My roommate for most of the trip is Mike, 35 from Moscow, training to be a preacher, with an incredible story to tell. Don told me to try to be an example to him and encourage him—what?? I walked away from our very first extended conversation impressed and strengthened by his faith, a man with a heart like God’s. I don’t know what it is but being around Christians outside the US is very encouraging, their example so incredible, b/c Christ is truly their life and more precious to them than anything…the way God intended us to be…sometimes I feel really far off from this.
We made the rounds to a couple of orphanages we sponsor this morning. One an AIDS orphanage and the other a children’s hospital type. Met with both of their directors and talked extensively about possibly doing a camp for their sick children, what all that would entail. I’m beginning to see one of my key purposes on this trip is to think, pray, promote, and be exposed to all the different camp work here in Ukraine. Just talking and reflecting on possible camp stuff has reminded me of my love and passion for this sort of thing—I’m anxious to see what other conversations and opportunities the Lord has for me on this trip.
Didn’t get to see one group of AIDS children b/c of a quarantine, but the kiddos at the children’s hospital were precious. Went into one particular nursery area and saw a few of the babies. Ruth held a little girl with thick fear in her eyes, abused badly by both parents, cute as ever though…she smile at Ruth when she left. I played with and smiled at a little girl who was very quiet b/c of numerous mental health problems that they haven’t completely diagnosed yet, but extremely sweet with a beautiful smile. As our faces moved inches away from eachother I prayed that somehow she might know the great love of Christ in her life. We ended up purchasing some blankets, toys, pots and pans for the hospital.
Tonight I went and met up with old friends/translators from Camp Smena, Arusik and Arthur! Went to their apartment and ate dinner and cake for Arusik’s birthday and visited for an hour or so. They told me all about Smena last summer and it brought back tons of funny memories of how much she exaggerates. Really made me miss Smena and Sergey and the great camp there. Had a good talk with Steve Talifero about his ministry in Ukraine with orphans and his dream to set up a ministry center and transitional housing program for street kids. He’s a good man and I pray that the Lord will bless his efforts here and provide the wife and partner he longs to share his ministry with. Took a shady taxi home.
A good day, good conversations, and unexpected visits and surprises. I feel the Lord affirming me being here and hopefully using me here—his calling for me in this place is evident, though I’m not sure in what capacity or when or how. While I have no desire to live here it is clear that I love this country, especially it’s children. Don noted last night that it’s nearly impossible to reach the current generation of men, hardened by oppression and a socialist upbringing (church statistics prove this). Therefore we must focus on the next generation, the kids and teenagers. So I pray that his great and awesome love might reach them and that he might see me fit for assisting in that in some small way…
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pic of the day:
3 comments:
Hey Blair just curious but how did you get Hise and Benaglio to sit so still in that picture?
Codyblair- Glad you made it back safe and sound and that your trip was so good. I've enjoyed reading your journal entries- makes me feel like I'm talking to you. Miss you!
I love it. Great job, man.
Landon
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