tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84058827799264218022024-03-14T10:19:16.834+02:00Beauty from the Ashes...My thoughts,stories and pictures from living life in Ukraine and seeking to restore hope to the fatherless...Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-87996987539532708972020-06-15T21:39:00.000+03:002020-06-15T21:39:33.319+03:00From Blogger to Author<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u3GuTie3FXKVxr8nJm_PYUtQSsuyo6aapsl2LzQBYCAuHLBIulrkPd9S2sg-Q7opG3FZb1_l1SIdFNsAjvAXpdH37hVf_hpDPlOla-cnj-NPfutGaiNFEJjmx5p09xlCfiukuJkeNiO4/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u3GuTie3FXKVxr8nJm_PYUtQSsuyo6aapsl2LzQBYCAuHLBIulrkPd9S2sg-Q7opG3FZb1_l1SIdFNsAjvAXpdH37hVf_hpDPlOla-cnj-NPfutGaiNFEJjmx5p09xlCfiukuJkeNiO4/s320/IMG_0931.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: #274769; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Almost three years ago I set out on a road trip across the United States to delve into what happens after adoptive families go home with their children and real life begins. The goal was to take what I learned and to chronicle those findings in a book. It has been a labor of love to get it to where it is today.</span></div>
<span style="color: #274769; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br />I am therefore happy to finally announce that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><em>Adoption Through the Rearview Mirror: Learning from Stories of Heartache and Hope</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is now available on Amazon!</strong><br /><br />You can check out my simple new website for more details and get a direct link for ordering. </span><div>
<span style="color: #274769; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="text-size-adjust: auto;">Visit<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://karensprings.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1c9109e60b9f0ca901a158af2&id=cdcbc00583&e=e4daad1c8f" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #274769;">www.karensprings.com</span></a><span style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to purchase a copy today!</span><br /> </span><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk85oz9JzTUqcwUYlGwwa5vd2AyDY2ZdqDmqKWdZIj9DqUN64YdYMIQ9AgawdBeFQDkhbPE0Y6DhjykVnIW79AZ_iuCbSJ8OnW-vWhuCVfBYPnwoBUO6ELC4lJr-eoOqz_yluI4hsaU_tu/s1600/adoption+mockup+for+website+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk85oz9JzTUqcwUYlGwwa5vd2AyDY2ZdqDmqKWdZIj9DqUN64YdYMIQ9AgawdBeFQDkhbPE0Y6DhjykVnIW79AZ_iuCbSJ8OnW-vWhuCVfBYPnwoBUO6ELC4lJr-eoOqz_yluI4hsaU_tu/s640/adoption+mockup+for+website+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplQ-AlhnzZE0KK8k67peZubwtVGsFCQh2FoM3IbwRlwxmhnI6riiLyZ2s0Shd74PdW7Wxtb2spyTL00J_yJml74rrgAPT-W-fvWmI9gWZX-E0Fi-HU5jMhGpwHORaLcoe9vTPtM5yVWPU/s1600/zona1-190+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplQ-AlhnzZE0KK8k67peZubwtVGsFCQh2FoM3IbwRlwxmhnI6riiLyZ2s0Shd74PdW7Wxtb2spyTL00J_yJml74rrgAPT-W-fvWmI9gWZX-E0Fi-HU5jMhGpwHORaLcoe9vTPtM5yVWPU/s400/zona1-190+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g9UiDE3pM4OFqKKIajsiNM5v2FKFXu7CEGgD4aveNUCNDYFmBFEY0tZbHIO0S7QK5jm9z52GPdyqbb4ipVnko8Tee5HZg0EwwnwvUk-6JS-Qvbvo-i0GkDYO5Rms9x5RJUStvrF42hYx/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g9UiDE3pM4OFqKKIajsiNM5v2FKFXu7CEGgD4aveNUCNDYFmBFEY0tZbHIO0S7QK5jm9z52GPdyqbb4ipVnko8Tee5HZg0EwwnwvUk-6JS-Qvbvo-i0GkDYO5Rms9x5RJUStvrF42hYx/s640/1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274769; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-14997579798057091702017-01-18T21:30:00.003+02:002017-01-19T09:48:53.481+02:00Dancing & Trusting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghACPEftbm7s7WfZ_DCNbHTWYx7kLyCW7Z8gk_LFzqGhTJaNh0eTyDaidf6FgGFU_7fOPhJplvEbbM7N__2mD2DQvoGqPhNCHQqq3_Jei_n9P-MyJdOLMbUMUun9x2tHjUANxT8Ogind_p/s1600/card9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghACPEftbm7s7WfZ_DCNbHTWYx7kLyCW7Z8gk_LFzqGhTJaNh0eTyDaidf6FgGFU_7fOPhJplvEbbM7N__2mD2DQvoGqPhNCHQqq3_Jei_n9P-MyJdOLMbUMUun9x2tHjUANxT8Ogind_p/s320/card9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A few months back I decided to sign up for swing dancing
lessons.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know exactly why I felt compelled to add something
to an already full schedule, but perhaps some childlike notions of whimsically
gliding across the dance floor were lodged deep in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That and the notion that my mind needed a
break from trying to solve the world’s problems that meet me in my day job.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, swing dancing. Sure, why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can’t be that hard!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t exactly your group of protégé dancers who showed
up on night one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(or nights 2 or 3 for
that matter).</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within a few lessons
it was clear I was among a motley crew of wannabes and the likes of Ginger
Rogers and Fred Astaire were not in our midst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So much for my daydreams!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each lesson my 2 left feet would give it another go, always
hoping the instructor would call ‘switch’ and I would end up dancing with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because of any sort of romantic
intrigue, but simply because he could dance, something at which the other
gentlemen in the group were failing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing about dancing is that it really matters who is
leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’re with someone who
knows how to lead, things begin to fall into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly your 2 left feet find the rhythm and
you can fool a few people into thinking you actually know what you’re doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’ll be honest, even in the arms of the instructor, I
have a hard time following.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as I am sighing relief that I’m dancing with the
teacher, he would say ever so firmly, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Karen, you’re trying
to lead—stop!”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Make sure you say
Karen with a good Russian accent for full effect- “Kahhren”)</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This would happen over and over again as I would attempt to relinquish
control, take a deep breath and let him lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Just when I would think I was relaxing into his lead he would stop me
and say, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You’re doing it
again!”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh dear, and here I thought I was getting it!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Just close your eyes.
Stop thinking so hard and close your eyes.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the funniest thing happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second I closed my eyes and relaxed in his lead, I could
follow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes that
feeling of relaxing would only last for a moment or two and before I knew it I
was struggling to take control, but then he’d only whisper, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Stop thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I settled into the music, turned off my control instinct
and relaxed, suddenly the steps would flow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Suddenly I was hearing accolades instead of correction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly I was dancing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I continued to glide around the room, eyes closed, I felt
the Holy Spirit reminding me of this same lesson he’s been trying to instill in
my faith walk.<br />
<br />
Letting go of control and following.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I’ve been going back week after week I can’t get this
parallel out of my mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time I attempt to control and lead on the dance floor
I feel like there is a mirror being lifted before my face reflecting how I try
to control God- to put him in my box of the way I want things to go-- because I think I know the steps better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a song that I heard not long ago - a direct echo of
this lesson that I’ve been slow at learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hearing it the first time, tears welled up in my eyes, for it put into words my
struggle on the dance floor and my struggle with the Lord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You steady me, slow
and sweet.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We sway, take the lead,
and I will follow.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finally ready now, to
close my eyes, and just believe that you won’t lead me where you don’t go.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When my faith gets
tired and my hope seems lost,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You spin me round and
around and remind me of that song, the one you wrote for me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And we dance,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, we dance.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just you and me.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And I will lock eyes
with the one who has ransomed me<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The one who gave me
joy for mourning.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And I will lock eyes
with the one who has chosen me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The one who set my
feet to dancing. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s nice to know I’m
not alone, I’ve found my home here in your arms.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Steffany Gretzinger, Bethel Music 2014)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a beautiful picture of the dance of this life. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I listen, I'm reminded that I need not fear that I’m dancing with the new student with 2
left feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m dancing with the instructor. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m dancing with the one who has choreographed the steps and
knows the music. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m dancing in the embrace of the safest arms, which means I
can close my eyes and <b><i>trust</i></b> where He is leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="382">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-42447689829916607712015-02-22T20:47:00.000+02:002015-02-22T20:47:27.562+02:00One Year Later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiGDq3zBP-aJ_Jd1QfT7nivu43dA1cyKU75ggZILbo77F-_dJhtSrPM5GxVemqsPp3gbIhxa0TBiO3ZtywVA7igj9htQ_F_bSyyaLM0sDOdFir3NcOg-KtH0msNBty2PUllw7akLUbO71/s1600/IMG_0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiGDq3zBP-aJ_Jd1QfT7nivu43dA1cyKU75ggZILbo77F-_dJhtSrPM5GxVemqsPp3gbIhxa0TBiO3ZtywVA7igj9htQ_F_bSyyaLM0sDOdFir3NcOg-KtH0msNBty2PUllw7akLUbO71/s1600/IMG_0383.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:SeI </style><br />I clearly remember walking the streets of Kiev a year ago
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember writing a blog post on that day,
filled with optimism and feeling very hopeful about what was next for
Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed
there had been a victory. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember thinking that the madness and death were finally
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know that it
was only just beginning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this day last year, huddled with the crowd of mourners on
a cold February night, I remember looking up at the sky and seeing a drone
overhead. It was likely filming the crowds that had amassed in the center
square, memorializing the 'heavenly hundred'—the hundred plus fallen men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a brief moment, looking up at that
drone, I clearly remember thinking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘what
if the Russians do something in response to all this?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>And then I quickly dismissed that
thought, telling myself it was over- the victory had been won. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What could Russia possibly do? <br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Famous last thoughts I guess….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked the streets of Maidan Square again today, on this day of
remembrance. <br /><br />
The masses were fewer than a year ago, but there was still a feeling of
solidarity among the people and Ukrainian flags flying everywhere with pride. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are not giving up hope. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9H9ch3W0vrKW_I70W-EGCYThyphenhyphenYwjwxzQJKd6_AlLJJ63HIw0Kc5PiJpkXfsiNW7sDwYUN8GN_gPxPU5yW7qNWuxrQcCiXkbs0fOpDYVfDAi69FsF8_MvrSj6Ss_-hW4wsTqXKKTy_ipr/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9H9ch3W0vrKW_I70W-EGCYThyphenhyphenYwjwxzQJKd6_AlLJJ63HIw0Kc5PiJpkXfsiNW7sDwYUN8GN_gPxPU5yW7qNWuxrQcCiXkbs0fOpDYVfDAi69FsF8_MvrSj6Ss_-hW4wsTqXKKTy_ipr/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>February 22, 2015--one year later</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuWFsvS3SPUD2dAhO991tJnrUUjeewLqfeTCAJAJKxYZEIYRNDL6ZJlw1_vFFQ43Kfi29NZzcMv9GfK9bRDU2ayeuXQslFbHNQIe9Z9ErcisjYLdEv0Mlei1VooKbTlkaKUquZMD8fB1k/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuWFsvS3SPUD2dAhO991tJnrUUjeewLqfeTCAJAJKxYZEIYRNDL6ZJlw1_vFFQ43Kfi29NZzcMv9GfK9bRDU2ayeuXQslFbHNQIe9Z9ErcisjYLdEv0Mlei1VooKbTlkaKUquZMD8fB1k/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On St. Michaels Square tanks and recovered rockets, had been
brought in to make a display of sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Little boys climbed on the tanks and the military cars, curiously
exploring these artifacts of war, brought in from the east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt eerie watching these little
boys climb about on this war paraphernalia and ‘play war'- knowing that war is the reality that thousands of
young Ukrainian men are facing right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I never thought this is where we would be one year later. And yet, here
we are. Tanks and all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFaYXy1fnhfCb8ftzLKbYG5JgCoPKX67vLpBas7zD9NvHUy6mKI8E3XnqLM53HvI8jfjVDi_jbfMnB1pfiX0TCdICGVcqcQE0g-RNbS4hmIgAX_xBxViZ9nf1S_Em5k9rLdY4NSn79nNP/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFaYXy1fnhfCb8ftzLKbYG5JgCoPKX67vLpBas7zD9NvHUy6mKI8E3XnqLM53HvI8jfjVDi_jbfMnB1pfiX0TCdICGVcqcQE0g-RNbS4hmIgAX_xBxViZ9nf1S_Em5k9rLdY4NSn79nNP/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJTe-8yY7Ff0XYJrcD6xA65sI7i2DL4oAKQII_Rmi9Xxzh0ZYdTZA0rgeU_ABMEq5FjFJw8a9MuELdqBawYu4y9CC2a7OjxrlrU5usKtF8GLXyG1NeqiaZ3RgNcQKawXOlpc0tSkToGLt/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJTe-8yY7Ff0XYJrcD6xA65sI7i2DL4oAKQII_Rmi9Xxzh0ZYdTZA0rgeU_ABMEq5FjFJw8a9MuELdqBawYu4y9CC2a7OjxrlrU5usKtF8GLXyG1NeqiaZ3RgNcQKawXOlpc0tSkToGLt/s1600/EuroMaidan14+02-4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People keep asking me if I feel safe in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say that there are many
things that feel odd about living in a peaceful city but knowing that a brutal
war wages less than 400 miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life in Kiev seems normal for the most part, most cafes still appear
full and people still go about their day-to-day lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some shops seem to be closing and the
economic crisis is starting to hit people’s bank accounts and pockets. The grivna
a little over a year ago was 8 to the dollar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today it is hovering close to 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prices continue raise daily and that is beginning to take
its toll on people—especially those living on minimal salaries and
pensions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet all the while we are living our ‘normal’ or 'safe' lives in Kiev,
people remain hiding in basements in some parts of the east. Others remain
without water, gas, and electricity or access to regular food. Dozens of
elderly have died of starvation or cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These facts are devastating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am comforted in knowing that we are doing what we can to
help, with regular food distributions going in to outlying towns and helping
with evacuations when our team can go. I’m blessed to be a part of an organization
that wants to be on the front lines offering real relief and real hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that this situation isn’t nearly
as personal to everyone as it is to those of us living here--- but if you feel
led to give, please know that 100% of your donations will go relieve direct
needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see videos, pictures
and stories, and give through this link to help thousands in Ukraine's east:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.helptoukraine.org/">www.helptoukraine.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been quite a year…but I’m still clinging to hope and
trusting in my God who sees the bigger picture.</div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /> <br />
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-10998650371923486342015-01-06T05:56:00.001+02:002015-01-06T05:56:28.160+02:00Happy New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
2014 was a challenging year in many ways...but also one in which I got to see a LOT of the world...and for that I am extremely grateful!<br />
<br />
So happy 2015 from 'my family' to yours!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcYK-KfMoMbjceJmbp7eElwXqcJcrQngJDXw9MivaldxQpaOkVzodi-TVSILCeHG_NrT_u7moTY2vxHP1GSDGALf21iT7PG7vFgAabG2xfvgtwLjNnFWdSHMHyWZ_gPOJkggjgmewD2LV/s1600/happy+newyear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcYK-KfMoMbjceJmbp7eElwXqcJcrQngJDXw9MivaldxQpaOkVzodi-TVSILCeHG_NrT_u7moTY2vxHP1GSDGALf21iT7PG7vFgAabG2xfvgtwLjNnFWdSHMHyWZ_gPOJkggjgmewD2LV/s1600/happy+newyear.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hoping to write more in 2015!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-22442040531245533572014-12-03T23:46:00.000+02:002014-12-05T00:27:24.120+02:00Bread Lines & War<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Arial Unicode MS";
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:none;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Arial Unicode MS";
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS";
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
mso-ansi-language:EN;
mso-fareast-language:HI;}
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-</style></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUVbAvVI6sZXyLME0vLmymY-1VY8L9gWc4Dw-y2KXrmKmVprMzuy7U904rK28-BXFu2HcwD3vr6_O-VcPp1JwGI4iskyoVKwWNUapunHjakzea0mVURo6JuDqykxzFStcYFDFn4eJ95NT/s1600/euromaidan-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUVbAvVI6sZXyLME0vLmymY-1VY8L9gWc4Dw-y2KXrmKmVprMzuy7U904rK28-BXFu2HcwD3vr6_O-VcPp1JwGI4iskyoVKwWNUapunHjakzea0mVURo6JuDqykxzFStcYFDFn4eJ95NT/s1600/euromaidan-4.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">Today I met a little girl and her grandma as
they stood in line to get bread in Krasnogorivka. As I bent down to see her
face I was met in return with these piercing blue eyes. I told her they were angelic, and then
learned that her name was Angelina.
Apparently I was not the only one to have seen the face of an angel in
this girl.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">She couldn't have been more than 9-years-old,
and yet her angelic eyes reflected signs of the war her childhood has already
seen. There was a piercing sadness
behind those beautiful eyes, a sadness I so desperately wanted to remedy. I
handed her a candy, which seemed a trite gesture, but it managed to produce
half of a smile. Getting much more
chatter out of her proved difficult. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBz3jyrKN4YEO5JyXb-cjrvSvQSQHoBruhY9g97eWGB-XB00fcXpOYLplE_wCdaHsXNUl1NkqB3HicPgPgw4pbPWwHyVbtL4G5JNU3JVWlNkeiCSEMHcjxASuyEbeISSSqdUhfNmLrX59/s1600/euromaidan-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBz3jyrKN4YEO5JyXb-cjrvSvQSQHoBruhY9g97eWGB-XB00fcXpOYLplE_wCdaHsXNUl1NkqB3HicPgPgw4pbPWwHyVbtL4G5JNU3JVWlNkeiCSEMHcjxASuyEbeISSSqdUhfNmLrX59/s1600/euromaidan-6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">Her grandmother instead chimed in and spoke of
the months of fighting they've been living through in Krasnogorvka. No gas, no heat, no money. And now the cold season has set in and
the city is covered in a blanket of snow.
Grandma Tanya, like the others in the line with her, are living on
prayers and the kindness of the few who show up with offerings of help.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Though our ministry has been making numerous
trips in to deliver goods since late July, this was my first time stepping into
what has been deemed the 'anti terrorist operation zone.' I'd seen the pictures and read the
reports our team was bringing back, but it still felt quite distant and I
wanted to go and participate and see for myself.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today as I stood and observed the line forming
around our van filled with bread</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">'there' </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">suddenly became </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>'here'</i></b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
and </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>'them'</i></b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> became </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Angelina and her grandma Tanya</b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today the war felt real as I heard the sounds
of artillery blasts in the distance.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjD5zDieVesgdgAq6oP3d-xCLi1YVGQMWTn40V3VlGjGj7ICKpJ8gyYwIJYXXgsm5KREXHJ1BrRikUYijnrX7yQs6vIKmCT6cKP4w4A_dZCUl2aWRNDKS_ruRvm5_1h5l4NF6b_G771V0/s1600/euromaidan-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjD5zDieVesgdgAq6oP3d-xCLi1YVGQMWTn40V3VlGjGj7ICKpJ8gyYwIJYXXgsm5KREXHJ1BrRikUYijnrX7yQs6vIKmCT6cKP4w4A_dZCUl2aWRNDKS_ruRvm5_1h5l4NF6b_G771V0/s1600/euromaidan-3.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Krasnogorvka was a city of 12,000 before the
conflict began in Ma</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">y. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;">Today less than 8,000 remain. </span></b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;"> Those who can, have fled. </span></span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">Fighting continues to surround the city daily as they are caught in the cross fire of the Ukrainian army and the separatists. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed and badly damaged.</span><b><span lang="EN"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Since July, we <i>(Orphan's Promise)</i> have
been partnering with a local church in Krasnogorvka to meet the most basic
needs of food, making multiple trips in a month to bring truck loads of bread
and other needed supplies such as diapers and formula.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One of the</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> women I spoke to in the bread line
spoke of having nowhere to go, and no money to get anywhere even if she did
have an option. </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“I have the
roof over my head, so as long as that stays in tact I will remain...where else
could I go?” </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSIFmMEkdbsZP2uzpZiwJDoyyZ9zZYx-r7I1ZmlwgCEsDxGF_E-vSVKdgNJmvIs5wlger2memUTvE5roRyEZT3m3gwACwnL2ITT8MCJA5G-8qS_NV9Qo0KxO_gCiUopI9MK3q37APgw4V/s1600/euromaidan-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSIFmMEkdbsZP2uzpZiwJDoyyZ9zZYx-r7I1ZmlwgCEsDxGF_E-vSVKdgNJmvIs5wlger2memUTvE5roRyEZT3m3gwACwnL2ITT8MCJA5G-8qS_NV9Qo0KxO_gCiUopI9MK3q37APgw4V/s1600/euromaidan-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">There is no way to gloss over the heaviness of
what I saw in that bread line, and the hundreds of individual stories that were
represented in each loaf of bread that was taken. As I spoke with people it
became clear that our presence let them know they were not forgotten,
because most of the time that is what they feel. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span lang="EN">“Thank you that you keep coming and that
you have not forgotten us. Thank
you for your kindness and for returning.” </span></i><span lang="EN">These
sentiments were echoed over and over again. I was humbled that even a loaf of bread mattered and was not
taken for granted. I had eaten
mine that morning without a second thought about where my next would come from.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN">“Please tell others about us and our needs
so that people will know,” </span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">one woman said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span lang="EN">“Okay,”</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I
answered,<b> <i>“I will.” </i> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> </b></span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN">So this is my feeble attempt. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I know this is the season when every ministry
and charity is asking for funds and also when most of us are feeling strapped
for cash as we look at the names of friends and family we have on our gift
list. I also know that I
live in Ukraine and feel this more personally then you probably do as you read
these words from behind your computer screen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was reading today Paul's second letter to the Corinthians where he is encouraging them in their giving by referencing a body of believers in Macedonia. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">Paul writes, <i>'</i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN"><i><span class="text 2Cor-8-3" id="en-ESV-28919">For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,</span> <span class="text 2Cor-8-4" id="en-ESV-28920">begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints." (II Cor 8:3-4)</span></i> Their giving was to to bring <i>relief</i> to the saints, and they gave <i>beyond </i>what they thought they could give.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;">So I write this in part to say <b>GIVE!</b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN">Give so it hurts this holiday season</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Give to something that God lays on your
heart...and if that happens to be Ukraine and the needs
here, I promise you those funds will be put to great use. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today I saw the difference a 25 cent loaf
of bread makes in the life of a family with not a dollar to their name. Today I saw that every dollar
matters.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCKSofw_wJ7OweEOo3iIWBr7-T1r8FxM5beyVplfUypDFCmrh5vyEd5ZclJ-Ag4DqLjNutNzFXowve8Np7OUNJQzGse3x_0vsgHi_xV4kLoLbtJGCYC-H73GWpwp5EeeIlXgkO2mMM0SJ/s1600/euromaidan-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCKSofw_wJ7OweEOo3iIWBr7-T1r8FxM5beyVplfUypDFCmrh5vyEd5ZclJ-Ag4DqLjNutNzFXowve8Np7OUNJQzGse3x_0vsgHi_xV4kLoLbtJGCYC-H73GWpwp5EeeIlXgkO2mMM0SJ/s1600/euromaidan-2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">If you would like to partner with us in what
we are doing here in Ukraine, you can give designated funds to Orphan's Promise
via our direct giving site: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN"><a href="http://www.cbn.com/giving/special/opukraine.aspx"><b>www.cbn.com/giving/special/opukraine.aspx</b></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Funds will be used for bread, food, medicine, warm clothing, supplies for soldiers and school supplies for children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for standing with us as we do what we can to bring hope and meet needs in Eastern Ukraine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN">Below are more photos from the weekend...</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgZFD3IRaFKRX_Z743AfY6CTlg-liunfqnfIQ3RYPVTx4tYDTCTNkqyYZpMmwhmPBJTBvkvijemhisoFSJ5PZB0LEEY6toI9jgz2L3BhXbjt51h0NSY49rYVXfmmMC8VBmCwSyXuz-Wjc/s1600/euromaidan-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqovEOeQJW4m1Hyky65EVNCRA2lkga343wx2o-hsHrZGZMfzRIG6_x89r17JijanQdNqPBhY1lQ9XZNWmGyUdBhaPYUEaeGbf0w_aRgQIT5IJjTynUynhDyI9Ete7eHzkPkiucl4df5jA0/s1600/euromaidan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqovEOeQJW4m1Hyky65EVNCRA2lkga343wx2o-hsHrZGZMfzRIG6_x89r17JijanQdNqPBhY1lQ9XZNWmGyUdBhaPYUEaeGbf0w_aRgQIT5IJjTynUynhDyI9Ete7eHzkPkiucl4df5jA0/s1600/euromaidan.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIwyuWZ-Pg5dS4TJh3GF9seSH6e7KjEwkd58pFdUZpj58wKlYtnjJSJd3QX7qKbpzqYxOt3CGPBjgXvNF0zKOXDYwHygCwl2hDnEaOYo63kZV41VE_ec4qhmLPlK5Q8OLo1liqmySWDpG/s1600/euromaidan-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIwyuWZ-Pg5dS4TJh3GF9seSH6e7KjEwkd58pFdUZpj58wKlYtnjJSJd3QX7qKbpzqYxOt3CGPBjgXvNF0zKOXDYwHygCwl2hDnEaOYo63kZV41VE_ec4qhmLPlK5Q8OLo1liqmySWDpG/s1600/euromaidan-7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">donations</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil45qK7MqlO3LQs09QTrMQU_su4BfD1c76GT5rqlsUkzV1tDfYDFYn6ktBvSVce0uAmtsxSCSJsMS3tkMG51ZolHvA_i8jfseE7GxVDNntwUUr1gmr7UeWDnt8gSCqnPVmQaSbdtJXozTc/s1600/euromaidan-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil45qK7MqlO3LQs09QTrMQU_su4BfD1c76GT5rqlsUkzV1tDfYDFYn6ktBvSVce0uAmtsxSCSJsMS3tkMG51ZolHvA_i8jfseE7GxVDNntwUUr1gmr7UeWDnt8gSCqnPVmQaSbdtJXozTc/s1600/euromaidan-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">destroyed roof</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiSlkL6-aXfFTKPezZeOLsrQOs81AeQwqjf1VCbtuFlKkwRkNOSZRe-8z7IgkTbeNt945kw8InjupNxH9pmutiEYde9-Jk-iLGsMxqfM4N10Ri8XMO4zKIwGtkIIiHmqglSQeYqakUIvO/s1600/backpacks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiSlkL6-aXfFTKPezZeOLsrQOs81AeQwqjf1VCbtuFlKkwRkNOSZRe-8z7IgkTbeNt945kw8InjupNxH9pmutiEYde9-Jk-iLGsMxqfM4N10Ri8XMO4zKIwGtkIIiHmqglSQeYqakUIvO/s1600/backpacks+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>back packs for kids at a school in Krasnogorivka</i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgZFD3IRaFKRX_Z743AfY6CTlg-liunfqnfIQ3RYPVTx4tYDTCTNkqyYZpMmwhmPBJTBvkvijemhisoFSJ5PZB0LEEY6toI9jgz2L3BhXbjt51h0NSY49rYVXfmmMC8VBmCwSyXuz-Wjc/s1600/euromaidan-14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrELBay2-r3l-wt7vDDkL8RBzkqP3W2nspliV8VOTffQRBEaDbc_iB-vIo0YamV4DJNZ3bIwz-BPN3Tm787F9HdejuocqDec5-E9T5d_LCMvAaSo1TKZeQebZsXWgVcLcZVjRtdrAUAbzV/s1600/euromaidan-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrELBay2-r3l-wt7vDDkL8RBzkqP3W2nspliV8VOTffQRBEaDbc_iB-vIo0YamV4DJNZ3bIwz-BPN3Tm787F9HdejuocqDec5-E9T5d_LCMvAaSo1TKZeQebZsXWgVcLcZVjRtdrAUAbzV/s1600/euromaidan-15.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">pictures from my friend's daughter's class for the soldiers..</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqovEOeQJW4m1Hyky65EVNCRA2lkga343wx2o-hsHrZGZMfzRIG6_x89r17JijanQdNqPBhY1lQ9XZNWmGyUdBhaPYUEaeGbf0w_aRgQIT5IJjTynUynhDyI9Ete7eHzkPkiucl4df5jA0/s1600/euromaidan.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqovEOeQJW4m1Hyky65EVNCRA2lkga343wx2o-hsHrZGZMfzRIG6_x89r17JijanQdNqPBhY1lQ9XZNWmGyUdBhaPYUEaeGbf0w_aRgQIT5IJjTynUynhDyI9Ete7eHzkPkiucl4df5jA0/s1600/euromaidan.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-YyZGss343ds%2FVIDPvABOPkI%2FAAAAAAAAELs%2FcEBDa3r7XCI%2Fs1600%2Feuromaidan.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqovEOeQJW4m1Hyky65EVNCRA2lkga343wx2o-hsHrZGZMfzRIG6_x89r17JijanQdNqPBhY1lQ9XZNWmGyUdBhaPYUEaeGbf0w_aRgQIT5IJjTynUynhDyI9Ete7eHzkPkiucl4df5jA0/s1600/euromaidan.jpg" -->Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-77447631488257263472014-10-13T18:44:00.000+03:002014-10-13T18:44:03.486+03:00Helping Refugees on Ukraine's Eastern front<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUd0DTb4f4_NVx3pzZGVIqgeHxKnDhxMlhbKqsGix2QSlCEZ32HoXLXLRWv2zHrs4bPXLQpVPSy2iuPjLuDuxlyhrORLG_2ZmDBgpAuCNsGmLhmIEbpNfqqNCGiY-UvUZoMM6VZKzBPk-/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUd0DTb4f4_NVx3pzZGVIqgeHxKnDhxMlhbKqsGix2QSlCEZ32HoXLXLRWv2zHrs4bPXLQpVPSy2iuPjLuDuxlyhrORLG_2ZmDBgpAuCNsGmLhmIEbpNfqqNCGiY-UvUZoMM6VZKzBPk-/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ukraine seems to have fallen off the radars of the western news media, but that doesn’t change the severity of what is still currently taking place in the country. Though a shaky cease-fire is being reported in Ukraine’s east, the fact remains that the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced people have come to a stand still. <b>To date, more than 3,600 people have lost their lives in this conflict.</b><br /><br />Russian backed separatists continue to have strongholds in 2 regions of Eastern Ukraine and life there is anything but normal. Many are living in refugee camps outside of this area, and some have fled to ‘calmer’ cities in the same region, but are lacking some of the essentials to make it through the winter ahead. Most of the people in this region are now out of work, as business and shops have closed, meaning people are no longer getting a monthly income or pensions. Additionally shops are limited to what food supplies they have and electricity and water only come on for short periods of time in the day. <b>People truly wonder where their next meal will come from. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnHvbTTodID2EBAsl3s-91VGmKP95ZFzYQlOV5QEphfxgCiQHPvxY3dYMLjuuNd7-JWQvVevm8eM26vyNQgQ7lLW-4NYM-q_6zHfFcaHahdNJrE0TfEYOT_HA63AAeF4cXh1K22I7SlMO/s1600/Olya:Aleksei+family+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnHvbTTodID2EBAsl3s-91VGmKP95ZFzYQlOV5QEphfxgCiQHPvxY3dYMLjuuNd7-JWQvVevm8eM26vyNQgQ7lLW-4NYM-q_6zHfFcaHahdNJrE0TfEYOT_HA63AAeF4cXh1K22I7SlMO/s1600/Olya:Aleksei+family+2.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />I am so blessed to work with an amazing organization that is standing behind those that are in their greatest need.</b> Currently we are sending a team into Eastern Ukraine about twice a month to bring the most basic supplies. Our staff has brought truck loads of bread, food bags, clothing and school supplies to children. Additionally we are helping to rebuild about 6 homes that were destroyed and a children’s home as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaN_l9N-B81brE1ffYn6G4oH1OIyngstq3HopTSVBK1idBm-6rL5WuQq139C6XoLR3NkIS_V8XOC_o-l9bS0-CMlK3ZgffPnbjMO7-TAImSMqCQqyD220DzO-7JhCCF92DB8mDmyaON-V/s1600/bread+delivery+line+up.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaN_l9N-B81brE1ffYn6G4oH1OIyngstq3HopTSVBK1idBm-6rL5WuQq139C6XoLR3NkIS_V8XOC_o-l9bS0-CMlK3ZgffPnbjMO7-TAImSMqCQqyD220DzO-7JhCCF92DB8mDmyaON-V/s1600/bread+delivery+line+up.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the next couple weeks we will be making several more trips in to help these families, who are continually waiting for our deliveries. <b>Would you please consider making a contribution to these efforts? </b>Any amount will help to buy basic things like bread and other food and get warm clothing to families. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-__IVlSRM6Ykx88s9WX8klN2Bpg5fakAROdJDMJkVhxAHyweN2oZRVz-qxjg844-e87eJnrGqLqqlw4xg0SXijWov6w1KqUjydR5ZaDMcAZ5Vzm6EaJjnASr24decuyKwhuuFiN9qEax/s1600/bread+for+children.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-__IVlSRM6Ykx88s9WX8klN2Bpg5fakAROdJDMJkVhxAHyweN2oZRVz-qxjg844-e87eJnrGqLqqlw4xg0SXijWov6w1KqUjydR5ZaDMcAZ5Vzm6EaJjnASr24decuyKwhuuFiN9qEax/s1600/bread+for+children.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I plan to go to the store in coming weeks to purchase coats with these funds and will also be contributing it to our funds for food supplies. <b>All donations are tax deductible.</b><br /><br />I have an account set up to receive charitable donations through a group in Washington called CoLink. Here is how to make a donation:<br /><br />CoLink<br />Po Box 82188<br />Kenmore, Wa 98028<br />(make check payable to CoLink and write Acct #751 in the memo)<br /><br /><b> OR</b><br /><br />Through PayPal via: www.colinkonline.org (Indicate my CoLink Acct #751)<br /><br />Any amount will help meet the needs that exist and all will benefit people directly. We know it is God that is supplying these needs and our team is just so grateful for the ways he has provided thus far! Please also remember Ukraine in your prayers. Parliament elections are in less than 2 weeks, and that will be a pivotal moment for this country. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for partnering! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5F6LqbFwu5QRwxtZG16GaWPWQQXskXrGAm9CaR5yIjEvdGa-LET3uXx9WZyjIPTL_fPAVAws59ERRHUNAHn5ukggeD01Mp-bHFFYmZE63fUSo5JDPOE-J2ybU-XAkVtf80c7si5AaYc_/s1600/bread+for+refugees.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5F6LqbFwu5QRwxtZG16GaWPWQQXskXrGAm9CaR5yIjEvdGa-LET3uXx9WZyjIPTL_fPAVAws59ERRHUNAHn5ukggeD01Mp-bHFFYmZE63fUSo5JDPOE-J2ybU-XAkVtf80c7si5AaYc_/s1600/bread+for+refugees.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-21883694113599723832014-10-06T23:38:00.001+03:002014-10-06T23:51:01.751+03:00Celebrating 10 years! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlszFp-veRS7_P864dER4bhOZeFmC3_muYM-4nNnieRhVym5g8iJx0BBFOLgCup0a5_sOhNEQ8Ms2jU0pSXXCeDVJ8Oro9Y2cKIaH4TWjUKI26hxodCWtCWxDnNa2qIDZTfl6dTAt-pyZ/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlszFp-veRS7_P864dER4bhOZeFmC3_muYM-4nNnieRhVym5g8iJx0BBFOLgCup0a5_sOhNEQ8Ms2jU0pSXXCeDVJ8Oro9Y2cKIaH4TWjUKI26hxodCWtCWxDnNa2qIDZTfl6dTAt-pyZ/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>“Sometimes life takes
us places we never expected to go, and in those places God writes a story we
never thought would be ours.”</i></span></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">My sweet mom sent this little note in my birthday card last
month. Upon reading it I stared at
the words, realizing somehow they are the epitome of my life <i>(apparently she thought so too!)</i>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Today marks 10 years since I first arrived in Ukraine.</span></b> A country I had to find on a map before
booking my travel adventure. Has one decade really passed? I did fly with a paper ticket <i>(remember those?),</i> so clearly it’s been awhile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Lately I see anniversaries posted of friends’ weddings on Facebook celebrating
a decade or more of marriage and I find it hard to believe how quickly the time
has passed. It seems like just yesterday I was watching them walk down the
aisle and say ‘I do’ and now they are celebrating 10 years! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTDRYS51BDP0Eu-G0n5iDiY_R0Fj9VJjNqQGgD5v_vSBWxb6mwxkudCpoaPqwpuJQ7CyzNeekmgNQYWycGWos5pxy-J35KmYjHMcfjdt2gLCcBwTdTvNd7veL3Gl7UldVGJbxVZtHM0CL/s1600/new+pictures+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTDRYS51BDP0Eu-G0n5iDiY_R0Fj9VJjNqQGgD5v_vSBWxb6mwxkudCpoaPqwpuJQ7CyzNeekmgNQYWycGWos5pxy-J35KmYjHMcfjdt2gLCcBwTdTvNd7veL3Gl7UldVGJbxVZtHM0CL/s1600/new+pictures+044.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">So today I guess I am celebrating my unlikely marriage to
this nation that has oddly become my home. Perhaps I don’t get to show my cute- 20-something self in my
wedding dress—but a cute short haired version of myself holding a stray Ukrainian kitten will have to do to
commemorate the moment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">As the quote so brilliant states, <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">this is not the story I
would have ever thought to be my own</span></b>, and yet I so clearly see God’s
fingerprint in my life and the lives He has intersected with mine while
living here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I guess the marriage analogy fails when comparing my
relationship with Ukraine, as I don’t know that I ever really came on this
adventure saying ‘I do’ for the long hall. Those, after all were the ‘missionaries’ that scared me! I remember chatting
with one dear friend early on who had come with her husband and children on a
5-year commitment. I thought that
was amazing (or insane) at the time! Who could ever commit to any country for 5 years
before even arriving? <i><b>Certainly not this girl here</b></i>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">But God has a funny sense of humor with me. Like with many things in life, we can
only bite off one small bit at a time.
If we knew what was around the corner, we might start running the other
direction, and so in His wisdom, he just shows us the little bit that we can
handle. <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For me that’s been just one
year at a time. </span></b>One year at a time
that has somehow managed to add up to 10 years. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Last year I wrote a similar reflection on 9 years living in
this land. Call me a romantic or
sentimental, but dates and anniversaries of events have always meant a lot to
me and cause me to reflect…and sometimes get a little sappy. Perhaps it has something to do with the
growth the years mark or the memories represented in the middle of the dash. Or maybe it’s simply because I have a memory
like an elephant…or so I’m told! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">When I was reflecting at this time last year I never would
have dreamed in a hundred million years that one year later I’d be living in a
country that’s in the midst of war and turmoil. I never would have dreamed that our daily efforts at work
would switch from adoptive families towards refugees. To me that word always referred to people living in Africa
or the Middle East…. but refugees within Ukraine? I wouldn’t have believed it. <br /><br /> Sometimes I still have a hard
time believing it, even though it is our reality. My heart breaks when I think of all the death and
destruction that this nation has experienced in the last 10 months, and even more when I know it hasn't ended. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">It has been a trying year for me in many ways. Like living on high alert. I can
honestly say I’m glad I didn’t see the full picture when 2014 began. Just like I am glad I didn’t see the 10
years on the horizon when 2004 began! I don’t know that I could have stomached the picture.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Through the challenges of this year I am reminded now more
then ever that in a world of so much uncertainty I am so thankful for the <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>certainty</b></span> of our God. In the midst of the war and sickness
and the broken hearts and relationships I see around me, God is still God and
He is still at work and He will never leave me or forsake me. And I don’t say these words tritely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Things which sound like platitudes become vital, living and powerful when you have to learn them in dark tunnels"-</span></b></i> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Elisabeth Elliot</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The dark tunnels of this year have taught me that the only certainty I have is the Lord. In the midst of the chaos, it is really only in Him that I can find an inkling of peace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> <i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Though the fig tree does not bud and there
are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the vines produce
no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">YET</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span>I will rejoice in the Lord. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>I
will be joyful in God my Savior.</b>
</span>The Sovereign Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the feet of a
deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”</i> Habakkuk 3:17-18</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Habakkuk had eyes of faith to see beyond his circumstances,
beyond the reality of what his natural eyes were seeing. That's the kind of joy that doesn't make any sense to the world. Habakkuk recognized that joy and strength
were found in the Lord not in his surroundings or circumstances. This is currently the sermon I need to hear most often, so I'm
preaching to myself and pressing repeat. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I don't know what the next year holds or the next decade
for that matter, but I’m so glad I don’t have to know. It helps me exercise my trust muscles a bit more. And Lord knows they need some strengthening. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">So here is to celebrating 10 years,</span></b></i> and trusting God with the next part of the story. For my beloved Ukraine, and in my own life as well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GF1ozRX4BKBFdY_VZiVba9MqC18b4zUkmM_UterUKMTbI-0EZTkJKoJNJDApBLclpkUZrE5UBLbB-C_d8XxEPWw9qe-wWsLsYNWous1uSdJv9Gp4NXEqCE9hGQyy1F6fXeFFfdCa_aha/s1600/shirtnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GF1ozRX4BKBFdY_VZiVba9MqC18b4zUkmM_UterUKMTbI-0EZTkJKoJNJDApBLclpkUZrE5UBLbB-C_d8XxEPWw9qe-wWsLsYNWous1uSdJv9Gp4NXEqCE9hGQyy1F6fXeFFfdCa_aha/s1600/shirtnew.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>took me 10 years...but now I finally have the look!</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-59965290526282525042014-06-09T23:24:00.002+03:002014-06-09T23:24:24.273+03:00Going home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWQpMkIxczdORxynF5_hI9DN0cVvcHZUP_xp9H0SSADzst7bt997grJvWIFUo3Pb_E1DopAr05_hmgrSBrJ_8Hu7f2CBMumJGI32uTjMs0R4fsH7C-fcI4NJXw6v65vRnw6QUMsFdNkmU/s1600/IMG_7515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
--</style><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWQpMkIxczdORxynF5_hI9DN0cVvcHZUP_xp9H0SSADzst7bt997grJvWIFUo3Pb_E1DopAr05_hmgrSBrJ_8Hu7f2CBMumJGI32uTjMs0R4fsH7C-fcI4NJXw6v65vRnw6QUMsFdNkmU/s1600/IMG_7515.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past several months there has been a prayer request
that has been uttered on my lips like a broken record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Lord, let Roma and Natasha, and Nastia
and Marina go home with their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please Lord, let them get out</i>.<i>”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a prayer uttered in faith, but behind it my heart
wrestled with doubt- recognizing that with an ever changing climate in eastern
Ukraine, nothing was a guarantee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, I’d just seen Crimea ‘annexed’ to Russia and
adoptions close. So when things grew tense in the East...I grew nervous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These 2 adoption stories are especially personal for me, as
they are children that traveled to my home church with me last summer for
hosting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids that I don’t think
would have ever considered adoption by American families, had they not first hand experienced what
family is like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roma and Natasha, two teens that once seemed so stoic and
reserved came to life in the US and blossomed in their host family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a farewell dinner at my church, Roma was asked what he had
learned while he was in the US, his response was simple, yet carried with it
deeper meaning, <i>“I learned to smile here,”</i> he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew without a doubt that this kid belonged in this
family, because I’d finally seen him come to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was overjoyed when I learned they were moving forward with the adoption of Roma and his sister, along with another family from my church adopting the sisters they had hosted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when the country went to chaos and war broke out in the
east, not far from the kids' orphanage, we all became a little nervous and we all
were on our knees a bit more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never in my wildest dreams had I envisioned families
from my hometown traveling to a war torn region to adopt children they had
hosted. <i>Not in my Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></i><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last 3 months of these families’ adoption journeys have
been nothing short of a roller coaster—with one family having to travel to
Slavyansk (the heart of the conflict) to do documents and the other having to
cross the Russian border for a birth certificate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayers were uttered with greater urgency….<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord, see these children brought to safety, see these children brought
home.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last week I’ve seen these countless prayers
answered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roma and Natasha became American citizens this weekend and Marina and
Nastia will be headed that way with their family soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />On Friday night I sat around a table with these 2
newly formed families and gratitude swelled in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tangible answers to those prayers were
sitting in front of me. <i><b>God is gracious and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>He places the lonely in families (</b>psalm 68:6<b>) </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are so many moments when I ask myself ‘<i>what I’m doing
in this country?’</i> But that night, sitting around the table, seeing smiles
radiating on the faces of those 4 kids and the faces of committed parents, my
doubts dissipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>God had ordained this moment, and we were all exactly where
he wanted us to be. </b>A moment that was not in the 'game plan' for any of us a year prior-- yet here we all were, God intersecting our paths and writing a bigger story. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know the answer to why these 4 kids got out, and
others remain in a region that is currently closed to foreign adoptions. But asking that question never seems to get me anywhere. Its a never ending circle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead I’ll keep on living in the tension of the ‘why?’,
and keep praying in faith for peace to come to eastern Ukraine and for God’s
spirit of adoption to continue to pour out on this nation and around the world. Because as the Holy Spirit touches hearts, and the Church as a whole responds, more Natashas, Romas, Marinas and Nastias will also go home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGmm3L9XR9U2riSFXUQLzA_3f-7e68mJTgNkHlxiyuToommAagP8c0bhgHX65kCVOxnCVVzTuktX7Q7_X-sTXR1nPzBxl4-BwYJgvgjYS54QnVYcjcijn4AewD_fjLJ952_ROJwOGFcGF/s1600/welcome+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGmm3L9XR9U2riSFXUQLzA_3f-7e68mJTgNkHlxiyuToommAagP8c0bhgHX65kCVOxnCVVzTuktX7Q7_X-sTXR1nPzBxl4-BwYJgvgjYS54QnVYcjcijn4AewD_fjLJ952_ROJwOGFcGF/s1600/welcome+home.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Roma and Natasha's homecoming with their adoring brothers and sisters</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-58354464540691959642014-06-01T21:04:00.000+03:002014-06-01T21:17:53.129+03:00The 2 month review!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well all I can say is it's been a <i>whirl wind</i> of a last 2 months! Though I would like to sit and give extended thoughts to each and every wonderful moment...let's face it, there's just not time for that!<br />
<br />
So instead I'll just provide a pictorial review and some brief
highlights of how April and May were spent.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Strengthening Families Conference</b> </i><br />
<br />
April began with our
<b>Strengthening Families Conference</b> for 100 Ukrainian foster and adoptive
families. It was seriously a miracle that we had the event when we did,
as if we waited any longer, many families from eastern Ukraine would have not been able to attend due
to the continuing conflict in Ukraine. It was a blessed weekend and many were encouraged through our workshops and gifted speakers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7q6LmTqSzrICW9jidiMa6thpp8QHGh2v-VRK_htRfclWPPjichQR9NwtERGl4CpwQsatMDZnjqRnRkCewjLQShuZoYiD6vgoT9_9JmUX_Hk_jj4aFhpqwr8Dp9SiGclA40gO2ziYqKzG/s1600/GOAfamilyconference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7q6LmTqSzrICW9jidiMa6thpp8QHGh2v-VRK_htRfclWPPjichQR9NwtERGl4CpwQsatMDZnjqRnRkCewjLQShuZoYiD6vgoT9_9JmUX_Hk_jj4aFhpqwr8Dp9SiGclA40gO2ziYqKzG/s1600/GOAfamilyconference.jpg" height="328" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>3 days in Armenia </b></i><br />
<br />
The day the conference ended I flew with some of our
US Orphan's Promise staff to Yerevan, Armenia. I oversee our Armenian
projects for OP and it was a chance to film some great stories and
connect with our team there. Its a beautiful place with the kindest
people, and I'm so happy it is now an area I will be visiting more often.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFRgt2cwSi15If35YUgTpHdQDKGbOzMOV2fXVf4RqiBkgWbWgLIR7T7iS9rtPbt6xtL0UQwSjlk720taRahhhVgZPO4fuEHr6a2J893mYHtymgNkCHP4Otqfn47z2YokqTqdYB9fiXcRi/s1600/armenia+edits-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFRgt2cwSi15If35YUgTpHdQDKGbOzMOV2fXVf4RqiBkgWbWgLIR7T7iS9rtPbt6xtL0UQwSjlk720taRahhhVgZPO4fuEHr6a2J893mYHtymgNkCHP4Otqfn47z2YokqTqdYB9fiXcRi/s1600/armenia+edits-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQwP352GEP1f7LZ4qovRPzSyjB-_c-qFDElBHMzYHTaX8pczao9BfA73_xUSEqfe6a-Bsj5XyVZvurWLj3fas4Rf-R0oxKBGzwSvCLPcGxisYYsljAwsfplHshg36Z_o3Yxnrkwe1S7Qy/s1600/armenia+edits-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQwP352GEP1f7LZ4qovRPzSyjB-_c-qFDElBHMzYHTaX8pczao9BfA73_xUSEqfe6a-Bsj5XyVZvurWLj3fas4Rf-R0oxKBGzwSvCLPcGxisYYsljAwsfplHshg36Z_o3Yxnrkwe1S7Qy/s1600/armenia+edits-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>Easter at home </b></i><br />
<br />
From there it was a quick touch down in Kiev before heading to
Seattle for Easter. My first Easter at home in 10 years! It was a
chance to celebrate my grandma's 85th birthday with almost all of her
grandchildren present.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k1e5fuvjqZiQUuuvxo8JMw5PqLyC0BcxMzgNbTD_84cC_r4zTDg2s-wPugEP80IsY4g87nq8OVsMkakLlOZU3Ihx8W21oyzB0yqL21yLfISKC038AiP4UGKHF0WIbKRM4SCWQkwxpIwT/s1600/armenia+edits-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k1e5fuvjqZiQUuuvxo8JMw5PqLyC0BcxMzgNbTD_84cC_r4zTDg2s-wPugEP80IsY4g87nq8OVsMkakLlOZU3Ihx8W21oyzB0yqL21yLfISKC038AiP4UGKHF0WIbKRM4SCWQkwxpIwT/s1600/armenia+edits-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4YAGsO0qKMGyMM3lvQgqFs8GURJo8DgBOYCtlYEoXR2-hyISKxCwUL3uQ_5ZBbctWIVW_bBd6Lim90jEuzZ2IiLzqAMRQizK8VqsC3oZz-4EEDO5wWpmOpo2ISGvI5h1bjaSr0qjwhtV/s1600/armenia+edits-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4YAGsO0qKMGyMM3lvQgqFs8GURJo8DgBOYCtlYEoXR2-hyISKxCwUL3uQ_5ZBbctWIVW_bBd6Lim90jEuzZ2IiLzqAMRQizK8VqsC3oZz-4EEDO5wWpmOpo2ISGvI5h1bjaSr0qjwhtV/s1600/armenia+edits-11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a></div>
I also forgot how beautiful the spring is in the Pacific Northwest. I was able to make it to
see the Tulips up north in Mt Vernon. Simply spectacular. And my niece
made for the perfect subject against this stellar background.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzStzI0atjoE5uoTNv-UOzyroc3mZhKxXbQls0Gy7aPmP61NNwdHUznaBJrvD9ShY8jJOg64O_w6mRcsemMHoPZNOhhyphenhyphenvVLkF_g0HrjDO8UODMzhyfBtImYz_ZiE0n2rZ5oBBj6AEv4aHZ/s1600/armenia+edits-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzStzI0atjoE5uoTNv-UOzyroc3mZhKxXbQls0Gy7aPmP61NNwdHUznaBJrvD9ShY8jJOg64O_w6mRcsemMHoPZNOhhyphenhyphenvVLkF_g0HrjDO8UODMzhyfBtImYz_ZiE0n2rZ5oBBj6AEv4aHZ/s1600/armenia+edits-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYtyINkOiCbh_u9aoPC27tn-qkwWuqKGEaD4jqtlXx9atL9nODaSOARHd868FFkLxMv_tEL1iPwIjec0rpTMSgthTtcZOgBfxn4rOUirFdUa4z9q2v_47Tb8rUls40wNq6i9zYCKaZAuU/s1600/armenia+edits-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYtyINkOiCbh_u9aoPC27tn-qkwWuqKGEaD4jqtlXx9atL9nODaSOARHd868FFkLxMv_tEL1iPwIjec0rpTMSgthTtcZOgBfxn4rOUirFdUa4z9q2v_47Tb8rUls40wNq6i9zYCKaZAuU/s1600/armenia+edits-30.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFFFyRJOxT-EHJIxXSgEx4uEms1FB6Sc_jT7dppys3t4h3j3fDvBboOBowTNZr-HI50wKIhkBxyYozym0Vet-tPyN-iqBxjh_aMcOibccIrBEiM-0VyWPEyIorKJSjv2fkLIQSZzDi0TH/s1600/armenia+edits-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFFFyRJOxT-EHJIxXSgEx4uEms1FB6Sc_jT7dppys3t4h3j3fDvBboOBowTNZr-HI50wKIhkBxyYozym0Vet-tPyN-iqBxjh_aMcOibccIrBEiM-0VyWPEyIorKJSjv2fkLIQSZzDi0TH/s1600/armenia+edits-17.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4YAGsO0qKMGyMM3lvQgqFs8GURJo8DgBOYCtlYEoXR2-hyISKxCwUL3uQ_5ZBbctWIVW_bBd6Lim90jEuzZ2IiLzqAMRQizK8VqsC3oZz-4EEDO5wWpmOpo2ISGvI5h1bjaSr0qjwhtV/s1600/armenia+edits-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<i><b>Staff Training and CAFO</b></i><br />
<br />
From
there it was off to Virginia for Orphan's Promise staff training and then as a team
we flew to Chicago to take part in the Christian Alliance for Orphan's
Conference (CAFO). What an amazing event to be a part of. 2,700 people all passionate about
Jesus, orphan care and adoption-- doesn't get much better than that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA_sgm2v4YxGM9rdd89hNmCDfLxuzCsfuVIUynGLlBkQw6R4pwyXNsA9OZrerlv9E5SbAr22Sv4sKKWPIMZzAxlgSo1PS6iz2j42LZTe4vbv_XviiJPAFFv6XORPfBAxeqTbWJFOghYjT/s1600/staff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA_sgm2v4YxGM9rdd89hNmCDfLxuzCsfuVIUynGLlBkQw6R4pwyXNsA9OZrerlv9E5SbAr22Sv4sKKWPIMZzAxlgSo1PS6iz2j42LZTe4vbv_XviiJPAFFv6XORPfBAxeqTbWJFOghYjT/s1600/staff.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf1FGQ5rkIBxiAMs24lpOR0xEiHMpqlPwSLx6g655C1nShnOhWa7AruYAV5pUFlmjVaHtWILekTpMleQ9XH4rD2mZeh613zOBCA7UKxtGNAUhdDRCTv-yeNjM13g6Xt5s3e9yXPU7or08/s1600/cafo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf1FGQ5rkIBxiAMs24lpOR0xEiHMpqlPwSLx6g655C1nShnOhWa7AruYAV5pUFlmjVaHtWILekTpMleQ9XH4rD2mZeh613zOBCA7UKxtGNAUhdDRCTv-yeNjM13g6Xt5s3e9yXPU7or08/s1600/cafo.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>Little Women at KCA</b></i><br />
<br />
Touch down back in Kiev and it was time to put on the
finishing touches of the play I direct every year at Kiev Christian
Academy. This year we took on "Little Women" and it was a huge success! I had
the added bonus of having my mom fly over to help me and be my amazing
assistant for the week. She is a blessing in my life I thank God for
every day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kSQn352o_m7VyGcXY8EPlBi1mU91d5Gvd9jvX8Adl-mQR6GLn5BWq6fzgF2UR3wAKrmQwopbg3Haqm_UTbPf-7UfM4vtPcNZckgyuHARXCH7Uuh500lojYgYOWJgKNvdTDJJyfUX8CKm/s1600/groupshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kSQn352o_m7VyGcXY8EPlBi1mU91d5Gvd9jvX8Adl-mQR6GLn5BWq6fzgF2UR3wAKrmQwopbg3Haqm_UTbPf-7UfM4vtPcNZckgyuHARXCH7Uuh500lojYgYOWJgKNvdTDJJyfUX8CKm/s1600/groupshot.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlOmG6pJOsKaLn1fruAFqgRE3hEKRiHDdV_Aj0YSafpXSuVl8Mp0Uf14WEXVVCUR1vt5ya1YEEP9FxkVvt6qHdjYz21X0ry3L_zJqwq2F9nCi4BWuRvXvEF-HaAb6Pge7VuWEa4i0dUqM/s1600/famshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlOmG6pJOsKaLn1fruAFqgRE3hEKRiHDdV_Aj0YSafpXSuVl8Mp0Uf14WEXVVCUR1vt5ya1YEEP9FxkVvt6qHdjYz21X0ry3L_zJqwq2F9nCi4BWuRvXvEF-HaAb6Pge7VuWEa4i0dUqM/s1600/famshot.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFHcVQ-1EE8cCkX5oP5cy5gmCrYBSO51ksKSJKIAvePxDUq4ugYzvLfWI0GsO7Hz8n5VEiGE-82ATutm_TbxdzO-ft-A3xRYtwBU4ph4EiY9Cgj5m8rKpyqxw5ccEHt4UzjK-5yHbCYpo/s1600/IMG_6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFHcVQ-1EE8cCkX5oP5cy5gmCrYBSO51ksKSJKIAvePxDUq4ugYzvLfWI0GsO7Hz8n5VEiGE-82ATutm_TbxdzO-ft-A3xRYtwBU4ph4EiY9Cgj5m8rKpyqxw5ccEHt4UzjK-5yHbCYpo/s1600/IMG_6661.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>London! </b></i><br />
<br />
After we wrapped up the show, KCA finished off the
school year with graduations celebrations and my cousin and I went to London for a long weekend! Ever
since we did <i>Pride and Prejudice </i>together (the show we did 2 years ago) it was our dream to see
England together. So off we went! Thanks to my dear friend Jenny, we had a wonderful place to stay in the city and got to have some sweet time with her as well. It was a wonderful trip. We managed to see 2 shows, 2 museums, drink lots of tea and eat lots of cake and
enjoy some London sights and rain (<i>a lot of rain!)</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDh2fNvW6-HiSzGEbXl_drFzDnKjQbz0djlScVoZ6m3aYt5OZE8jGofzd91J0PJBf8N3Cw_eV8V4utkjv_YMsHvgYgo7NqBFkUZiphqO3szA-4cv5CFnrGjvqthVIwIV3oEZ7Tz9ZaIZs/s1600/families-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDh2fNvW6-HiSzGEbXl_drFzDnKjQbz0djlScVoZ6m3aYt5OZE8jGofzd91J0PJBf8N3Cw_eV8V4utkjv_YMsHvgYgo7NqBFkUZiphqO3szA-4cv5CFnrGjvqthVIwIV3oEZ7Tz9ZaIZs/s1600/families-29.jpg" height="640" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe0TZjVaQa9-6F5SXwZPtibBGzUJkKAU6mykEKfSmphHH3u5lUx2bJGrWKVozfKJd6wasTca9_vjhISxyRiulFeUyX18VBFvuq8l7hIEbuN54Mecu5ZoSQAp2b3wEJPVWy_dXQnlUPUtA/s1600/families-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe0TZjVaQa9-6F5SXwZPtibBGzUJkKAU6mykEKfSmphHH3u5lUx2bJGrWKVozfKJd6wasTca9_vjhISxyRiulFeUyX18VBFvuq8l7hIEbuN54Mecu5ZoSQAp2b3wEJPVWy_dXQnlUPUtA/s1600/families-136.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZYbL91hKtzAB873KNAbHh1pZp6h4oDCYklfuI_nAe_mLjO_xFWXmnSO81BIMTg84LEJFVCKYvC79ykSSZvlYJB0HdNXNksHQLHGwpEXkcmKOE572-K9ngrdNZEMeqMdwyo6j_Kn_YFB-/s1600/families-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZYbL91hKtzAB873KNAbHh1pZp6h4oDCYklfuI_nAe_mLjO_xFWXmnSO81BIMTg84LEJFVCKYvC79ykSSZvlYJB0HdNXNksHQLHGwpEXkcmKOE572-K9ngrdNZEMeqMdwyo6j_Kn_YFB-/s1600/families-57.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWVkigyLPp7Kgac1y0nA6YgUeoA-3IFU3u9skhQwaDIftyknrBPamT_DZ7DEKn5KEzejWe82_1Oe856i6ldkAECNZP7w5euJs0GmawACvv8ot1u6n7OGL4OeVSD9vSvpW-PKUwJKYOfi8/s1600/families-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWVkigyLPp7Kgac1y0nA6YgUeoA-3IFU3u9skhQwaDIftyknrBPamT_DZ7DEKn5KEzejWe82_1Oe856i6ldkAECNZP7w5euJs0GmawACvv8ot1u6n7OGL4OeVSD9vSvpW-PKUwJKYOfi8/s1600/families-42.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NgJhMSgdk4N0KIFEQbgElb3815EjS9ms2iPk_qu2aPwcyaKV6o0ERhfVI8kEXszvAmthgEr5_HuiP5xoh-7kEhBC6YuXnF5a0ZlLNVkIgq4nLqQvWxOF_lfA5HKGE-TWw9KTZZgisqia/s1600/families-153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NgJhMSgdk4N0KIFEQbgElb3815EjS9ms2iPk_qu2aPwcyaKV6o0ERhfVI8kEXszvAmthgEr5_HuiP5xoh-7kEhBC6YuXnF5a0ZlLNVkIgq4nLqQvWxOF_lfA5HKGE-TWw9KTZZgisqia/s1600/families-153.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>Adoptions </b></i><br />
<br />
Then I landed back in Kiev to my 2 newest house guests that are in my care this week. Some friends of mine from Seattle are at the end of their adoption process of 2 kids from Donetsk region (so glad they got out!), but had to head home for their daughter's wedding before they could finish the adoption process. So thus I became caregiver to Roma and Natasha this week. We are having fun exploring the city and me trying to teach them a bit of English (trying!)-- today's adventure included a bike trip to the island on the Dnieper River.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sTZZb9-PUlZNwY6b3vjH6PmnZnVv11Qs9MBuwVnx4in7WBkDb92mj8hfUIdRIUhcdJPMfSeo4OIyvePlf1usZ74b7v3QO7W-moskdDDM74KYcKoieMpFmH7tErOt6UbmwI_2pWe2Clz4/s1600/randn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sTZZb9-PUlZNwY6b3vjH6PmnZnVv11Qs9MBuwVnx4in7WBkDb92mj8hfUIdRIUhcdJPMfSeo4OIyvePlf1usZ74b7v3QO7W-moskdDDM74KYcKoieMpFmH7tErOt6UbmwI_2pWe2Clz4/s1600/randn.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>And that my friends is why I've not blogged in so long!!</b><br />
<br />
Hope to write more soon and also share a bit more about the current situation in Ukraine and our work with coordinating refugee efforts. Please keep praying for Ukraine and for peace...there is so much need right now. <br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-70642309812625153202014-05-06T19:57:00.000+03:002014-05-06T19:57:24.158+03:00CBN News Interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While I was in the states last week I was able to do an interview with CBN News. My friend George, who reports for CBN News thought he'd use the opportunity to get the perspective from someone on the ground. So here is what I had to share....<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="180" nbsp="" src="http://cbn.com/tv/embedplayernews.aspx?bcid=3520877837001&linkURL=http%3A//www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/April/Shadow-of-War-Families-Weather-Ukraine-Turmoil/" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
Please keep praying for Ukraine-- things are continuing to heat up in the east. <br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-7346308136314425122014-04-19T00:04:00.000+03:002014-04-19T00:47:19.789+03:00The day in-between<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3196377717476034314" itemprop="description articleBody">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizBrEk6u4obKuTeHpTKwhEU3EAS2AfYM_rtgpU4TmBHEAnYhG0qFkkbvMvTJIF5tZMXcbO1kIthmW1DDKHfcy82k2FEkwvUs4i55L9ZTgfyqgdTmL22PwriyUWusW4hWrQ406Dzuv8x1O/s1600/untitled-180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizBrEk6u4obKuTeHpTKwhEU3EAS2AfYM_rtgpU4TmBHEAnYhG0qFkkbvMvTJIF5tZMXcbO1kIthmW1DDKHfcy82k2FEkwvUs4i55L9ZTgfyqgdTmL22PwriyUWusW4hWrQ406Dzuv8x1O/s1600/untitled-180.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
<i>**I wrote this post exactly 2 years ago on Easter weekend, and was reminded of this message again today-- as so many of life's struggles seem amplified. Re-sharing it to remind myself of the Hope of Easter...and praying it brings encouragement to others too.</i><br />
<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
Today, on this Saturday I find myself reflecting on the significance of
today-- the day between good Friday and Easter. <br />
<br />
It's a rather depressing day when you stop and think about it. The
disciples had seen Jesus die and suffer on Friday and then awoke on
Saturday with the realization that the very one they had put their hope
and faith in was gone. Jesus was no longer suffering on the cross-- he
was in the grave. It seemed over. I've been thinking about that a lot
today. Trying to imagine what Jesus' followers would have been
thinking, experiencing, and trying to understand. I can't imagine anyone
was up for any theological banter or dialogue, yet instead I picture it
as a very solemn and quiet day, most people likely without words. Were
they calling to mind the things Jesus had eluded to about raising from
the dead? Were some of them clinging to a hope that the story wasn't
finished? I can't imagine the depth of the thoughts and questions
swirling in their heads...or the sense of abandonment they must have
experienced.<br />
<br />
Scripture tells us very little about this day in between. I read through
all 4 gospel accounts today to seek out any information that would shed
light on that silent day- the day between Good Friday and the day of
Resurrection, and what struck me was the absence of information. We
know it was the Sabbath and therefore the day of rest and they did rest
'in obedience to the commandment' (Luke 23:56) , but there is nothing to
tell us what the disciples were thinking- no writings to tell us that
they all gathered to pray or discuss their thoughts, no words expressing
even doubt. <br />
<br />
I can't help but thinking what that day would have been like had I been
there. How very alone and confused I would have felt, wanting to believe
that the story wasn't over, but struggling with the reality that my
eyes would have seen.<br />
<br />
I don't know if you are living in a day 'in between' experience right
now. Maybe you've seen the goodness of God and been living a life
pursuing Jesus, but the problems and challenges in life right now have
placed you in a valley, and you can't seem to see beyond the reality of
today. You want to have faith to believe, but all your eyes see are
obstacles. I've felt like that lately. Longing to hold
tightly to God's promises of redemption, but face to face with the
reality of despair that I see around me.<br />
<br />
I am glad I have today to realize this. To live for just one day in the
tension between Good Friday and Easter. To realize there are dark days,
days that feel hopeless. How grateful I am though, that I don't have to
remain there-- and that I know the rest of the story. I get to read
ahead.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU7eyIahALXg-bOxo84OwPcdksgf3HSmksgMHZLO1ypn1xuuL1pZR2lIN0TYsvdKR1LcwLx6wncSz4DXpRmNKHuYgmPj13RopzpdtDm91mjRbJpHKvBz7p5MBFKRazYOp4-Blocquo_mE/s1600/untitled-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU7eyIahALXg-bOxo84OwPcdksgf3HSmksgMHZLO1ypn1xuuL1pZR2lIN0TYsvdKR1LcwLx6wncSz4DXpRmNKHuYgmPj13RopzpdtDm91mjRbJpHKvBz7p5MBFKRazYOp4-Blocquo_mE/s1600/untitled-57.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
My life would certainly be a mess if it wasn't for the rest of the
story. The part of the story when the tomb is found empty and when
Jesus conquers death! The part when the enemy is defeated, because the
grave could not hold the creator of the universe! The part when Jesus
comes and speaks his peace and promises to send his Holy Spirit to lead
and guide us. That is a story worth telling. That is a story that brings
hope and freedom.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I think it takes living through the Saturday experiences to
understand the rest of the story. Because it is in my moments of
hopelessness that I most fully recognize my need of a savior.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1_jaB2xsKZAct3mNf87klGHhorjLVsxfWPo2E3UC6cXOHzdaTPYT22r8MNrcIXIf3CY2CoqYe-RfdkdEmHnC7joLVK1OxxeCbdPvNaScea_oRfsORbF9Akymk7cj8LlF9Dq-aHXg5WtM/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1_jaB2xsKZAct3mNf87klGHhorjLVsxfWPo2E3UC6cXOHzdaTPYT22r8MNrcIXIf3CY2CoqYe-RfdkdEmHnC7joLVK1OxxeCbdPvNaScea_oRfsORbF9Akymk7cj8LlF9Dq-aHXg5WtM/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>" Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who
endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary
and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-57689885253866331592014-03-29T23:43:00.000+02:002014-03-29T23:43:06.614+02:00Reunions, Remembering and Reprieve... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>For 3 hours today I forgot.</b><br />
<br />
I forgot about the stress and heaviness my heart has been carrying this week.<br />
I forgot about the headlines. <br />
Worry seemed far from my mind.<br />
There was no talk of war.<br />
No talk of Russia. <br />
There was only laughter, memories and hugs and smiles....and pizza. <br />
<br />
I traveled with a group of friends to visit the children we brought to Colorado this last December to perform <i>The Old Russian Shoemaker</i>. Their orphanage is about 4 hours from Kiev, so this was the first time we'd all been reunited since our departure in December.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2R0-NhBBoabqeLBnW-7amyOk8vP0w_oBbNjD-CA6trlXD-JIiiOv6BC6LsQJlfnwo3OeRwQLeM_9fFImoHAZ8j_F1FkGW5ihAcG9irpRZoFzbd9KMIHRQoVpjNzkcWespdswnnSbZekc/s1600/IMG_1253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2R0-NhBBoabqeLBnW-7amyOk8vP0w_oBbNjD-CA6trlXD-JIiiOv6BC6LsQJlfnwo3OeRwQLeM_9fFImoHAZ8j_F1FkGW5ihAcG9irpRZoFzbd9KMIHRQoVpjNzkcWespdswnnSbZekc/s1600/IMG_1253.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What a<i> sweet </i>reunion it was.<br />
<br /> The 7 kids were more than thrilled to see our team and we were tackled with hugs and kisses the moment we were found.<br />
<br />
Sitting around a large cafe table, we reminisced about favorite America memories and even were able to FaceTime with some of our wonderful host families in Colorado. I had brought letters from each of the host families, so those too were read and re-read and read again! Their faces were filled with pure joy-- their happiness was contagious. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB9U3I-6Nf_nnvNItqSa5HllyjuL_O2e8LfBgfyRrOTbqrhWMMD-GGsGiPOHs9eOo0zOPzYHLXxWwakxxpOcsSlpgCRySnhyq3lUfVPJkl4cm8fxw_TzvhCYH_Cd-yp5051mf4_-U_hcd/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB9U3I-6Nf_nnvNItqSa5HllyjuL_O2e8LfBgfyRrOTbqrhWMMD-GGsGiPOHs9eOo0zOPzYHLXxWwakxxpOcsSlpgCRySnhyq3lUfVPJkl4cm8fxw_TzvhCYH_Cd-yp5051mf4_-U_hcd/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9mSmyQJadBf1zDF6OOxXdPduBvybuhyphenhyphenKGmPOY7pTLel13XpkpIdMF28ofnGN0UG34vOFC1Ht5hhhU11VZR1oJdo3lXokkuLz_Gosv55Fj3F5-ljb9SXfV6Rrb8RhjHiYN9X_cuhi32j_/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9mSmyQJadBf1zDF6OOxXdPduBvybuhyphenhyphenKGmPOY7pTLel13XpkpIdMF28ofnGN0UG34vOFC1Ht5hhhU11VZR1oJdo3lXokkuLz_Gosv55Fj3F5-ljb9SXfV6Rrb8RhjHiYN9X_cuhi32j_/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB8bCyxUfVKheUlNcftamSVd-04rzWYk5m1n-4Dp7_AwEcHu5-CqH6BL3ae86aUJ9uuz4wZcDA6UOWtTwa7EKPNakUAj8NcTDE5m9s3mHZlm5rT837KUhdzDTQrYJuE0gwsxzqtt4SmQG/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB8bCyxUfVKheUlNcftamSVd-04rzWYk5m1n-4Dp7_AwEcHu5-CqH6BL3ae86aUJ9uuz4wZcDA6UOWtTwa7EKPNakUAj8NcTDE5m9s3mHZlm5rT837KUhdzDTQrYJuE0gwsxzqtt4SmQG/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>FaceTime with our sweet Kelly in Colorado!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_JbHSJxQHIoADKx1jQ5X_lkCm1umF8THS5IKfWTwsjR-3wPy-3meCYHwc5obk94LA6xb3d8lFg6itGeYynYxiJ0jt2ltpMbvQrtDSzfu65xrfrrrgAQsJECkbMzHyAJ3rpgVmc0H_1Mn/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_JbHSJxQHIoADKx1jQ5X_lkCm1umF8THS5IKfWTwsjR-3wPy-3meCYHwc5obk94LA6xb3d8lFg6itGeYynYxiJ0jt2ltpMbvQrtDSzfu65xrfrrrgAQsJECkbMzHyAJ3rpgVmc0H_1Mn/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoJhjSVfyCcrrsRVsgjw4aFHg5O3LBTPNWHTm0Gbot9lHO00pITPETE0fKxEI1YKsQQoL6D1509F5y99gkuMMlc4ggKyAD67crU7JOwP6-mhFxwX8n7v3pobO-Rt8JZOMVkW13too_NrU/s1600/IMG_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoJhjSVfyCcrrsRVsgjw4aFHg5O3LBTPNWHTm0Gbot9lHO00pITPETE0fKxEI1YKsQQoL6D1509F5y99gkuMMlc4ggKyAD67crU7JOwP6-mhFxwX8n7v3pobO-Rt8JZOMVkW13too_NrU/s1600/IMG_1257.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL1P5ZX07TtXYdvdZKSjqVNmak8oTu6ESp5Mu8qNX1UK8964R3GogMCFiLSseIQpRO0YJvDi2Xa8jbYWmNbu2FhISERqxnLXe-snuMkMI8Jb5s-J_9hmwXjjTyZwzNx4jCKNdKfdqZMc2/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL1P5ZX07TtXYdvdZKSjqVNmak8oTu6ESp5Mu8qNX1UK8964R3GogMCFiLSseIQpRO0YJvDi2Xa8jbYWmNbu2FhISERqxnLXe-snuMkMI8Jb5s-J_9hmwXjjTyZwzNx4jCKNdKfdqZMc2/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
This afternoon was so very precious. <i>My heart so very full.</i><br />
<br />
More tears were shed upon our departure. The dearness of these children - their yearning for relationships and to be known was once again made clear.<br />
<br />
For those 3 hours, rumors of war seemed distant from the mind. Instead in focus were sweet hugs and pleas to <i>'come visit again soon.' </i>Life suddenly seemed quite simple.<br />
<br />
As our team loaded back into our van and waved our final goodbyes we all sat down and discussed how meaningful the time had been...all of us confirming that life for a moment had felt lighter. Funny....we <i>all </i>had managed to forget. <br />
<br />
<br />
As we made the long trek back to Kiev the heaviness slowly set back in as we checked our phones and read news updates (bad mood killer, let me tell you). The weight of thousands of Russian troops surrounding the eastern borders suddenly again felt very real...probably because it is very real.<br />
<br />
This last week has been mentally exhausting. 95% of conversations seem to focus around the potential of a Russian invasion and what could happen next. Life continues on as normal as possible, but there is a weight that everyone is living under<br /><br />
I was in a group of internationals a week or so ago and we all had to pick 3 words to describe our feelings for the past two months. I had to invent a word to accurately describe how I felt: 'yo-yo.' Life has truly felt a bit like that---one moment up, the next down. Pause. Repeat.<br />
<br />
We've been living on the verge of so many 'what if' scenarios and I'm constantly struggling to renew my mind and focus on the one hope I know to be true...the Jesus who is my peace in the midst of this storm. It is truly a daily exercise--and I'm far from perfecting it. Pause. Repeat.<br />
<br />
<b>So tonight I pause and thank God for the reprieve of today</b>, for the chance to get my mind off of what has been bringing me down and instead focus on the children who can so quickly change my perspective and refocus my vision. <b>The children who remind me of why I'm here in the first place. </b><br />
<br />
And thus I return to the renewing of the mind: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-1">"God is our refuge and strength,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-1">an ever-present help in trouble.</span></span><span class="text Ps-46-2" id="en-NIV-14617"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-2" id="en-NIV-14617"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-2">and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,</span></span><span class="text Ps-46-3" id="en-NIV-14618"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-3" id="en-NIV-14618"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>though its waters roar and foam</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-3">and the mountains quake with their surging.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-46-3"> </span></span></i> </div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-4" id="en-NIV-14619">There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-4">the holy place where the Most High dwells.</span></span><span class="text Ps-46-5" id="en-NIV-14620"></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-5" id="en-NIV-14620">God is within her, she will not fall;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-5">God will help her at break of day.</span></span><span class="text Ps-46-6" id="en-NIV-14621"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-6" id="en-NIV-14621"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-6">he lifts his voice, the earth melts.</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-7" id="en-NIV-14622">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty is with us;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-7">the God of Jacob is our fortress.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-8" id="en-NIV-14623"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Come and see what the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has done,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-8">the desolations he has brought on the earth.</span></span><span class="text Ps-46-9" id="en-NIV-14624"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-9" id="en-NIV-14624"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He makes wars cease</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-9">to the ends of the earth.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-9">He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-9">he burns the shields with fire.</span></span><span class="text Ps-46-10" id="en-NIV-14625"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-10" id="en-NIV-14625"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10">I will be exalted among the nations,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10">I will be exalted in the earth.”</span></span><span class="text Ps-46-11" id="en-NIV-14626"> </span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-11" id="en-NIV-14626">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty is with us;</span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-11">the God of Jacob is our fortress.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Psalm 46</b></div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-33208322062723137412014-03-04T00:39:00.001+02:002014-03-04T00:48:19.280+02:00Singing a song over the headlines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>On the Brink of disaster...</i><br />
<b>Crisis in Ukraine... </b><br />
<i>Russia tightens Grip on Putin...</i><br />
<b>Russian military issues ultimatum to Ukraine...</b><br />
<i>Russia surrounds Crimea... </i><br />
<br />
These are the headlines that have been bouncing around all the major news sources yesterday and today. Enough to give oneself a panic attack if you read too much! <b>Especially living in said nation.</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPiJ1OFYW7YK8WeqaXMVwlvKwcMCOX5xLdlJXcseIN4aqeHaalCa7VjvHsn0bd0Ra501qi4fvcC_FlJmStgZ_G_oYG3YmMMHSt5wt-XnsRIq-kZtEuQFfqCmvhWA2WxOlZLrgQkRal51O/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPiJ1OFYW7YK8WeqaXMVwlvKwcMCOX5xLdlJXcseIN4aqeHaalCa7VjvHsn0bd0Ra501qi4fvcC_FlJmStgZ_G_oYG3YmMMHSt5wt-XnsRIq-kZtEuQFfqCmvhWA2WxOlZLrgQkRal51O/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So a week ago I was making light of touring through the former President's home and taking pictures sitting behind his desk (<i>really hoping he doesn't come after me for that one by the way</i>)....<br />
<br />
5 days later all of Ukraine is holding its breath and praying that all hell does not break loose tomorrow in Crimea. <b>Things seem to be changing rapidly around here.</b><br />
<br />
I think we all feared Russia's reaction to Ukraine's revolution and impeachment of Yanukovich a bit-- especially after the Olympics came to an end-- but I can honestly say I wasn't expecting what has transpired over the last few days. <b>I was a bit more optimistic then today's headlines have proved. </b><br />
<br />
For the most part life continues on as normal as can be expected in Kiev-- a good 11 hour drive from the current Russian occupation of Crimea. I even had lunch at a nearby mall with a friend today, and by the looks of the people in shops and sitting in cafes you'd never guess that the nation is <i>'on the brink of war'</i>--- until you flip on the TV or check the internet and see all the threats and rhetoric flying around. <br />
<br />
It's more the mental games that can get to you...all the <i>'what if's'... </i><br />
Honestly, nothing was really bothering me much until today.<br />
<br />
Today I spent an excessive amount of time online reading headlines (the same ones you are reading). Seeing the building international attention this has all gained started to raise my internal stress level. And let's just face it-- Russia is intimidating! When people throw around terms like <i><b>World War III</b></i> your mind can do some crazy things! <br />
<br />
Seriously....many of my friends and family could hardly locate Ukraine on a map before the last month and now we are the HEADLINE story on BBC, FOX, NBC, CNN and every other major news network. On some news sites Ukraine even makes up the top 3 stories! It's crazy! One thing is clear - people now know Ukraine is not Russia.<br />
<br />
Friends keep writing and asking when I'm leaving or if I have an exit strategy. At this point things in my opinion are stable enough in Kiev to remain where I am and continue on in the work we are doing. My heart is here, my work and life are here, and in all honesty in this present moment it would be harder for me to leave then to stay- because this is where I want to be. For now it makes sense to remain. <br />
<br />
<b>This is a critical time for this nation.</b> If you've read my last few posts you'll have read about the tremendous hope that I experienced walking the streets of Maidan over the past week. People were filled with a somber joy and had eyes fixed on a new horizon they thought was attainable. They believed that the lives lost had not been lost in vain.<br />
<br />
<b>I don't think that hope is gone. </b><br />
It's been intimidated with fear perhaps, its concerned, and it is feeling a little shaky-<i> but I do believe that hope remains. </i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1rqmsPv8q6g-cMzwZLVnBVC5Kp-X_5ptFcQCXYj6kx2QpX9XpXsP2yeU2-EmEK-hO-oijVpG3kHxA1m9t8fR1jV5YlLVA2US5EQ57dXeUveaQrKX-V-BmT2rncy6cDvL1Wgae6Pb-8yJ/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1rqmsPv8q6g-cMzwZLVnBVC5Kp-X_5ptFcQCXYj6kx2QpX9XpXsP2yeU2-EmEK-hO-oijVpG3kHxA1m9t8fR1jV5YlLVA2US5EQ57dXeUveaQrKX-V-BmT2rncy6cDvL1Wgae6Pb-8yJ/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>In our chapel service today at our office I saw the same hope and determination that I saw on the faces of Maidan last week. That hope was conveyed through the prayers of my Ukrainian friends.<br />
<br />
People are fasting and praying in a way they never have before, and the believers in this nation have been brought to their knees knowing that God is the only way out of this mess.<br />
<br />
Today we asked for forgiveness for previously not being so concerned with Syria, with Thailand and with Venezuela and all that has transpired in those nations. It's amazing how things seem so distant, until they become personal.<br />
<br />
<b>It has become personal in Ukraine. </b><br />
<br />
Throughout my unsettling, slightly stressful, mind wrestling day there is one song I keep humming in my head. It's actually a song that keeps coming to my mind every time I've been in coroporate prayer for this nation in recent weeks.<br />
<br />
I can't really recall the last time I've heard this song sung or even played, but somehow the lyrics seem to be seared into my heart. <b>I think God has put them there for a reason. </b><br />
<br />
<i>’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus</i><br />
<i>Just to take Him at His word;</i><br />
<i>Just to rest upon His promise;</i><br />
<i>Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,</i><br />
<i>How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,</i><br />
<i>Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!</i><br />
<i> O for grace to trust Him more.</i><br />
<br />
<i>O how sweet to trust in Jesus,</i><br />
<i>Just to trust His cleansing blood;</i><br />
<i>Just in simple faith to plunge me,</i><br />
<i>’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,</i><br />
<i>Just from sin and self to cease;</i><br />
<i>Just from Jesus simply taking</i><br />
<i>Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,</i><br />
<i>Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;</i><br />
<i>And I know that Thou art with me,</i><br />
<i>Wilt be with me to the end.</i><br />
<div class="main-content hymn-content lyrics">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
It's easy to focus on the headlines. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
It's easy to give in to stress and worry.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
But it's a choice to trust in Jesus...and take him at his word.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Tonight I'm going to bed making that choice. </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa3CRvmRxy1evck_UII5dfuf_yhxoZCAei6JF0pvSJqS29_HqPygHMqSpkhyliCc1I4JljtvI_LlohSOA6zaExP-OyWPOhfh8KHrTzA6-eTSnXBfDwGQY9VEiKUvcuv4kyFUJlKFW-aXx/s1600/IMG_9716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa3CRvmRxy1evck_UII5dfuf_yhxoZCAei6JF0pvSJqS29_HqPygHMqSpkhyliCc1I4JljtvI_LlohSOA6zaExP-OyWPOhfh8KHrTzA6-eTSnXBfDwGQY9VEiKUvcuv4kyFUJlKFW-aXx/s1600/IMG_9716.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Thank you for praying! </b><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-76019666935216746312014-02-26T23:45:00.000+02:002014-02-27T00:47:56.947+02:00Oh and then there was that day we walked through Yanukovich's home...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiubvcD-b0Fl6EbL_cqwNiN-U6cU5gpeUh66kCHeITdgUzoQGOHOSdgrhKApNCyglyDW-brVx4wnUk7pvmwpNOzlSdqhLgtCnn4fXjr7ZOigZcYDwT4re-YWNzeC3A_2kGmASRkL_q5zBY/s1600/IMG_0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiubvcD-b0Fl6EbL_cqwNiN-U6cU5gpeUh66kCHeITdgUzoQGOHOSdgrhKApNCyglyDW-brVx4wnUk7pvmwpNOzlSdqhLgtCnn4fXjr7ZOigZcYDwT4re-YWNzeC3A_2kGmASRkL_q5zBY/s1600/IMG_0574.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Well I can truly say without a doubt that I NEVER would have anticipated having a post with this title. Let's face it, a lot of things happened in the last week that I never would have anticipated....<b>EVER. </b> Hence the whole 'learning to hold my plans' loosely lesson that is currently a reality.<br />
<br />
The air in Kiev this week seems to hold tension mixed with hope. The streets on Maidan remain full of people in mourning and flower and candle memorials are stewn about the streets as far as the eye can see. It is clear that no one is packing their bags to go home yet. There is also unrest in the southern part of the country (Crimea) as the pro-Russian part of the region stands strong against the pro-Ukraine Crimean Tar-tars. It is an interesting time to say the least.<br />
<br />
<b>So now back to the title of this post....walking through Yanukovich's home....</b><br />
<br />
Within hours of Viktor Yanukovich fleeing Kiev last Saturday, his home became an instant tourist attraction. After being seized by journalists and members of the EuroMaidan protest group, the grounds of his home quickly became a hot destination in Kiev. Thousands of people toured the property on Saturday alone! It became an overnight sensation and the talk of everyone in town. <br />
<br />
There are many reasons I love my job and the many interesting opportunities it presents! Orphan's Promise <i>(who I work for</i>) is a ministry of CBN, and this past week my dear friend and colleague George Thomas from CBN News has been here to cover the crisis and news developing in Ukraine. My team in Kiev has been helping George with his logistics and he's been kind enough to let me tag along on some of his coverage of the week's events <i>(I'm a groupie at heart)</i>. His press privileges have gotten our little team into a few cool places we might not have otherwise had access to....like the <b>INSIDE</b> of the Yanakovich estate.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What an experience! </b> After-all, its not every day you get to stroll through a vacated President's home...open up his medicine cabinet <i>(you bet I did)</i>, play a song on his grand piano <i>(that was my cousin)</i>, drink coffee out of one of his cups <i>(that was our tour guide), </i>or sit behind his official desk<i> (that was me too)</i>. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxAdBieI7upGUmMpmr7bVToIV-XdRuHUjRqH0ufyzAfuymDVgQO4iJQk6Sn9dKWKSU3jDrOqTZ9GzkixQllgBqlEOLb_6FhLijefhA_Cuprg1faFk2R6qdYtWCTKSnQLO3TqKzIkcnY7R/s1600/yani+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxAdBieI7upGUmMpmr7bVToIV-XdRuHUjRqH0ufyzAfuymDVgQO4iJQk6Sn9dKWKSU3jDrOqTZ9GzkixQllgBqlEOLb_6FhLijefhA_Cuprg1faFk2R6qdYtWCTKSnQLO3TqKzIkcnY7R/s1600/yani+desk.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taking calls for the President while he is MIA</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
People have been describing the home as 'opulent, excessive and ostentatious,' and while I will not be the one to disagree, I cannot say that the actual interior house was all too impressive. Grand, yes, expensive, yes- but in terms of a being the president of a nation, I'm sure there are presidents who boast grander homes. <i>(And yes- I do realize Yanukovich has more than this one!)</i>. <br />
<br />
What baffled my mind most of all was the fact that we were freely walking through a home that only days before had been occupied by the man himself. <br />
I couldn't help but wonder -how quickly did he make his exit strategy?<br />
What is he thinking now, knowing that thousands are traipsing through his grounds....seeing where he slept?<br />
I guess he currently has more important things on his mind...<br />
<br />
What was the most disconcerting or perhaps amusing was the fact that his estate is being guarded by a bunch of young, practically self-appointed kids who had been down on Maidan. One of our 'tour guides' was an 18-year-old- barking orders of what to do and what not to touch (he was sweet though!). It was quite the motley crew running the show. At least they are limiting who they let in the doors. I have to say it is a good thing we were a group of 'upstanding individuals' as the ability to steal small items from the estate would have been quite easy! <i>(Don't worry...we didn't...that's just how my mind works!)</i><br />
<br />
So here is a little more of the inside of the Victor Yanokich's home at Mezhigiria. I'm still pinching myself...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jmFABoBg1W5fz5UgA69bDFui-RpGRtp3R9QR1YB7nqA282xpTlqjBxNuA7rO8HHfH_3sGBGVok61rEMjg_EtgZpDnuwa_iPP4S6v_-ACXIT_cL9Qe3IekoLcoDT6E-G58qV1aa7K_CP2/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jmFABoBg1W5fz5UgA69bDFui-RpGRtp3R9QR1YB7nqA282xpTlqjBxNuA7rO8HHfH_3sGBGVok61rEMjg_EtgZpDnuwa_iPP4S6v_-ACXIT_cL9Qe3IekoLcoDT6E-G58qV1aa7K_CP2/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>George and team filming a stand-up in the living room</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1d-vRYQkTEMQRIJAOiIXt_daouN1xixibu5TrU3bZ6pwdrog_czU7FX7-3MmOkgRrJPvS3UWo2aQBwVnHc94JmegxJ-M_hUxYGmc8gXJJVzx3bcGqqsZoeFs4jDcuyyk5uk-XzfqKvR6/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" height="426" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>billiards anyone?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YIQNpNhHyH6TaDcMibT8OeRMWCq4md1SRJYL5I0XW6NPOlvd4DJDfDF8GPOYEjqEB-4KgFWibgffdLgb9WBZsxzRZY4DHGBvCOJVMY7h92kbW4KIfPrqXEzbgYNQOqqS6-0qE7um9bnI/s1600/IMG_0644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YIQNpNhHyH6TaDcMibT8OeRMWCq4md1SRJYL5I0XW6NPOlvd4DJDfDF8GPOYEjqEB-4KgFWibgffdLgb9WBZsxzRZY4DHGBvCOJVMY7h92kbW4KIfPrqXEzbgYNQOqqS6-0qE7um9bnI/s1600/IMG_0644.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>and a little concert</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HqE1VOpMvtXVp-LmZ55YV9iBZ_pznPvDJ0zXdF0vHFhzk8DlU9HiHwlMuEQDqqrat67ZhxtfFpMeQi5GThkdk2jDYLw5RESe902f1TO0ynjqxCqBhtsJFppXOk-EXs0ala_J22oO7eTp/s1600/IMG_0678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HqE1VOpMvtXVp-LmZ55YV9iBZ_pznPvDJ0zXdF0vHFhzk8DlU9HiHwlMuEQDqqrat67ZhxtfFpMeQi5GThkdk2jDYLw5RESe902f1TO0ynjqxCqBhtsJFppXOk-EXs0ala_J22oO7eTp/s1600/IMG_0678.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our 'guide'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9tQAmUxxFb2zOSIBY284XrQQiJFlwxv5dbHXBTcg-YQNxA5aLaa2s89m_fsyS8406-JMFkBq5d4jTEy2GhHNdKv6ycbT0VVssKrRiwrB8QV7mlr22i92I6y7fpqnj6bzJHraS2ZddQtG/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9tQAmUxxFb2zOSIBY284XrQQiJFlwxv5dbHXBTcg-YQNxA5aLaa2s89m_fsyS8406-JMFkBq5d4jTEy2GhHNdKv6ycbT0VVssKrRiwrB8QV7mlr22i92I6y7fpqnj6bzJHraS2ZddQtG/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL39P0WiSpCiiy4YzKsT_Py4J1tdQYOs96ADh8ng7WxNt2nnl0ArvjTygQveZFoE3SUAyeL8j98lmbWGyZAEsxVpkyKVPQpjDiuW8a-Y1J3Rdw16Z5LOM0ZJsH-QB7hQmC7EhTMQ7bWneS/s1600/IMG_0732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL39P0WiSpCiiy4YzKsT_Py4J1tdQYOs96ADh8ng7WxNt2nnl0ArvjTygQveZFoE3SUAyeL8j98lmbWGyZAEsxVpkyKVPQpjDiuW8a-Y1J3Rdw16Z5LOM0ZJsH-QB7hQmC7EhTMQ7bWneS/s1600/IMG_0732.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXxQlwkn9xj_r4G5ZuacLqrizgIigadYU9QheJ5SbNZPCihDJdGMWo_8q3PXvx9o072AJdOwBGW7Kg7XM6Ln8iv6xi3BkWWb8eYptvUMVrVIAByu7vIVqthoLWUTITU-phrUsDfOqlBH/s1600/IMG_0737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXxQlwkn9xj_r4G5ZuacLqrizgIigadYU9QheJ5SbNZPCihDJdGMWo_8q3PXvx9o072AJdOwBGW7Kg7XM6Ln8iv6xi3BkWWb8eYptvUMVrVIAByu7vIVqthoLWUTITU-phrUsDfOqlBH/s1600/IMG_0737.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>you'd think he could afford to update the bedside phone?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rHdT9IF7Tyrqt8EmqGMX1jezPbt4GrV2gV41IvAzqNJy3rJY2OsPfiDP7AvnAkzyVYRJoj-qvefcFOt2YrTh0Zprq72Ter5w28b-8PVEKnY84naXRvS19HR5d1wxyuRVuLcJjKyLT-RI/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rHdT9IF7Tyrqt8EmqGMX1jezPbt4GrV2gV41IvAzqNJy3rJY2OsPfiDP7AvnAkzyVYRJoj-qvefcFOt2YrTh0Zprq72Ter5w28b-8PVEKnY84naXRvS19HR5d1wxyuRVuLcJjKyLT-RI/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a heavy dose of medicine at hand...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9CAmj1jPhEV0mIfxJ3McpBt9Wld9Bm8YtQUGM1jTLwVpZpz_vqbdLVlqerK8_Mj-tGq5HcxTEnlYk3k_aW-lrCNw2oY5t5lOZ191e34C2g6G4J49EuwjrZ2l6RXNj821lTOrRPmQNGks/s1600/IMG_0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9CAmj1jPhEV0mIfxJ3McpBt9Wld9Bm8YtQUGM1jTLwVpZpz_vqbdLVlqerK8_Mj-tGq5HcxTEnlYk3k_aW-lrCNw2oY5t5lOZ191e34C2g6G4J49EuwjrZ2l6RXNj821lTOrRPmQNGks/s1600/IMG_0750.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>looks like he took all his clothes with him</i> <i>as he ran...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7daNH-nJ_GdZzDfFsy_M3rDihh0RTFxtUQ0WESvcnkRastB6ACcV65XmYWiHiH1_uU-Sw1oW7Jm33bnVFfpRWKd43VVe_kU0hh0sTSQh7mHh9UJbPB6DXKQnZ1JmdBl5dJMa__Av9fV-/s1600/IMG_0622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7daNH-nJ_GdZzDfFsy_M3rDihh0RTFxtUQ0WESvcnkRastB6ACcV65XmYWiHiH1_uU-Sw1oW7Jm33bnVFfpRWKd43VVe_kU0hh0sTSQh7mHh9UJbPB6DXKQnZ1JmdBl5dJMa__Av9fV-/s1600/IMG_0622.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some family finds..</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5S53TnXWdYo2Ia97DoUXYiknrUWkybeTRas8KEiKi4xsOwTjVzGs2WgWVM-wBa6kC00ql4AzTFIvCdzdW7CdC0gfXQvqz1fuN6HrKpCLDwms9cN5xuosyfTpD4aoQ5rasvJjuFtJUMMf/s1600/IMG_0708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5S53TnXWdYo2Ia97DoUXYiknrUWkybeTRas8KEiKi4xsOwTjVzGs2WgWVM-wBa6kC00ql4AzTFIvCdzdW7CdC0gfXQvqz1fuN6HrKpCLDwms9cN5xuosyfTpD4aoQ5rasvJjuFtJUMMf/s1600/IMG_0708.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>he even has his own church....seriously...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYWfEkeHlfihpZYehicRdQ4wbnRq6yCyBwUzgsgryRPHiZWqZ8xUesN77bFBS9qNOTVLi_Ix73K1A9-xaH3Y9Nj8uGJIUG1ULB2pqQgyQczMuYiKCeDpltkrCgEUOZJhPj3AHjAC-4vFL/s1600/IMG_0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYWfEkeHlfihpZYehicRdQ4wbnRq6yCyBwUzgsgryRPHiZWqZ8xUesN77bFBS9qNOTVLi_Ix73K1A9-xaH3Y9Nj8uGJIUG1ULB2pqQgyQczMuYiKCeDpltkrCgEUOZJhPj3AHjAC-4vFL/s1600/IMG_0703.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eSL44r3ldqmemj6WH_A_t9EqpurwmoqwQTA-ZDgrCP-ws2tTKU7sDGLImsjo3tDutNyW0CtimAFRyEgzt2AD1NZlf032ZyFCvFCrSQ5YTTIxAnDer8BD2UAfVGUN1l3SpiGo6savnFaa/s1600/IMG_0710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eSL44r3ldqmemj6WH_A_t9EqpurwmoqwQTA-ZDgrCP-ws2tTKU7sDGLImsjo3tDutNyW0CtimAFRyEgzt2AD1NZlf032ZyFCvFCrSQ5YTTIxAnDer8BD2UAfVGUN1l3SpiGo6savnFaa/s1600/IMG_0710.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKNfnYX9n6chwc3WKsbktg8-R6VGSfx1Kr2P1Q1aqZWBZ-Y_Y0W1jzBo2HZsGSY4eMpPutwDZUC0IWVZYkxmeABWYc2KjgJFX3nalvpsAQ9LxVDReRvBSEGoatHlsSHNy53Bp9RcrE7b5/s1600/IMG_0698.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKNfnYX9n6chwc3WKsbktg8-R6VGSfx1Kr2P1Q1aqZWBZ-Y_Y0W1jzBo2HZsGSY4eMpPutwDZUC0IWVZYkxmeABWYc2KjgJFX3nalvpsAQ9LxVDReRvBSEGoatHlsSHNy53Bp9RcrE7b5/s1600/IMG_0698.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>and an elevator...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVDTQwoo8SK1EjsGJWgvYhbp9fbtFN1jEyvigQFsL5asA5Nala5aurhHvcz5_NVsomxqYR_ZKGA-28sEly3rZLtEdzlZuIu1HB4bz5BDThuIT0WiBsbasjf9lFfVj-EeJnz5U78DxR7m1/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVDTQwoo8SK1EjsGJWgvYhbp9fbtFN1jEyvigQFsL5asA5Nala5aurhHvcz5_NVsomxqYR_ZKGA-28sEly3rZLtEdzlZuIu1HB4bz5BDThuIT0WiBsbasjf9lFfVj-EeJnz5U78DxR7m1/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our guide's coffee break mid-tour</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYvdsfv3MXr13Y6iay3meNLyOtIUWf__wpxlUY-yH-RewFm19C3N53XAY7-ieaT9ea-PfgMgpb8sYqIOnlvEKI4UF09WiUbsy7pvWqdH1zQSYsTeLZrrEykA7MTQfhPfJvX7yR_8hWBEB/s1600/IMG_0794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYvdsfv3MXr13Y6iay3meNLyOtIUWf__wpxlUY-yH-RewFm19C3N53XAY7-ieaT9ea-PfgMgpb8sYqIOnlvEKI4UF09WiUbsy7pvWqdH1zQSYsTeLZrrEykA7MTQfhPfJvX7yR_8hWBEB/s1600/IMG_0794.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>School may be cancelled, but I'd say I took my cousin Gabrielle on a good field trip!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOiPvhQK0wok5_hK9V1ebr-jpf8Kj-7qqkfdggJ2C9iSvJTtVamazPY6iyeq_az7wsdBxLyVcXAZMjIWKSRqDVs3G51uAlIPlgLAeA5Rr8xxZCHV581GA8E43-YD6F_nYUCIh_oyAvZVV/s1600/IMG_0786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOiPvhQK0wok5_hK9V1ebr-jpf8Kj-7qqkfdggJ2C9iSvJTtVamazPY6iyeq_az7wsdBxLyVcXAZMjIWKSRqDVs3G51uAlIPlgLAeA5Rr8xxZCHV581GA8E43-YD6F_nYUCIh_oyAvZVV/s1600/IMG_0786.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Thanks George!! Life is never boring when you are around!</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-9861171560169053302014-02-23T22:35:00.000+02:002014-02-23T22:38:19.012+02:00The Blood of the Martyrs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJlp47ODNEqDAt86jogUWwmOMWvUUDgCP7o4zkqoQ6oTX0k0kHzyGFYtUBe04pFaHJGGnsvPxe0cDBtZz5Vpdx9yESX8VEvpLXE9R2FZsoM7A1zjsfyAzA2Gsb51ZYnJtjC9nBdZgWJ4R/s1600/IMG_0470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJlp47ODNEqDAt86jogUWwmOMWvUUDgCP7o4zkqoQ6oTX0k0kHzyGFYtUBe04pFaHJGGnsvPxe0cDBtZz5Vpdx9yESX8VEvpLXE9R2FZsoM7A1zjsfyAzA2Gsb51ZYnJtjC9nBdZgWJ4R/s1600/IMG_0470.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On Thursday evening I wrote my previous entry with a very heavy heart and a tremendous amount of uncertainty for what would happen next in Kiev. <br />
<br />
However, if you've been following the news you will know that an incredible 48 hours transpired since that Thursday evening when I sat staring blankly at my computer screen. <br />
<br />
In what felt like a script straight out of a riveting Hollywood movie, Saturday February 22nd brought more headlines centered around Ukraine, that if the entire world hadn't been paying attention by Saturday, it was time to wake up. All eyes seemed to be on Ukraine. <br />
<br />
The President went missing.<br />
Yuliya Tymeshenko was freed from prison after 30 months of her 7 year term.<br />
The parliament voted to oust the President.<br />
The Police flee the city. <br />
President's opulent estate is turned into a tourist attaction on the same day he flees. <br />
Thousands flock to Maidan to mourn and pray. <br />
Yuliya Tymeshenko wheel chair bound and only hours out of prison speaks to the crowd.<br />
What was previously more or less a war zone is now filled with thousands of hopeful citizens.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRezCwLmWvf1VfBAiM9YewnI0_7bjtN1GuhRJBp2dBqxHnOD64IhTwcqdpUtjv536buavtsn47VIr7Jcc5G7KbfpTyavKgXWUb40Fl5HlrlXtRUDtn6jod3y1ILcMi_BvLOrOITKkPtE3e/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRezCwLmWvf1VfBAiM9YewnI0_7bjtN1GuhRJBp2dBqxHnOD64IhTwcqdpUtjv536buavtsn47VIr7Jcc5G7KbfpTyavKgXWUb40Fl5HlrlXtRUDtn6jod3y1ILcMi_BvLOrOITKkPtE3e/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><b>Talk about a day to go down in history!!</b><br />
<br />
Today certainly felt like a new day. A day perhaps not of certainty- but a day filled with <b>HOPE.</b><br />
<br />
I've never been more proud of Ukraine then I was today. Walking down Hrushveskovo street, I saw families holding hands on a road that weeks ago was guarded by the Berkut (special forces).<br />
<br />
A road where people lost lives and barricades had been built high. <b>Today it was free.</b><br />
<br />
I saw a toddler wrapped in a Ukrainian flag sitting high a top her father's shoulders in safety. Unaware of all that had transpired, and yet someday the history will be told to her.<br />
<br />
Lives were lost for that little girl's future.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJLoOoqjZQQMrzLdaisvDsw68-7Qe082ULw8bn-gyGSmKQlGshS0v1Fb_d93QeHqJsAYd9H1volBCiS625yqKcQMySD7ER5XogOiKYAqatjehybiFsMSbeq6NVHjK7gy9RWD2i46vi8xO/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJLoOoqjZQQMrzLdaisvDsw68-7Qe082ULw8bn-gyGSmKQlGshS0v1Fb_d93QeHqJsAYd9H1volBCiS625yqKcQMySD7ER5XogOiKYAqatjehybiFsMSbeq6NVHjK7gy9RWD2i46vi8xO/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOunyXz22aemBFV_dG0lzWHc5C1PyMwToFfd0LS9V1TJeXXIGqCGjYBHZdaBO14C9JP4KrETyakBcG7sDbGIAW2IxcX8gVO1vc4DlBcu-boQNspcmDb_Z9yzUr4knHxLfR2lQrAj0TLucu/s1600/IMG_0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOunyXz22aemBFV_dG0lzWHc5C1PyMwToFfd0LS9V1TJeXXIGqCGjYBHZdaBO14C9JP4KrETyakBcG7sDbGIAW2IxcX8gVO1vc4DlBcu-boQNspcmDb_Z9yzUr4knHxLfR2lQrAj0TLucu/s1600/IMG_0383.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I saw tears of people in mourning, lighting candles in memory of those who gave their lives, fighting for ideals of freedom and a nation rid of corrupt leaders. <br />
<br />
I saw faces of relief. You could almost hear people breathing deeply.<br />
<br />
There was courtesy in the air-- a love and respect of fellow man and people considering others before themselves.<br />
<br />
It blows my mind that today, only three days after blood was spilled
on these streets, the nation came out by the thousands to survey the
ruin and to remember. <br />
<br />
Prayers were spoken from the main
stage. There was repentance! There was praising of God and thanking
God for all he had done! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuatrPOkHkzYrgiIf4P_35ypd7KxakIOqz6F7EU6Zl9LeX5-9h9dVywFkFvufKR6FoSmWF01CXw2SlzEZnfjeivMFujqOAtAiRKEvGNlIZ3BN3aiNTOxaLlBO7c1QRqOlGtSEnWsT3jZqW/s1600/IMG_0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuatrPOkHkzYrgiIf4P_35ypd7KxakIOqz6F7EU6Zl9LeX5-9h9dVywFkFvufKR6FoSmWF01CXw2SlzEZnfjeivMFujqOAtAiRKEvGNlIZ3BN3aiNTOxaLlBO7c1QRqOlGtSEnWsT3jZqW/s1600/IMG_0302.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ba3Z2yY6HAIyQi-bpWG8dg_aVGW6w_5eR_NleTv20ulfZ21FuCfz3Bwo1p_okFup9-TZG4Xn-p803MI513bM-O-J9L143A4XBvJa_WExN6Wa27AEXlFyadaOaOZnLTX7t2dl0I6sbHtn/s1600/IMG_0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ba3Z2yY6HAIyQi-bpWG8dg_aVGW6w_5eR_NleTv20ulfZ21FuCfz3Bwo1p_okFup9-TZG4Xn-p803MI513bM-O-J9L143A4XBvJa_WExN6Wa27AEXlFyadaOaOZnLTX7t2dl0I6sbHtn/s1600/IMG_0552.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As I walked the streets today and saw rubble stacked high and candles lit in remembrance, there was one song that kept running through my head.<br />
<br />
When I had been down in this area a few weeks ago I was reminded of the song from <i>Les Miserable,</i> "<i>Do You Hear the People Sing</i>"-- especially because of all the revolutionary style barricades built meters high. During those days I kept humming, <i>'do you hear the people sing, singing the songs of angry men...."</i><br />
<br />
But today, in-light of this past week's spilled blood, a different line of the song was brought to my mind...it's at the very end of the song and goes like this:<br />
<br />
<i>Will you give all you can give<br />
So that our banner may advance<br />
Some will fall and some will live<br />
Will you stand up and take your chance?<br />
The blood of the martyrs<br />
Will water the meadows of France!</i><br />
<br />
<b>The blood of the martyrs. </b><br />
The blood of the martyrs indeed.<br />
<br />
That is what I felt today. That the 100+ lives lost were not lost in vain. That it is the blood of those martyrs that will water the meadows of Ukraine. Oh Lord, let it be so. <br />
<br />
I know Ukraine has a long road ahead of her, and only part of the
victory against corruption has been won. <b>But today my prayer is that
the pages of history that were written this week will be the foundation for a new
chapter for this nation. </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OymlJgcmkO1XCoB5VRzxpBRY3LnmrYX-QUUOS4VDcZkqAhfT3dJrcRTnWjULryYdBL4eJsIq3i-iLQUYVBS44M1IauqFNggleqV8YGwh6lMG7wjorZZmCnlZc2eFHLr0dqE_RUIPAtx9/s1600/IMG_0559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OymlJgcmkO1XCoB5VRzxpBRY3LnmrYX-QUUOS4VDcZkqAhfT3dJrcRTnWjULryYdBL4eJsIq3i-iLQUYVBS44M1IauqFNggleqV8YGwh6lMG7wjorZZmCnlZc2eFHLr0dqE_RUIPAtx9/s1600/IMG_0559.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEvLUe6DknF-F4HFRJhSto4z8f5XJGB-pFIC16r95b5vtiigb0ZpEVnc4waKq0K92plHw2x0qAzy96cpM2QhnWmccp4Wb-62JYm_NKcs6O3PtxBTofZ3TfqN1AugbJYoOeZrnRcuBpAPm/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEvLUe6DknF-F4HFRJhSto4z8f5XJGB-pFIC16r95b5vtiigb0ZpEVnc4waKq0K92plHw2x0qAzy96cpM2QhnWmccp4Wb-62JYm_NKcs6O3PtxBTofZ3TfqN1AugbJYoOeZrnRcuBpAPm/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" height="640" width="398" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUwSRo0gRKzYGBSwYG3cJ-46XcfXN_i2V0lAuJYmQ3oLuJgf6L2cIKPX4nzbXiaVhGK98keIT1H6cNvEJzJfFlRFE9RmQoyQn1O3Z7KGTU8dFkGKVrKILWHz7ta6LUU92j8-cRBlnkuj8/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUwSRo0gRKzYGBSwYG3cJ-46XcfXN_i2V0lAuJYmQ3oLuJgf6L2cIKPX4nzbXiaVhGK98keIT1H6cNvEJzJfFlRFE9RmQoyQn1O3Z7KGTU8dFkGKVrKILWHz7ta6LUU92j8-cRBlnkuj8/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" height="640" width="426" /> </a><br />
<br />
With hope for the future of Ukraine and with gratitude for all that God has done, <br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-19753666825339481212014-02-20T18:52:00.001+02:002014-02-20T18:59:08.860+02:00Certainty in the midst of an uncertain time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEMPBbM7v3BhhhqfeY0TvOOEE4wHDNMgOTP0PR-bmm4VIYwniQBAaRw0Y5MILdbYCiQe5nm0GC0UsHsXw-IgC_NcMFrWAHt6sXOoP_0PrOK9VMxyqunhBELxQeKeyvwfMjfdLErQ2es_g/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEMPBbM7v3BhhhqfeY0TvOOEE4wHDNMgOTP0PR-bmm4VIYwniQBAaRw0Y5MILdbYCiQe5nm0GC0UsHsXw-IgC_NcMFrWAHt6sXOoP_0PrOK9VMxyqunhBELxQeKeyvwfMjfdLErQ2es_g/s1600/pic1.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tuesday night (from internet)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNbbXB7hVzO1-6CxIz2Rl5gp2YX-ctSOw3Gt338WSmZXKIrz2RJEux3gV5jPmHoqNG0Qno99LdWPGAWrarV0hKjRGoxkt5ahi0nYoXEFVeDEmEBL0TumXzOkviieVxJy1f_x3xVk8x2_m/s1600/IMG_9278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNbbXB7hVzO1-6CxIz2Rl5gp2YX-ctSOw3Gt338WSmZXKIrz2RJEux3gV5jPmHoqNG0Qno99LdWPGAWrarV0hKjRGoxkt5ahi0nYoXEFVeDEmEBL0TumXzOkviieVxJy1f_x3xVk8x2_m/s1600/IMG_9278.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>just a few weeks ago</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1e2lfzmlV87G0oPG7Ozd_1GVcx1b-oUGjhMc8Jjd-D0XxMUTw6f1mKn_Rq3UXMMkkgJhAjiMkFClNBQizny_5CWyZfjIyCi0NQ55FlKlCAiUlS44afDlmDsX0SkVlO0ope1pORFD5TO9/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1e2lfzmlV87G0oPG7Ozd_1GVcx1b-oUGjhMc8Jjd-D0XxMUTw6f1mKn_Rq3UXMMkkgJhAjiMkFClNBQizny_5CWyZfjIyCi0NQ55FlKlCAiUlS44afDlmDsX0SkVlO0ope1pORFD5TO9/s1600/pic2.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 days ago (photo from internet)</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Really at a loss of words on this whole situation in Kiev. To think I was down on freedom square just a week or so ago taking pictures in what was then a peaceful protest.<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday everything changed.</b> With a sudden out-break of violence and over 20 deaths on Tuesday alone it was clear that we were facing conflict at a new level. I remained in disbelief--it felt surreal. I had really thought the worst of it was over in January.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday public transportation (namely the subway) was shut down completely and today we've entered into day 3 of what feels like a city shut-down, as this city fully depends on underground transit to get to and from work.<br />
<br />
Today began the panic of the possibility of the government instituting a state of emergency-- which would mean a full shut down of cell phones, internet, city life, etc. There was a run on grocery stores and gas stations today that I witnessed as well. Everyone wanting to make sure they have a week's supply of food. <br />
<br />
Most news sources are pegging this as an east/west conflict or saying that this is a civil war. In reality this is about the Ukrainian people reacting to their corrupt government and demanding for a change and to be heard. In my opinion this is not a civil war. This is the government killing it's own citizens who were peacefully protesting. It's not the common people vs. the common people-- that would be a civil war. <br />
<br />
I've been spending way too much time online and watching
the TV news reports. I am overwhelmed by the numbers I'm seeing and reading...one
site saying that perhaps 100 people were killed today alone. I can't wrap my mind around that. 100 lives. 100 people that belong to someone. Literally
only 2 miles from where I am now. It is surreal to wrap my mind around.<br />
<br />
I admit I've been spending more time reading fear inducing articles then on my knees praying-- as I keep asking others to do. I think I just feel helpless...and so I just sit stuck in front of my computer screen. The situation also causes you to feel like you are trapped in limbo. There are so many plans that have been put on hold, so many uncertainties for what will happen next. Do we keep planning and working as normal? Do events planned for next week take place? Do I go forward with travel plans? What about next month? Do we pause and wait? It is a very challenging place to be in.<br />
<br />
If anything this crisis reminds me that we need to hold ALL our plans loosely.<br />
<br />
Most of our lives <i>(especially in the western world</i>) we live as if tomorrow is a guarantee and we make plans as such, probably because we've lived lives that for the most part have proved certain. Yet now more then ever I am reminded of the scripture in James 4 that says <b><span class="reftext"></span>"<i>You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a
vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. <span class="reftext"></span><span class="highl">Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."</span>"</i></b><br />
<br />
Only one thing remains certain today. Jesus is Lord and He alone remains our hope in the midst of the panic and confusion that the world is screaming over the airwaves. I have to keep reminding myself of that. My plans are not certain. The future of this nation is not certain. Nothing really is. But Jesus is certain. He remains Lord and in that alone I can find my peace.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. </i></b><i>(Ephesians 6:18)</i><br />
<br />
Time to turn the computer off, and be on my knees for this nation, trusting in a God who alone can bring resolution where people have failed....<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-39861410938671567092014-02-04T12:52:00.002+02:002014-02-04T12:52:19.201+02:00Pictures from EuroMaidan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
2 months without an entry.... oh dear! Is it really February?<br />
<br />
I returned to Ukraine a few weeks ago after 7 weeks in the US, so I guess I'm still coming out of my travel fog and settling back into life.<br />
<br />
Yes, things have been interesting in Kiev with the current political situation and protesting in the city center, an event now known as 'Euromaidan' (<i>Maidan being the main square in the city and Euro emphasizing the direction the protestors wish to lean</i>). Today there are parliamentary hearings that could be quite telling, so in the mean time we just continue to pray and wait to see what will happen next.<br />
<br />
I've gotten a chance to go down to Maidan a couple times and see the crowds that are standing up against the government. Braving sub zero temperatures and frigid wind chills, I honestly don't know how they do it day after day. I've was freezing after just a few hours walking around.<br />
<br />
I moved to Kiev in October 2004, during the famous Orange Revolution, so it is very interesting to be here during this pivotal and historical time yet again-- somewhat remnant of those cold days of protesting back in '04.<br />
<br />
Here are some sights from this last weekend. If only you could smell the smoke that goes along with the images...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkVts9juwgmDzFDlJimPrF2EYmlj7RLF-kKmDw16C4zgNaF5bjg_BMtnKuH3HFEsf436Fu4V8BHq6lDuiBzW7c-07PhwCawJsidp-fpSPbccwwsbiyV0-MPOE05k9B0SWcSaW8jvPmmTc/s1600/IMG_9528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkVts9juwgmDzFDlJimPrF2EYmlj7RLF-kKmDw16C4zgNaF5bjg_BMtnKuH3HFEsf436Fu4V8BHq6lDuiBzW7c-07PhwCawJsidp-fpSPbccwwsbiyV0-MPOE05k9B0SWcSaW8jvPmmTc/s1600/IMG_9528.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi896-BkGy5kfWtkOCk6A4KGEWmyIoflpN77VUHZplxmP42zUr2CRO8Qes0mFcHCsapH4EyBMLXGSR0Y1X7UUt_Egu0X_1ssMb5uBQ0myHzekFQ3obF5JU1XMp5MG2EeUWQEZqfuWkwlvkQ/s1600/IMG_9598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi896-BkGy5kfWtkOCk6A4KGEWmyIoflpN77VUHZplxmP42zUr2CRO8Qes0mFcHCsapH4EyBMLXGSR0Y1X7UUt_Egu0X_1ssMb5uBQ0myHzekFQ3obF5JU1XMp5MG2EeUWQEZqfuWkwlvkQ/s1600/IMG_9598.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxB7o0zMGBw5YduF1eISl_433dYFPGQfavPg1oE3L9CqqX8IT2-6MsKmStrPNzqmPAP65P6DuOTl2-u6MMyVyxL2y6sR_HDHkXojXO-_CwOtp6nPnl6nvasBd6fDFG6WJS2XsuSroBIZ2/s1600/IMG_9677.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxB7o0zMGBw5YduF1eISl_433dYFPGQfavPg1oE3L9CqqX8IT2-6MsKmStrPNzqmPAP65P6DuOTl2-u6MMyVyxL2y6sR_HDHkXojXO-_CwOtp6nPnl6nvasBd6fDFG6WJS2XsuSroBIZ2/s1600/IMG_9677.jpg" height="428" width="640" /> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJwE0Mav9L2T5yPSW_sdAjfLXMwLUGhCwYYBKZlu4dbJTOnXenA9z2klEiD6VhmVOLdp1QH8KsSgwBJ2zDnkaTfn2kBzO77uUxduZsvrlXux0FmWDQhy0sh8R2eGGw38EFOwv0Qmv4HHD/s1600/IMG_9562.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJwE0Mav9L2T5yPSW_sdAjfLXMwLUGhCwYYBKZlu4dbJTOnXenA9z2klEiD6VhmVOLdp1QH8KsSgwBJ2zDnkaTfn2kBzO77uUxduZsvrlXux0FmWDQhy0sh8R2eGGw38EFOwv0Qmv4HHD/s1600/IMG_9562.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2umHqdB1faiwjL1r-VUpbst2hovpqN484K45peBcoC9JdihWXLZXzIyqd5fIdyRGCi11pD1so5j6HfeSXFlxA5sf8W2CghD1zyiSabEc__j5TPUWRBhxv3Vz-yRP6S3yn7zJt0yoNNLA6/s1600/IMG_9606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2umHqdB1faiwjL1r-VUpbst2hovpqN484K45peBcoC9JdihWXLZXzIyqd5fIdyRGCi11pD1so5j6HfeSXFlxA5sf8W2CghD1zyiSabEc__j5TPUWRBhxv3Vz-yRP6S3yn7zJt0yoNNLA6/s1600/IMG_9606.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAQjlDsJ8LELXvBnaQ6xrRMO3sl56LGv-BlTKDbkAjNOnBoP9K8m57RVFslYZDMeeqyj5PXGTVG-W_wmSPqes7oiNAuqzTrW_jhejMZwKfPeomLcBSzyKZsooRdJnDJePaNdQPAW8_m5r/s1600/IMG_9651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAQjlDsJ8LELXvBnaQ6xrRMO3sl56LGv-BlTKDbkAjNOnBoP9K8m57RVFslYZDMeeqyj5PXGTVG-W_wmSPqes7oiNAuqzTrW_jhejMZwKfPeomLcBSzyKZsooRdJnDJePaNdQPAW8_m5r/s1600/IMG_9651.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdaiQtVPE6zrMLJlEUWrbtkq77bMx3You-5mJNzgw3rYhK9uBjXHVQ8NpEgyjZVZJXexcV41rg73fPo2fyLUEqekQw73uE88NKLTkFtbsu_Q7hkjo2pB0DXJvZdWKjnwiRUmg22h-qTSi/s1600/IMG_9665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdaiQtVPE6zrMLJlEUWrbtkq77bMx3You-5mJNzgw3rYhK9uBjXHVQ8NpEgyjZVZJXexcV41rg73fPo2fyLUEqekQw73uE88NKLTkFtbsu_Q7hkjo2pB0DXJvZdWKjnwiRUmg22h-qTSi/s1600/IMG_9665.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC8UOA5l0lJt2HI-K-RzQLjbAxr0T5LCUAiZVUAwTayIqnuSeE4aTDSzWqasnXPb2eKjdd8z2vONvY4NrIuD0O-JFDbLwGMpQ6fpI7Ty2TBzZ4beLuSrrqbnV_hDJE1bDQZvSzCGKzgW0/s1600/IMG_9501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC8UOA5l0lJt2HI-K-RzQLjbAxr0T5LCUAiZVUAwTayIqnuSeE4aTDSzWqasnXPb2eKjdd8z2vONvY4NrIuD0O-JFDbLwGMpQ6fpI7Ty2TBzZ4beLuSrrqbnV_hDJE1bDQZvSzCGKzgW0/s1600/IMG_9501.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6OQHuTCdOD_WQk5BZ35zi6REBSWfQAl1gGKc55Vs1gZ-mXfZXtUjIYY__FbGQz2TiNGstigOn8LtEJ55N-jyymwiVi2hus_GABWTQDb0g6A8q4igX5bi5uV246SjielpW1KSrRLhlSB4/s1600/IMG_9744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6OQHuTCdOD_WQk5BZ35zi6REBSWfQAl1gGKc55Vs1gZ-mXfZXtUjIYY__FbGQz2TiNGstigOn8LtEJ55N-jyymwiVi2hus_GABWTQDb0g6A8q4igX5bi5uV246SjielpW1KSrRLhlSB4/s1600/IMG_9744.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXmv4vg1cR70iWtxpzOurVfvkvFosRz35ems22upuDxHk_jrDWBAFtKjISkmeDi3AAs3LKyrAHePUjWi_2wqVRciy7_YzaXyodHuU4E80r7upvF5z-hpErOKfKTSM-hH8x96zJuVT_d-Y/s1600/IMG_9285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXmv4vg1cR70iWtxpzOurVfvkvFosRz35ems22upuDxHk_jrDWBAFtKjISkmeDi3AAs3LKyrAHePUjWi_2wqVRciy7_YzaXyodHuU4E80r7upvF5z-hpErOKfKTSM-hH8x96zJuVT_d-Y/s1600/IMG_9285.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOvwKnJxkBD7i7XTrxHl_9M-jPFyyn9FmHHQYzVSz99UzA4Z_uYax7cy8Q1g7ghID_cNMq3NLReoANFZv4vs1tndIhKqX6qBnV1E63ajLBlxiUSCARF4tOsKr_fWOzV6XuBe-sPJqSaA4/s1600/IMG_9278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOvwKnJxkBD7i7XTrxHl_9M-jPFyyn9FmHHQYzVSz99UzA4Z_uYax7cy8Q1g7ghID_cNMq3NLReoANFZv4vs1tndIhKqX6qBnV1E63ajLBlxiUSCARF4tOsKr_fWOzV6XuBe-sPJqSaA4/s1600/IMG_9278.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPENCmokbS0MJmu0nCw6crTAwrhfsp7bCX3Vika9T7ksJEqlonLT_H3fJx85g27mcuQ8eY7g7O96XTSQ805Jw5dANr66daY9iYKrVcTI5XiyiGT2u5cgilmjW844sqhsL_FLv_7U-Gd_8/s1600/IMG_9718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPENCmokbS0MJmu0nCw6crTAwrhfsp7bCX3Vika9T7ksJEqlonLT_H3fJx85g27mcuQ8eY7g7O96XTSQ805Jw5dANr66daY9iYKrVcTI5XiyiGT2u5cgilmjW844sqhsL_FLv_7U-Gd_8/s1600/IMG_9718.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFMRi5Jh6DxiP_j6NZap6n4IcX5DJ2wJVLE-Ei16ixy2oHf1LwKmL7jrQ1tsSo9yxE3GrJOL6a0vikIeizeYkcUAKs73VS_7qL2XWrDaQb81aIHTPYQWuLF1jTewefM2T74nF7OGpKT4c/s1600/IMG_9786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFMRi5Jh6DxiP_j6NZap6n4IcX5DJ2wJVLE-Ei16ixy2oHf1LwKmL7jrQ1tsSo9yxE3GrJOL6a0vikIeizeYkcUAKs73VS_7qL2XWrDaQb81aIHTPYQWuLF1jTewefM2T74nF7OGpKT4c/s1600/IMG_9786.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndPLSZ0LVGIlxmUE-uCvOUjty6B_21FY1Ls0a4NQUxxqg0Y3Z9a_wVYCIac_gGMGnNpOFlsui_e9OdgbX3LtVazXGHWQydZxN1Xm4Ge3yFHc3frbOeQ9TefhixU5C78nUodxmRRRGhQGA/s1600/IMG_9772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndPLSZ0LVGIlxmUE-uCvOUjty6B_21FY1Ls0a4NQUxxqg0Y3Z9a_wVYCIac_gGMGnNpOFlsui_e9OdgbX3LtVazXGHWQydZxN1Xm4Ge3yFHc3frbOeQ9TefhixU5C78nUodxmRRRGhQGA/s1600/IMG_9772.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA0j7NlMWr3jWhsMIIL-k2DhiOdz3ENPrC9gGFYEm8mOFr10zt-yoTNtGXsiPUw1wwS8vnGsmOYzXXI7C7PWuHtxkHbStWQVgOksDyn-eMBJIVbc2Ij1OTIyJF_JI3rFH2DN3VY1GjFCr/s1600/IMG_9798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA0j7NlMWr3jWhsMIIL-k2DhiOdz3ENPrC9gGFYEm8mOFr10zt-yoTNtGXsiPUw1wwS8vnGsmOYzXXI7C7PWuHtxkHbStWQVgOksDyn-eMBJIVbc2Ij1OTIyJF_JI3rFH2DN3VY1GjFCr/s1600/IMG_9798.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxUnfKNW2-OYHigoJ1ccQ3uh_n_wgPeTkC5s-DlWyXMPjfX0aJ2CTdyLMfY4TmVGbk_opwoQqb89OTyaixftQCS6l0ikBx3OG8xBfmZxH0nhBqy2YVbiwAASDpeLMJUB39N_aXjVfHVxV/s1600/IMG_9820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxUnfKNW2-OYHigoJ1ccQ3uh_n_wgPeTkC5s-DlWyXMPjfX0aJ2CTdyLMfY4TmVGbk_opwoQqb89OTyaixftQCS6l0ikBx3OG8xBfmZxH0nhBqy2YVbiwAASDpeLMJUB39N_aXjVfHVxV/s1600/IMG_9820.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>Please continue to pray for Ukraine and for peace and freedom in this nation.</b></i><br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-17984074479336621072013-12-05T22:14:00.000+02:002013-12-05T22:34:34.784+02:00Performing in Colorado this Christmas season...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxep_zFuHy87e_vad_18IK6oVi25RhzpeI4aimPgteahV6Xf6JfEVrKkLUlFBDzLUYaIRdLCnwdaAe0L3T7cm8xn7NxBx4-dQrGM_l_0DiDnwh8ZN7IfxhCcm3uHO9sJBzSAkfDPdm48ey/s1600/ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxep_zFuHy87e_vad_18IK6oVi25RhzpeI4aimPgteahV6Xf6JfEVrKkLUlFBDzLUYaIRdLCnwdaAe0L3T7cm8xn7NxBx4-dQrGM_l_0DiDnwh8ZN7IfxhCcm3uHO9sJBzSAkfDPdm48ey/s640/ad.jpg" width="640" /></a> <i><b>Don't miss the remaining chances to see this amazing performance!</b></i></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.usercontent
{mso-style-name:usercontent;}
@page Section1
{size:595.0pt 842.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:35.4pt;
mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 6:30 PM – <a href="http://bethelrussianchurch.org/" target="_blank">Bethel Russian Church</a> ( Mississippi Avenue Baptist Church)Aurora <br />
Friday, Dec. 6 @ 5:00 & 7:00PM – <a href="http://graceplace.org/" target="_blank">Grace Place</a>, Berthoud, CO<br />
Sunday, Dec. 8 @ 6:00PM – <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=110298455671707&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="http://www.graceconnect.com/" target="_blank">Grace Community Church</a>, Johnstown, CO<br />
Tuesday, Dec. 10 @ 6:30PM – <a href="http://www.mvcglenwood.org/" target="_blank" title="Mountain View">Mountain View Church</a>, Glenwood Springs, CO<br />
Wednesday, Dec. 11 @ 6:30 PM – <a href="http://www.cccbasalt.com/" target="_blank">Christ Community Church</a>, Basalt, CO<br />
Friday, Dec 13 @ 5:00PM & 7:00PM – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/impactwp" target="_blank">Impact Christian Church</a>, Woodland Park, CO<br />
Sunday, Dec 15<em id="__mceDel"><em id="__mceDel"> @</em></em> 6:00PM – <a href="http://timberlinewindsor.org/" target="_blank" title="Timberline Windsor">Timberline Church</a>, Windsor, CO<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The tale of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Russian Shoemaker</i>, based on the
short story (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shoemaker Martin</i>) by Leo
Tolstoy, has been traveling to stages across the US since 2003.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under the direction of our CBN Orphan’s
Promise team in Kiev, a group of orphans has traveled to the US each Christmas to
share this heartwarming production and to raise awareness about orphans in
Ukraine. </span>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a result of
the performances and children traveling to America, countless families have
been motivated to consider adoption and many children who once played orphans
on stage are now in loving families. Many of these children are actually right here in Colorado! In fact last night I had dinner with 2 girls who traveled with our team to Virginia and Colorado in 2007! Now they are in an amazing family in Longmont, Colorado-- a family they met because of the tour.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjP7TUl0P6Tudv8jH3D6_s27Rx7r4kFNAc3pCXzePcpx2YGL_EBYOieKzfS-ybISl6dyJOjHio4HkVP6-mLILUtbSkJdmHc5Lkr642lhpbn9sfZjNnTS7FTVMUT4kP9-AtSDUjhRtbGCP/s1600/randL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjP7TUl0P6Tudv8jH3D6_s27Rx7r4kFNAc3pCXzePcpx2YGL_EBYOieKzfS-ybISl6dyJOjHio4HkVP6-mLILUtbSkJdmHc5Lkr642lhpbn9sfZjNnTS7FTVMUT4kP9-AtSDUjhRtbGCP/s640/randL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Picture on the left was last night, picture on the right was when they were 11 and 12 in 2007!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Th</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">e production
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shoemaker</i> first made its way to
Colorado in 2006. Clarke and Kris Stoesz of Berthoud (who are now dear friends) had already adopted 3
children from Ukraine, so when they learned about the show they were quick to
get involved and even hosted some of the Ukrainian team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They were so challenged by the message of the show and caring for orphans that they started their own non-profit- Ukraine Orphan Outreach- which has been at work serving orphans in Ukraine ever since!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYTfUlI3NZYSMHWhcvehfEugJ3nA89pJaFZ-gAWB46So4SDtktLjsSMP1dzBgCgJ6IbDJ9BSdsWy9niaWP2-F158QJbHCTmpc72lpNsG59G0Cr2Fg_FLDM-9Bn5DBPzcpGTNeDOJOOC7G/s1600/shoemaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYTfUlI3NZYSMHWhcvehfEugJ3nA89pJaFZ-gAWB46So4SDtktLjsSMP1dzBgCgJ6IbDJ9BSdsWy9niaWP2-F158QJbHCTmpc72lpNsG59G0Cr2Fg_FLDM-9Bn5DBPzcpGTNeDOJOOC7G/s640/shoemaker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, 7 years
later, Orphan’s Promise is partnering with Ukraine Orphan Outreach to bring the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shoemaker</i> back to Colorado!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year we've brought 7 children and 7 adults to take part in the production. With 12 performances in churches
throughout the state, there is no doubt that lives will be touched by this Christmas story. The performances serve as a wonderful opportunity to share
about the needs of Ukrainian orphans and to also highlight the wonderful work
being done by UOO and Orphan’s Promise in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdxllh0dsk72zcrAbl45ugodLKyq3wdAjpLni0yQrld1k7Fzji0nbM9gq597snu7GKKRMpLiG8z2Ebe7tCTy2RdRvaiiwaDo_Ocb2FcHPDc32ONjnZVGumrxSyfKi0D6gEOUpPtOWpJRa/s1600/revised+shoemaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdxllh0dsk72zcrAbl45ugodLKyq3wdAjpLni0yQrld1k7Fzji0nbM9gq597snu7GKKRMpLiG8z2Ebe7tCTy2RdRvaiiwaDo_Ocb2FcHPDc32ONjnZVGumrxSyfKi0D6gEOUpPtOWpJRa/s640/revised+shoemaker.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">If you are in the area we hope to see you at a show!! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-82882178379009613202013-11-20T22:26:00.003+02:002013-11-20T22:28:13.714+02:00Reunions & Relationship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b>I hate goodbyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No question about it.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I do love hellos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx5zYD76KozfrXCNeHhI9gmytZEZCt_3yjzD5e5vhHycOueLsa7kc-z_iZIY_kf7ri8USQcaYPVkL3UJT_eRrKPEaAVHzhoTP8H3MJdhlSwMTm9bI8gZdEdKFjQ-zmxTO-RHgVrB9d37B/s1600/IMG_7694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx5zYD76KozfrXCNeHhI9gmytZEZCt_3yjzD5e5vhHycOueLsa7kc-z_iZIY_kf7ri8USQcaYPVkL3UJT_eRrKPEaAVHzhoTP8H3MJdhlSwMTm9bI8gZdEdKFjQ-zmxTO-RHgVrB9d37B/s640/IMG_7694.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple weeks ago I was able to travel to the orphanage to visit the
kids we took to the states with <b><a href="http://www.windowtohope.com/"><i>Window to Hope</i></a></b> this summer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had brought letters from all the host families and some
small gifts as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sweetest
moment to me was when I laid out the gifts on the floor <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(for them to choose)</i> and handed them their letters at the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d never have known
that candy and toys were lying in the middle of the room; instead each
child was enraptured in reading the letters they had received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could have heard a pin drop as they
each sat there reading, smiles appearing on their faces as they read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I had to remind them
about the presents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWYj6ZKOI8x1V01KFugagyxBFF1eQv4bFeWTlGxwMAjiE4vjIjB9hrVO0J-v2p-eBNukwKDxTiXLdfA3RNEuvsQU6EANUYOmsrFDKXxq3tadD5yl_Sui8zQi689K_4K7quuteLEKhmbBr/s1600/IMG_7451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWYj6ZKOI8x1V01KFugagyxBFF1eQv4bFeWTlGxwMAjiE4vjIjB9hrVO0J-v2p-eBNukwKDxTiXLdfA3RNEuvsQU6EANUYOmsrFDKXxq3tadD5yl_Sui8zQi689K_4K7quuteLEKhmbBr/s640/IMG_7451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicou1HpsQdKvO89grUDiRs0nQ-BVgArufHPctItF-Tl1HlHHsKqLm4t8flAguCwvkSg1SQxjjEa2PEUGCf5hM3_26DVeHJB-d1CSAuGjSQ9JMBkMtf8uSail5DiyZxjv01tZ1ilU-AB-Pu/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicou1HpsQdKvO89grUDiRs0nQ-BVgArufHPctItF-Tl1HlHHsKqLm4t8flAguCwvkSg1SQxjjEa2PEUGCf5hM3_26DVeHJB-d1CSAuGjSQ9JMBkMtf8uSail5DiyZxjv01tZ1ilU-AB-Pu/s640/IMG_7469.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being with these kids reminded me again what
they are hungry for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Relationship.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, kids love candy and kids love stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reality, we all do. Sometimes we
even think that the chocolate bar or the latest gadget will make us happy—just
like these kids. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But at the end of the day, what we really want is to be
known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to know that
someone is thinking about us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
want to know that someone cares about what happens in our day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to know that we are not
forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to know
that we are liked…or even better, loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /> </span><i>We want to know that our life matters to someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After most of the kids filed out of the room where we’d been
hanging out, two of the older girls remained. I sensed the desire for
connection and relationship stronger within these two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to reminisce and remember
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took turns sharing
favorite memories from the summer and funny things that had happened in their
host families, things they missed and things they learned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t really recognize what was happening in that moment
but what I saw taking place was so healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ability to call to mind positive memories and to relive
them helps us form our identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To have shared memory with others is both healing and connecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Relationship is vital.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart breaks when I think of the number of kids in this
country-- no, the amount of kids in this world, who don’t have a relationship
with a healthy adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than
buildings, more than resources, more than clothes and food, kids need
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a simple and
yet timeless message.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It doesn’t matter where you live. There is need in every
city, state and nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who are
the children God has placed closest to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are kids near you that are in desperate need
of relationship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are there if you look up—and
they are needing to know that they are not forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7nnzRGTS3ZUQ4tntxckWGxsVt7U77lyHsb2m-Y8-y3532qvFszbSRM2OL7axeoR7jWVWisrbCFrT40c0cXJ7Q7AroZaqYe5o8ohcMoDXP_mxBqp3JLreUUDD5h0w9wUToRUnMoDhGS7v/s1600/IMG_7458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7nnzRGTS3ZUQ4tntxckWGxsVt7U77lyHsb2m-Y8-y3532qvFszbSRM2OL7axeoR7jWVWisrbCFrT40c0cXJ7Q7AroZaqYe5o8ohcMoDXP_mxBqp3JLreUUDD5h0w9wUToRUnMoDhGS7v/s640/IMG_7458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZjXy18NOcwB0AgjLfJSyQsV2k_ZYCyOlHgvbU1buB6qhanfsrlr3bZxIzt5a93TkHZpoF21WWNQJbwoKAs7dMO57DQFMSf6z7ksH6xQa6hVVBRiHuL5rrkvJ_I3M-B5ZIv1vwI9l7qf4/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZjXy18NOcwB0AgjLfJSyQsV2k_ZYCyOlHgvbU1buB6qhanfsrlr3bZxIzt5a93TkHZpoF21WWNQJbwoKAs7dMO57DQFMSf6z7ksH6xQa6hVVBRiHuL5rrkvJ_I3M-B5ZIv1vwI9l7qf4/s640/IMG_7471.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoT2pmjho1S1F50U2ytyvsIlCa73pnmbvqX3XOb0stFQ7JVZEGeyUVbOI7JXK_g0JTQ2jWOzE4AOyqOWxzo1xe5v1eQeZ6oIgpNOIG8IWSBxmKHu9eS5XFJR5PwJ_uVvzpA4qx0Yi6Cnc/s1600/IMG_7586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoT2pmjho1S1F50U2ytyvsIlCa73pnmbvqX3XOb0stFQ7JVZEGeyUVbOI7JXK_g0JTQ2jWOzE4AOyqOWxzo1xe5v1eQeZ6oIgpNOIG8IWSBxmKHu9eS5XFJR5PwJ_uVvzpA4qx0Yi6Cnc/s640/IMG_7586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /> </span></div>
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-51418493700356828712013-11-14T22:20:00.001+02:002013-11-14T23:51:11.892+02:00Little Women in Bangkok<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yWYFenPk_w6SLs_4qbXWQ3NTzqG76a8qn6FVa-VRCM96wdNPQPbOgbMCo_IvLhj9Afn0YWQb4VarJR_nOWU3YdcxceFEBp4RGnEKdyNTCk87eile4ynavb3r_O6u1Lp-SxdXXoSblve2/s1600/Samantha-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yWYFenPk_w6SLs_4qbXWQ3NTzqG76a8qn6FVa-VRCM96wdNPQPbOgbMCo_IvLhj9Afn0YWQb4VarJR_nOWU3YdcxceFEBp4RGnEKdyNTCk87eile4ynavb3r_O6u1Lp-SxdXXoSblve2/s320/Samantha-25.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">To wrap up my time in Thailand I was able to spend 4 days
with my dear friend Mandy and her family.
The Smiths were missionaries in Kiev in my early days here and we were
in a Bible study together that joined a sweet group of friends--several of us still friends today! Mandy is one amazing mom to 6 of the
sweetest kids I know and is tackling life as mama in the big city of
Bangkok! She is also a talented blogger and photographer who you can follow along at <b><a href="http://www.seventhsmith.blogspot.com/">Seventh Smith</a></b> as she documents their daily Thai adventures.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their family has only been in Thailand for 10 months, so
they are still playing tourist a bit when they get the chance. Mandy is my inspiration! I’ve
always said I want a big family so I loved seeing my friend traipse
through the crazy transport system of Bangkok with all her little ducks in a
row. My tall, beautiful friend,
with 5 darling girls trailing behind her and me trying to lend a helping hand
where I could—I think we made for quite a scene on the Bangkok Train system. Little Women or the Bennett sisters...I'm not sure which!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On this fun outing we left Mandy's only boy with a friend and had a girls day in the city, using 3 modes of transportation and making it to one of the many temple locations. A culture education to say the very least. My lens sure enjoyed all the vibrant colors.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvNNLtnlCGS0MNlj94u1CPGTGovrBT_Qi8AMCYRIgzP_D7qQhhLxiBlEc_a-1Q87d9C6fIzglBCZjvVSs6inL5R3t_dpbYXS_Fata8n1AIzunveCPVrNIt2K2HfAs50Y-abNlJeWOyT2M/s1600/Samantha-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvNNLtnlCGS0MNlj94u1CPGTGovrBT_Qi8AMCYRIgzP_D7qQhhLxiBlEc_a-1Q87d9C6fIzglBCZjvVSs6inL5R3t_dpbYXS_Fata8n1AIzunveCPVrNIt2K2HfAs50Y-abNlJeWOyT2M/s640/Samantha-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsFJSTYsAJScTHvRu0nseBTF5zMjwh7SUir_9Gva4mVcUhE6F6brFLCEiMkazpVTVMyJuydibEE3TfFRCTWBnOTe0utgFtgNq9lL0-8YnhrqEwnGS2oWw-s8Bioc_5tQHOr7m3Mk_LkYz/s1600/smithgirls.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsFJSTYsAJScTHvRu0nseBTF5zMjwh7SUir_9Gva4mVcUhE6F6brFLCEiMkazpVTVMyJuydibEE3TfFRCTWBnOTe0utgFtgNq9lL0-8YnhrqEwnGS2oWw-s8Bioc_5tQHOr7m3Mk_LkYz/s640/smithgirls.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Mandy too is a photographer, so we had fun exchanging
lighting and setting tips and taking pictures of each other in action! And as you can see she has five beautiful little models who are not camera shy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnP4ZFRQiL_MNxGIEaL1ajiLemrA4CconF-NFiFX_ibQl5lCs0ysXtH7osMFB9NgwW9-NuDnDAjl9q4nFNxEmhhnZQKqi-w7xI8iVmvRr_r0E8obo78tuFsJ8485RLeHe7br_9Bbu6sBl/s1600/photographers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnP4ZFRQiL_MNxGIEaL1ajiLemrA4CconF-NFiFX_ibQl5lCs0ysXtH7osMFB9NgwW9-NuDnDAjl9q4nFNxEmhhnZQKqi-w7xI8iVmvRr_r0E8obo78tuFsJ8485RLeHe7br_9Bbu6sBl/s640/photographers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am so grateful for friendship that endures time and
miles—there is something about having shared your life in a place far from home
that unites internationals for life. We had
not seen each other in 5 years and yet we picked up where we left off—enjoying
lots of late night chats and ice cream to catch up on the years we had missed! Such a sweet time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxjKrMjt-YG_9ygvy7rFXFQ-kCXMgHZrwxsdz28Mc_FjDH_tDgmGyzlUSW_wblD7ipGLa0zbNx6pzi3rOFNYtWPGjddZVezDLNrP-0gZLE9BW6hEGJxnyAOoXISPogSyz-4kPoDYmXip_/s1600/temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxjKrMjt-YG_9ygvy7rFXFQ-kCXMgHZrwxsdz28Mc_FjDH_tDgmGyzlUSW_wblD7ipGLa0zbNx6pzi3rOFNYtWPGjddZVezDLNrP-0gZLE9BW6hEGJxnyAOoXISPogSyz-4kPoDYmXip_/s640/temple.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjownwQXOHdG4OGUik46tPAbR27qNEhLvHgeak3qxNlzmpxyR3d7JY_AmUHwbHztQwvjOcZUEGYI3wkXO86QI0zhjFQlU5Z6ajU_qDn42tYKjb4qBGcaYeXIZuJBjiyh1niqiyCtlHweHzT/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjownwQXOHdG4OGUik46tPAbR27qNEhLvHgeak3qxNlzmpxyR3d7JY_AmUHwbHztQwvjOcZUEGYI3wkXO86QI0zhjFQlU5Z6ajU_qDn42tYKjb4qBGcaYeXIZuJBjiyh1niqiyCtlHweHzT/s640/IMG_6323.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgRkTqdI4Kr7ZxQ4Dhw4SyXV77ysBlYbmq6jK8FloFdQb7nxny_Dlv8GJBazMXOvdzAqtFpnUSUfB5VDnpIU03t8uP5qTfsfix6E9WvsNT0s8bLvlHaeplt33wkYf9gKbiU1zwwG77Bpa/s1600/Samantha-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgRkTqdI4Kr7ZxQ4Dhw4SyXV77ysBlYbmq6jK8FloFdQb7nxny_Dlv8GJBazMXOvdzAqtFpnUSUfB5VDnpIU03t8uP5qTfsfix6E9WvsNT0s8bLvlHaeplt33wkYf9gKbiU1zwwG77Bpa/s640/Samantha-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8ZQEwx8Ke0NREH4e-b8ySprIXT5pPN6-VwyoC4zTuLODktUXFAlLQbjYyF7HFwEApaVFQ3sMlPhNuiyGuJGyvuGPWpeKM2MuiqC_WSLvlOLeiq1UZfE2qZznNwkt7K_9TtOVtV2F6Ujg/s1600/Samantha-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8ZQEwx8Ke0NREH4e-b8ySprIXT5pPN6-VwyoC4zTuLODktUXFAlLQbjYyF7HFwEApaVFQ3sMlPhNuiyGuJGyvuGPWpeKM2MuiqC_WSLvlOLeiq1UZfE2qZznNwkt7K_9TtOVtV2F6Ujg/s640/Samantha-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9NThvCdF5mrYLowcxY_5OzhCY8g6DC1Rc7J6yFE4fKnRng3LjsX8m2CvxFHQUKCCs9DNEjMycgUXrMnUliTBufJAvFnGFWcMwuYvj-GlNrEPTa8pUqEdOGyZmuMehDLeJJbnfLQ9GLfE/s1600/Samantha-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9NThvCdF5mrYLowcxY_5OzhCY8g6DC1Rc7J6yFE4fKnRng3LjsX8m2CvxFHQUKCCs9DNEjMycgUXrMnUliTBufJAvFnGFWcMwuYvj-GlNrEPTa8pUqEdOGyZmuMehDLeJJbnfLQ9GLfE/s640/Samantha-27.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBVnWErvTJctRVUotaXaZE-IJSZePncI_dg5fMIdVOe039-vvH6o0t_avbiQoinCAQn3ek7JbG1C0f-f7xBy_SIja-ImIWFNxlf4D8wA_zqZbZxWxuKKlWPwyTVgDV-s8NQ03nr1Ku3d0/s1600/IMG_7365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBVnWErvTJctRVUotaXaZE-IJSZePncI_dg5fMIdVOe039-vvH6o0t_avbiQoinCAQn3ek7JbG1C0f-f7xBy_SIja-ImIWFNxlf4D8wA_zqZbZxWxuKKlWPwyTVgDV-s8NQ03nr1Ku3d0/s640/IMG_7365.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujLTQbNFg9DMGg5H4T3ISDCx_1epxrym-z04xSrdeE73GW2YQE-AGuJGjhLGDidvwKTtaJ_Py1El5s7tUWO-AoVAAMf-2GYGKnH-uSA7lidW2abeJ6gJI0pAVQBDWmsOuVv-1aCyeXoYO/s1600/evvy.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujLTQbNFg9DMGg5H4T3ISDCx_1epxrym-z04xSrdeE73GW2YQE-AGuJGjhLGDidvwKTtaJ_Py1El5s7tUWO-AoVAAMf-2GYGKnH-uSA7lidW2abeJ6gJI0pAVQBDWmsOuVv-1aCyeXoYO/s640/evvy.jpg.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZbyiLER6g7r26V0gOn8uajPfxQYBtlEm8qdtBTedHERaNrt8McV3sKxVQbRvMJ0Ap4IwZee5G2UAo841b3lbXXLSkFlq9bHN_U5QwGz6K8H1OKlh4H2exGd25Trez0JFU-MK9K8Xh1OM/s640/Samantha-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the largest 'lying Buddha'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm51hKZXMxQTcwosYqIB79hhVUyMSzg1Ov7SOMBrZL7khyphenhyphenGCFNIbKrNnOXXEdnFl5U7S8O2saaaldZZtvwua2eRqWJwGdbq0pABJFj9ZBNLQMLY3wxY4-fjNHMdq_CZKf_vRP4r9foXWI/s1600/Samantha-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm51hKZXMxQTcwosYqIB79hhVUyMSzg1Ov7SOMBrZL7khyphenhyphenGCFNIbKrNnOXXEdnFl5U7S8O2saaaldZZtvwua2eRqWJwGdbq0pABJFj9ZBNLQMLY3wxY4-fjNHMdq_CZKf_vRP4r9foXWI/s640/Samantha-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZC04SCxcVDtLuiryh09l645F6Go0EBa3V8eq32hxYae3fPROJywWMFkzHVOXYa7SCH3bihzdPZxIvT_5WhHlOE6-nfR6_bAavlnQ_Y3rEzUxYuzpJa_825EYYra9A8MWQI6UR0BAtQj6/s1600/Samantha-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZC04SCxcVDtLuiryh09l645F6Go0EBa3V8eq32hxYae3fPROJywWMFkzHVOXYa7SCH3bihzdPZxIvT_5WhHlOE6-nfR6_bAavlnQ_Y3rEzUxYuzpJa_825EYYra9A8MWQI6UR0BAtQj6/s640/Samantha-4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerz5lH8pYd5F51N7dHHFcukIZpn4Yfo9ivd8zQg7ynYWrGtFhRBpqGV7JHOyEtIjxdb726dFFzQCSc6j0T99G0NIPIxgTeq4JU9QV1gTyq64UcLUEiOxYwLklZ-ZbTM92inhoNDejkFRt/s1600/Samantha-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerz5lH8pYd5F51N7dHHFcukIZpn4Yfo9ivd8zQg7ynYWrGtFhRBpqGV7JHOyEtIjxdb726dFFzQCSc6j0T99G0NIPIxgTeq4JU9QV1gTyq64UcLUEiOxYwLklZ-ZbTM92inhoNDejkFRt/s640/Samantha-23.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We became good 'fwends' on the many tuk tuk rides around the city!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWZrMcdEK62UsDi8H2GUDWidpJk502o0wxF27QMUMcRllorg1emORO_ftx3fRTNZi7v7MIOXX16Aq9p13Q7yKwRbBCJNuQGz9LLB9Xr1tpzLBmp775YesZotHUUY76cs56Ihp4tWzVKnA/s1600/Samantha-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWZrMcdEK62UsDi8H2GUDWidpJk502o0wxF27QMUMcRllorg1emORO_ftx3fRTNZi7v7MIOXX16Aq9p13Q7yKwRbBCJNuQGz9LLB9Xr1tpzLBmp775YesZotHUUY76cs56Ihp4tWzVKnA/s640/Samantha-28.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Little miss fashion diva!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg6NdjsAG02rSy0r5QT8UxLeqiwUJykdSPPcqZCYbmmtNkFyNikBAIvTB1ZWP4wcYvLG9ZVgBhwG1CHdAQlnhFftOmtPb1Lv7gsasJ7Wefr01oaEu3-Rch__ffi5jrrPT4Ea212DQKneA/s1600/Samantha-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg6NdjsAG02rSy0r5QT8UxLeqiwUJykdSPPcqZCYbmmtNkFyNikBAIvTB1ZWP4wcYvLG9ZVgBhwG1CHdAQlnhFftOmtPb1Lv7gsasJ7Wefr01oaEu3-Rch__ffi5jrrPT4Ea212DQKneA/s640/Samantha-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Thanks Smiths for an amazing time in Bangkok!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Never fun to say goodbye...but I hope to </span>be back soon! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-72650320786871950322013-11-11T23:08:00.001+02:002013-11-11T23:08:47.213+02:00Lions & Tigers & Elephants...Oh My!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSWh7R4_PB3MLMi0ZhyphenhyphenDzD71e1VGmSx5plJSNSBPxenApcG-O0BHaPmyndVYVcNFYiz8-3Pny133M8G5fLtxDZLQCES041MlID4_CgLqHVPGgAxQjlkEQQ1dvBDlAvqcvtzx9hl8__Iqt/s1600/IMG_6974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSWh7R4_PB3MLMi0ZhyphenhyphenDzD71e1VGmSx5plJSNSBPxenApcG-O0BHaPmyndVYVcNFYiz8-3Pny133M8G5fLtxDZLQCES041MlID4_CgLqHVPGgAxQjlkEQQ1dvBDlAvqcvtzx9hl8__Iqt/s640/IMG_6974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in Thailand for a conference <i>(see previous post)</i> and to visit and learn
from our Orphan's Promise office in Chiangmai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>BUT after work was over, I had to make some time for play too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I can say hands down that the highlight of this part of my trip was
TIGER KINGDOM!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFhtr0X00iyUPUNsptii4f6sbZuicy0pr1Zlry3V7HaPzpaILrh4BdUdA8WwN_5jha2oR_AtFG7LY0WUQ_J296WxvwEGTSr-rjCGYdNI3NXnxxDT_oQDeNyF2sNlo-HC9rt8ZyXxeXed3/s1600/IMG_7028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFhtr0X00iyUPUNsptii4f6sbZuicy0pr1Zlry3V7HaPzpaILrh4BdUdA8WwN_5jha2oR_AtFG7LY0WUQ_J296WxvwEGTSr-rjCGYdNI3NXnxxDT_oQDeNyF2sNlo-HC9rt8ZyXxeXed3/s640/IMG_7028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After my time with the tigers I learned that everyone apparently has a
secret desire to snuggle with a baby tiger, as the facebook pictures I posted
gathered more likes then any pictures I’ve ever posted and seemed to evoke
comments of envy from friends and acquaintances alike! Who knew everyone wants
to touch a tiger?! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will say that when my <a href="http://www.celebratelifewithus.com/2012/12/fur-baby-heaven-day-4.html"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">friend Karen posted pictures of her time at Tiger Kingdom a year ago</b></a>, I too had
that tinge of jealously rise up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a closet cat lover I definitely had secret desires to play with a tamer
version of a tiger—and so added Chiangmai to the bucket list.<i> (I just didn’t
realize I’d get to make it only a year later!)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will admit that even in their 4-month old form these
beauties are a little intimidating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it was the bite marks that I saw on the trainer’s hand, or the
signs that were posted about not making and ‘sudden movements’ and not touching
the head of the tiger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's just say I was still feeling a little nervous, despite the smile on my
face. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPgdu2LKKQg5yvn8CB9aYeEfNtaLC4JLW7TFEn0l7uU_MMs4-cIrsPXzeo-RfI2eSo3pnuheJmHiKfLZP57oGUb9Td5p1l2i2cEtE_ZcXWGcfk6vsUFdGuYNKBxph3JgT0_aoSAPuqkyk/s1600/tigerbabes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPgdu2LKKQg5yvn8CB9aYeEfNtaLC4JLW7TFEn0l7uU_MMs4-cIrsPXzeo-RfI2eSo3pnuheJmHiKfLZP57oGUb9Td5p1l2i2cEtE_ZcXWGcfk6vsUFdGuYNKBxph3JgT0_aoSAPuqkyk/s640/tigerbabes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UYTrzSLJbIdJq6Hbv3kWjOmjhZiVMpBXdZbO73sEoys1yHBidyM_KD27x0zWX2z18i3y-jGg4uX-BpenQ0TGMzgkuI6pmqThScIZiLVL0UghE2Tf2QMBAxu_-vLAsEt7xLy3l3uOtD8T/s1600/IMG_6865.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UYTrzSLJbIdJq6Hbv3kWjOmjhZiVMpBXdZbO73sEoys1yHBidyM_KD27x0zWX2z18i3y-jGg4uX-BpenQ0TGMzgkuI6pmqThScIZiLVL0UghE2Tf2QMBAxu_-vLAsEt7xLy3l3uOtD8T/s640/IMG_6865.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were 4 choices at Tiger Kindgom for tiger
visiting….Big, medium, small and smallest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visions of an untimely death and being mauled by a
hungry adult tiger didn’t exactly sound like the best way to end my time in
Thailand, so I played it safe and went with the small and the smallest
tigers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing the big
kitties from the other side of the fence was close enough for me! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicavbwZQ5F-NLqymOhucEIPHOCinIe-8EQvqXE4fZwdklGI1SYat3bywf-ADRSSyYOI_FzS6x0PGqvI8NtWbSSB0fCVUZudiEMbjPdYmqX5McCeX-tXZvkxPZlTyaw6PdwwYvsQq-ffL6R/s1600/IMG_7025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicavbwZQ5F-NLqymOhucEIPHOCinIe-8EQvqXE4fZwdklGI1SYat3bywf-ADRSSyYOI_FzS6x0PGqvI8NtWbSSB0fCVUZudiEMbjPdYmqX5McCeX-tXZvkxPZlTyaw6PdwwYvsQq-ffL6R/s640/IMG_7025.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0s1-2o52adQg8KpQmiN0jOrthBthvaqukCnkjcU_DDH7d2F5smCo6tah0H_jLALVvZTed1xjYEeinLM0GTa2YJRz7snNObksCK_D3LSrUVwuk_wlw3S-pxKTcYekSYKy7EiDH0Q3i8Lis/s1600/IMG_6879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0s1-2o52adQg8KpQmiN0jOrthBthvaqukCnkjcU_DDH7d2F5smCo6tah0H_jLALVvZTed1xjYEeinLM0GTa2YJRz7snNObksCK_D3LSrUVwuk_wlw3S-pxKTcYekSYKy7EiDH0Q3i8Lis/s640/IMG_6879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIa9HHEPmMuaLYZmvqBlZTz2uVxnb-XGRRzhy2oW8HTmNDGykkm7twKQix2Cr18UXIesL5MkuZoSchQzRaMbpH-mKnJbQyLpp8wt9MSoehO4nV4y4xrEOcezsLLBbDWYrwQpBAW0-qmrZ/s1600/IMG_7015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIa9HHEPmMuaLYZmvqBlZTz2uVxnb-XGRRzhy2oW8HTmNDGykkm7twKQix2Cr18UXIesL5MkuZoSchQzRaMbpH-mKnJbQyLpp8wt9MSoehO4nV4y4xrEOcezsLLBbDWYrwQpBAW0-qmrZ/s640/IMG_7015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, they really were sleeping <i>(I was not),</i> yes, they purred, and yes,
the smallest ones were my favorite—the ones deemed ‘small’ <i>(like the one above)</i> were already a bit
too feisty for my liking! (Notice I'm keeping my distance!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I managed to leave with 10 fingers still in tact and some
awesome pictures of my brush with wild life. Thank you Tiger Kingdom!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7fhdzAq9Ey4a70SH6cS4sqY_vBCMxJSQEW2_eiOmlJtVh52dUF84IDKrhMxiIG2pLT0rf3Au7rS6g41RTwZOsOWigbxdDfjkdFYp5D_J1PswWX6f7zp-4lsAZuV75tEsq6ZXfJeRjqt5/s1600/IMG_6943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7fhdzAq9Ey4a70SH6cS4sqY_vBCMxJSQEW2_eiOmlJtVh52dUF84IDKrhMxiIG2pLT0rf3Au7rS6g41RTwZOsOWigbxdDfjkdFYp5D_J1PswWX6f7zp-4lsAZuV75tEsq6ZXfJeRjqt5/s640/IMG_6943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF_jaFI6Yprclfm2LLCsonvdlRCVjL8ruzC6HleXYa_bXCPsbWPuk78GUSBvlLumyJWE65SQlRXig8Ykm5wEfCRhw5hUyT7HlWlYUq7ilL6pUBAAyiYTYwJufSXVLwdFGxa_Y9imt-cm5/s1600/IMG_6958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF_jaFI6Yprclfm2LLCsonvdlRCVjL8ruzC6HleXYa_bXCPsbWPuk78GUSBvlLumyJWE65SQlRXig8Ykm5wEfCRhw5hUyT7HlWlYUq7ilL6pUBAAyiYTYwJufSXVLwdFGxa_Y9imt-cm5/s640/IMG_6958.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxaxF9PW14JszzmhNwKWxSsyQi90R29XrT6Qvax_199AVrlnEk_9Ft7myK6vUdrQ828geY-78PdB1TBfJFjsyLQUcSKx-aiLilPvIZWfzrAIVl3FGtH9MCfDDTFKzSR6OFYOO977MMhoJ/s1600/IMG_6921.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxaxF9PW14JszzmhNwKWxSsyQi90R29XrT6Qvax_199AVrlnEk_9Ft7myK6vUdrQ828geY-78PdB1TBfJFjsyLQUcSKx-aiLilPvIZWfzrAIVl3FGtH9MCfDDTFKzSR6OFYOO977MMhoJ/s640/IMG_6921.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Approach the tiger from behind, that way they not think you want to play....." </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUu-1jB0NP7ooO9OiqtGv5PjqPpZzHggi-nON-Thiz0Xg4IITJhWLrwqnKXGP2c1U_XsbiIqld0tW3KQCyM5bPcKMiI0RMjVDMzbpVncQt44KC-5Kwo4M2bF1uig5o-mTGj3ibZbH3aNi/s1600/IMG_6969.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUu-1jB0NP7ooO9OiqtGv5PjqPpZzHggi-nON-Thiz0Xg4IITJhWLrwqnKXGP2c1U_XsbiIqld0tW3KQCyM5bPcKMiI0RMjVDMzbpVncQt44KC-5Kwo4M2bF1uig5o-mTGj3ibZbH3aNi/s640/IMG_6969.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seeing the big kitties from through the cage was close enough for me :)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The other cool thing to do in Chiang Mai is have a ride on
the elephants!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>What dear dear
creatures these are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Maesa
Elephant Camp I was treated to an elephant show<i> (who knew elephants can play
soccer, paint pictures and throw darts?)</i>, saw a 1 month-old baby, road through
the hills hoisted high on one of these amazing creatures, and received a good
many kisses from their long trunks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG_hH2x7hCgXHRw-RN7iLerzgmitmA6kdEcvljox8i5V8UAIaCgVzepO471_z_NrdGjFsD4u8OL5HuzwcJH_PCoocePGOKinXQ4oKan9qstCE2zipC83hyphenhyphenw874MZ_JHlBDSK_9rSyz71q/s1600/elephants.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG_hH2x7hCgXHRw-RN7iLerzgmitmA6kdEcvljox8i5V8UAIaCgVzepO471_z_NrdGjFsD4u8OL5HuzwcJH_PCoocePGOKinXQ4oKan9qstCE2zipC83hyphenhyphenw874MZ_JHlBDSK_9rSyz71q/s640/elephants.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj253pjFoW8wrU8E35pR5sZGVVzpKr0tWkUpIXBJeE4is3TgPK_tIlgSGmmbuds3g9RhhGQbBtUL7OTgG2IrpjwHdwMbi7Wg8vq2qAVhwe35TJ7PkaxVXXrm43PHboNgraFJHR31G3-Y-Qw/s1600/elephant+kisses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj253pjFoW8wrU8E35pR5sZGVVzpKr0tWkUpIXBJeE4is3TgPK_tIlgSGmmbuds3g9RhhGQbBtUL7OTgG2IrpjwHdwMbi7Wg8vq2qAVhwe35TJ7PkaxVXXrm43PHboNgraFJHR31G3-Y-Qw/s640/elephant+kisses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias81z2FLOmCpXPpYDVMs3ybaHp0AZBpN_-HWlma9cK0aJ-xmNoD4Gr78VRj6AOLe_Z39yE2b0djlTqOdMBqA5dQw9e8kxwaTG-Mv7spptO8is3rgco_o8IJ4ziJQ3WaJkFlGzXmKLXJL4/s1600/IMG_6600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias81z2FLOmCpXPpYDVMs3ybaHp0AZBpN_-HWlma9cK0aJ-xmNoD4Gr78VRj6AOLe_Z39yE2b0djlTqOdMBqA5dQw9e8kxwaTG-Mv7spptO8is3rgco_o8IJ4ziJQ3WaJkFlGzXmKLXJL4/s640/IMG_6600.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGj1CBU0nz1litFljl2EBqBjtDLhyphenhyphenWF1jWPDdn_956rBGBzTn-kSktqhyphenhyphencuRBDFRikwAUlZX419kkw1CRwwMvACcNJ916DkPYDZcQBkteUWmOSh8MjRIccGHkb7YhHQck46at4fpSgISf/s1600/IMG_6539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGj1CBU0nz1litFljl2EBqBjtDLhyphenhyphenWF1jWPDdn_956rBGBzTn-kSktqhyphenhyphencuRBDFRikwAUlZX419kkw1CRwwMvACcNJ916DkPYDZcQBkteUWmOSh8MjRIccGHkb7YhHQck46at4fpSgISf/s640/IMG_6539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdm8wdO0s6Zdl018keAHKr7N2qrPmnBcQKRcmdHW4jH59EZRati0TVr3Dcx1S2jvDOF2B89tHinKaH25KkvHrPQexMXWXJI6J9syFOQzrbl1A3CyWVRhcXYrOZ70vx2W7b3SOH61vigeaz/s1600/IMG_6532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdm8wdO0s6Zdl018keAHKr7N2qrPmnBcQKRcmdHW4jH59EZRati0TVr3Dcx1S2jvDOF2B89tHinKaH25KkvHrPQexMXWXJI6J9syFOQzrbl1A3CyWVRhcXYrOZ70vx2W7b3SOH61vigeaz/s640/IMG_6532.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-O1liQY6v_O723ntdYV2kSjtJiTB007zcjBBdiBddCYqV8sz4ztlAPbfA-UCjDmuSOvZKLG5YQgwj7haW5FxexeevO2pRKzL-VuAdQWY5q6DE97Go1b5uKWiImX8OHgNW-5NNk5g8fxWQ/s1600/IMG_6839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-O1liQY6v_O723ntdYV2kSjtJiTB007zcjBBdiBddCYqV8sz4ztlAPbfA-UCjDmuSOvZKLG5YQgwj7haW5FxexeevO2pRKzL-VuAdQWY5q6DE97Go1b5uKWiImX8OHgNW-5NNk5g8fxWQ/s640/IMG_6839.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, a very cool experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So there you go Thailand, free tourism
advertising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for the
wonderful time—hope to come back again! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /><br />
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-14033908156306069712013-11-07T17:13:00.000+02:002013-11-07T17:13:04.655+02:004/14 Window in Thailand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DDNKH7Chr2socqQlssS5FYS7okMSCFgA0GmK16KFmfeAfXeRZZ2t4SZXKjk7kVk9g7B3LBmQRiNuKCUHSxidsCjC9vEJ7ntGNHYVsPj5km139zedViDbUWGEMz4md10vLPzrS-1uOJnx/s1600/IMG_6160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DDNKH7Chr2socqQlssS5FYS7okMSCFgA0GmK16KFmfeAfXeRZZ2t4SZXKjk7kVk9g7B3LBmQRiNuKCUHSxidsCjC9vEJ7ntGNHYVsPj5km139zedViDbUWGEMz4md10vLPzrS-1uOJnx/s640/IMG_6160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{p</style>Can’t say that Asia was on my bucket list of travel
destinations, but after 2 weeks in what is deemed the ‘Land of a Thousand
Smiles’ I have a new-found love for this part of the world. Did I mention I love Thai food? <br /><br />I was privileged to travel to Thailand to participate in the
4/14 Window ‘Rooted and Released’ conference in Bangkok.<br /><br />What is the 4/14 Window you may be asking??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short- it is a pretty amazing
movement, which is focusing on seeing children as partners in mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As in...<i>don't forget about the children- they are important!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Statistically speaking, those who accept Christ between the
ages of 4 and 14 will go on to follow Christ in their adult years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply put, reaching children is
critical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As one of the
speakers stated, <i>“The church is never more than one generation away from extinction.”</i>
A very sobering thought. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though I was raised in a Christian home I can say that my
faith became my own at the age of 14, an age where the choices of going one-way
or the other were screaming for my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God, thanks to discipleship and good teaching, my
faith was cultivated and grown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
that key age—14.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The purpose of the conference was bringing together
leaders from across the world (92 nations to be exact!) and to bring teaching
and resources for reaching today’s youth—as teachers, preachers, missionaries,
media entities, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was there
to take part in the Orphan and Vulnerable Children track and share strategies
and ideas in that sphere. Again- surrounded by a phenomenal group of people. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwbl42NhgINTNVYwB8ukdsP3B4KxwXqI9MzaHZ1moJytopDQnMHu4eaCLvj8IefSYVTGBC5kUK9ZOvqSsJXjfeTQ85tJyvZVVK6_2iZGW4KiDrEj1bq2ac3i06x2-dVtso-5kdSOvjYgo/s1600/IMG_6116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwbl42NhgINTNVYwB8ukdsP3B4KxwXqI9MzaHZ1moJytopDQnMHu4eaCLvj8IefSYVTGBC5kUK9ZOvqSsJXjfeTQ85tJyvZVVK6_2iZGW4KiDrEj1bq2ac3i06x2-dVtso-5kdSOvjYgo/s640/IMG_6116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Eastern European representatives</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgod0zQMkX_L_XZfj4nAAILx7ARCa1u9hdbP81-pwncckkoOQ2CEo39n_frj_18rbbB8LQ7TexYqCsAtJiyApbnW4doJCtDJtlMu7nH225o-Pe-PJO_aaRvjO9YrPPEboU9ya-NiB-zNRtu/s1600/IMG_6073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgod0zQMkX_L_XZfj4nAAILx7ARCa1u9hdbP81-pwncckkoOQ2CEo39n_frj_18rbbB8LQ7TexYqCsAtJiyApbnW4doJCtDJtlMu7nH225o-Pe-PJO_aaRvjO9YrPPEboU9ya-NiB-zNRtu/s640/IMG_6073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>candles lit at the conclusion of our prayer time for orphans</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In all honesty, I went to this conference rather tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve organized and been a part of a
good amount of conferences in my life and sometimes can feel like I’ve heard
and seen it all—not a very humble attitude I admit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So</span> I went to this conference asking for some
revival and some encouragement from the Lord…I think I realized I needed this
to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, 2 weeks later I’m still going through all my notes,
trying to make sense of it all and trying to wrap my head around all I
learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me- there were many inspiring moments. One thing I was clearly
challenged in is that we are going to have to get our hands dirty if we are
going to make a difference. Or as it was said from the stage, <i>“We need to put
blood in the deal, and leave the talk behind.” </i>Though my life may look glamorous to some from afar, I know that I play it safe in many spheres and choose the cleaner option- and<i> I want</i> this to change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wars are never fought from behind the palace walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Battles are never won in the castle;
they are won on the fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> I’m still wrestling with what this means in my work—where God is
stretching me more and where he is calling me to step out of my comfort
zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So for now I'll leave this as a post that doesn't resolve with a nice wrapped up ending, as I'm still thinking and still wrestling with God on this one. I guess I'm asking you to ask yourself the same question-- where are you playing it safe? Where is God asking you to put action to words?<br />
<br />
<i>You'll have to answer that one for yourself. </i></div>
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-88873908597568449182013-10-06T21:07:00.000+03:002013-10-06T21:22:05.331+03:009 years later...still in Ukraine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4xtmJYIG3a74aZVsAh78b96ruCzdeAFZN-rMcyg58oaggAVBcC0fzyC3GGpp7fWCEWJoy5ITYyVuTbBlnsiO37FxdRw-mTZkLNNeHVvPJfrtRSVVYvO7uLSNz8CxbYnpWR4B4zyfkyt2/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4xtmJYIG3a74aZVsAh78b96ruCzdeAFZN-rMcyg58oaggAVBcC0fzyC3GGpp7fWCEWJoy5ITYyVuTbBlnsiO37FxdRw-mTZkLNNeHVvPJfrtRSVVYvO7uLSNz8CxbYnpWR4B4zyfkyt2/s640/IMG_1026.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>9 years ago today I arrived in Ukraine</b>, for what was thought
to be an 8-month post-college adventure. 23, fresh out of college and without much of an agenda or
knowledge of what I’d be doing, I said 'dasividanya' to my life in Seattle and jumped into Ukrainian life.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The first year was crazy hard and profoundly lonely at
times, but by the time month 6 rolled around, I was knee deep into a new project for orphans and had a feeling that God had a
bigger purpose for me being in Ukraine; and as the story goes, I signed up for
another year.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>And then another year. </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh what the heck, how about one more? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Year 4 and 5 pass and I say cute spiritual things like <i>‘As long as God has me here.</i>’ </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Year 7 and 8 pass and I start to freak out a little bit and think less spiritual things like, <i>'seriously?
I’m still here? This was <u>not</u> part of my plan! God where is the amazing
husband and the small litter of children?’</i> <br /><br />Today
I sit amazed that 9 years have been spent in Ukraine--- realizing a
full decade is literally on the horizon. Where did the time go? And oddly enough I think I’m at a
deeper place of peace with it
all. I'm here, and I see purpose in that, and maybe that's all I need to know right now.<br /><br />Lately when meeting new people and I’m asked how long I’ve
been here, there is a slight
hesitancy to respond. <b>Just the
fact that I can say that I’ve been here for 9 years makes me feel old.</b> I am tempted to answer: <i>“I’ve
been here for 9 years...you know, I was 16 when I came.”</i> :)<br /><br />Seriously, am I old enough to have lived here for 9
years?? <i>Yes Karen, breath deep…you are 32 years old…deal with it. </i><br /><br />I distinctly remember being on a women’s retreat (for
missionary women) after only being in Kiev all of 2 months. One evening they had people stand up for
the various years they had lived in Ukraine, starting with one year and going
up from there. When I started
seeing the 5, 10 and then the 15+ year ladies standing, I remember thinking—<i>“Wow, they’re their crazy…there is <u>no way</u>
that could ever be me!” <br /><br /> </i>Famous
last words right? Reminds me of
Sarah laughing at God…(<i>“Me have a baby? At
my age?? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day!”</i>-k.springs translation<i>) </i><br /><br />So here I sit in a cute little coffee shop, down the street
from my apartment, reflecting on 9 years of living in a ‘land that is now my
own’ (<i>continuing the parallel with Sarah
I guess.)</i> <br /><br />Speaking of cute coffee shops—there weren’t <b>any </b>of those in Kiev 9 years ago. Not to mention I didn’t have a cell
phone, a computer, skype, or any form of social networking and I took my pictures on film! Seriously, now I'm aging myself-- lamenting about the way things used to be! I digress.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br /><b>So back to reflecting…</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In all honesty, this isn’t the life I planned for myself. Never in a million years. I never had visions of cross-cultural
living, let alone living more than 30 minutes away from my mother! And yet I know
that this has been God’s best for me. Not always tear free…but still his very best.<br /><br />When I was making the decision to stay on longer, way back
when in 2005, I remember God using the story of Esther to get my attention. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In Chapter 4 Mordecai has learned of an edict that has been
made for the annihilation of the Jews.
He knows that he needs to get word to his niece Queen Esther, as she has
the ability to speak to the King on behalf of her people. Esther reads the message from her uncle
and sends another message back to him- basically saying that it would be
impossible for her to arrange a meeting with the king, unless he called for
her, and he hadn’t called for her in 30 days. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="textesth-4-12"><i><sup>"12</sup>When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai,</i></span><i> <span class="textesth-4-13"><sup>13 </sup>he
sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house
you alone of all the Jews will escape.</span> <span class="textesth-4-14"><sup>14 </sup>For
if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will
arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who
knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”</span>
</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s probably the most quoted part of the book of
Esther. We’ve all heard the ‘<i>for such a time as this’</i> line woven into
people’s purpose and callings in life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">However, the part that stands out to me in this passage is
what is said just before that. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> “<span class="textesth-4-14"><i>For if you remain silent at this time,
relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place…”</i></span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When you think about it, Mordecai had amazing faith. Some of us might have looked at that
situation and thought, <i>‘oh man, if Esther
doesn’t do something, we’re goners…she better get her act together and speak!’</i> We look at impossible situations and make
the outcome dependent on people’s action or inaction. But Mordecai did not.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He believed in the goodness of God and he audaciously believed
in God’s promise to his people. He
knew that God would deliver the Jews, because they were his chosen people and
he knew that it didn’t depend on Esther—God would provide deliverance somehow, even if she said no . Ultimately the outcome
didn’t depend on Esther. Yet he also knew that God could
use Esther if she was willing—and as a result she would share
in the blessing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I read that passage it was as if God was saying, <i>“Karen, this is not about you and what you
can do. There are orphans in
Ukraine and I love them more than you ever could, and I will raise up people to advocate on their behalf
whether you stay here or not. This
is about what <b>I</b> <b>am</b> doing in this nation.
The invitation for you to join me is open for the taking.” </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I find that thought so humbling and so freeing. God doesn’t need us. But he wants to use us. He can accomplish his purpose however
he chooses…. after all he is GOD!
But in his graciousness he extends the invitation to partner with him in
accomplishing his work. Whether we
say yes is entirely up to us. Saying yes doesn’t mean it will always
be comfortable, and it doesn’t mean that suffering won’t be involved. But the blessings will come as you
realize you are a small part of a big story that God is writing, and if you had said no, you could have
missed it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So here I am, 9
years after saying ‘yes’ to an opportunity. </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And I'm so happy I didn't miss out on seeing God moving in this nation...</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Through redeeming the lives of hundreds of orphans, who otherwise would have remained in institutions.<br />Through Ukrainian families catching a spirit of adoption and taking children into their homes.<br />Through an entire national orphan care movement beginning.<br />Through being given family and dear friends in a land that is not my own.<br />Through seeing God's provision and faithfulness in ways I’ve least expected.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maybe it’s not the life I planned, and believe me there are still many times when I ask, <i>'what am I doing here?'</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> But at the end of the day I can say one thing with certainty:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>I am glad I said yes.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-20818301640990291162013-09-30T18:43:00.001+03:002013-09-30T18:43:45.246+03:00Armenian Hospitality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was privileged to travel to the beautiful country of
Armenia during the first part of September.<span> </span>Armenia has been a hub of Orphan’s Promise projects for the
past several years, and yet I’d never had a chance to view them first hand--until now! Armenia is famous in the Eurasia world for the welcoming arms and hospitality...and I can say that is what I experienced on every turn. <span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></span><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:595.0pt 842.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:35.4pt;
mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;} </style>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfQW7DGbEdQZPPnmekCognMxPNUudtQ_5dl3lbGQ6BBk5Oeuhtqa22B7qqZ79-bEUXbuBuf6ahvFSiZw6IgU2-3W2iM1nETGaaG_5DovjUB_F-I5gx5YGMEE1mLxLi7IQ21nVoZrG5_TG/s1600/IMG_4975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfQW7DGbEdQZPPnmekCognMxPNUudtQ_5dl3lbGQ6BBk5Oeuhtqa22B7qqZ79-bEUXbuBuf6ahvFSiZw6IgU2-3W2iM1nETGaaG_5DovjUB_F-I5gx5YGMEE1mLxLi7IQ21nVoZrG5_TG/s640/IMG_4975.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Armenia is a tiny country bordering Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan
and Iran and boasts deep Christian roots, as it was the first nation in the
world to adopt Christianity (301 AD). <span> </span>It also boasts amazing views of Mt. Ararat—where is where the Bible records that Noah landed
the Ark.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0fXaJ8iovl2JQaPnBoWATjVfhHr_S9GhItx75HicOMwc8oZATK1JO1xcbjrmeKd26mjfjiHrJJFwRa2qcq1i_4pPhkjSVejULt9c6DCf68dJ_87YJnIjv36J4g2t-gKMQu1uuIBnpiEK/s1600/IMG_5117.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0fXaJ8iovl2JQaPnBoWATjVfhHr_S9GhItx75HicOMwc8oZATK1JO1xcbjrmeKd26mjfjiHrJJFwRa2qcq1i_4pPhkjSVejULt9c6DCf68dJ_87YJnIjv36J4g2t-gKMQu1uuIBnpiEK/s640/IMG_5117.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mt. Ararat</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yet Armenia is also a country still struggling its way out
of poverty and hardship, after the devastating 1988 earthquake, which claimed
over 30,000 lives.<span> </span><b>With a poor
economy and a high cost of living, 35% of families are living below the poverty
line and struggle to provide a future for their children.</b><span><b> </b> </span>Learning to speak English or learning
to use a computer are considered a luxury and yet these are the very skills
that would grant them better opportunities in life. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>So I was very excited to see the projects that we are
sponsoring that are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids</b>.<span> </span>I was able to visit our 4 training
centers that OP is sponsoring and my team also held a 2-day training of all of
our staff working with the kids there.<span> </span>Bringing them more strategy for how to reach the kids
effectively and teaching how to use our life skills curriculum. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP3x9h2DIXuNpnUGiSRUQRMz0BrxBpVpn0zsRbNaJQlGqBvshwvjFQ3i7ubItEHCr8OAlOn-ZANCFCdfxa9WKfDWs8SSmzcsu76GyY9h0OQPAjiVwsQYnCI5RTzLe9pFFYOwdRqANSpnC/s1600/IMG_4920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP3x9h2DIXuNpnUGiSRUQRMz0BrxBpVpn0zsRbNaJQlGqBvshwvjFQ3i7ubItEHCr8OAlOn-ZANCFCdfxa9WKfDWs8SSmzcsu76GyY9h0OQPAjiVwsQYnCI5RTzLe9pFFYOwdRqANSpnC/s640/IMG_4920.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrcj9LykCzGJh6EaSKaVf8-qEP2Fddih7HvfLfZo66dwBCTM_1jOkcPAeyKE-htIkqivle6KOr4VsXztKXmB6i5vOBHHyETFl5tF0Il7E1bI9HpkkW1a0LALtb-Pl9e5V2D97Eo_B3p2o/s1600/IMG_4878.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrcj9LykCzGJh6EaSKaVf8-qEP2Fddih7HvfLfZo66dwBCTM_1jOkcPAeyKE-htIkqivle6KOr4VsXztKXmB6i5vOBHHyETFl5tF0Il7E1bI9HpkkW1a0LALtb-Pl9e5V2D97Eo_B3p2o/s640/IMG_4878.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Armenian Orphan's Promise team at 2-day training </i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh34Wl0fKjXsiL-zR2HfSR8pwa1TuX6fj9ddPwTVQgXsbdpp074gKy7tt-a81XeV25PBSCNsLUK9QgAQk4zDq10pnFMYObqLm5uSL4n9mSPXvdvEKheuFcz-nzX-gL4XhJ5Vaf3ZztCrR/s1600/IMG_4448.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh34Wl0fKjXsiL-zR2HfSR8pwa1TuX6fj9ddPwTVQgXsbdpp074gKy7tt-a81XeV25PBSCNsLUK9QgAQk4zDq10pnFMYObqLm5uSL4n9mSPXvdvEKheuFcz-nzX-gL4XhJ5Vaf3ZztCrR/s640/IMG_4448.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>with kids at one of our centers</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA4wFI-sSOoetHAEQbiRll55fbCQeC5Qrd-s-ah_YF98UxINToeJCkSbQBUaD9Mfr2-Jin8av35xLX3a6L9d4PNYLxiyUT86EAmSzAPXMtuw_-QSjF2rBHHa2t-KdLV8ObxkqQv1LeWF_/s1600/IMG_4347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA4wFI-sSOoetHAEQbiRll55fbCQeC5Qrd-s-ah_YF98UxINToeJCkSbQBUaD9Mfr2-Jin8av35xLX3a6L9d4PNYLxiyUT86EAmSzAPXMtuw_-QSjF2rBHHa2t-KdLV8ObxkqQv1LeWF_/s640/IMG_4347.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZNR2s07U-hp3zEzfnDPPr9xQNzYDy9iOryQiSW5sWgyeg56FlD5zscqMPhe8krf_RPrl-8PBfshOX25B5ZJ0Qj_3DswheSU6SiXusPw7w4jO3QIx3TR5BDfteIksCsTBkPJaWyTxJkEP/s1600/IMG_4418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZNR2s07U-hp3zEzfnDPPr9xQNzYDy9iOryQiSW5sWgyeg56FlD5zscqMPhe8krf_RPrl-8PBfshOX25B5ZJ0Qj_3DswheSU6SiXusPw7w4jO3QIx3TR5BDfteIksCsTBkPJaWyTxJkEP/s640/IMG_4418.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Beautiful brown eyes greeted me at each of the centers I
visited and one thing was evident in the eyes of all who I saw</b>—they were eager
to learn and so grateful for the opportunity they’d been given. <span> </span>Most of the children we are
working with are from poor and broken families. They live at home, but often in dysfunctional situations and
have very little chance at receiving a good education.<span> </span><b>Thanks to these training centers, this
is changing!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">C.S. Lewis once wrote, <i>“The task of the modern educator is
not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”</i><span> </span>I truly feel that this is what these schools are doing.<span> </span>Through education, the teachers are pouring living water into
areas that have been void of outside resources.<span> </span>I saw hope is in the eyes of these children. <br /><br />What impressed me the most about our work being done in
Armenia is that it is done in connection with the local church.<span> </span>As a result, the kids are coming to our
centers, developing relationships with our team, meeting Jesus, and then
getting plugged in with a church where they are growing and being
discipled.<span> </span>The kids are even
bringing their parents to church with them and as a result their parents are
meeting Jesus!<span> </span><br /><br />It was a sweet sweet time in Armenia <i>(not to mention a tasty one at that!</i>)…<b>a time I will not soon
forget!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g6GOmvwUJgd4JWRN2IuAhNf_3somkNpXPuzq6ijX_KU_qzYvpCYhen5_58squfk8Jko7NV3XOeYhs-4yn-qQ6h8SK-5WS0GlckpEJ-geHp4ayFK5CHz4a_o7c4PWHVtDLIPmvQsgpyTZ/s1600/IMG_4946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g6GOmvwUJgd4JWRN2IuAhNf_3somkNpXPuzq6ijX_KU_qzYvpCYhen5_58squfk8Jko7NV3XOeYhs-4yn-qQ6h8SK-5WS0GlckpEJ-geHp4ayFK5CHz4a_o7c4PWHVtDLIPmvQsgpyTZ/s640/IMG_4946.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCBtPhaL_0EniXpa-n0t_YZeAsMP7JC1E2OjamprHRBP-JRF5ppssJVzCN-6b80-KIKd-UhjBZ3ibp4hrsLCLpynT9jy0388BA4h0Bco1rg5vGuTmmXrPZJdbdixXtAnoYB7tCAa_hQRX/s1600/IMG_4983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCBtPhaL_0EniXpa-n0t_YZeAsMP7JC1E2OjamprHRBP-JRF5ppssJVzCN-6b80-KIKd-UhjBZ3ibp4hrsLCLpynT9jy0388BA4h0Bco1rg5vGuTmmXrPZJdbdixXtAnoYB7tCAa_hQRX/s640/IMG_4983.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0BSvpixGkIAW5he9wWkk9p20SjGNfNiZDtf-Ychik03vEZOH80x9wKbxxO3hZFuBjTaEfeD3t2huWxVKqphGIzPBm9ioihc4RbDodo7f19MwE-vQcmZ7npkquPkFB4VZyTHYva44YO7u/s1600/IMG_4955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0BSvpixGkIAW5he9wWkk9p20SjGNfNiZDtf-Ychik03vEZOH80x9wKbxxO3hZFuBjTaEfeD3t2huWxVKqphGIzPBm9ioihc4RbDodo7f19MwE-vQcmZ7npkquPkFB4VZyTHYva44YO7u/s640/IMG_4955.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjotFKdkC8xMSxJsyBjFH206WR2gAjp-EqVTSwzmjNuELKv-lWWmsFxyZiMPB3cRLdg0A9HbA55e9ITLsOLZuym3Ha4EqQsf3EOppYu6skAWJd2y4AH3ffZNL41XTCETbZj87EWYrnydj/s1600/IMG_5128.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjotFKdkC8xMSxJsyBjFH206WR2gAjp-EqVTSwzmjNuELKv-lWWmsFxyZiMPB3cRLdg0A9HbA55e9ITLsOLZuym3Ha4EqQsf3EOppYu6skAWJd2y4AH3ffZNL41XTCETbZj87EWYrnydj/s640/IMG_5128.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfel-qj7D0kx0o0v47snfCyfb_y0juuKi9WGHvNC0Aijn5_70x7fvOYgPptq75dDjAOdGe13KEULTLn8hyphenhyphenRPOrye1zwaVikkSXPHmL0FwQJrYhKZ-CJPgUQ9F9s0_ls4v0Dn_KJPS5Erd1/s1600/IMG_5196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfel-qj7D0kx0o0v47snfCyfb_y0juuKi9WGHvNC0Aijn5_70x7fvOYgPptq75dDjAOdGe13KEULTLn8hyphenhyphenRPOrye1zwaVikkSXPHmL0FwQJrYhKZ-CJPgUQ9F9s0_ls4v0Dn_KJPS5Erd1/s640/IMG_5196.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></span></span></div>
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405882779926421802.post-18619604871375161002013-08-31T00:08:00.001+03:002013-08-31T00:20:08.955+03:00Why Camp Matters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnMxmuikK9AQMkK7SdQ3KUD4N1qV54NM23fU6mZ2EKJY78CT7yg9P8AfnaHxq08l-swTuiiYQkEFM5UayIZIwzXwH8PaokgdKvnuUxUMaD2G367UhQZ0A8aBfP48feQW7ZIfHSkEHzEAv/s1600/IMG_3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnMxmuikK9AQMkK7SdQ3KUD4N1qV54NM23fU6mZ2EKJY78CT7yg9P8AfnaHxq08l-swTuiiYQkEFM5UayIZIwzXwH8PaokgdKvnuUxUMaD2G367UhQZ0A8aBfP48feQW7ZIfHSkEHzEAv/s640/IMG_3780.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3N-qQLO2gdRQAe25BfnHPAUVYfmKd5mHxgq8qXkfG24imSKaJ0wrnR8xIlU09YJIs3hJ-gbuYrI4SXzfuBdnpRx-lcXgZDTTrntUSnNFKVTc4aUGU0qIwUOzHDql-yAeVinypQG5WO0U/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3N-qQLO2gdRQAe25BfnHPAUVYfmKd5mHxgq8qXkfG24imSKaJ0wrnR8xIlU09YJIs3hJ-gbuYrI4SXzfuBdnpRx-lcXgZDTTrntUSnNFKVTc4aUGU0qIwUOzHDql-yAeVinypQG5WO0U/s640/IMG_3031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Throughout my time in Ukraine our ministry (Orphan's Promise) has been privileged to be involved in dozens of summer camps. When I stop and count them the number actually adds up to 16 camps that I've participated in. Wow...now I'm starting to feel old. Probably because the kids stay in the same age range....its just us volunteers that get older! <br /><br />Each summer brings with it new challenges and new faces (and some familiar ones too). Faces that then become names we learn and names that become stories of individual lives. Individuals who have lived through an immense amount of pain and loss in their 14-18 years of living. <br /><br />
On the first day of the camp, kids from 3 different orphanages unloaded the bus and were instructed to divide into groups of 3 people so that we could then form teams <i>(we figured if they were at least with 2 of their favorite friends they couldn't get mad at us for then mixing them with kids from the other orphanages).</i> As they began to divide into groups I began to have flash backs to my worst days of High School. The days when you saw the 'cool' kids picking one another and the not as cool kids shoved to the other side. <i>(Repressed memories-- I know</i>).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cringe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some things are universal I guess.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As this popularity contest was happening and some kids were quickly grasping their bosom buddies, my eyes settled on one girl - the girl who looked lost among the mass of teens, the girl who clearly didn’t have friends to partner with. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There she stood, all alone, wondering who would pick her and where she would end up. My heart broke for her and I knew right then and there that we would become friends that week.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
Later that day I would learn her name was Oksana and she was 16-years-old. Throughout the week I learned pieces of her story. Orphaned at 12, abandoned by relatives, placed in a foster family and eventually in the orphanage. It was clear that Oksana was a survivor. </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOBp7uhxMOIN7pQOviIwJVv30JTVqvLf3tO5eEKvihAdtLFZAw3mg_6ywVCqsMIo7-nE_dZ7jkEkps21Of-xDOrXJK739n5LObUkFVJSDiFDv61SMTa03fZr-aTzU4c2CDqqrLdf3mk_N/s1600/oksana+camp+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOBp7uhxMOIN7pQOviIwJVv30JTVqvLf3tO5eEKvihAdtLFZAw3mg_6ywVCqsMIo7-nE_dZ7jkEkps21Of-xDOrXJK739n5LObUkFVJSDiFDv61SMTa03fZr-aTzU4c2CDqqrLdf3mk_N/s640/oksana+camp+01.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<br />As the days of the camp went by Oksana came out of her shell and truly began to take in all she was learning. Such a delightful girl! After a few days she was already on stage, helping lead the worship sessions. Then in a prayer time with her leader, Oksana prayed to receive Jesus as her savior. (YEAH!) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <br />
On the last day I asked Oksana if she’d mind sharing some of the things that were the most meaningful to her while at the camp ---things that I'd be able to share with others. I was so touched by the eloquence of her own words, so I'll let her speak for herself:<br />
<br />
<i>“I can’t even express in words everything I want to say,” she said. “It felt like I was home here. Thanks to this camp I’ve gotten closer to God and I’ve gained information I know I’ll need for the future. I think everyone has taken something away from this camp. I’ve learned about gratitude and forgiveness here. In some ways I feel like God restored me to who I was before.” </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFLfFWwJgyGb772OaD9d8ns23DPR564YRhW_V90CJyoTNBJeeJDOhhbK8UZpxMupLa3ZCuGRjnKeWfmUnna1C_rien_ZHVfp6w2UyUidnDb56WeP5d7owGuo15R9MqlXsmxPA5Lwdypi4/s1600/oksana+camp+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFLfFWwJgyGb772OaD9d8ns23DPR564YRhW_V90CJyoTNBJeeJDOhhbK8UZpxMupLa3ZCuGRjnKeWfmUnna1C_rien_ZHVfp6w2UyUidnDb56WeP5d7owGuo15R9MqlXsmxPA5Lwdypi4/s640/oksana+camp+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span><br />
Sometimes I wonder if there is a point in continuing these summer out reaches, as many of the kids can seem so closed off to what we have to share. But Oksana's words encourage me that God has us exactly where he needs us, and for that I'm grateful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0ZccWJ7rRe-R_mHAGkKr6niBUfqzwmF1q9zgukk8kk8jC704Rbez08FW6Zr1TgPpujbwuxeGU0jhsE6IKAeYxN1iIInmynzR-NycAbz8to3gehJsWBTa1RCqPlu_Km0h1ZLDYtdx8zd0/s1600/oksana%2526karen+camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0ZccWJ7rRe-R_mHAGkKr6niBUfqzwmF1q9zgukk8kk8jC704Rbez08FW6Zr1TgPpujbwuxeGU0jhsE6IKAeYxN1iIInmynzR-NycAbz8to3gehJsWBTa1RCqPlu_Km0h1ZLDYtdx8zd0/s640/oksana%2526karen+camp.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnLB_jJLq8dr09j_lKZQisLTupixH9S_CszyehyTxAFbT0j4bUbkkaU9Upl7gK63lYtXvytZuUJOYI9el_1MB-w_0kOF0lLs8mWDLURKymDPTbBJ8CWWHKfgReL0zc2AriJYJWg2V5zg7/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnLB_jJLq8dr09j_lKZQisLTupixH9S_CszyehyTxAFbT0j4bUbkkaU9Upl7gK63lYtXvytZuUJOYI9el_1MB-w_0kOF0lLs8mWDLURKymDPTbBJ8CWWHKfgReL0zc2AriJYJWg2V5zg7/s640/IMG_3198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdpm9obacUgJrfCr5l0U7uWU2H9BcG7cb86IwK3aA4Gs6BF6mx-ptRY5dHDi7vJMbVlzR-tVE6ZLGSJRGIjPQSw-tcK5ZhDct-8q3v-hNv4GJebDO0ipobNZZKWUTPuLx8e7uSQnBwcOl/s1600/IMG_3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdpm9obacUgJrfCr5l0U7uWU2H9BcG7cb86IwK3aA4Gs6BF6mx-ptRY5dHDi7vJMbVlzR-tVE6ZLGSJRGIjPQSw-tcK5ZhDct-8q3v-hNv4GJebDO0ipobNZZKWUTPuLx8e7uSQnBwcOl/s640/IMG_3934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
*This camp was made possible thanks to the ministries of CBN/Orphan's Promise, Emmanuel and Agape in Kherson. Thanks to all who partner with these GREAT organizations! :)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tIIgh59BPo0Kl-sp8sEXpy7MgH3IFFUe58W7bbTrL9M9qFbQNSyYsylmyZK-n_n8IllTZuDOtA75TVFHWZjJfE7w9rJttcNK44fO-1nFqKPkBB9XzdoFMILe6t1n8xbdnp5jD-teddBC/s800/ashessig1.png" /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13510392530348283147noreply@blogger.com5