Ukraine Adventure and More

Merry Christmas from the Nelsons

2008-12-18T09:02:00.004+02:00

We want to thank each of you who have suppported Smile Alliance International with prayer, encouragement and by donating funds and goods to continue the ministry. A special thanks to those who were part of the six teams we worked with, joining us in ministry in Ukraine. At least 2500 people have been blessed this year because of your faithfulness.

Briefly, I am working on updates on my blogs for those of you who are interested in what has transpired during 2008. Right now we are in the middle of distributing 900 plus gifts to widows, moms and kids through SAI and our partners. Smile Alliance International and Manna Worldwide are signing the final paperwork for a formal partnership which will eventually finish the Smile House Project. The first floor is half finished now but without dental equipment or furnishings. SAI will be responsible for the clinic. A transition home for 16 year old girls who graduate from Komorivka Orphanage is planned for the second floor and will be managed by Manna. Other plans for the remainder of the building are being worked out. So if you are interested, please check www.smilealliance.blogspot.com for general ministry updates, www.smilehouse.blogspot.com for the dental ministry updates, and www.livinginukraine.blogspot.com for everyday life updates.

The Smile Alliance International website www.smilealliance.org is functioning but still needs a lot of help. We are posting a list of needs on it along with other pertinent information. God has been very faithful and your support has made this ministry possible. Thank you again. May you be indeed blessed this Christmas and in the year to come.

Richard and Vicki Nelson and Smile Alliance International

Saying Good-bye for Now

2008-06-01T18:27:00.007+03:00

In April, my mother, Rosa Naomi Claridge, passed away. Mixed emotions fill my mind as I write this. Deep sadness and loss floods over me. Hearing her voice and giving her hugs, her encouragement and support, and her mischievousness are all things I will miss. Her gentle, kind, generous heart endeared her to not only me but many others. Yet I know she is at peace, with no more pain or loneliness. But best of all, I know I will see her again and together we can walk and talk and visit to our heart's content. I am also very grateful that our loving Father orchestrated events so that I was able to spend her last day at her side and that my sister and I were with her when she died. She was not able to acknowledge my presence but I know she knew I was there. But, again, I will miss her.

The Grandma Rosa project was my mother's idea--I named it. Her heart went out to children all over the world. Her aunts cared for orphans in Norway during World War II and she instilled in her family a desire to help others. Both my sister and I have been involved in numerous children's ministries over the years because of her influence. Project Patch and Smile Alliance International are just two of them. Her grandchildren lead kid's divisions at church.

Over 800 Grandma Rosa blankets were distributed during the Katrina disaster and another 800 have been sent to Ukraine. Many of her angel banners hang on walls in Ukraine while several hundred more were given out in the United States and other countries. She often bought crafts and little gifts for me to distribute. She prayed constantly for the children. She shared stories of the kids with many of her friends and asked them to pray for us and for the children. She kept encouraging me to write the story of our adventure and I hope to do so in the near future. I wish I had done it before she left us.

I am very grateful to my sister, Karen, who spend the last few years ferrying mom to appointments, watching over her living situation and finances, and being on call for all kinds of requests. Without Karen and her husband, Roger, Mom's last few years would have been indeed difficult and Richard and I would not have been able to have followed God's call to our ministry. Thank you so much, Karen.

Mom will be missed by all of us but we were very blessed to have her in our lives all these years. And she lives on in our hearts and in her many journals, poems, and stories. Good-bye for now, my dear mommy.

Stories of Despair and Hope

2008-02-04T15:32:00.000+02:00

Sighing, I picked up the list of poor children we were going to visit on the weekend. Listed were forty-seven children in twenty-one families. Yet the only thing I knew about them was the age marked beside their names.

Background:
Although the focus of Richard’s ministry is dentistry, my ministry in the country of Ukraine seems to be distributing humanitarian aid—mostly clothing—and gifts to widows, orphans and underprivileged children. Many friends, Smile Alliance International and several churches send boxes on a fairly regular basis. The sorting, organizing and hauling around of boxes is a lot of work but we definitely enjoy the smiles and joy on the faces of the recipients.

God has a strange sense of humor. When we sold our things and moved here from America I envisioned a new start—a home finally free of clutter and stuff. I would at last have the time and energy to be organized. Things would be neat and tidy. Right! God generously provided a house for us to live in after six months of living in an apartment building. Humbly I thanked Him for His provision. He bestowed on us this blessing and we dedicated it to Him and His work. That’s when the boxes began to arrive.

I often laugh when I am in the midst of unpacking and sorting. During this time every free surface in our living quarters holds a stack of socks, shirts, pants, gift items, or some other thing. Sometimes I summon the troops to help but often I forge ahead alone. It is during this time I can pray for those who will be receiving each item. I can ask God for direction, guidance as to whom He has sent each thing. And it’s amazing what transpires.

I could tell story after story about this. But for now I want to share stories of some special gifts that touched my heart. Background information is necessary so you can see the scope of things and God’s love working through each person who has generously donated funds, time, and goods. We really believe that He cares about details, influences people to send various items and funds, and touches people hearts with a desire to help.

Our Visits
I picked up the gallon size Ziplock bags that have become my second favorite ministry tool. Slowly I began filling each of them with a toothbrush, comb, piece of candy, mini book filled with Russian Bible verses (sent by an anonymous donor), a slip of paper outlining the Gospel message with an invitation to accept Jesus, and other basic items.

Pastor Dima, a missionary to one of our neighboring villages, had asked us if we had some small gifts we could give to children they were going to visit. We told him we could do that but asked if we could go along when they visited the families. They were happy to have us join them and the date was set. The village social worker had provided lists of the neediest families. Dima had worked with some of them before but many were new to him.

The previous week I had assembled 110 plastic shoe boxes (my very favorite ministry tool) filled with gifts for Mostysche Orphanage and Sunshine Center for Street Children. The providing church in Ellensburg, Washington had generously included extra things in their twenty large boxes so I had enough to start filling my plastic bags. Then I added items from my reserves upstairs. The final step was to put in some age-sensitive items, something each child might need. I prayed for God to help me put just the right items in each bag.

I had kept in reserve a few of the brand new sleepers, jeans, and shirts for toddlers sent by a church in Cle Elum. So the bags for the 3 through 5 year-olds were easy to fill. Two different retired couples in Oregon had lovingly hand-knitted hats, mittens, socks and sweaters. These too were added to the packages. The older boys were a challenge but winter scarves, gloves and wallets purchased with donated ministry funds helped complete their bags. A box from my friend in Oklahoma provided some items for the older girls. But I was unsure what to put in the last of the baby and small toddler gifts. Then MEEST, the shipping company, called and brought four very large boxes from a church in Canada. Sent the middle of November, the boxes had somehow lost their way and arrived “just the day I needed them.” Now, the babies were very well taken care of. Grandma Rosa project blankets purchased and put together by friends in Washington State were put in large plastic bags for the children 12 and under. Then the zip lock bags for each individual child were added, each large bag was closed and the family name written on the outside. We were ready at last to begin visiting the homes.

Dima’s church bathed our day in prayer. I was profoundly glad about that when we encountered vicious, large dogs as we entered several of the yards. Although going door to door is not my forte, our advantage was that we were laden with gifts. Another plus was Dima’s previous work in this village—getting to know the people—showing them love and acceptance. Most of the homes we visited this time were ones he had been in before. Next week will be another story.

Each home told its own story. Some were relatively neat, others cluttered and messy. Most had foldout beds in the kitchens and living rooms. Some were really dark. Most were not very warm. Several had sick children or adults. Children and adults with sad eyes and downcast faces were the norm. All had a need for God’s love and joy.

Dima, Vadim and Lada are recovered drug addicts who are now in ministry. They put their hearts into sharing the message of a better life and they were living proof that it can happen. Our friend, Tanya, interpreted for us. People listened. Vadim played the guitar and they sang songs for the children, others for the adults. Lada, a lovely lady who was addicted to drugs for fifteen years, has a passion for sharing how God can change hearts and lives. She invited and encouraged each person to ask God to help them and to come into their lives. I shared that we lived in Ukraine now because we felt God had sent us here to proclaim his love. I told them that God had given us many gifts, the best His Son, Jesus, and friends in America had sent presents to them to remind them of this love. When they cuddle with their blankets and enjoy their gifts, I asked them to remember how much God loves them. I then asked them if Richard could take their pictures to send to my mother who had the idea for the blankets, and to those who sent the gifts. I am going to get copies made for them.

Three Stories
I saw joy on most of the faces of the kids as they received their presents. Many quietly took them away for opening. I could tell something about each child, but I will limit this to three profound stories.

A symbol of God’s love
Dima jumped out of the van and started to open the gate at a house he had not visited before. This set the watchdog to barking angrily—this works in place of a doorbell. A thin lady dressed in warm clothing (including a hat on her head) came to the gate. Her expressionless face led to speculation as to whether we would be invited in or not. But she grudgingly beckoned toward the house as she stood guard in front of the dog house. The standard Ukrainian house is different than those in America. The door often leads into an entry room—sometimes with chairs—or a kitchen. At this home, the 17 year old son led us through a small dark kitchen which also had a bed in it, through a hallway with two more beds, and into a room lighted by sun through the windows. We sat on the bed there and some stools that were brought in. The lady stood leaning against the door, arms folded tight across her chest, listening to Dima. Her three boys came in. The eldest, Valeriy, had quit school and now repaired cars.. The two smaller ones, Dima 6 and Olexi 11 were talkative and friendly. Vadim asked the question about what they wanted to do when they grew up (this was the only place this question was asked.) Olexi’s desire was to be a policeman but Dima dreamed of being a “footballist”. In America we would say “soccer star”. We discovered that Luda, the mother, had cancer which had returned after a five year remission. She was barely holding herself together.

Eagerly I opened the bag we had prepared ahead for this family. While packing them, I had asked God to help me select the right blanket for each child. In my heart I knew what I would find—sure enough—one of the blankets was purple and covered with soccer balls. (There were only a couple of these blankets in the box I had unpacked.) When my turn came to give out the gifts, I looked at Dima. Smiling with tears in my eyes I told him that God loved him very, very much. I told him I knew this because God had me put this blanket in the bag just for him. God knew his desires. He knew his heart and he cared. I was rejoicing inside.

Lada began telling about our need for God and then Vadim broke in and said he felt we were supposed to pray for the mom—for her cancer—for her health. He asked her if we could lay our hands on her shoulders as we prayed and she consented. She stood very stiff but as they prayed she relaxed. It was as if a very large burden had been lifted from her shoulders. And then she smiled. I’ll never forget that smile. It transformed her face.

As we climbed into the van, she was there—smiling. I had told her I would continue to pray for her. I am. And I feel a need to go back. Just to be there for her, if she needs me. We will see if that becomes a possibility.

Despair
My friend’s four year old granddaughter had picked out a special blanket to send to a little girl. Yvie prayed for the girl. She told Mimi that she loved the little girl. They sent the blanket. I found it at the top of a box and chose if for a four year old on my list. Halfway through our day, I told Dima that I would really like to see if we could deliver it since I knew Yvie was waiting to hear about the little girl that would receive it. Dima knew the mom. Her latest boyfriend had just gone to jail. We found the boarding house where she lived. The outside door was open and several small children sat on the table and the stairway. One had a dress and nothing else on—not even socks. This was Natasha, sister of the four year old, Ira. There were socks and warm pajamas in the bag I had prepared for her. We went up the filthy, cluttered stairway to the room where the mother and her four children lived. It was tiny with a double bed at one end and bunk beds on each side. There were stuffed animals nailed to the wall above the bed. The two little girls, Ira 4 and Natasha, along with a boy about 5 and a baby 7 months old were on the bed where the mother lay beneath a blanket. She said she had a headache. She was lethargic. In the past she had attended Dima’s church and now they tried to talk to her about her life.. She told them she had no desire to change. She was going to live the way she wanted.

Richard had gone to the van to get some things for the little boy since we only had things for the girls—fortunately I had thought to put extra things in just in case this happened. I heard a man’s voice in the kitchen and footsteps on the stairs. The man was swearing. I asked Dima to go meet Richard and as he left the room, the man stopped at the top of the stairs and started swearing at us. He told us to get out, that when people visited bad things happened. (We found out he didn’t even live in this place.) It was obvious he was swearing even though I don’t understand the language. I started praying for all our safety. The man descended the stairs after Dima and continued to yell at him. Richard came in—Dima told him Richard was American and couldn’t understand him. The man stopped yelling. They came up to where we were. We quickly gave the presents to the children. I told them that God loves them. I told Ira that Yvie had sent her the blanket and that she loved her. We left. I felt very sad. I know that before long those children will probably end up in an orphanage. They may have a safer, better life there. Tanya, our interpreter, said she had never seen such a place. It was an eye-opener for her. I think we all felt a measure of grief and knew that we need to pray for this mother and her children.

A Need to Understand
After the boarding house incident, we decided to visit one last place and then continue our visitations at another time. As we entered the final home, we went through a room with dirt floors and into the kitchen. The grandmother welcomed us into her living room which contained a large bed. It was neat and clean. Our list said Yura was 10 and his sister Nastya 9. They looked much smaller and younger to me. But it’s often difficult to tell. I wished I’d asked them. They knew Dima and go to his Sunday school when he can pick them up. (His car has not been running so they haven’t been able to go recently).

The friendly grandfather came in while we sang some songs. Lada began telling Grandma Olga that God could help her. Grandma took over the conversation. The kids live with them because their mom is a prostitute and has disappeared from their lives. She told us that she had her children baptized and she felt that was the worse thing she had ever done. I don’t know why. She told them a lot that didn’t get translated. Finally, I had Richard tell a bit about how God had brought us to Ukraine to share His love with people and we gave the kids their gifts, then we prayed with the family.

Before we left, the others engaged in conversation with the kids and Grandpa while Grandma tried to talk to me. I grabbed Tanya to find out what she was telling me. She told me she thought she was cursed—her life—her daughter being a prostitute. I usually don’t know what to say in circumstances like these but I immediately said, “No. It is not a curse. A loving God does not curse people’s lives. It’s a matter of poor choices. God loves you very much. He loves you with His whole heart. He cares for you.”

I don’t know where the words came from but I firmly believe them. She said she was so much older than me but I told her she had only three years on me. She’s had a very difficult life. As we got ready to leave, I hugged her. She just kept hugging me. I want to go back. I liked her. I’d like to get to know her, find out what makes her go on, see if I can do something to encourage her. I wonder what God’s plan is in this. I pray daily for her as well.

What’s Next?
During our visits we tried to evaluate how we could help people. At the first home, the 2 year old had on a pair of worn, summer sandals. Our latest box shipment contained many toddler shoes. Tanya wrote down the need and we plan to take them some shoes. There were other needs as well. But I think the biggest need is something that each of you can help us with. Please remember these families in your prayers. These are just a handful in the village down the road from where we live. But the needs are everywhere. In Ukraine, Africa, China, America. Pray for those in need. Be aware of where you can help. Ask for God’s guidance.

And last of all, thank you, each one of you who has provided the goods, the funding, and the prayers so our ministry can continue. Thank you for your hearts for the children of Ukraine. Thank you for your encouragement, for your emails, your calls, and for your interest. You are as much a part of this ministry as we are. We are just privileged to be here and to see some of the results.

May you be blessed each day and recognize those blessings,
Vicki and Richard

A Party for Kids

2007-12-03T11:57:00.000+02:00

Songs, the story of the boy who was blessed by sharing his lunch with Jesus and 5000 others, crafts and gifts were all a part of a party on December 1. Fifty-three children and their parents were blessed by the generosity of the Cle Elum, Washington Seventh-day Adventist Church and Smile Alliance International. Richard and I had the privilege of being on-site to present these wonderful gifts shipped from America.

When the boxes first arrived, I was overwhelmed by the amount of gloves, hats, and children’s pajamas that had been sent. I knew God had a plan for them but most of the orphans we work with are larger than the sizes of pajama that were sent. The quantity and quality of all these gifts were remarkable. I prayed that God would show us where they were most needed. I tried to give some of the footed pajamas to a couple of moms who told me they were too difficult for their kids to get off when they needed to use the toilet. They are an entirely new concept here. Then I found a young Ukrainian mother in ministry who was thrilled to have some for her girls. American friends had given them used ones previously and the girls loved them but they were now worn out. I was glad they could use them. But the BIG question was, "To whom could I give the other 60 plus pair?"

Tanya, a young woman who had been our Russian teacher last winter for a short time, contacted us in September. She had married in May. Sasha, her new husband, and she had recently moved to our village and were living with a family from their church. We re-established contact and they started staying at our home when we are on outreach. It’s been a wonderful arrangement for all of us. The drug rehab center up the street from us is a ministry of the church they attend in Bucha. Many of the church members are recovered drug addicts who are now in ministry to other people with addictions and HIV, prostitutes, and others. They are joyful and love God but are very poor. It is a church with many young children. Thus was born the idea of a party to distribute the pajamas and other things.

Crafts were a big hit. The small children were thrilled with the stickers of the nativity scene which they put on construction paper and colored around. I heard one tiny girl naming off the people in her picture—Papa, Maria, and Jesus. It was so sweet. The older kids decorated door hangers with Christian symbols, glitter glue and pens. They created some really beautiful items.

The mothers were thrilled with the warm pajamas and the kids loved the toys. Children two years and under received hats, mittens and large stuffed animals. Three to five year olds received pajamas and hats along with a Grandma Rosa blanket containing a small stuffed animal. The kids, 6 and older, were recipients of hats, wallets, and blankets. They all seemed to be excited.

At the end, the children gathered for a picture and a 13 year old boy prayed for Richard and me, our ministry, and the donors in America. Then many of the kids came and either kissed our cheeks, hugged us or shook our hands. It was beautiful and we were very blessed. So I say, thank you, to all of you who have sacrificed and given to these children.

Just as we were getting ready to leave, three more children arrived. Tanya told us that the lady who brought them lives in the same building as they do. There is one kitchen, one bathroom and numerous rooms that the people live in--it sounds somewhat like a boarding house to me. But she said it was in terrible condition and these kids live with a violent, alcoholic father. Apparently as they were leaving to come to the party, the father was yelling at them and the lady who brought them. He was saying some very nasty things to them. We ask you to remember these two girls and their brother who are trying to come to church and to follow Jesus. I was impressed with how polite they were. We were glad they arrived in time for us to give them some blankets, hats, and other things.

This weekend at church Marek from the Sunshine Center quoted Ecclesiastes 11:1. I share it because I feel it is true for all of us, but especially for each of you who have supported and encouraged this ministry. “Cast your bread upon the water, and after many days you will find it again.” Eccl. 11:1 NIV: When you bless others you will in turn be blessed many times over. That is our prayer for you.

2007 in Review

2007-11-25T20:24:00.000+02:00

The past eleven months were so busy that I did not blog as often as I would have liked to. I don’t want to bore those of you who are actually reading this so I will add a quick list of the outreaches Richard and I went on in the past few months. It’s always a treat to meet many new children and sometimes heartbreaking to hear their stories.

Drs. Richard and Inna spent many hours in meetings and working to set up the dental room at the Emmanuel Clinic. Then on the weeks there are no outreaches with Mercy Trucks/YWAM, they try to work on children on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Jan. 4: We delivered 65 presents for the widows that Good Samaritan Ministries in Zhitomer works with. We had the privilege of visiting several of the ladies in their homes.

Jan. 6-8: Vicki was excited to be able to help distribute presents to children who came to the play that CBN/Emmanual Ministries puts on each year. 18,000 people viewed it over the 8 days it was in production.

Jan. 17-19: Richard partnered with Mercy Trucks Dental Van at the Kamarivka Orphanage. There are approximately 130 children in this facility.

February 3-March 6: Trip to America. While there talked at a number of churches and service clubs from Spokane in the eastern part of Washington State to Joyce on the coast. We took post-graduate courses in Southern California and enjoyed time with our oldest Todd and his family, visited my mother and sister's family in Oregon, and spent some time with our other son Jacy and his family in Renton. A very busy trip. Oh yes, we also got caught in a major snow storm on Snoqualmie Pass after visiting our friends and the SAI board in Cle Elum.

March 11-18: Dr. Ed and Pauline Steudli stayed with us and we there were several meetings with Ukrainian dentists and others who are involved in the dental hygiene project that is being implemented in Ukraine. The Steudli's have great expertise and experience in this starting hygiene education programs.

March 29 & 30: Drug Rehab Center in Kiev

April 18-20: Another trip to Kamarivka Orphanage

April: Vicki spent several days helping friends pack for move to America. Also, distributed numerous boxes sent from donors in the US and Canada.

May 2-5: We went with the dental van to Ivanivka village and worked with villagers in connection with the Methodist Sisters. This was the second outreach with these dedicated women.

May 15-18: Richard--Kamarivka Orphanage with Doug Stoddard’s team from the US

May 25: EEO Orphanage near Chernobyl Zone/ Richard pulls teeth and Vicki, Charlene and Jen do crafts with kids and deliver presents to them from a the Windy Valley Pathfinder Club in Washington State.

May: Friends from Zhitomer visited for a few days and stored items at our house while they went to America to pursue funding and decide on their future. (They will not be returning until September 2008.) Charlene and Jen Ellis visited for 9 days. Vicki helped another couple with movers and distributed their bounteous supply of food and other items to numerous places.

June 19-23: Camp Dream in Lugansk region (A 19 hour train ride from Kiev) See blog below about this trip.

June: Richard spent a lot of time trying to get dental equipment repaired

July 1-6: Camp outside of Uhzgorod (14 hour bus trip west and 18 hour train ride home) Partnered with YWAM team from Faro Islands--Richard worked on many gypsy kids while Vicki was very sick and spent a couple days at the hotel. and was only albe to spend one day at the camp.

July 8-15: Merle and Maria Jacobs visit for a week of R& R between their outreaches

July 15-21: Camp Karitas (Vicki) working with disabled children with Mission to Ukraine

July 22-27: Maukacevo—Richard worked with Mercy Truck in a gypsy village (More about this trip http://www.mercytrucksua.org/ )

July 31-Aug 5: YWAM team of 6 from California plus Jacobs stayed at our house after their three week outreach in Lithiania and another in Odessa.

Aug. 10-Sept. 7: Vicki in America visiting her mom in Salem and son's family in Renton

Aug. 15-22: Richard with Mercy Truck in Zhitomer Area Villages with Don Miller's Good Samaritan Team from Oregon

Sept. 18-21: Kamarivka Orphanage with YWAM team from Pennsylvania R & V

Sept. 24-27: Gluhotvsy Village south of Zhitomer with PA Team

October: Month of meetings, receiving and distributing 42 boxes of humanitarian aid—several trips to Zhitomer and other places. Helping friends with move back to America—distributing some of their items. Another 20 boxes were received two weeks later.

October 31-Nov 2: Kamarivka Orphanage/Last team with Jeff Colker Richard

Nov. 5-6: Joined a Mission to Ukraine team from Indiana in a small village south of Zhitomer. Richard enjoyed helping out whenever he was needed and working with the three dentists on the team. Vicki helped Jan Young distribute 200 pair of glasses to villagers. Vicki also gave out toys sent from a VBS in Atlanta, Georgia, hats knitted by a retired couple in Sublimity, Oregon and socks knit by a couple in Milton-Freewater, Washington. The people were very excited to receive these things. Nov. 8: Potiiva School for Disabled kids (130 children) with MTU team. We had so much fun doing crafts with the kids and giving them all gospel teddy bears which were generously donated by Family Christian Book stores. Vicki had sewed buttons on all 130 bears so they children would be able to tell which one was theirs.
Nov. 20-21: Sunshine Center with Nathalie and Marek’s Sunshine Ministry. Used portable equipment and Vicki assisted--gave out hats, gloves, and scarves and gospel bears.Two more outreaches are scheduled next week and then we go to America for a month to spend the holidays with our family. There is a lovely, young couple who stays at our house while we are gone. We praise God for helping us find them.

Looking back at this schedule, I realize how hectic the last few months were. No wonder we are often tired. These are just the outreaches. There were also a lot of meetings, gathering of supplies and equipment, distributing boxes and organization of things being stored at our place. But the stories that are behind all these events are the things that keep us going. It’s the kids, the widows, the lives that are touched on each of these trips that make the difference.

In the next few days, I plan to share some of these stories. Thank you to all who are contributing funds and donating humanitarian aid in support of this ministry. Without you we would not be able to share God’s love with as many children and adults. God has promised to bless those who are joining Him in His work.

Camp Dream Ukraine June 2007

2007-06-23T18:20:00.000+03:00

This morning we returned from an outreach to Camp Dream in the Lugansk region of Ukraine—the far eastern part of the country. It was a long distance to go for such a short time but we really feel God had a reason for this to take place. We are not yet sure what it was, but in time God will connect the dots and we will probably know.

The camp was beautiful and if you walked down to the river--200 meters or so--you looked across to Russia on the opposite bank. There were 150 kids attending this camp session. In the two days of working, our dentists did exams on 110 kids and finished 29 procedures which included many fillings, extractions and a several root canals--Inna loves to do these. They worked long, hard hours. It was difficult for them because we knew they would probably never see any of these kids again for treatment. And this is the first place where there were many, many children who were terrified to have treatment. There was one little girl that I watched Richard trying to give an injection to. I saw her visibly shut down emotionally--we could not get any type of response from her. She was incapable of opening her mouth or even moving. This is the hardest type of patient for our dentists because we know they have been abused--either physically or emotionally or both. He had to just let her go without treating her. It is so frustrating to not be able to help them. The mouths here were very much in need of treatment.

Many of the children were from an orphanage of 237 children in a nearby town. We met the director, his wife and daughter—they had come for opening ceremonies of the camp. We have never seen a director that was as loved by the kids as this man was. We are very glad to know that they have someone who cares for them and has their interest at heart. Many of the girls--and there were several very small ones--wanted to sit by me, wanted hugs, or just wanted to hang out with me even though I didn’t always understand what they were saying. Some of them spoke a little English and wanted to try it out on us. Even some of the boys liked to get hugs. All of them loved to have their picture taken and see it on the digital camera. They wanted to know if I could get pictures for them to take home but I'm not sure how to do that from this distance.
I wish I had known that they didn't have much in the way of craft materials etc. or I would have tried to take some. It is a Christian camp--the cleanest camp I have seen. We were treated royally and fed by a guy who is a professional chef, went through a rehab program and became a Christian, and is volunteering for the summer at the camp. All the staff are volunteers except the nurses who have to be paid $200 and the camp is struggling to find the money for that.

This part of the country is very Soviet in attitude and the gospel has not been received as readily here as in the west. It is a dark area. They are struggling with some problems with some of the older kids who have possibly been involved in some witchcraft. Prayers are really needed for them and for the leaders to know how to deal with these issues. It is so very hard to see this and not know what we can do to help.

I want to tell you about the boy in the picture. His name is Anton. He was often around the area in front of the dental van. When it was his turn, he never spoke and even though afraid opened his mouth and had a tooth pulled. I kept trying to connect with him but couldn't even get a smile. He always just looked away. He left the van before I had brought the small gift bags out that we give to patients. So when I saw him the next time I asked him to come to the truck and I let him pick a bag out. He left but a minute later came back to the door and said, "Thank you." Those were the only words I heard from him but I cherish them. Then just before we left some of the girls wanted a picture taken with me. Anton was sitting close by and I asked him to take it with my camera. I had not let any of the kids use it. I put it in his hand but he didn't know what to do--he just held his arm up where I lifted it. So I took his picture. Then I put it back in his hand and showed him how to take the picture. Several other kids tried to take the camera away and take the picture because he was taking so long. I just took it back from them and handed it to him again. I told them that I wanted Anton to take it. Finally, he did it. I showed him the completed picture and gave him a thumbs up. There was a ghost of a smile on his lips. When we left, I believe I saw his hand move in a slight gesture of good-bye. He touched my heart. I pray that God will bring people to him to light up his dark world. Please join me in that prayer.

Pastor Ivan, who runs the camp, wishes he had people to provide programs for the kids but they are struggling just to have enough people to be with the kids. I am thinking that next summer it would be wonderful if we could get some teams to come and help. Please pray about this for us and if you know of anyone who might like to be involved, please let us know. I'd love to put together a team or two for this purpose. There are three camps of three weeks each taking place there this summer. One is for disabled kids and their parents and the other two are for orphans and some kids from churches in the area.

Our two train rides have given me an appreciation for other types of travel. The trip out was 19 1/2 hours in an older train. But it wasn't bad. We had a Coupay--a train cabin for four that you can make into beds. Dr. Inna and her daughter, Masha, (who will be 9 tomorrow) shared it with us and Rosen from YWAM slept in another cabin next door but spent the waking hours with us. It was fun even though it was a long ride. The trip back wasn't as nice. The air conditioning in the room didn't work and the attendant kept shutting the hallway window--which was the only window near us. It was next to the smelly bathroom and smoking was allowed in the area at the end of car with only a door between us and them. Although it was only a 16 hour trip and a newer car the whole thing was bumpy and swayed a lot. Several hours later we are still feeling the movement. I really don't have a desire to repeat this experience again soon although we are supposed to go west in a week--an 18 hour trip. We are looking into taking a bus or flying. I think flying is out though because of the expense. The trains are fairly inexpensive--although our Ukrainian friends think otherwise. Round trip was about $40. Flying would be more like $250. I guess we shouldn't complain because most people travel either in seats--not sleeping compartments--or seats that make into beds with no privacy--only a car with many bunks and no privacy. It was definitely an experience.

With a busy summer ahead of us, I want to again ask for your prayers for the safety of our dental staff, the YWAM and other ministry teams, and most of all for all the lives that will be touched in the name of Jesus. Thanks again for your support.

Here we are on a hill overlooking Russia. Without a visa we cannot enter it, but we look. It's not quite the same as Moses looking into the promised land. I really don't have a big desire to even visit again unless God sends us.

Blessings,

Vicki and Richard

Clouds and Sunshine

2007-01-22T11:40:00.000+02:00

I signed “Bye” as a chat session with my friend Patricia ended. Tears blurred my eyes as I thought about their family and the devastating news that her nephew had been killed in Iraq the previous day. I prayed that God would give them courage and strength to get through the next days, weeks, months and even years as they dealt with this loss. She had told me that he came from a family of strong Faith. That would give them the ability to go on and hope for the future. But in the meantime, I’m sure darkness surrounded them, questions flooded their minds, and sadness dominated their lives.

“O Father, draw near to each one who is touched by this tragedy and the families and friends of the other young men who also lost their lives,” I prayed. It seemed so senseless and sad.

Opening the blinds by my desk, I looked out at a sky lightly touched by the rising sun. In this country, Ukraine, we were establishing a home and ministry. Sometimes it seemed very dark as well. The son of a friend at home struggled with suicidal thoughts and depression. Other friends faced health issues, fears, and numerous difficulties. To dwell on these would only deepen the depression that lurked around the borders of my mind.

I glanced again at the sky before me. Threatening dark, charcoal-grey clouds floated by. Soon I saw a slight change. A slight thread of pink could be seen on the edges. I watched fascinated as pastel color turned to brilliant hues. Bright fuchsia edges grew wider as the sunrays touched them. Before my eyes, the underbelly of the clouds also turned vibrant pink. The grey was still there but transformed from threatening to beautiful. The pink changed to golden hues and soon the whole sky outside my window glowed. I watched this display of grandeur with awe while praising God who had sent it. Eventually the sun appeared in all its glory and blue patches grew wider.

I don’t know when it was that I realized the clouds were no longer dominating the sky. They were no longer grey and threatening, now only white wisps of beauty in the sky. I knew instinctively that God had a message for all of us. The message: The promise of hope, of a bright future, of joy and laughter once again. Life will not always be dark and bleak. The beautiful lightshow in the morning sky spoke to my heart. Without the dark clouds, the day would have begun like any other. The magnificence that I observed would not have been. For it is through the dark times in our lives that God can shine and fill us with the brilliant colors of His love.

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 30:5 NLT

Settling In

2006-11-04T23:09:00.000+02:00

We have moved to our new home and hopefully we will now have some time for serious ministry. Richard goes to Zhitomer on Monday to join a group of dentists and physicians in a three day outreach to two villages. He is looking forward to that. I start a Bible study with Africian students at a seminary in Kyiv this week. I am excited and I feel it's something I can do since they speak English. Yeah!

I just wrote about our three recent run-ins with authorities. I posted it to the www.livinginUraine.blogspot.com blog. Wish I had pictures. More later.

Watching God's Promises Come True

2006-10-13T07:21:00.000+03:00

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

2006-10-07T15:29:00.000+03:00

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.

An Amazing God and Fantastic Friends

2006-09-10T16:02:00.000+03:00

Richard and I are in Washington State--we have been here for a week and a half. During this time, we have been blessed by the birth of our fifth grandchild, a grandson Wylie Scott. We have enjoyed the company of both of our sons, their wonderful wives, and beautiful children as well as our daughter, her great husband and darling daughter. Friends and family have showered us with love and support. And today, the Smile Alliance International board of directors is hosting a fundraising event for the ministry and Smile House in Cle Elum.

I woke up this morning realizing how very blessed we are. This is God's ministry--not ours. We are very priviledged to be partners with Him. And I am so thankful for the very, very busy people who have commited their time and talents to support SAI emotionally, financially, spiritually and in every other way. Without each of them and everyone of our supporters (prayer warriors, friends, family, financial contributors, advisors, those who give their time and talents to gathering, sorting and shipping, administrators, and so many more), we would not be in the place we are nor would we be able to see the fulfillment of our dreams and be on hand to watch God work. So I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to each of them and each of you for your love and support. May you be blessed abundantly.

Tidbits of Info

2006-08-30T19:33:00.000+03:00

We arrived in Washington State yesterday after a long flight with connections through Amsterdam and San Francisco. Our third grandson is still waiting to put in his appearance and we are excited to be here for the occasion. Our children from California will be arriving this weekend. We will be getting together with our Russian daughter and her family at some point as well. We will also be visiting a couple of churches and there is a fundraiser for SAI on the 10th of September in Cle Elum. A visit to the Salem area to my family with a stop at Richard’s brothers in Portland is also on the agenda. It is difficult to see everyone and enjoy them in three weeks but we will give it our best. It is very exciting to be here.

While we are gone, two lovely young ladies from the SBS School at YWAM will be staying in our apartment. It helps us to have someone there and we are glad they can have a place to stay while they get ready for their outreach program.

Summer will be over and schedules back to more normal schedules when we return to Ukraine. I have talked with the ladies who work the YWAM Mother’s Care program and I hope to be able to work with the babies at the hospital a couple days a week. I have also talked to some teachers in a village about dental hygiene instruction in their school and possibly an English club. Plus, we have talked with Director Natasha at Mostysche and hope to bring the dental van there on a regular basis. We are talking about other ways we can interact with the kids and I am looking for direction in this area.

The government just paid to have the bathrooms renovated at Mostysche. We were very excited to see the lovely new facilities. So things are progressing. We appreciate your continued prayers and encouragement. Without that, all our plans are in vain.

Divine Appointments and Boxes

2006-08-30T18:48:00.000+03:00

Time to share a quick story. On August 2nd we celebrated our thirty-sixth anniversary. We decided to visit some places in Kyiv which we had not seen in the past. We took the metro to a beautiful park in the suburbs of Kyiv, a place called Babi Yar. There is a memorial to the over 100,000 Jewish Ukrainians and their sympathizers who were killed by the Germans in 1941, their bodies dumped and buried in a deep ravine. (See http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/babiyar.html for more information.) We took a wrong turn at the metro station and wandered through the park for quite awhile before ending up at the memorial. It was lovely and relaxing. We found another memorial erected by Israel which is closer to the actual site than the one erected by the Russians after the war. The actual grave site was bulldozed over and many apartment buildings constructed on top of it.

Later in the day, we went to the downtown area and a huge memorial that sits on the edge of this area. I will write more about these sites in my living in Ukraine blog at a later date. What I want to share is that as we were walking down the hill to go home on the metro, I heard some people speaking English. And being the “shy” person that I am, I spoke to them. Mary, a lady around our age, from the Midwest, had been visiting Ukraine for a number of years. Her adult children were with her for a few days and she was enjoying sharing the sights of Kyiv with them. I believe she had come with a team originally in the late 90's but had returned on a regular basis to help a hospital in a town about three hours south of Kyiv. Like so many people we meet, there are many, many stories of need and those who are helping to take care of the needs. We talked briefly and exchanged phone numbers and email addresses.

A couple of weeks later she called. She had several boxes of things she had sent over that needed to be distributed and wondered if I could find people who could use the items. Through several subsequent calls, she made arrangements to bring the boxes to Kyiv on her way to the airport. Consequently, on the day before we went to the YWAM retreat, Mary and her taxi driver friends delivered 15 boxes plus some bags of items to our apartment.

A couple of days before I received the boxes, my friend Tanya asked me if we had any clothing left from our humanitarian aid shipment. She explained that there were several very poor families in her church who needed desperately needed clothes, especially larger size dresses and men’s clothing. The things we had sent on the container were mainly for children and there weren’t many things appropriate for adults. Plus, they have all been distributed. But I told Tanya that I would check out what Mary was bringing. So after Mary left the boxes I spend the day sorting through them. I called Tanya for information on the church members, sizes, ages, etc.. And. . . again, it is so much fun to watch God at work. When the sorting was complete, four large boxes were filled with beautiful dresses, men’s clothing and children’s clothes—all in the correct sizes. There were enough things for each person to receive at least one outfit. I am always amazed and amused at God’s timing and provision. These boxes had been sent many months previously and to an entire different location, yet they arrived just when they were needed for specific individuals.

Yet the blessings in Mary’s boxes don’t end there. Five other large boxes were given to the YWAM ministry for the orphanage in Makarov. I am hoping to get there when we get back from our trip to the states. School is starting soon and clothing is in short supply. Another box full of fabric will go to Mostysche for their sewing program. Also, Mary’s boxes contained macaroni and cheese, tuna fish and other foods which she wanted some kids to enjoy. I am thinking that the ministry of Karitas would be a fun place to show the cooks how to make tuna casserole. This is where they feed very poor children a meal a day. Other practical kitchen and personal items will find their homes as well. And I am the reciprocant of largest blessing of all because I am able to enjoy the fun of seeing the joy and wonder when people receive these gifts sent by this incredible lady.

Richard and I had asked for a divine appointment on the morning of our anniversary. I wonder how often I miss out because I don’t ask. PTL!

Thoughts on YWAM Leadership Conference Ukraine

2006-08-21T22:17:00.000+03:00

We just returned from a weekend retreat, leadership conference for Youth With a Mission for of all Eastern Europe. We were invited to attend as volunteers for YWAM. Held in a beautiful setting in the woods, the facility had plenty of room for the 200 plus participants. Typical camp food served in large quantity was provided three times daily. The beds were really hard, but I’m getting used to this at the camps. The building which housed us was very large and we had our own bathroom. That was a treat.

But fellowship, worship, and encouragement were the highlights of the weekend. In my last posting, I admitted my vulnerability. I had thought of removing the post, yet it is part and parcel of who I am and where I am at in my walk with God. I believe this weekend was a gift from a loving Father who wanted to encourage not only us but the many young leaders who have been serving for a long time throughout the former Soviet Union. There were many young families, single adults and several people our age and even older. Armenia, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, and Belarus were well represented. These leaders had sacrificed their time and resources to attend. (I believe these conferences are held every two years.) The leaders from Perm, Russia traveled by train for 38 hours to attend. There were others from Siberia. One of the base leaders had sold his car in order to come. I’m sure there were many other stories of sacrifice that I did not hear.

What touched my heart was the dedication of these young people, dedication to their work of spreading the gospel to unreached people. Mega-talented individuals and teams led worship, presented their ministries, played and prayed at the meetings. And so many of them, if not all, showed signs of discouragement and stress from the many challenges they face daily. (One young lady talked to me about the frustrations of trying to start a ministry and how she saw her dream disappearing.) These issues were very real and were addressed by Kelly H. and the older YWAM leaders, Jerry and Al, who were present.

The different ministries and approaches to them were amazing to see. (The young man in the picture is a rapper from Belarus and he is always smiling. I don't understand Russian but it was very cool to hear him doing rap and hearing the name of Jesus throughout it.) The stories of lives touched and changed, the pictures of those helped and encouraged, and the shared visions of future work were beautiful. It was a time to network and see where we could help. There were invitations for us to visit many different bases. It was fun.

God gave us so much encouragement through Jerry P. who took time to talk to us and pray for us. Also, his message on Sunday morning was a big highlight in the weekend. My friend, Tanya, told me that she could not stop crying as she listened to it. I saw many others who were affected the same way. Jerry’s message essentially was one of encouragement. He talked about different stages that our faith goes through and he encouraged us not to let the enemy rob us of our faith. He prayed that each person present would be blessed and that the Father would restore to them what the enemy had stolen from them—faith, joy, truth, etc.. (The picture is of Jerry.)

These are the best of times. These are the times when we can see God at work and know with a certainly that He is in control, that He loves us and that He has called us to be here. I am willing to say, “Yes, Lord” and to keep saying, “Yes”—even through the times of vulnerability and when I can’t see what is ahead.

Reality

2006-08-18T08:22:00.000+03:00

Sometimes it’s not easy to be upbeat. Sometimes being in ministry is difficult and emotionally challenging. Dare I be vulnerable? Do I have the right to feel sad and lonely? Can I share in my blog the struggles as well as the joy? I probably shouldn’t in case my mother reads it and begins to worry. Or what if someone is thinking about ministry and it discourages them? But if I only share the joy, I am not telling the true story and that is important as well.

In all the books I read about God’s provision and leading, things always seem to happen where you can see the Father’s exact leading. But in our life, this has been a struggle. How does a person know what God wants? How does one do His will or even seek to know it?

So today, I am sharing a struggle. We have been living on the left bank in Kyiv and I like our apartment even though the landlord still has a lot of stuff in it. With our things, it is crowded. Yet I realize that there are many people who live in Ukraine that have so much less room and so many more people in their space. In December, I felt God was showing us that He was going to help us find a house which we could buy. That had not been one of our original plans, but through a series of circumstances, it looked possible. The practice had not sold and we felt we could not even think about buying until this happened. Just before we came in February, the sale of the practice was final. The house God had shown us was still available and we thought it might be where we were being led. But the day before our arrival it sold for cash. We had asked God for guidance and though it was disappointing we knew that this was His answer.

So, we moved to Kyiv in April and God provided us with a great apartment, in a nice neighborhood. We can see how difficult it would have been to have moved here right to a village. It has been a huge blessing to be near the Youth With a Mission base where we have been welcomed and supported emotionally and practically as well. So we have been very happy and content here. I hadn’t thought about a house for a long time. In fact, I have been getting so I like city life and its advantages. The main problem is getting to the other side of town, the Smile House project and Mostysche Orphanage—it is 56 kilometers from here. We have looked and looked for a vehicle that we can afford but so far it has been a frustrating experience.

Then on Monday, through a series of events, it looked like we were supposed to go house hunting again. I wasn’t really enthusiastic but agreed to look. Our new and dear friends, Ted and Virginia, offered to take us in their van and our friend, Svyatislav, who is working in the real estate industry, went with us. The two places we looked at were horrific and close to $100,000 each. (The picture on the left is the shower setup in the first house we looked at for $85,000.) But the agent mentioned that there was another house in the village for sale although the owner’s were asking $140,000. We knew that was beyond our price range but thought we might as well look. As a renovation of an older house, it was the nicest we have seen in this country. It was extremely clean, about seven miles from Smile House, had a garage and a lot of land. The second floor was not yet finished but it would be perfect for storing all the SAI boxes and there was another out building for storage. It had its own well and on top of it all the furniture was included. I didn’t want to even get my hopes up because I knew it was out of our price range. If our dental laser had sold, we might be able to do it but it was still more than we could spend and still have enough to live on. The agent said it had been for sale for awhile and the owner was willing to reduce the price.

So, we went home and prayed about it. We only want to do what God wants us to do. I tried not to think about it and to be stoic about the whole thing but then I began to see so many things I liked about the house and many advantages to it. Yet, we both said that we were not here for our pleasure or benefit. We are here to serve. This is not about us. We prayed for direction from God either through a word from a friend, Godly council, the Bible or any other way He wanted. Nothing! In fact, the past couple of days my email inbox has been very, very empty. A friend from America did call but about something else, and there has been total silence in all respects. The amount of $125,000 came to Richard’s mind and stayed there.

We viewed the house on Tuesday afternoon. Thursday, Svyatislav called and said that someone had stopped at the house without an agent and offered the owner the full price. The owner had worked with the agent for quite awhile and said he would sell us the house for $135,000 so she would get her commission. We knew that was impossible and we offered $125,000 and told them we just couldn’t go any higher. We were stretching our budget to offer that much. We know the house is worth the asking price (two years ago houses were about 1/3 of the prices they are now) and it is only fair for the owner to get it. It was nice that he offered it to us for less but we have to be obedient. We have had no confirmation and the price is out of range. So. . .

No, it doesn’t make it easy. The hardest part was that I was happy where I was living and I had not been thinking about a house. Then this all came up. It would have been better never to have seen it—just like at Christmas time. Why? Why do I have to be tested like this? On top of it all, I realized that yesterday was exactly a year from when our house sale in Cle Elum had been finalized. Perhaps, I have never grieved for what we have given up. Is that why I haven’t been able to stop crying since yesterday afternoon? Perhaps I have felt in my heart that it was wrong to grieve but you know, I think God wants us to be vulnerable. It isn’t always easy to give up a lifestyle. The hardest part is giving up the family connection—getting to see our children and grandchildren. The things aren’t as important and I don’t know why this has hit me so hard because it really doesn’t matter where we live, just that we do what God wants us to do.

I guess to conclude this, I must say that we are still willing to go anywhere and do anything that God asks us to do. He did answer—it was NO. It is not easy but it is okay. Our purpose here is not for our comfort or our good but it is to glorify God’s name and to be His instruments. I may not ever understand what this is all about, I just have to be willing to put one foot in front of the other and to say, YES.

Update as of August 23, 2006. The realtor called yesterday still wanting to sell it to us for $135,000. It was tempting to go ahead and say Okay but we have done this all our lives--paid more than we said we would and it took us into deep debt for many years. God gave us the grace to say NO--we can't go above $125,000. So she said she would show it to other people--apparently the offer for $140,000 didn't materialize. It's okay. God may still let us have it for the price we can afford and if not, He has a better plan. I feel there was a victory of sorts since we stuck to what we knew we should do. Thank you God for the grace to do that.

Moms of the kids at the MTU Camp in July

2006-07-31T23:19:00.000+03:00

I just realized that I had not posted this blog about the moms at the MTU camp in July. So I wanted to share a little of their stories with you. Athletic, fun, stressed, committed, overworked, loving, dedicated, frustrated, supportive, beautiful—these are just a few words that I would use to describe them. This camp provided them with a little break from the daily stresses and cares associated with having a disabled child.

In Ukraine there is a stigma attached to a family with a disabled child. These mothers shared that they were often told by family members, friends and even medical doctors and nurses that their child was a result of some sin in their lives. Every one of them said this had happened repeatedly. People often said terrible things to them and most of them had encountered pressure from others to put their children in an institution. A good number of the father’s had divorced their wives and wanted nothing to do with the child. Several had been told by physicians that they were too busy to take time for the disabled child and the mothers would just have to deal with any physical problems themselves.

The camp situation provided them with a support group of peers who had also been through many of the same things. It was probably the first time that a number of them had the opportunity of sharing their challenges with other mothers. Also, Cindy, an American who has helped with these camps for several years, presented worship talks and encouraged the ladies to share with each other. I was privileged to give a talks on a couple of the days and to listen to their heart-breaking stories. It opened my eyes to a whole other world.

There were enough staff and volunteers to care for each of the children in wheelchairs and to fairly well provide a lot of one-on-one time with all the children. The mothers were called only when their child needed to have a potty break or if some other small problem arose.

On the last day, we had a Special Olympics for the kids. There were more than enough people to help so Richard and I went around taking pictures and watching the different groups. The last station had a kind of relay area where the participant hit a shuttlecock with a badminton racket, tossed a basketball back and forth three times, threw some rings onto a stand, went backwards about ten yards, threw a Frisbee and tied and untied knots in a jump rope. If the child could not do it, their caregivers helped them or did it for them. After the last group of kids left, several of the mothers tried out the relay course. They were laughing and Richard commented, “Their faces were smiling and radiant, making them look like young, happy girls again.”

A few of the moms had been at camp before and four or five of them had become Christians as a result of those past camps. At least two women gave their hearts to Christ during this camp and the other Christian moms were right there to mentor and support them. It was beautiful. I know God is preparing a special place for these kids and their parents in His Kingdom. I want to be there to see the smiles and watch these mothers running and playing with their children.

Richard's Reflections on Camp

2006-07-31T22:43:00.000+03:00

Richard’s thoughts: At first there seemed to be no reason to be there, and no blessings, only horrible saggy beds and hordes of mosquitoes. And even though we knew the kids were “handicapped,” it was hard at first to relate to them. But this is how it goes with us if we just listen and obey. First we get “stretched,” then we receive the blessings God gives when we do something in His name. We seem to think that we might bless others, but we are the ones who get blessed. We ended up falling in love with the kids, especially some of the weakest ones. Little Nastya was my favorite; Vladik was Vicki’s. We could make them smile, hardly a world-shaking development, but of great importance to us, and hopefully to them too. And who knows, maybe in God’s eyes their smiles are of greater value than the majority of all my previous accomplishments. For I am continually reminded that what I can see and quantify is only the physical and obvious, not the eternal. Ya just never know.

Our Week at Camp for Disabled Chlidren

2006-07-27T10:04:00.000+03:00

MISSION TO UKRAINE CAMP FOR DISABLED CHILDREN--ZHYTOMER REGION

We returned yesterday from the Zhytomer area where we helped at a camp for disabled children. I’ve been going over my pictures and I miss the kids and moms already. How can I adequately write the words which will describe this experience and the feelings associated with it? I don’t believe that’s possible. Yet I long to share with each of you the wonder and joy we experienced. I want you to get to know these terrific children and their dedicated, loving moms. I want you to glimpse a world far removed from life in America and even our life in Kyiv. Yet I have barely glimpsed their struggles and trials so how can I share them with you?

I wish each of you could join us next year at one of the camps. I definitely want to go back. The accommodations were far from five star but they were adequate. There was a choice with the beds—either saggy, hammock-like springs or a very, hard board under the springs. A plethora of hungry mosquitoes roamed the grounds and buildings looking for unprotected areas of the body to feast on. Hot water for showers was provided every other day in a communal bath house. Yet the food was plentiful and filling—three meals and two snacks each day. The staff was amazing, helpful and caring. And there was no need for a social director to keep us entertained. We were busy from 7:30 AM when we started the day with staff worship until usually about 10:00 PM after the evening meeting and bedtime snack.

Today I will talk about the children and tomorrow about the moms and staff. There were about 51 kids with 22 of them in wheelchairs and strollers—whatever could be obtained for them. They were from five years to late teens in age (one sibling was two.) They ranged from mildly to severely disabled with muscular dystrophy, hydrocephalus, multiple sclerosis, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, retardation, birth defects, and/or other abnormalities. A few siblings without any medical problems were also included.

I watched a couple of the younger children whom I worked with part of the time go from unresponsive to quite responsive during this week. Dima is six, the youngest of eleven children, and has Down’s syndrome and other complications. He is small and his little arms and legs are very thin. When I first saw him, he just laid still, unmoving except when he cried. I was assigned to his group and by the second day I was helping to care for him. It really stretched me. I sat and held him and sang songs to him while the others were playing. I worked on getting a smile from him and when coloring time came he actually grasped the marker and we colored. I later helped with the Mother’s group and spent less time with the small children’s group but toward the end of the week, I saw Dima lifting his arms and smiling when talked to.

One mother told our mother’s group that her daughter had smiled for the first time in her entire life while at camp.

Anya is sixteen and finishing school this year. She is extremely bright but is confined to a wheelchair and has problems with her bones breaking. Sasha, a young man in his early twenties, who had been physically healthy until he was sixteen, active in his church and in working for others, came to camp on crutches entirely too short for him. He fell a couple times the first two days and then the staff were able to fit him with longer crutches that fit around his arms. Three days later I saw him actually walking without his crutches (it is difficult since his feet turn in so his gait is uneven) and soon after that he was running everywhere. He told us as we left that he was working on his English so he can interpret for us next year.

Richard’s favorite was ten year old Nastya who is about the size of a five year old. She is very weak and has trouble holding her head up but she can move very slowly. She has a very sharp mind and he could play games with her that didn’t require much movement on her part. He could make her laugh and he spent much of his time doing so. Another one that was special to him was Nadia. She is able to move her upper body and makes lovely bracelets. Maxim, a young boy in a wheelchair, was happiest when he was around Nadia. When they played ball, they would just hold the ball for a long time so Richard would sneak in and bat it out of their hands. They’d laugh and laugh at his antics.

Vladyk and his mother, Oksana, were very special to me. At first, I didn’t know how to approach him. Most of the young children were nervous around me and I think it was because they didn’t understand my language. By the end of camp, they seemed to accept me and my weird language. Vladyk is blind. He is five years old and a very large child for his age. His mom is very athletic, fortunately, because he is over half her size. Oksana and her husband had dreamed of having a child for three years. Vladyk was born healthy but contracted meningitis and a bacterial infection while in the hospital. He is hydrocephalic, blind, diabetic and there may be other complications. Early on his parents brought him to Kyiv to see if a shunt could be inserted and they were told it would do no good. The father was devastated and has divorced Oksana. She is twenty-seven. She wants to work but there is not enough money to hire someone to take care of Vladyk during the day. She told me that she dreams that he will be able to walk and talk and become an active member of society some day. His walking skills increased during the time at camp—although he can’t do so without holding on to someone. I tried to teach him numbers with my fingers. I got him to laugh and he knows my voice now. The nurse was wonderful with him and he will hug and kiss her. When he hugs me, he grabs my hair and holds on tight so I have to be careful. He loves music and liked to play with the building blocks used during play time on a couple of days. There must be things that can be done to help him and his mom.

Oksana and I have become friends. She told me that she used to try to pray but gave up a long time ago. We spent one morning after class talking about God and that evening she went forward to become a Christian. I went up to hold her hand and support her. Then Yvet asked me to pray with her and she wanted to ask God’s forgiveness and to say the sinner’s pray. She asked Jesus into her life and I praise God that He allowed me to be there and be able to have this experience with her. I have prayed for years to see someone come to the Father and it was beautiful. We are going to keep in touch and I hope that we can find some help for Vladyk and for her as well. Please keep these children and families in your prayers.

Please View the Smile House Blog

2006-07-15T10:54:00.000+03:00

We have moved the Smile House information to it's own blog. Go to links at the side of this webpage and you will see the one for the Smile House Blog site. Thanks for looking at it.

What I learned from riding the Metro, Buses and Trams

2006-07-15T09:25:00.000+03:00

I discovered this week that God is teaching me some very valuable lessons while we settle into our new lives in Ukraine. I was sharing about this with a friend and as I re-read what I had written to her, I suddenly realized how much God has been stretching me. We talked a lot with our summer team to Zhytomer about how all of us were being stretched. Since we first started to come to Ukriane, we have talked about being flexible. God put these two words together in my head this past week as I was stretching before attempting to jog around the track by our apartment house (it gets harder to exercise with each passing year.) Wow! The thought came that we cannot become more flexible unless we stretch first and that is just what God is doing for us. He is making us more flexible so he can use us more and more.

So, I want to share the thought that I had sent to my friend: It's so hot and muggy here--I think it's a lot like the weather in Florida. I'm just not used to it. Last week the public transportation issue really got to both of us, especially me. I got into a mood where I just didn't want to travel on the trams, metro, or buses. Ï was tired of all the pushing & shoving to try to get a seat (I felt like I was starting to want to do that as well and I just didn't want to be like that), sweaty bodies against me, and waiting in the hot sun for a tram or bus. I was feeling very sorry for myself and I couldn't take my thoughts off of it. Then, one day as I was traveling, I suddenly pictured Jesus with crowds surrounding Him as He ministered to people's needs. It was hot and probably muggy and everyone wanted something from Him. I''m sure He was pushed and shoved and hot. A couple days later I read the account of where He was teaching, got into Peter's boat and taught from it. As I read, I realized that there were times when He needed to have a little space as well. I suddenly realized that at some point we will be able to buy a vehicle of some sort yet most of the people who use the public transportation system will never be able to. No wonder they push and shove and don't seem to care. There's no hope for something different. This week I have had no trouble riding, even in dense crowds. It's as though God wanted me to learn something very significant here--about myself and my selfishness, about the people I see every day and whom we will be working with, about His grace. The panic is no longer there and I have actually begun again to enjoy watching people and trying to get a smile from them."

Life is a learning experience. May we all keep learning from our failures and successes.

Richard's Reflections

2006-07-07T08:07:00.000+03:00

Hi Everyone: I copied some of Richard's email to a friend in California because he tells things that I never think to write about. Enjoy!

Howdy! No, that's not Ukrainian, but a sincere greeting from us to dear friends, which would be YOU! It's been a while since we communicated, so here we go. Life here is both very amazing and very dull at the same time. Dull because we spend most of our time doing the basics; grocery shopping, washing the dishes, trying to stay cool (it's hot here, but that's a good thing), stuff like that. Amazing in that every so often we get to see God working; in the people we meet, how they are giving their all for God even they don't own a home, car or anything else we take for granted in the States. For example, we know Yura and Tanya, a young couple with two boys who have a family ministry associated with YWAM. They have been working with this ministry their entire married lives, about 13 years, and have never had enough money to buy a home, apartment, or even a car, but they are some of the most dedicated people, and the nicest people, we have ever met. Last week they had to move out of their rented apartment. They had been looking for one big enough for Yura's father to live with them, but so far haven't found one, so they stored their belongings and are living with relatives this summer. They have helped us many times, even helped us find our apartment, and we have never seen them complain about anything. Such devotion is truly an inspiration to us; we have nothing to complain about although we seem to, all too often.
And now for the news. Smile House is under renovation. We had talked a lot about getting it started ever since we got here, but it sat for a long time. Then last week as we were coming back to Kyiv from a two week mission trip (Loma Linda students and others) to Zhitomyr, we drove through the village the building is in, and the first thing we saw was the old roof was gone, and a team of builders had moved in (they do it that way here) and were starting the reconstruction. Needless to say, we were pretty excited to see that. At this point we have enough money to get some new walls up (we are enlarging the structure a little) and a new roof on. From there, it will be up to God. If more money comes in we will continue, and if not... please pray that God will work according to His will. We do not want this project to become more important to us than whatever plan God has, know what I mean? So we walk in faith, step by step.
Did we tell you we are living in the big city Kyiv? And getting kind of spoiled with city conveniences. We live in a nice apartment on the seventh floor, in a nice part of town, with a nice view and a jogging track next door. The only drawback is the public transportation, which is everywhere and very inexpensive. Which means everyone uses it, which means buses and subways packed with hot, sweaty people who have no reservations about pushing and shoving and crowding. So we have been looking into buying a car, but they are very expensive here, so we are still looking. I mean, can you imagine over $40,000 for a Hyundai? German and French cars are less expensive (this is, of course, Europe) but they still aren't known for their reliability. We're still looking.
We found a little Adventist church close by where English is spoken, and has a bunch of young people who are very friendly and enthusiastic, so we have been going there. But a lot of our new friends are of other denominations, and our closeness comes from their love and dedication to our Lord; they put us to shame sometimes by the way they love God and work for Him. And they inspire us to live and love more and more, and that's a good thing.

So that's Richard's comments. I want to add that we saw a hedgehog the other night when we were walking home from the subway. I have always liked hedgehogs so it was fun to see it. When it got over it's fear of us, it moved very, very quickly to get away from us. It was cute.

Also, another interesting fact is that there seem to be no driving laws in this country. You have to be very careful not to be hit while walking on the sidewalks. Last night we were coming home in a small bus and the traffic on the main street was stopped. We watched the large bus in front of us drive onto the nearby sidewalk and then our driver followed. Tree branches were hitting the top and a lady who was walking blissfully about fell over when the bus honked at her to get out of the way. After we were delivered right to the underground walkway, we looked back and there was a string of cars and buses using the sidewalk. This happens often. Last week we saw six guys trying to push a car off the tram tracks in front of an oncoming tram. The car had been driving on them to get past traffic but then got stuck. It's an amazing way to drive. That's the other reason we are still looking for a car--we aren't really sure how much we want to drive in Kyiv.

Grandma Rosa Blanket

2006-06-28T22:39:00.000+03:00

June 28, 2006 SAI Team 7's Trip to Zhytomer Villages

2006-06-28T18:45:00.000+03:00

Zhytomer—SAI Team 7

The working part of our team is now over. Six intense days of dentistry, hygiene, nursing and ministry are past. Ten team members plus interpreters and numerous other volunteers worked together in unison to care for over 120 patients, teach and play with well over 100 kids, give dental and medical instruction and consultations to numerous other kids and adults, and serve God in many other ways. We were all stretched—some more than others—and through this stretching process we were challenged and changed.

Smile Alliance International, Good Samaritan Ministries, and Youth With a Mission partnered together with local ministries connected to several churches. The amazing thing was how everyone worked together as one body, all parts working together to give glory to the Head, Jesus Christ. It was inspiring to see members from at least eight different denominations worship, pray, work and play together as brothers and sisters, often encouraging and uplifting each other in prayer, serving one another through menial tasks, releasing their own agendas to follow God’s even though it meant doing things outside their comfort zones.

This team was totally put together by a heavenly Administrator. What looked impossible two months ago, turned out to be entirely possible and far beyond what Richard and I as team leaders could ever hope or dream. Two pediatric nurses, Lisa and Rhonda, and a pediatric teacher/therapist, Tanya, from Pennsylvania joined us when their original plans to work in Western Ukraine fell through. They organized and evaluated the patients, discussed health issues with them, taught basic hygiene in a school setting, played with the children, organized crafts, sang, cleaned our living quarters, helped cook meals, and watched constantly for places where they could serve. Their friend and ours, Jeff, who lives in Kyiv, came with them. He recently gave away a very successful business and moved his family, including ten children, to Kyiv because he and his wife felt God calling them to do this. He did not confine his service to being the team photographer but assisted the hygienists, kept everything running smoothly, did a lot of the dirty work, was our electrical wizard and our kid magnet—even the very dirty, behavior problem children. It was amazing to watch God work through these team members.

The three team members from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Ivan, a second year dental student, and Candice and Larysa, senior dental hygiene students, were our original team members. Without them, very few patients would have been served nor would this team have existed. The hygienists cleaned calculus, stain, and plaque off teeth which were much more challenging than what they may ever see in practice in the US. They worked with very basic equipment in one lovely location and another where the floor was falling in. They very seldom took breaks, wanting to help as many people as they could, even though it was often a difficult, frustrating and thankless task. They demonstrated oral hygiene methods at a summer program in a school, spent the final day playing with kids, even washing the hair and feet of a filthy little girl. Larysa, originally from Kyiv, was a wonderful help with the language and customs. She arranged a lovely, Ukrainian lunch at the home of her mother’s friend on our last weekend in Kyiv. Candice’s love for the kids was demonstrated the final day by her lack of fear of dirt and lice as she constantly cuddled and played with the children. Each day, Ivan assisted Richard without wavering—standing all day on a bad knee in the often hot dental van, even though his heart desire was to be with the kids. He was able to take out some teeth and roots. And he often helped with cooking and cleaning in the evenings. We had to force him to let others take over for him, and he scored two goals in the soccer game the last day.

Then there were those of us from Kyiv. Svyatoslav joined us because he had always wanted to serve on a mission team. We utilized his Russian, English and Ukraine language skills, but he also assisted the dental personal in many other ways. Richard worked hard for seven days on an amazing number of patients, yet only serving a miniscule amount of those who needed/wanted to see him. It was hot, often frustrating work, but also very, very rewarding. He was able to spend an hour one afternoon making balloon animals and hats for the children—his favorite skill on these trips. His equipment maintenance skills are increasing on a regular basis. I helped wherever I could, answered questions, taught the song Deep and Wide, cleaned some teeth, directed (I believe they called me the Admiral—I hope in a loving way) and had some time to play with the kids.

But we could not have done any of this without Alex from GSM who put together the whole trip, moved his family to his in-law’s house so the women could use his, was available 24/7, and took very good care of all of us. He is a fantastic young man with a heart for God that shows in all he does.

Pastor Paul drove his car daily, interpreted, played tirelessly with the kids, and helped wherever he could. Marina’s interpretation in medical matters was priceless and her quiet ways helped calm us often. Katya, Sergey’s niece, joined us as a volunteer. This bubbly, thirteen year old girl added life to the whole team. She interpreted, played with kids, sang songs, helped wherever she could—constantly giving us all hugs and encouraging us. Sergey, from YWAM, the head of the dental van ministry drove the van, maintained equipment and helped with interpretation.

The team visited three villages outside of Zhytomer. The first three days were spent in Ivanovka where two Methodist Sisters from Germany let us use their beautiful house to serve the people. Their ministry is to alcoholic women and basically the unwanted. I want to share one story from their ministry: A 14 year old girl was raped, became pregnant, was gang raped by a group of boys while pregnant, and was considering suicide when a fisherman who knows Alex from GSM found her wandering by a lake. Her mother had deserted her and she and her brother had spent several winter months sleeping in feeding troughs in neighbor’s barns before their grandmother let them stay with her. Then the grandmother died while this now 15 year old was in the hospital after delivering her baby. GMS found Sisters Anna and Helen who took her and the baby into their facility/home. This young woman is happily living in a loving home. Her baby is lovingly cared for by the “family” and we all had the opportunity of holding and cuddling the baby girl, Dasha, who was saved by this ministry.

We spent three days in this village. One young man came to have a tooth pulled (refusing anesthetic) and waited most of the day. The next day he was back with his brother and later his whole family. Another man spent a day waiting for his tooth to be pulled and came back the next day waiting several hours to have another one done because it “didn’t hurt”. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see him because we ran out of time. He still smiled and thanked us when he had to be turned away the second time. We hope to go back in the near future to help again.

The local Orthodox priest has refused to even talk to the sisters during the six months they have lived in the village and has forbidden people to have anything to do with them because they are protestant. (Jeff stood outside his church and prayed for this man.) This outreach helped open many doors for them. People saw what they are doing and came to visit. The local school administrator (at first reluctantly—another story) let us give hygiene and health talks to the kids who were going to a summer program at the school. We also were able to do a craft with them. We have been invited back and the English teacher told Jeff that the kids now see there is hope for a future. She would like an English club to be established and we will see what becomes of this. Then several of their teachers and children came to the clinic on the second afternoon.

Olga—a small girl with an alcoholic mother showed up the second day of clinic. The nurses cleaned up cuts on her feet and body, put barrettes in her hair, gave her hugs and consequently changed her self image. She spent the next couple days hanging out with our team members, doing crafts and feeling loved.

I could go on and on and most of you probably think I have. But where do I stop? There’s so much to tell. This facility was beautiful with clean bathrooms, daily lunch made by the sisters, and tea and coffee breaks. We were spoiled for three days. The dental van parked outside the back door next to the hygiene clinic. Close to 60 patients were treated during our time there. But many more needed treatment. We are invited to return any time we can.

On Monday after a pleasant weekend, we drove for an hour to Andrushovka, a very large “village” with a high unemployment rate after the local sugar and alcohol factories shut down a few years ago. We were instantly on the other end of the spectrum as far as the facility and comfort were concerned. Again, we parked by the back door with the hygiene clinic set up in a large assembly hall. The floor of the hall was caving in—in several areas—so we had to be very careful where we stepped. We found one corner where it was fairly stable and set up the two chairs. (I was a bit nervous when the 350 plus pound woman sat in one of our chairs—I was hoping both the chair and the floor would hold her weight. Praise God, they did!) There were about twenty kids who hung out with the team for both days. Most of them came from alcoholic families and the Pentecostal church works with them on a regular basis. Pastor Sasha is a recovered drug addict/gang leader/former prisoner who loves God with all his heart. He is always smiling, ministering and praying with people. The second day I was feeling very stretched and he put his arms around me and prayed for me. It was beautiful. I saw him pray with several others. Then Rhonda had to make a decision on whether to change her travel plans and accompany a sick child and a family back to the US. It was so fun to watch Pastor Sasha, a reformed drug addict and gang leader from Ukraine counseling this Mennonite young woman from Pennsylvania, asking her questions which would help with her decision, praying for her. In the end, the family who had made the request didn’t call her back and she was able to stay with the team for the rest of the trip.

The bathroom facility here was a hole in the ground inside a tiny outdoor building. It was one of the worst I have seen or smelled in Ukraine. It was filthy. I had a feeling before we went to the village that we should buy a porta potty for team use but I didn’t go with my gut instinct. Next time I will. A dormitory next door had said we could use their toilet but they changed their minds. Then a sports center up the road said we could use their bathrooms. I checked them out and they were clean and okay. Then the head of the facility heard we were going to use them. He is Orthodox so he refused to let the local Evangelical Protestants use the bathrooms. Next a lady from Sasha’s church offered to let us use her house so Alex had to drive those who needed the use of a toilet to her house. It took a lot of our time and really cut into what we accomplished.

It also poured—buckets and buckets of rain—while we were eating lunch out of the back of Alex’s van on the first day. We were all soaked just from running into the building. There were many more patients than what we could see. We had to turn a lot away. We felt very bad about that. The nurses were very professional and a great help to the team. They found a child with active TB that we gave brushing instructions to but could not treat. Also, they recognized that one of the children had chicken pox and was sitting next to a young woman who was pregnant. They took care of that situation immediately—sending the child and mom home with a toothbrush.

We made some good friends with the helpers from the church which was sponsoring us in this village. One dear young woman was wearing a beautiful necklace with a dragonfly on it. I told her how I liked dragonflies and immediately I realized I should not have said that. The next day, she came with the necklace and gave it to me. She told me how much she liked it but that God had told her to give it to me—yet it was hard for her to give it up. She said we were doing so much for the children and adults that she wanted to do something for me and she really wanted me to have it. With tears streaming down my face I tried to refuse but she in turn refused to take No for an answer. I know better than to tell anyone that I like something because these people are so giving. I have Luba’s name and address and I am looking for a different dragonfly necklace to give to her. She hugged me over and over before we left and I know I will see her again. She was a kindred spirit. The hardest part is to leave people we have made friends with. Living here will make that easier because we can see them again.

The last village, Vigoda, was another totally different experience. This is where Good Samaritan Ministries has a drug rehab home. When they take in addicts they tell them that only God can help them. Only prayer is used to help them get over their addictions. Each “Lazarus” has a mentor who is available 24/7. The other men pray around the clock for the man who is detoxing and it takes usually about two weeks to break the habit. They stay on for at least 6 months, learn basic skills of cooking, gardening, cleaning, personal hygiene, etc.. They also have started a metal shop where they make metal fences and gates to sell. The men have started a small church and they have about a 85% success rate with this program. Richard worked on the men, with Ivan assisting, until I finally took over so Ivan could play with the kids. We did not set up a hygiene clinic here since our team was worn out and also because we knew that several of the men were HIV positive. We did not want to have our young people working on them at this point in their careers.

Just after we arrived the children started coming. There were about 15 kids sitting on a bench while the YWAM dental van was being set up. Our two hygiene students went immediately to an extremely dirty little girl—probably about 7 years old. She had on heavy black shoes with no socks and I watched Larysa take off the shoes and look at the sores on her feet. Soon the nurses and hygienists were washing her feet and eventually washed her hair. Several of the kids had lice. I silently prayed for our team members and for the kids. (Everyone took hot, long showers that night.) A couple of team members gave me money and Pastor Paul along with Tanya, his wife, took me into Zhytomer where we purchased clothing for this family of four kids. Alex told me that the dad had committed suicide, that another man had taken them in and the mom wasn’t always home. Another story I heard was that they were just neglected. The director of the GSM center there said they often give these children clothing and the parents sell it. So he was going to make sure it was given to them and their old clothes thrown away. We couldn’t give them the clothes right then because it would have caused problems with the other children. Our team spent the day playing soccer (another team member gave money for me to purchase a couple of balls), basketball, and other very active games. Team members hugged these kids, held them on their laps, played with them. All of our younger team members were very dirty by the end of the day.

Little Ilona—the very dirty girl—her once dirty, stringy hair washed and fashioned into French braids was transformed from a meek and mild child who would not look at anyone to an annoying, aggressive kid after receiving attention and being told she was loved. The girls felt they had almost created a monster but truth be told, I think they would do it again if given the chance. I was very proud of everyone.

We had to tell the mothers who came that we were not treating the children, but we did some programs and taught them to brush. (We only had time to treat some of the former drug addicts who desperately needed work done.) All the kids received toothbrushes. Yet a couple mothers stayed the whole day for a “consultation”. Ivan did a quick check in their children’s mouths at the end of the day and consulted with them. One little girl had a primary tooth that needed pulling but we had put most of the equipment away by then. They tried to give her topical anesthetic and have her work on it but finally Ivan and Larysa put her in the dental chair and Ivan removed the tooth. They just could not leave without helping this little girl.

Sometimes it appears to our dentists and hygienists that people don’t appreciate what they are doing. They give and give of themselves with very little thanks. Other team members get to give hugs and play games and do crafts and make smiles while they have to sit hunched over removing heavy stain and calculus and teeth. We just have to remember that Jesus says that what we do to the least of them is as if we are doing it for Him. Yet our nurses told me that they saw so many people who went in with frowns come out with smiles. An older man had two teeth pulled, and as he left he shook everyone’s hands and thanked them. Teens, kids, and adults came out smiling after treatment and told them thank you.

Just as we were leaving the village, we distributed Grandma Rosa Project blankets to thirty children. They were so excited and happy to receive them.

On our last day in Zhytomer, we visited Mission to Ukraine, a ministry that counsels young pregnant women who are thinking about having an abortion. Over 260 babies have been saved since this ministry started. They also work with disabled children and have programs to teach abstinence in the schools. Richard and I hope to join them at a camp later this summer.

So. . . . .My final impressions:

I watched Jeff and his son Greg (who joined us the last two days) hold children on their laps, let them use their cameras, patiently show them pictures on their computers and just pour love on the kids. I saw Candice walking around with a dirty little boy entwined around her—and she was almost as dirty as the little boy by that time. I saw Rhonda, Tanya and Lisa helping adults and kids, hugging them, teaching them, and cleaning sores. I observed Richard and Ivan patiently working in a hot dental van without a break, showing love through their profession. (And during the one hour we gave him, Richard made many balloon hats and animals for numerous kids clustered around him.) I watched Ivan play soccer and be a role model to the young men he played with, Larysa clean dirty feet, and Svyvatoslav translating in the dental van although he had a real aversion to dentistry and blood. I remember Alex, Pastor Paul, Tanya, Marina and Sergey playing many games with the kids as well as ministering to our team. I saw God at work—day after day—at work through each one of the team and each one of the support staff at every place we served. And I can say with confidence that each person will never look at life the same way they did before. Slava Boga! Praise God!