Hello again! As our first month in Ukraine has come to an end, I reflect back on my time and wow is it filled with such sweet memories. Ukraine will always have a special place in my heart for many reasons. So I decided to make a blog sharing some of my favorite memories via photos! So here we go!
First off, this is my Ukrainian family! These people loved my team and I so well. Welcomed us in right away. I can’t help but think about the Bible in how the disciples would travel from place to place and locals would welcome them in. Our hosts set such an example of how to use what God has given you, well. Language barrier never let us stop each other from knowing each other and communicating. So many laughs together. They love Jesus so much and have such a heart for the people of Ukraine to truly know Jesus. Especially the children and teens! I will never forget them and I will always take with me the memories and the things they taught me.
Some of my favorite times was when our hosts would take us out to see their beautiful country. To the tunnel of love, to Ternopil. Such sweet fun memories made as we got to spend time with them outside of Ministry.
This is Nika. What a sweet wild child! And very smart for her age!
When our hosts took us out to Ternopil, we went on a boat ride. I was standing on the back of the boat with some others. I went to pick up my waterbottle and the hook came off and my water bottle dropped to the ground and started to roll down the boat. People tried to reach for it but it rolled too fast and right off the back of the boat. Bye bye water bottle! (Your water bottle is very important for the race because we don’t always have clean drinking water- our water bottles help keep water safe for us). So I was kind of bummed especially since it had my stickers from back home on it, but it happened and so I just laughed it off. But Nika, Nika for some reason felt so sad for me and just kept hugging me. The next day, she arrives at where we are staying and hands me a NEW water bottle! She got me water bottle! My heart was so full from her willingness to do something like that! She definitely learned that from her mother because her mom is always looking to see how she can help those around her.
I spy my water bottle… can you? ha ha.
CAMP!! ah wow this was my favorite week of ministry! We went out to this camp and spent a few days with youth just getting to know them, build relationships, and encourage them in Christ. The point of this camp is to encourage and build them up for when they all go back to school. Worship, team building, games, sharing things God is teaching us, adventures etc. I absolutely LOVED our time here.
This photo was when we played capture the flag! So much fun! We did not win but it was worth it! 🙂
Oh one of my most favorite memories! A chilly night sitting around a fire singing songs! Got to do this the last two nights of camp. Most of the songs were in Ukraine and the conversations were in their language but it was so beautiful to just sit there and listen. It made my heart so full! I was so tired but knew my time was limited there and I didn’t want to miss it! I wanted to make the most of my time there! And I don’t regret one second of it!
Daaaaaannnnnaaaa! Wow what a gem! I already posted an entire blog about how awesome she is so you already know! But here is a picture of a fun foot dance we did!
Some of the other sweet girls we got to connect with! Before this photo was taken, we were all sitting around a table having such a great conversation about life, God and ourselves! Loved this time!
My sweet little Sasha! Wow did God speak to me through you! This picture was taken on our last day seeing each other. After this photo was taken, I had one of our friends who spoke Ukraine, tell Sasha that we leave and that day was our last day to see him. I wanted him to know that way he wouldn’t just wonder where we went the next time at church. After we told Sasha, he immediately ran off and I found him crying, it broke my heart! So, we just sat there with him and then he took my hand and we played around the church until he had to go! I won’t forget you Sasha!
Yulia! Most of our time of knowing each other was spent in deep conversations! One of my favorite memories was on our last night at camp, at like 3am a few of us went out on a walk and we got to have a great convo! She is so sweet and such a gentle spirit! In fact, after we said bye to each other after camp, she went back to where she lives. Soon after we left for Romania, when i get there one of my squad mates from another team gave me a bag that Yulia gave them to give to me. At camp I complimented these shorts she had that I really liked and would come in handy for when I’m in Asia when it’s hot. And so she baught me a pair when she went back home and since she lived in the town the other team was at, she gave it to my friend to give to me! How sweet is that?! She seeks to put others first and to just serve God well!
Funny thing: I am such an extrovert and I usually love to be where the fun is. But I am realizing I prefer moments one on one with people, having meaningful conversations, getting to know people deeper than surface level. Such treasures found in those moments!
Our brother roomates!! haha
Wow was it so fun getting to know them and hang out with them. Such great examples of men too! They would never let us pick up anything slightly heavy. If we tried they would run over and shake a finger and here them say “Neee” which means no!
The last few days in Ukraine were my favorite with them- we stayed up till the sunrise both days playing tag, sardines, Uno, and ended watching a movie! Oh and a walk to the market for ice cream!! haha
Some locals we became friends with took us on a fun hike to this mountain! Beautiful view & a fun hike!
Oh boy, so many sweet memories in Ukraine and these aren’t even half of them! It’s bittersweet writing this blog as I wish these memories with them can continue.
But, I’ll be back one day ! 🙂
