’m fine,” and tried
to pull myself together for a card game.
Where am I now?
Well, we’ve just concluded month 10. Team Bling
was living in an apartment with another all girls team in Kiev, Ukraine. We
were involved with various English Clubs, a seminary in Kiev, and a rehabilitation
center for street children. They were all so amazing and allowed us to meet
some phenomenal people. The 
students spoke much better English than we’ve
experienced in a while and it allowed for real conversation and friendships.
The month started rough for me as I was sick and unable to leave the apartment for
ministry for 3 full days, but I survived. The rehabilitation center that we
were involved in was incredible and such a blessing to witness. They were so
well organized and truly devoted; both to the Lord and the children they were
serving. I’d LOVE to see programs like that started in every city that has
street children. Honestly, the ministries that we saw this month encouraged me
so much, and inspired ideas of beginning similar programs in Latin America.
I find myself having a hard time grasping the idea
that I’ll be headed home in a month. So, I’m soaking up every second of time
here with my team and Squad family. Some different and exciting news that you
may not be aware of is that Ashley and I will be separating from Bling this
month and heading to Berlin, Germany with 7 of our squad mates. A new team has
been formed this month to send some of us who have a heart for worship to serve
with Fire & Fragrance, a prophetic worship ministry at their Halloween BURN
conference. If you’re not familiar, BURN conferences consist of at least 24
hours of straight worship in some of the darkest places of the world. As hard
as it might be to be away from BLING for the last month, Ashley and I are
really excited about this opportunity!!!
We leave Kiev tomorrow for our 3 day debrief and
leave on a bus for Berlin next Tuesday.
Prayer Requests
-That I don’t freeze to death. This jungle girl
isn’t cut out for European Winter. ((Only partially kidding…)
-Transitioning to another team on my final month
-Safe travels and good health
-For my entire squad as we prepare to head home
for the holidays
-The next step. Whatever that might be.
Love and miss you all!!!
Enjoy the video Shannon just finished about our time in Ukraine!
