Ukraine Update

Hey there friends!

We are doing well. We just arrived back in Chirnovtsi after a stretching week at camp. We were able to minister to special needs Ukrainians. It was neat to befriend them. God did many great things and was so gracious to us. We were able to show our love for them through our smiles, touches, and presence. Additionally, we became friends with the Young Life leaders at the camp.

Our conditions were not the best, but we managed quite well. Each person was a unique story to tell- so grab your favorite team member when we return and take them out to lunch. You will be blessed by what you hear.

A few highlights:

* Some people who were a part of another camp at the same facility came last night to hear the gospel preached. It was truly incredible. For some reason their program was not going on last night- so in effort to entertain the kids their leaders asked our leaders if they could join us for program. PRAISE GOD! Then, these kids were excused before the lesson was over for free time AND THEY DID NOT LEAVE!!! Pray for the seeds that were planted.

* The mothers were encouraged as having children with special needs here is not as socially accepted as it is in the States. Many believe it to be a curse on the family. As we left today many of the mothers were crying and telling our team that our guys did for their children what they cannot get their husbands to do.

* The special needs kids knew we loved them! They would call us by name and give us big hugs. David and David both had Sasha and Sasha, two severely autistic boys who came to recognize them as their friends. Chuck had a buddy whose father is an alcoholic and comes from and incredibly rough background. They were inseparable. Eric learned to communicate with his buddy and they had quite the system down (We all think that Eric is part Ukrainian anyway). These goodbyes brought tears to my eyes.

* God's word was preached and some came into a relationship with Jesus for the first time.

* Our team is united, we laugh a lot, and have become dear friends.

This is my last internet opportunity. Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for us in our travels. We will see you at home!

Risa