Certainty in the midst of an uncertain time

Tuesday night (from internet)

just a few weeks ago

2 days ago (photo from internet)

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.

Tuesday everything changed.  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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

If anything this crisis reminds me that we need to hold ALL our plans loosely.

Most of our lives (especially in the western world) 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 "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. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.""

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.


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. (Ephesians 6:18)

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....

Pictures from EuroMaidan

2 months without an entry.... oh dear!  Is it really February?

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.

Yes, things have been interesting in Kiev with the current political situation and protesting in the city center, an event now known as 'Euromaidan' (Maidan being the main square in the city and Euro emphasizing the direction the protestors wish to lean).   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.

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.

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.

Here are some sights from this last weekend.  If only you could smell the smoke that goes along with the images...

  

 

Please continue to pray for Ukraine and for peace and freedom in this nation.

Performing in Colorado this Christmas season...

Don't miss the remaining chances to see this amazing performance!

Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 6:30 PM – Bethel Russian Church ( Mississippi Avenue Baptist Church)Aurora
Friday, Dec. 6 @ 5:00 & 7:00PM – Grace Place, Berthoud, CO
Sunday, Dec. 8 @ 6:00PM – Grace Community Church, Johnstown, CO
Tuesday, Dec. 10 @ 6:30PM – Mountain View Church, Glenwood Springs, CO
Wednesday, Dec. 11 @ 6:30 PM – Christ Community Church, Basalt, CO
Friday, Dec 13 @ 5:00PM & 7:00PM – Impact Christian Church, Woodland Park, CO
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 6:00PM – Timberline Church, Windsor, CO

The tale of the Old Russian Shoemaker, based on the short story (Shoemaker Martin) by Leo Tolstoy, has been traveling to stages across the US since 2003.  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. 

 

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.

Picture on the left was last night, picture on the right was when they were 11 and 12 in 2007!

The production of Shoemaker 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. 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!

Now, 7 years later, Orphan’s Promise is partnering with Ukraine Orphan Outreach to bring the Shoemaker back to Colorado!  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.  

If you are in the area we hope to see you at a show!!

Reunions & Relationship

I hate goodbyes.  No question about it.

But I do love hellos.

A couple weeks ago I was able to travel to the orphanage to visit the kids we took to the states with Window to Hope this summer.

I had brought letters from all the host families and some small gifts as well.  The sweetest moment to me was when I laid out the gifts on the floor (for them to choose) and handed them their letters at the same time.   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.  You could have heard a pin drop as they each sat there reading, smiles appearing on their faces as they read.   Finally I had to remind them about the presents.

Being with these kids reminded me again what they are hungry for.  Relationship.

Yes, kids love candy and kids love stuff.  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.

But at the end of the day, what we really want is to be known.  We want to know that someone is thinking about us.  We want to know that someone cares about what happens in our day.   We want to know that we are not forgotten.   We want to know that we are liked…or even better, loved. 

We want to know that our life matters to someone. 

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.  They wanted to reminisce and remember together.  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.

I didn’t really recognize what was happening in that moment but what I saw taking place was so healthy.  The ability to call to mind positive memories and to relive them helps us form our identity.  To have shared memory with others is both healing and connecting.   Relationship is vital. 

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.  More than buildings, more than resources, more than clothes and food, kids need people.   Such a simple and yet timeless message.

It doesn’t matter where you live. There is need in every city, state and nation.  Who are the children God has placed closest to you?  Where are kids near you that are in desperate need of relationship?  They are there if you look up—and they are needing to know that they are not forgotten. 

Little Women in Bangkok

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 Seventh Smith as she documents their daily Thai adventures.

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!

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.

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!

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.

the largest 'lying Buddha'

 

We became good 'fwends' on the many tuk tuk rides around the city!

Little miss fashion diva!

Thanks Smiths for an amazing time in Bangkok! Never fun to say goodbye...but I hope to be back soon!