The past two days have been full of activities and events here. We have been so busy that we were not able to get out a report yesterday. I have had an opportunity to speak at the law school the past two mornings. It has been a good experience and interesting to see a difference in some of the laws. More importantly it has been good to meet new people and introduce myself and the church to them.
The biggest impact has been seen in the village of Starry Lysets. We did not know what to expect there as there has never been a campaign there before. Our efforts before this trip has focused on making an introduction of the church as there is a huge influence of the Greek Catholic Church in the village. We have shipped humanitarian aid into the village and helped to make a clinic in the village and given go to open the doors to future teaching. Our efforts in the village have been some of the first attempts to start teaching them substantive things from a Gods Word. Our teams work in the schools each morning have laid a wonderful foundation that has caused an extremely incredible response from the children. Each night the attendance has practically doubled in our children classes. We have about decided that the way to make in roads in the village is to start with the children. It allows us to show we are not some “dark sect” or crazy people but have pure motivations. The children respond and then the adults respond. Our attendance at the adult classes has slowly increased each night (only one or two more), but it shows that we have slowly made some impact. We had more than 90 in our children classes….that speaks volumes about our impact in this small village! It really demonstrates the impact of the good work of our Dalraida team and our brethren in Ivano-Frankivsk and influence the Lords Church can have in this village!
Today’s plans include going to a village outside I-F and delivering some school desks to them and doing some sightseeing. We had hoped to go up the Carpathian Mountains but because we have had some sore throats and sickness, we do not want to risk any further health since it has been cold enough to snow in the mountains.
Thoughts from Malorie:
We will be leaving Ukraine tomorrow. I am sad at the thought of leaving. I have grown to love all of the people who are members of the Ivano-Frankivsk Church of Church. Going on mission trips is one of the most amazing experiences. On Wednesday, it started out rough. Sore throats have infected our group (Billy and Me), but we got antibiotics and and will hopefully be back to normal soon! We visited Starry Lysets school for the last time on Wednesday. I have enjoyed getting to see all the precious children, and hearing about their lives in Ukraine. Of course the children’s funny questions like whether we have met President Obama, how much an iPhone costs, and Nick and I explaining why American’s eat so much added lots of laughs. Nick and I also explained American holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years), government holidays (Memorial’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Columbus Day, etc.), how American school systems work (elementary, middle, high school, extra-curricular activities, and college), and my personal favorite…… “Prom” (but with bowling instead of dancing!) The school treated us like kings and queens, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to visit Starry Lysets. I hope to come back and visit.
On Thursday we visited a children’s shelter for kids who are orphans, or have a unhealthy family life. From across the room, I immediately connected with the cutest blonde hair blue eyed girl. She made the funniest faces at me, and I tried my best to do the same in return. When it was about time to leave, I asked the precious blond hair blue eyed girl, “Do you like it here?” She shook her head to the left and right. I asked, “Do you want to go home?” Again she shook her head to the left and right. Lastly I asked, “Do you want to come home with me?” Immediately she quickly nodded her head up and down. The crocodile tears came flowing down my cheeks as I hugged her tight. As I walked out saying goodbye she ran across the room and hugged me not wanting to let go. Leaving children who are in need of love and a good Christian home is one of the hardest things to do.
P.S. The children’s shelter is in need of shoes, undergarments, jackets, socks, and scarves for both boys and girls ages 2 through teens. With winter time coming, and the children need as many warm clothes as possible.
Please keep us all in your prays as our trip will soon come to an end.
Thoughts from Billy:
Our time in Ukraine has been going by very quickly. Our days are filled with following up with shipments of Humanitarian Aid given previously, talking to communities of people, and general growth with the church. I’ve realized that the church, although had faced some opposition, is thriving and growing. When mayors, directors, and leaders have respect for the members of the church you know they are doing a great job. I hope when we return again that we can do some evangelist follow up with non members in the communities and villages. I’m glad Dalraida is a part of this great work!
Thoughts from Scott:
For two days I was privileged to visit a children’s home and an elementary school. Upon walking into the school grounds I was overwhelmed with how clean everything was kept and how neat the classrooms were set up. Nothing is in excess in the Ukraine. You may have to walk around through several rooms or down the hall to find a simple trash can. Upon finding one it will not be overflowing.
The cafeteria fed us lunch that was worthy of the label, “fine dining.” It has been years since a cafeteria in the states could have attempted a home type cooked meal.
But the most exhilarating experience was dealing with the staff and students. The teachers were very polite and well dressed individuals that cared immensely for the kids. That was evident.
The students were very attentive and polite. They were refreshingly respectful. What joy they brought to my heart when they were such good citizens and so happy. I am not inclined to work with children but somehow that experience made me question my preconception.
The Ukrainian people will continue to be great because they care about their children and train them to be respectful and diligent. Let’s pray that they will always have hope.
Last night we met up with them again at the cultural center. How delightful and sad at the same time to watch them as they were told basic Bible stories that they had never heard before.
We handed out Bibles. Some of them had never owned one. Most did not have one and we soon ran out and left their reaching yearning hands empty. We are resolved to never let this happen.
I was able to overcome my bad language challenge by talking the international language with a few boys. Soccer! Of course we called it futball.
Today we set out to again try to pass on hope to a world that has not had many chances in their past to openly search for truth.
Thoughts from Nick:
It was cold, windy and rainy on Wednesday and the forecast was the same for Thursday. However, the response to our work here and the great encouragement we have received from our brethren more than offsets any discomfort we may have. On Wednesday we had more opportunities to see need in Ukraine but also to be encouraged. After breakfast, we went to the school in Starry Lysets for the last time. Malorie and I talked to 3 different classes about American holidays, education system and general life in the US. We also taught one class of 3rd graders “If You’re Happy and You Know It”, which went over very well. Before eating lunch at the school, they showed us a museum in the school which contained historical and cultural artifacts collected from the villagers. They had some of the prettiest embroidery I’ve ever seen along with other interesting things such as Soviet era money, Nazi helmets and Bibles from the early 20th century that escape destruction by the Soviets.
After a very good lunch at the school, we came back to meet the rest of the team. We then went to a children’s shelter that houses children that are taken away from their parents, runaways, and others in bad situations. It was very sobering and hard to leave them. After that, we went to a kindergarten that one of the children in the church here attends. His mother showed us around and told us about some of the items they need, such as new windows and money to fix their playground (which is in terrible condition). They money required to make these repairs is very small, but the parents of the children cannot afford it and the government does not fund them adequately.
After leaving the kindergarten, we went to eat a very good dinner. We then went back to Starry Lysets to conduct another lecture. BJ and I talked about kindness and goodness and we had 35 kids attend our class! They were very excited and receptive, and I hope that we will make a lasting impression on them.
Thoughts from Danyel:
Wednesday was our last day teaching English at the Starry Lysets school. Scott and Billy were able to go to the schools with us and we all were able to enjoy lessons on family traditions and holidays. We learned a lot about the different holidays that Ukraine celebrates. The children in all of our classes were unanimous in saying that Christmas was their favorite. They have many traditions they take part in including food, gifts, and decorating their pine trees; but it was their tradition of caroling that caught my attention the most. Not only do all of the children go caroling, but they LOVE doing it. Most of them dress up in costume style clothing (traditional Ukrainian clothes, sheep, donkeys, etc.). The most interesting part of their caroling was that they all receive a gift of money from the homes they carol too. It was so interesting to learn about. We were able to tell them some of our family traditions as well and they loved hearing the similarities and differences. We also convinced them to sing one of their carols for us; so, of course we had to “teach” them our jingle bells song…..and it was so eloquently performed by both Billy and Scott. ?
Needless to say, it was a bittersweet moment when we had to leave. So after all the “selfies” were taken with the children and all the hugs were given, we all said goodbye. I have been forever touched by the amazing children, teachers, and staff there! I know this can be a wonderful Christian community one day and I hope that our fruits of labor will have touched their hearts just as their excitement and kindness has touched ours!
