Watching God's Promises Come True

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

Wow! So many things are happening here in Ukraine. Where do I begin? I am going to share the opening of the CBN/Operation Blessings building on the dental blog www.saismilehouse.com But because I shared in an earlier blog about looking for a house we could afford, I have to now share how our Amazing God has blessed us far above what we could ever hope for.

While we were in the US, I received the monthly email newsletter from the Christian Women's group in Kyiv. Listed in it was a house that sounded wonderful but when we looked at the map we found it was about 35 miles from Kyiv--even though it is on the west side where Smile House and Mostysche Orphanage are located. It was northwest of both of these. Plus, we were in the states and figured it would be sold when we returned.

About a week after returning, we decided that if it was still available we should at least look at it since there are two orphanages near that village--one which YWAM works very closely with. Because it was still available, we hired a driver and went to see it. At first I didn't want to like it--but I did. An American couple who are missionaries who were working with gypies had purchased it as a shell and finished the first floor in American style--open floor plan, water heated floors, cheerful colors. It's about 1345 square downstairs and the second floor has heavy insulation and some sheetrock. It has a lot of room to store our boxes--which are still at Mostyshce and have been rifled through--another story. J.D. and Sherry have lost funding for their work and need to return to the states because of some family problems. We could feel that it was a blessed house and that God is very familiar with the address. But the distance from Kyiv and Smile House prevented us from making a decision--even though an electic train runs within walking distance from the house. Best of all, the price was in our range. Unbelievably, the asking price was $85,000. When all was said and done, we purchased it, paid all fees, bought some of the furnishings and a car-23 year old LADA-, and now are once again home owners.

It is exciting in some ways and very, very frightening in another. I am thankful to our wonderful God for providing us with another house. Last year when we sold our home and "things", I thought we would never have another house and I was willing to give that up for what I felt God was calling us to do. And now, He has so generously provided for us-including a vehicle. But on the other end of the spectrum, we are both having "panic" attacks, worrying about being so far out, fearing having to drive on the Ukrainian roads, wondering if we will be able to communicate with anybody--both in America and with our neighbors. There is no phone or internet access at the moment--although we still have cell phones--and our lifeline is the internet. I have been able to handle this whole thing because I knew I could use my Vonage phone if I get lonely or need something in America. I have the internet and first thing each morning look to see if there are any new emails--I am even beginning to like forwarded things (as long as they don't say something bad is going to happen if I don't send them on to hundreds of friends)because it is a form of communication from someone.

Later, I will share more thoughts on the whole move but for now, let me say, we are excited but it's been an extremely difficult week-starting with a terrible case of flu for Richard and a milder flu for me. We are very sad about the tragic death of one of our builders and injuries to another builder in a traffic accident. (Again consult the Smile House blog for updates.) The house purchase and the news that our Russian daughter finally has legal status in the states were highlights of the week. Our denied visa applications with the accompanying stress is one of the lows. A few minutes ago while jogging, I tripped and although nothing seems to be too damaged, I am already getting sore. So, we just ask for your prayers as this new stage of our adventure unfolds. Slava Boga! Praise God for His continuied plans and grace.

The Great Cat Rescue

Finally things are getting back to normal We spent three and a half weeks in the good old US of A and then Patty R., Chairman of Smile Alliance International, arrived two days after we returned home. We had a great time with her but we are exhausted. So. . . I will give you a brief account of our latest adventures. I could mention what is happening with the CBN building but you can read about that on the Smile House blog which is linked to this one. I will mention that plans are being put together for a physical therapy team in the fall of 2007. We spent a day visiting with the staff and some board members of Mission to Ukraine in Zhitomer with this team in mind. Also, Inga from Mother's Care at YWAM joined us for a very productive meeting about this future trip. A trip to Mostysche helped us establish some of the things this facility needs and we were trying to explore the possibility for a team connected with YWAM from the Ellensburg First Presbyterian Church in March.

But I want to recount what could possibly be one of our most productive experiences so far. I have dubbed it the GREAT CAT RESCUE.

Patty and I had arrived at the front door of our building when we heard a cat meowing very loudly. Richard had gone to the store while we walked home but then he discovered that we didn't have a key so he was headed home to let us into the apartment. We discovered that a cat was up on an cement ledge above the doorway of a neighboring building. (My guess is that some kids probably put her there. ) Anyway, she was very upset and a lady from the neighboring apartment was trying to get to her through the hallway window which was nailed shut. About that time a little Babushka came up with a long stick and tried to coax her down. Patty and I couldn't do anything but watch and make encouraging comments. Then our hero, Richard, arrived. He went inside and after about 15 minutes, he was able to pry the nails out of the window with the help of the lady from the building. The hammer he had to use did not have a claw on the back so it took a lot of work. The Babushka joined them and when the window opened she tried to get the cat to come to her. The cat was more afraid of her then being on the ledge. After much coaxing, the cat moved forward and the lady grabbed her by the neck and roughly pulled her through the window. We applauded and then went on our way.

This morning when we were out jogging, a lady who often exercises at the same time as we do came up to us. She thanked us for rescuing her cat and said her mother wanted her to thank us as well. (Her mother is the Babushka.) Then on the way back to the apartment, Baba Halya, the grounds keeper, (see the Life in Ukraine blog for more about her) came up to us and said something about a cat. Also, we understood her to say that Meow is the same in both Russian and English. As we waited for the elevator, the first floor neighbor came out and was very friendly--this is the first time this has happened. We are pretty sure that word has spread around the neighborhood that the American gentleman rescued the cat. It just goes to show that we don't always realize what a small kindness can do. I guess the reverse is true as well. Ah yes, "Actions speak louder than words." Our prayer is that our actions will always represent the One who sent us.