Crazy on Ukraine

All you need is a hug...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:22:00 +0000

On Saturday, I traveled to a village outside of Odessa called Barboy. We delivered a van-full of clothing to a home where 150 mentally and physically disabled adult live. A group of them came out to help us unload the van. Many of them just wanted a hug.

Dima, one of the Roma boys came with to help.

Here is the crew from "Way of Love Church" in Odessa.

My Polish Souvenirs

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:18:00 +0000

As if having food poisoning wasn't enough to put a damper on my visit to Poland, I surely made the remainder of my trip--anything but restful.

Feeling a bit dizzy and light-headed I staggering into Lindsay's kitchen to pour myself some juice. After struggling a bit with the whole—juice pouring situation, I realized that laying down now took priority over the juice I so desperately wanted. Setting the glass on the counter, I turned to the direction of the couch.

That's when I passed out.

It was all very dream like--my head was tossed about like a violent pinball game, but the intense pain was indication--- that this wasn't a dream. I landed on my back halfway from the counter to my destination: the couch. Suddenly I got a wet sensation on my head that began to drip down my neck. I touched my hair and gasped as I stared at the blood covering my hand. "Oh no! I am bleeding."

I jumped up from my puddle of blood, leaving a blood drip trail and my bloody finger prints....I made my way to the bathroom. (It looked like a horror film set) I applied pressure to my head with the nearest towel in reach. I lay on the bathroom floor, not knowing what to do. "I don't speak Polish, Lindsay doesn't speak Polish. This could be a problem"

Of course as I lay on the floor the power went out...so i moved myself into the hallway. I crawled into the bedroom to get my phone to send Lindsay warning that I had bled all over her apartment. I just couldn't bare the thought of her coming home to see me lying in a pool of my own blood.

She and her roommate came home, cleaned and disinfected their apartment, and assessed the wound. "Yup, there is a big cut."

We were supposed to meet a missionary couple living in Opole for coffee that day. I ruined the coffee part of the meeting and instead it was an ER meeting. They graciously took me to the hospital, translated for me, and even got to help push me on a gurney through the Polish ER.

I have been praying for the last three years for God to keep me away from Ukrainian hospitals but realized that I should have been adding a E. European clause to my prayers. It was quite an experience. There were many funny things that happened during my visit to the hospital in Poland. Overall it was a decent experience.

I am so grateful to the Ayers family for all their help. They dropped everything to help me! It was a true picture and testament of God's loving hands--protecting me and helping me through a little trial.

I left with 6 Polish stitches as souvenirs and the guarantee that Lindsay will remember my visit!

Post hospital look

Head wound #1- 6 stitches

Head wound #2

The stitches are out and the wound is healing.

A day in Krakow, Poland

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:43:00 +0000

Lindsay, Laura, and I headed to Krakow for the day. We got up and boarded an early train.

It was quite a rainy day. We were excited to warm up with some coffee in this cute cafe.

Waiting for our free tour to start

We got to meet up with a friend and fellow SEND missionary in Krakow. He gave up an insider tip about a delicious Mexican restaurant. We were all very excited that we took his advice.

I was able to fly back to Odessa from Krakow. As always my least favorite part of visiting with friends is having to say goodbye!

Opole, Poland

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:27:00 +0000

On my way back from the wedding I decided to stay in Poland with my friend Lindsay who just moved to the city of Opole a month before my visit. She and her British roommate, Laura, moved there to teach English. Opole is a cute little city. I really enjoyed my time walking around.

I forced my way into Papa Jack's American Restaurant

I think the World Series was on...

Check out these AMERICAN size portions:

We were seated BEHIND the band...

Laura and Lindsay

Yes I did drink great coffee and got to see new places....but the best part was hanging out and laughing with my dear friend. She is a treasure and kindred spirit! It's nice knowing she is just a time zone away!

Autumn in Germany!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:40:00 +0000

Susanna and Anatoli's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:38:00 +0000

It was such a blessing to be able to attend and witness the union of Susanna and Anatoli in marriage. It was really a win-win situation for me. I got to be part of their special day and I got to experience Germany in the fall! The weather was perfect. It was beautiful.

Here are some snapshots from the wedding and the preparations:

The view from Susana's kitchen

Susanna and Anatoli in front of their new home

The American wedding guests from Ukraine:)

Lois and I got to help Susanna's friend Anya collect leaves for wedding decorations:

Lois

Anna

Me!

Lois, Susanna, and I enjoying the nice weather

The beautiful Ashley helping with the wedding decor

They made their own apple juice for the wedding.

Everything is in order

Wedding Day:

Pre-wedding snack: Pretzels!

The pastor has his pre-wedding snack too!

A few of Susanna's nieces and nephews ( I think there are 17 in all)

The Mr. and Mrs. or should I say: Herr und Frau

The processional of children

Susanna's best friend Sandra was able to make it to the wedding. ( She is a missionary in S. America)

Nikita

Lois and I were in charge of photographing the guest in the heart:

We approve this love....

The love birds posing for a photo

This sweet little Oma spoke to me in Russian, other times in English, and often she would speak German to me. Then I would have to ask her to speak Russian.

Beautiful bride!

Serving cake!

I feel so happy and blessed that I was able to make it to her wedding. It was so wonderful to finally meet all of Susanna's family. Her church was so welcomed me, and knew me by name from the stories and pictures that Susanna had shared with them. I really miss Susanna but and so excited for her and Anatoli to begin their ministry to God together as husband and wife. I know that God has given them both many gifts and talents and can't wait to see how He uses them!!!!

October Travels!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:18:00 +0000

I really took trains, planes, and automobiles.

Travel Summary:

I left Odessa on Sunday and arrived by train in Lutsk, Ukraine.

Monday morning we left Ukraine in the car and drove through Poland.

On Wednesday we arrived in Germany.

Saturday we were able to attend my dear friend and former roommate/ teammate Susanna's wedding

Sunday we left for Poland.

I got to spend time in Poland with my friend Lindsay and we went to Krakow together!

CLICK HERE to read about my Polish Souvenirs!

The following Sunday I headed by plane back to Odessa.

Cliche I know: I was excited for a good cup of coffee

Took advantage of tortilla chips and salsa...Yes that was our lunch!

Studying some Polish while I wait...

Click here for the map of my travels

Enjoy the other posts with snippets of my travels!

Cousins Reunited!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:52:00 +0000

My cousin Brian and his wife, Randi came to Ukraine on their way to Italy for a quick visit.

We went to the Black Sea:

They helped me at the Roma School:

We walked to the liman:

(There were SO many birds)

We went on a downtown tour of Odessa:

Drinking Compote

It was so great to have them in Odessa with me for a few days! It was good to see familiar faces and talk about people and places that I miss! I felt very encouraged by their visit. I am glad I was able to show them a part of my life in Ukraine!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Does anyone read this?

SEND Ukraine 2012 conference in Lviv

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Leah, Esther, and Anya posing on the train...

Greg serving the Starbuck's coffee...

Esther and I

MK Teens post performance....

Lviv Espresso!

Leah with her milkshake...

Lois enjoying some coffee

Herb and Kim's date was ruined by the paparazzi...

Lois and Leah being tourists in Lviv...

The Beautiful Eipperle Family...

SEND Ukraine Prayer Time...

SEND Ukraine ladies enjoying manicures

Lois sharing important announcements....

I was in charge of crafts during our ladies meeting...

Canning fun...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Pickles

Not quite like mama makes them...but it was my first try!

Dima and Anya!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Dima asked this pretty lady Anya to marry him on Easter 2012....

and she said, "YES!" On July 21, 2012 they began their life together.

It was such a beautiful day...

Aren't they adorable?

Bubble man is busy on the phone....haa

Anya, Micah, and I posing during the wedding reception....

Dima and Andrey....

Dima and Anya will live and serve in Balta. I am excited for them to serve our great God together. I look forward to visiting and serving alongside them in Balta!

Alyssa came to visit....

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:19:00 +0000

Ukraine and I welcomed Alyssa with open arms! It was truly a wonderful blessing to have her in Ukraine. Here are some snapshots from her visit.

We spent 24 hours in Balta:

I think this is actually on our way back to Odessa from Balta...

I use to live here....(Balta)

A few of the my girls from the Balta church.

This was our first embrace since I left in May...

This (Above) makes up That (Below)

Impressive...I know..

HERE IS OUR SUNFLOWER PHOTO SHOOT!

Last but certainly not least:

<<>>

Can you tell she is super excited?

Ukraine never ceases to impress me in one way or another...

It really was so great to have this girlie by my side. Love her to pieces and miss her lots!

Seminary Graduation Festivities

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:10:00 +0000

This group of students had just started at the seminary when I moved to Ukraine.

They have endured many painful conversations with me as I practiced speaking Russian with them.

They have been a great encouragement and support to me.

They have become very dear to me, but sadly many of them have left Odessa.

It was such an exciting time to be with them again.

I am so proud of their hard work and excited to see how God will continue to each one of them!

Seminary Picnic

Farewell Balta

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Balta Church May 2012

Luda

Natasha singing a song

Dave and Barb singing in Russian

Valya reciting a poem

Liza and Marina singing....Valya capturing it all on video

Dima preaching

Ivan preaching

Dave and Barb during prayer

Anya and Svetta reciting a poem

Group song

Liza presenting Dave and Barb with a gift she made

The Final Picnic at Dave and Barb's house....

Balta Snapshots...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:48:00 +0000

"Saturday School" for the adults

Lyuba and Sasha (as well as Tori and Nik) came from Odessa

to help translate for the "Marriage and Family Course"

Irina

Vitalik

The kids singing a song...

Tanya..

Anya and Vita

Svetta

Alyona

Anya

Vita

Beauty of Balta

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Barty the ferocious guard dog

Goodbye BBQ in the Odessa Forest....

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:41:00 +0000

For our team meeting in May we decided that a farewell BBQ was in order.

My love runs deep for these two!

Anya, Esther, and Micah...the cutest MK girls I know!

Team Odessa (Minus Susanna and Leah)

We're a crazy bunch of fun!

So far away...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 28 May 2012 08:27:00 +0000

Being far from home is challenging. Sometimes more difficult than others.

In the midst of all the change that is about to take place I've also been dealing with some other things.

My beautiful Aunt Chris lost her 15 year battle with cancer.

I got to witness the marriage of my dear friends, Ben and Melissa, thanks to Skype.

At 26 I had my first run in with head lice...yuck.

These have been some difficult things to deal with...being so far away is harder sometime.

Easter Weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Click Here to checkout clips from our Easter Service in Balta!

Decorated a few eggs..

Had a pin the egg in the basket during "Saturday School"

Svetta and Tanya doing crafts....

Anya writing "Christ has risen"

Svetta with a little attitude..

Upside-down cupcakes I baked/decorated for the kids..

Yuliya and Vitalik...

Yuliya and Dima on Easter morning...

Sister Liza reading a poem...

I work with the cutest kids...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Aren't these kids just precious....?

Tanya, Svetta, and Anya....

Vika, Ellya

Yuliya...

Alyona..

Anya...

Irina...

The girls making their edible craft...

Vita..

Svetta...

Easter Mural

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:42:00 +0000

Barb, our Creative Director behind the latest masterpiece in Balta...

Artist at work...

Youth Group Passover Seder...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:59:00 +0000

We decided to celebrate the Jewish Passover. It was a very great evening.

Passover plate...

Dave led the Seder....

Barb lit the candles

BITTER HERBS....

Rostik...

David...

Ira...

Rita...

Susanna...

Barb...

Dave...

16 birthday Scavenger Hunt...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:31:00 +0000

I went to Odessa to be part of Joseph's 16 birthday party! His parent's organized a scavenger hunt. He met his friend Elliot by the bus stop and was given a riddle that led to the next location in the hunt. Along the way he picked up friends along the way. The final destination was the Archaeological Museum. We spent a few hours looking around then had cake in the park....

Joseph, Lyuba, and Elliot

Lyuba being carried away...

Micah flying...

Skateboarder showing off his stuff...

Micah and Anya...

Anya...

Anya and I...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M Wiitala) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:15:00 +0000

I got to spent a few days in Odessa in March...

Dasha practicing her BB gun skills....

Photo by Dasha

Dasha

Cat Lady...

Dasha and Larisa...

Oleg and Peter...

We got to celebrate International Women's Day at the seminary...

The boys put together a great evening of "tacos", singing, games, and an all-around wonderful evening.

It was a wonderful encouragement to me to be with my friends from the seminary.

It was a nice change of pace...and I haven't laughed that much in a long time!

I am thankful for the special friendships God has given me through Odessa Theological Seminary!