It's month 5. Wow. I can't even begin to tell you how surreal all this feels. It's like I'm looking out on someone else's life – watching an epic movie. I'm currently in Saki, Ukraine. First time in Eastern Europe (other than Romania last month)!
Just a quick photo blog of this month so far!
Life found me sitting on a huge rock overlooking the Black Sea. That day had me pondering the truth of Genesis 1:9-10. "Then God said, 'Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.' And that is what happened. God called the dry ground 'land' and the waters 'seas.' And God saw that it was good."
Month 5 had also brought some unforeseen team changes. Meet Jolene (she has the striped shirt on). She is a stunning woman of God. God has blessed me to no end with her newfound friendship. In one pic, we are at Lake Saki. People travel from all over the world to get treatments from the mud in this lake. It's considered HEALING MUD. There are 3 sanatoriums (hospital like facilities focused mostly on long-term care of spinal cord injuries) within a couple miles radius of the ministry contact's house I'm living in. (If you're interested, you can even buy the mud and have it shipped to the states!) 
This family is very musically inclined and is giving me a skewed view of Ukraine! Check them out! They're singing outside a sanatorium, and also another day, at a hospice/hospital. They are such an example of selflessly serving their community. 
You will never guess how many people live in this small house. I'm living with a married couple that has 10 children. YES, 10! So that brings the grand total to 18 people living in this small space…with only 1 shower and 1 toilet. The sacrifice and dedication of this family is cray-cray. I LOVE BEING AROUND BIG FAMILIES. I love the chaos and perspective all the characters bring. So many lives to gather wisdom from.
This has been one of the places I've rested my little head for extended periods of time.
This has been one of the places I have used the restroom.
This past week we helped with VBS at a local church. My teammates thought this little girl, Margaret was my mini-me. In the words of Jolene and Abby, "She had sass, spunk and owned the room". Ha! (Her glasses were even sassy!) 
This is one of the cutest little girls that I see weekly at church. Her name is Anya and she's a precious jewel.
And lastly, you know a blog wouldn't be complete without a sample of some of the local food.
This is one GENIUS way to get me to eat my vegetables – just throw a salad on top of the pizza. (I'm taking this one back with me to the states.)
I love you ALL! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS! 
