packing, unpacking, repacking....

Packing--worst activity ever.
It stresses me out.
I wish that I could go with the clothes on my back.
I have condensed my life to this....

It isn't too terrible, is it?
Affirm me!
(I'm feeling a little insecure!)

P.S.---visa/passport arrived today!

I'm leaving....

The day of departure has now been determined!

(I am leaving on a jet plane!)

October 8th..........Odessa here I come!

It is just so amazing!

God and His perfect timing!

Everyone, thank you for your support and prayer!

Speaking Engagements!

I had the pleasure of visiting the AWANA club in Stratford, WI.

I gave a little presentation about what I will be doing in Ukraine.

They loved looking at the Ukrainian money and looking at a book written in Russian.

One of the groups even got to hear "sing" in Russian.

Farmer Dad helped me with a short skit.

September 13th I got to meet and share with the wonderful congregation of :

New Life Church in West Bend, WI.

(They had already committed to supporting me before hearing me speak!)

I was warmly welcomed and treated like one of their own!

Ukrainian Cruisine (my version)

My Grandparents came over today.
I thought I would make a few Ukrainian dishes for them to sample.
I did my best to create Beet Borsch and Varenyky.
It turned out alright. Nothing like the real deal but it was edible.

rolling the dough.

here are the finished product: cottage cheese filled verenyky

Grandpa in the midst of story time.

Not sure what Dad is doing but Grandma doesn't seem too interested!

my mom!

Portland!

I had the amazing opportunity to fly to Portland, OR
to visit my dear friend, Lindsay.(and then drive back with her to MN)Here are some of the activities we were a part of:

My 1st ocean experience! Oh so amazing!

my "mermaid" impression (i got totally soaked)

I got to crash a beautiful wedding celebration:
It was a serious celebration...there were games, a potluck, and fun!

The terrific couple--Paul and Andrea

The wedding march--all their close friends walked to the beat of a drum

Lindsay-showing off her mad hula hooping skills!

It was amazing to experience Portland. I really enjoyed the terrific people I met, the wonderful coffee, and the beautiful sights! It was a fantastic time!


Our goal was to drive straight through from Portland, OR to Minneapolis, MN.
We left Portland at:

Along the way we saw:

Multnomah Falls (OR)

(OR)

Lindsay and I took "shifts" during our journey eastward.
The 1st shift I drove from 10 p.m. until 4:00 a.m.
(WA, ID, MT)
To pass the time I took a few night-light photos.

(another 4 rolled around)my shift ended and I was OUT!
We allowed time for a breakfast stop in Miles City, MT
We strictly stopped only for: gas ups/bathroom breaks.

The roller coaster of my emotional health while Lindsay slept...


the 24 hour marker!

We took a 2.5 hour pit stop:
We decided that an oil check/gas up was in order.
From there the decision for dinner was made.
We stopped in Fergus Falls, MN and a little hang out time at
Home Depot was arranged
with my friend, Andy (a fellow I-94 traveler.)
I feel the need to defend our travel delay....

I am proud to announce that after 30 hours of driving/ travel we arrived in Minneapolis, MN!
(still smiling)

This has really turned out to be the summer of driving!

BREAKING NEWS

Ok.
I can officially say..."I am going to Ukraine"
Wow.
I am having a hard time ever forming sentences!
I am that thrilled.
It has been amazing to see how God has provided....
July 12 I had just reached 50%
and on September 2 the scales were tipped to 100%

I am waiting on a Letter of Invitation from Ukraine and then the visa process will begin.
I will keep you posted on the date of departure...we are looking at the end of September!