Ukraine. What do you think of when you hear the name of this country? For many, the only things they know of this European nation is what they see on the news. Russia. Crimea. Tension. Unrest. These words go through the heads of many when hearing this name. But for me, there is so much more to the Ukraine I know. As I sit writing this, I’m in a very nice house (the nicest I’ve lived in on the Race!) in a small village outside the city of L’viv. Nowhere are there any signs of unrest or danger. Though we thought we would not be able to visit this country due to the turmoil in the East, we are so thankful that we were able to come.
This month, my team has joined one other to live with the Blessing family this month. They have a lovely home that is still under construction. Part of our ministry is to paint, clean, and perform other small projects to convert this house into a mission/guest house. The Blessings have a heart for hospitality and to provide a place to stay for those in transition who may just need somewhere to call home for a few weeks. Once finished, their home will be used to host large groups and individuals for a variety of purposes with the intentions of refreshment and sharing the Gospel.
Mark, Rhonda, Bria, Lindsay, and Krista Blessing were called to Ukraine in the early 90s. Over the years, they have moved cities and ministries and have even returned to the United States for a short time. The three daughters have spent time away from home at different times, but all now feel the Lord is calling them to minister with their parents. These people truly love Ukraine and call it home. They have shown us a beautiful side of Ukraine much different than the American news and helped shape our hearts for this country and its people.
Another ministry that has captured their hearts is the local orphans. Once a week they take us to play with the younger children ages 1-3. These adorable children have their needs physically met by their care takers, but most of their emotional ones go untended to. They love when we come because we hold them and play with them – something they don’t frequently experience from adults. Most of these sweet children unfortunately cannot be adopted by foreigners until they are six years old; however, those with special needs can be adopted at a younger age. One of these children is Sasha, an 8-year-old boy with Down syndrome. He is so cute and has a contagious smile. We would all love to see him as well as a few other special needs children adopted in the near future by American families since this culture tends to look down upon those with special needs.
Our time in Ukraine has been full of many fun and memorable experiences. Now, when I hear the name of Ukraine, I won’t think of the tension with Russia or the delicate political situation, but rather I will see the faces of my friends. I will think of the children that I held that are in need of parents. I will remember the village I saw out of my window every day. I will see a beautiful place full of love. This is the Ukraine I know.
