SEND UKRAINE 2010

SEND Ukraine conference was held just outside of Odessa this year.

This was a great time for me to officially meet everyone.
I had a wonderful time talking and laughing with these wonderful people. We also got to sing in English! I was very blessed by my time with them!

A first....

Since arriving in Ukraine I've really wanted to work with mentally and physically disabled people here. They are so near and dear to my heart. I was trying to wait for the right opportunity.

Last week I finally got my opportunity! Pastor Maxim asked me if I would like to help out at his camp. This year he invited several families whose children have Down Syndrome to be part of the camp. I planned crafts and helped with games. We also took the kids to the beach. Lifeguard duty was part of my responsibilities.


Here is my new friend Katya.


There were also several adults that camp to relax at camp. We spend time on the beach together and then by the campfire at night...

Luda and I...

Victor and I spend time drawing and painting together.


On the last day of camp....


I had a great time working at this camp. It had its difficulties. Working with people with disabilities can be difficult at times...when you add cultural differences and language into it. It gets even more complicated. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I hope to continue some of the relationships I built. I am hoping I can also help out next year!

Birthday girls...

4 of our teammates have August Birthdays....

We gathered for a group celebration for
Barb, Susanna, Anya, and Julie's birthdays!

Inga and Leah made some beautiful cakes ( they tasted great, too!)

Saying goodbye to summer...

"Summer 2010"


The weather has instantly changed into fall-like temperatures...
I love not feeling sweaty all the time...

Here is the recap of the summer...
This summer I.....
1. Turned 25
2. Studied Russian until June 30
3. Had my first visitor!
4. Went to Istanbul!
5. Worked with a few American teams.
6. Helped with a few camps (Gypsy, VBS, Evangelism, Handicapped)

(DIRTY feet!--it happens, right? It's camp.)
7. Attended SEND Ukraine Conference.
8. 20 of my summer nights were spent in a sleeping bag and/or tent.
( A few nights on the beach of the Black Sea!)
9. Ate many delicious Ukrainian fruits and vegetables

Here is one of the TWO cherry tomatoes that grew on my tomato plant...
10. Got to see my dear friend Katya who moved to Russia!

11. I got a tan. I think my first one ever. I only was sunburned once.. (Last week!)

I rested from Russian homework. Had many opportunities to practice speaking Russian. Now I am ready to jump back into "normal" life again. The students have come back to the seminary. Stay tuned as the adventures continue....

Week 2 Camp; Bobrick/Yanashovka

We left for our second week of camps....

On Sunday morning we participated in Bobrick's Church service.

Inga, Leah, and I held Sunday school for the kids.

That afternoon we headed to Lubashovka to do a kids program.

Then Sunday evening we handed out balloons and invited kids in Bobrick to camp...






Every morning we drove to Yanashovka to do a VBS with the kids there.

Jill teaching Bible lesson....


Anya teaching the kids John 3:16

Inga and I doing a puppet show ....

English lesson about body parts....

Group shot...



Each afternoon we would hold VBS camp in Bobrick...

Kids attentively listening to the Bible lesson...

Playing games....


We were also asked to visit a pre-school. One morning a few of us spend a little time at the pre-school....

I am telling the story of Noah and the Arc....

We played a few games with them...




Alina, Anya, and I singing songs and eating sunflower seeds....


Phyllis showing off the Ukrainian corn....




Group shot...
Leah, Inga, and I
Jill, Dorothy, Phyllis, Jim (American short term team)
Andrei, Luba, Alina, Kalina, Bogdan (Ukrainian hosts)

Andrei and Luba are wonderful examples of God's love. They have dedicated their lives to serve Him. They welcomed us with loving arms and helped us so much during this week. We all can learn so much from them. What a beautiful family!?

Here is the team on their tour of Odessa...

I am thankful for these two weeks. There were trials...there were joys. It was a great time of learning and growing.

Week 1 Camp: Shiraeva, Ukraine

Inga, Leah (teammates) and I together with Phyllis,Dorothy, Jill, and Jim (4 Americans on a mission trip), and translator Anya headed to Shiraeva, Ukraine for a week of Kids Camps and Evangelism...

We made balloon animals and went door to door inviting kids to camp and English club.

Anya and her very first balloon dog!

Here are the kids at craft time..

Bead crafts....

Wire trees...

Turtle craft....

Tissue paper craft...

Leah helping with crafts...


Inga leading songs with a few of the kids...

Jim leading the Bible lesson....


Game time...


Snack time....

English Club...

Inga being a good sport during English Club...

After Kids camp and English club there were Evangelistic events in the evening...

Waiting for the program to start....


Victor with a few kids that came...

Who needs a car to pull a trailer...?

Things I loved about week ONE...
1. I got to see/ hang out with a few of my friends from seminary
2. Craft time--Inga and I organized all of the crafts
3. I got to sleep in my tent for the week!
4. We got to eat lots of watermelon and drink compote!
5. I pushed my way in and got to be part of the kitchen staff :)-- I helped serve food and clean up after meals.