Today, we are closing out are 9th month in Ukraine. Next month begins month 10 in Swaziland. I have to be honest, it’s hard to believe the words that are rolling off my fingertips. It’s crazy how fast the time has flown, yet how much I’ve gotten out of every single second.
As I think over the last four weeks, all I see are faces…
Infant faces…
When we arrived in Uzhgorod, we were welcomed both with open arms and a plethora of ministries to take part in. Our first ministry was at the Children’s hospital ward for abandoned babies. Some of the babies were literally dropped off at the hospital doorsteps, some from abusive mothers, and some in transition to someday be united with family. These precious little ones stole my heart. A lot of the babies were placed in a home or moved throughout the month, but there was one that was there the longest. The precious 3 month old baby had some sort of upper respiratory trouble and later we found out also had scabies. When I picked him up all I could do was sing “Jesus Loves You” over and over again. This particular hospital wing doesn’t get much attention. The babies in the wing, apart from being fed and changed, are left alone in their cribs for the better part of the day. As sad as that is, I am so glad that this ministry of loving on these infants is in place. I also am overjoyed to know that the ministry continues after we leave so these babies can continue getting some love and pure physical touch.
Orphan faces…
Our team visited 2 orphanages weekly along with the permanent volunteers here. Oh my word, these children are precious. The first orphanage has kids around the ages of 2-6. The moment we walk in, they immediately sprint across the yard and into our arms. We play with them, sing to them, run around with them, and teach them games. We also were blessed to meet a couple from the states that came to meet their adopted daughter for the first time! The other orphanage is for older kids, aged 10+. A lot of the kids at this orphanage have developmental disabilities or behavioral issues. We played sports with them and I got to know a 10 year old boy. He and I played volleyball for hours on end. I got to know his older brother as well. It was so cool to see how they cared for and looked out for each other. We had such a good time and laughed a lot together. He is another face, another life I could never forget.
Faces of youth…
Another opportunity we had was taking part in a youth group. Helping out with the youth group, brought back to me so many memories from my Youth Group in High School. We played games, ate cookies, and then led an awesome discussion on forgiveness. They talked about their siblings things they need to forgive them for and we all prayed together. I was so impressed with their honesty and openness to praying through forgiveness.
Adult faces…
English club is something we have done in so many countries. In Uzhgorod we partnered with two English clubs run by long term missionaries. At English Club we got to have really impactful discussions, games, and music. We met so many beautiful people and have made friendships that will truly last a lifetime. The people of Transcarpathia are so incredibly welcoming and loving. They brought us so much joy this month.
Faces of the Roma (Gypsy) Community…
I love these people. We were connected with 2 missionaries that have been living in Radvanka, a Roma Community in the area. We were invited to be a part of their women’s ministry. A couple from the community came to our apartment to share their story, and I was awestruck. They told of how the Lord saved them and their marriage from drug abuse, poverty, and so much turmoil. Their testimony has brought them to the now, where they now are leading their community and serving them to life. The next day, we went to the Roma Church to give our testimonies to the women in the community and pray over them. After we shared our stories several of the women said that they could relate to specific things we mentioned and they felt encouraged that they were not alone in their struggles. (This is a good reminder to never hold back when God puts on your heart to share something, even if it means being vulnerable. God will use it for His glory if we are obedient).
Elderly Faces…
If you know me, you know that my heart leaped in my chest when I heard we were going to visit a nursing home! I love each and every one of them so much and every single one of their years, every lesson they have learned, every one of them is a priceless treasure and I always feel so honored to be a part of their lives. We went to the nursing home and sang some songs for them and then a couple of my teammates spoke about how each one of them had value. I went and sat with a lady afterwards and felt God’s extremely strong love for her. We tried to communicate but we didn’t understand each other. So she held my hand and kissed my cheek and was content just to be sitting together. Later, my Ukrainian friend translated her saying, “I wish you could stay with me forever”. Oh my heart. She is another sweet face I will never forget and that I will always be connected with in Him.
Faces full of faith…
One of the great blessings we had this month was partnering with long term missionaries and our fantastic Ukrainian friends. Our contact this month was Clinton White, a world race alumna from the very first Squad. He works with International Teams here in Uzhgorod. There are also several other missionaries here from America and not to mention the dedicated Ukrainian Christians that volunteer so much of their time and give so much of their hearts in ministry on a daily basis. Each of the ministries we partook in this month, they have been doing long before we got here and will continue long after we leave. We have gotten to be such good friends and we have all learned so much more about what a servant’s heart of love really looks like.
All these faces and many more will remain on my heart forever. So grateful for this life I am living.
