Turkish Delight

Imagine 28 students and 5 adults walking through the streets of Istanbul (or really just imagine 33 people walking together in any major city!)--A situation like this could be either sheer chaos or sheer fun- or perhaps both!  Whether chaos or fun, a group this size without a doubt will draw attention! That is what we were doing last week- drawing attention.

For 5 days I navigated the streets of Istanbul with the junior and seniors from Kiev Christian Academy- along with 4 other brave chaperones. This is the school where all of my cousins attend and where I’ve taught drama part time for the past 4 years.  Each year the juniors and seniors take a class trip and this year I got to come along as a chaperone.  I’m used to traveling either alone or with one to two other people- so walking around a large city with a small army I just had to embrace the fact that I was a tourist! So embrace it we did.

The sights, sounds and colors of Istanbul are simply amazing.  My senses were overwhelmed as I walked through the Grand Bazaar, surrounded by all the local sellers who were hocking their goods and crafting their charm to draw us into their booths- promising to make  a great deal.  I’ve never seen so much color in my life.  I decided I’ve fallen in love with all things Turkish (okay- maybe not the men!)

Since I’ve directed many of these students in plays over the years it was a really special time to have with them outside of the school. We were also blessed by a Christian business man in the states who donated his Marriott Hotel points and gave us complimentary hotel rooms in the Istanbul Marriott.  Wow!

 

 

My cousin Honnah, who is a senior this year, was also on the trip, so that was fun to have this great time together before she graduates in June.  I’m really going to miss this girl!

 

 

 

While we were there we were able to tour the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia (where Christianity and Islam converge) and the Sultan’s palace.  This was my first experience in an Islamic culture, however secular Istanbul may be, and I found the differences both fascinating and challenging.  How do we as Christians share Christ among people of the Islamic faith? Turkey is the first place Paul traveled in his missionary journeys and Istanbul at one point was the center of Christianity.  This is obviously not the case today.  Amazing what can change from one generation to the next.  Amazing the responsibility of sharing our faith with the next generation!  Take a moment and pray for Istanbul today- pray for Turkey.  Pray today that the few believers there would be encouraged to share their faith amidst a country of persecution and that people will be open to learning more about Jesus.

Full Apartment and fun times…

Last week the Jones came back to Kiev with their three kids, including the newly adopted Oksana! For night number one in the city I had them crash at my place which was a fun experiment to see how many people we could fit on the floor of my not so big apartment. 5 actually fit quite nicely! They spent the rest of last week running around Kiev getting medical work done and then were off to the US embassy to get Oksana’s Visa. Since I had to head out of town (more on that fun adventure a bit later)- they moved to be with my friend Allyson and finished up all the final details. After 2 months away from home they were able to fly back to Seattle on Saturday!  Amazing to think that Oksana is now in my home town- and here I am in Ukraine. It was such a blessing to have them here these past 2 months and just seeing Oksana with them reminds me to praise God for all the miracles he orchestrated together for this family. She is my little miracle story and will be a reminder to me of God’s faithfulness for the rest of my life.  Can’t wait to see her at Christmas!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

My nephew Caleb turned the big ONE on Sunday! Jesus is Risen and Caleb is one!  These are the moments that make living far away from home a bit difficult and make me miss my family more.  Ah such is life.  My parents and my brother and sister-in-law threw a big party for the little guy and apparently he had lots of fun.  Complete with his own personal cake and and quite a bit of frosting for Grandma to wipe up on the floor! Hey that’s what makes those 1st birthday pictures so memorable for the rest of your life.

  Hope you had a great 1st Birthday little one…your Auntie Karen sure misses you!

The Story of Oksana Faith

How to start this story? There in lies the challenge of this entry. I guess it starts with a little girl named Oksana. A little girl now named Oksana Faith. The second part of her name is a testimony to her story- and a reminder to me of my own faith journey over the last few months. Faith- a word we can claim quite easily- but when tested we discover how strong it really is.

I first met Oksana over a year ago when we brought a group of children to the US. When it came time to plan the next year’s trip I insisted on brining no “repeat” children, but somehow Oksana won favor with someone and was selected to travel with the group yet again. On this trip Oksana became my right hand little girl.  She was my constant traveling companion and made a point of conveniently falling asleep on my lap on every long bus trip. On one of these trips, she looked up at me with her sparkling and yet pleading eyes and told me that she wanted me to adopt her- she told me that she wanted a family. I told her to find me a husband and it would be a done deal! 

Upon returning to the host family that night I couldn’t get Oksana’s words out of my mind. I’ve had lots of orphaned kids tell me before that they want me to find them a family, but for some reason I felt determined that a family had to be found for Oksana specifically- a family that I knew. Then suddenly a family came to my mind…

I met Natasha Jones over a year ago after the production that the orphans did at my home church- Northshore in Bothell, WA. Natasha, who had emigrated from Eastern Ukraine sixteen years prior, approached me with her husband Erik and told me that God had been placing adoption on their hearts. After our initial conversation Natasha and Erik took some time to pray and within a month were on board to pursuing an adoption from Ukraine! By November of 2008 they had a completed dossier of documents submitted to the adoption authority in Kiev and were awaiting an appointment, and waiting to find out who their future child(ren) would be.

As soon as I started pondering possible families for Oksana- the Jones came to mind and within a couple email exchanges Erik and Natasha had confirmed their interest in adopting Oksana! This seemed way too easy! Perhaps I had matching making in my future….

Fast-forward…

February 25^th 2009 Erik and Natasha have now arrived in Kiev and are hopeful about the opportunity to adopt Oksana. Enter road block number one. We receive a letter from the adoption center saying that Oksana is not available for International adoption on the Jones’ date of appointment. What Lord??? Did I speak too quickly? Why did I get this family’s hopes up when Oksana is not even available? Where are you in this? Where is my faith that you are sovereign in this situation?

2 days and a few dozen phone calls later, miracle number one: we are able to confirm that Oksana will be available for international adoption with in 2 weeks—if they can wait! Yes, they can wait! After 2 weeks of waiting, many museums and interesting excursions in Kiev, it is finally time to officially meet Oksana and start this adoption!  They meet Oksana and I’m beginning to see the realization of the family I had prayed about for her. Oksana is thrilled about the idea of going to America and having Erik and Natasha for parents. This is actually going to happen!

Enter road block number two: Oksana has 4 brothers in foster care- about 3 hours away from the orphanage and all need to give permission for her to be adopted. After a few phone calls it is determined that the oldest brother will not allow his sister to be adopted! A formal council will convene with all the brothers for the situation to be decided. Hope for all at this point seems dwindling. What is happening Lord? Why have they come so far for this? Why did they meet Oksana if this is not going to happen? I know you can change the hearts of Kings but this seems to be impossible? And then a soft whisper… “Where is your faith?”

In moments of desperation like this- prayer seems like the only option—it seemed I had no place but my knees to fall. When I got the news of the impending council meeting that would determine Oksana’s future I was at a conference- so I gathered my two closest friends with me to pray…. “Jesus we ask for your mercy for Oksana, we ask that you will change the hearts of the council, we ask that you will change the hearts of her brothers. Lord, touch the heart of the oldest brother and let him see what is best for his sister. Change his heart Lord. Your will be done.”

More miracles…

I waited expectantly by my phone the next day. Apprehensive to hear Natasha’s voice on the other end of the phone- knowing that the tone would give me an indication of the day’s events. Then finally the call…. “We got the letter we needed! They are letting us adopt her!” I hardly had words. “What happened?” Natasha went on to recount the day’s events moment by moment…. “Karen, you aren’t going to believe this, but Vitalik the oldest brother said that he had his mind made up- that he wasn’t going to give his agreement for Oksana to be adopted, but then last night he had a dream. In his dream a vision of Oksana appeared to him and he realized he had to do what would be best for Oksana- that if she wanted to go, he would let her! ”

Hanging up the phone I was left speechless. “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. (Acts 2:17)

Oh the things we learn on this journey of faith! God is still speaking- and he can change the heart of Kings and 17-year-old boys. I stand humbled and amazed.

Which brings me to today…..

Today is a day of celebration because Oksana officially becomes Oksana Faith Jones and will leave her life in the orphanage behind. Today begins a new journey. Not of happily ever after, but of forever…with a family. Today there is one less child orphaned in Ukraine. Today my faith has been multiplied. Thank you Oksana Faith for your story. Oksana’s name means “Praise be to God.” I couldn’t think of a better name!

Workers in the Harvest Fields

 

“Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”  Habakkuk 1: 5

 

 

 

Last week I had the privilege of being among the 200 people attending a summit for those working with orphans and children at risk in Eastern Europe.  The conference was primarily attended by Ukrainian & Russian nationals who are working in various spheres of influence in the Church and ministries.  It was a blessing to be at a conference where there were more nationals than “foreigners” (like me) who have caught a vision for the orphans; for truly it is when nationals catch a vision that change can really begin to happen.  Speaker after speaker gave words of encouragement and challenges about getting involved on behalf of the orphan, through both friendship and adoption.  We were reminded of our Biblical mandate to care for the orphans and the widows in this world as a true expression of our faith.

Visions were spoken about a Ukraine without orphanages as Christians rise up and take ownership of this problem.  A vision was also shared about seeing each orphan in Ukraine have a personal friend from the local church- and to see this happen in the next 5 years.  Such a big vision that it can sound pretty impossible!  Especially in a corrupt and bureaucracy laden country like Ukraine. 

And then I found the above verse from Habakkuk and I was reminded of the God we serve. A God that can move the mountains, a God that can bring families to the orphaned and healing to the broken. A God that still makes beauty from the ashes.  He only asks that we join with him in participation. He asks us to be his hands and feet. I am reminded of the famous words spoken to Esther when she was contemplating her role in the deliverance of her people. “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews [orphans] will arise from another place……and who knows but that you have come into the Kingdom for such a time as this?”  Esther 4: 14

The reality was that Esther didn’t have to participate- because God could accomplish his purpose without her. But he gave her an opportunity- and opportunity to take part in a bigger plan and to be used by God  to effect the lives of thousands—to change their destinies!  When I hear this story I am reminded that yes, I can stay silent, and God will continue to use others to fight on behalf of the fatherless—because it’s not dependent on me.  But I would hate to think what I would have missed if I stayed silent.

More kid fun…

This past weekend I got to play “mama” again to 3 sweet kiddos! My good friends Tyler and Kelly went on a little getaway and I stayed with their kids- ages  6, 3 and 18 months!  

I always gain a lot of respect for parents through experiences like this…and find them as good parenting boot camp!  It is fun to see life through the eyes of a 3 and 6 year-old, it helps keeps things light, especially when other parts of life are stressful. 

As I was pouring a glass of orange juice for myself, little 3-year-old Joshua quickly exclaimed, “Be careful Miss Karen, there is flakes in there!” “Those flakes can hurt!”  Ahh to be 3 again, and have our concerns be as simple as the annoying pulp in orange juice!

 

International Women’s Day Weekend

 Hard to believe it but this is my 5th Women’s Day in Ukraine. I truly love this holiday—perhaps that is why I’ve stayed this long. What woman wouldn’t love a holiday that means flowers, chocolate, celebrations and a day off of work?!  Apparently International Women's Day began in 1910 by the German socialist leader Clara Zetkin, who organized a large conference for European women in Copenhagen which marked the fight of women for equal rights.  In the 1970’s it became an official holiday recognized on March 8th each year- but today it is only a national holiday in post-soviet block countries--- like my beautiful Ukraine!  Which makes the fact that it is called “International Women’s Day” even more amusing!                         Flowers were everywhere this weekend!

My friends from my home church are staying with me right now as they await their SDA (adoption) appointment this week—so this means I have had an extra fun weekend full of meals out, late nights and touristy stuff that I haven’t done in awhile—thanks Erik and Natasha!! Yesterday we went to a yummy new Italian place I discovered and had some great Tiramisu and today we froze to death but enjoyed the beauty of the Pechersk Lavra. 

 

    Natasha and Erik were both a little creeped out by the dead monks that are mummified and deep in the caves of the monastery- I think I’ve seen them so many times now that it doesn’t phase me as much.  I just don’t like how everyone kisses the glass that they are held in.

Erik and Natasha have their appointment on Wednesday, so we still have a couple more days of fun before they head out. Please be praying for them and their future kiddos!

Innocence Lost

Last weekend I found myself surrounded by a group of children that are very close to my heart. These children live in Kherson, Ukraine in an orphanage of 220 children. Through summer camps and trips to the United States the last two years, I’ve gotten to know a group of these kids in a unique way and see how they, like all children, are in the process of growing up- right before my eyes.
Upon entering the room where the kids hang-out and play on the weekends, I saw the favored "babysitter" hard at work---otherwise known as the television. Every time I see this influential babysitter keeping the kids entertained I cringe. The kids flip from channel to channel with complete freedom, and the uneasiness grows inside as I see what is shown on regular television in Ukraine. Of course the kids are excited when I come in, as I’m a change to their regular routine. I distract the younger ones, but the older ones are quickly drawn back to the babysitter.

On this trip I’m with my friends Natasha and Erik, who are here pursuing an adoption, and they quickly become new best friends with all my 10-year-old angels who are jabbering away with questions and their fond remembrances of the time recently spent in America.
As always the “foto-operat” or digital camera is a hit and the kids are all begging to take pictures with our cameras and pose as best they can. A couple of these little girls were very excited about being little photographers and asked for permission to take Natasha and Erik’s camera into the other room to have a photo session.

Now anyone who has ever been in Ukraine or Russia will know that Slavic women know how to pose for a picture! If a camera is pulled out, suddenly women will strike a pose quite un-like their everyday posture for the picture about to be taken. Sometimes this can be humorous to watch.
So after the girls came back from their photo session I went through the camera to glance at what they had taken. I guess it didn’t surprise me what I saw, but it truly grieved my heart. The girls had taken the camera into their rooms and posed in a variety of “model” like poses, but very much in a sexualized nature which doesn’t need to be described or shown here. Little girls that can appear so innocent and unaware of the world around them have in reality been influenced by the “babysitter” and the print advertising that bombards this culture. They have been shown what the world deems beautiful and they are trying to imitate it. These are the women they are trying to emulate and it simply breaks my heart and causes me to ask the question: what can I do to make a difference?

If you are reading this I simply ask that you pause for a moment and pray for these kids. Pray for these children who have been subject to images and experiences that would make most parents cringe. Pray that they will be surrounded by positive mentors, and if at all possible, parents who will instill them with values and Truth. Pray for those that have experienced sexual abuse and that they will experience healing through Christ. Pray for Ukraine; pray that the Christians here will remain pure and healthy in a country that is so full of sexual images and pornography and pray that laws will be created to restrict what currently is freely accessible.

This is a war. A war that is leaving in its wake the innocence of orphaned children.

Weekend in Kherson

We had quite a bit of fun Saturday and Sunday with the kids in the Kherson Internat. These are all kids we've come to know and love through our camp ministries and our trips with the Shoemaker play to the US each Christmas. The kids were very excited to see me and my friend Yulia and also to meet my friends Erik and Natasha. I hope to get back again soon- as I just love these kids!

Adventures in Babysitting

Remember that movie from the 80's? Adventures in Babysitting? Well thankfully babysitting my 5 cousins in Kiev is nothing like that-- but it always proves to be a fun little adventure. I feel so blessed to be a part of their lives and love all the roles I get to play-- cousin, older sister, friend, and this week- mother! Now I hope our McDonald's night last night doesn't mean I'm going to be a "push over" of a mom someday. No, I'd like to think it means I'm just a fun babysitter! :) You have to feel a tinge of guilt though when you see the consumption of 5 big macs, fries, cokes and ice-cream cones! Oh well...we went for a nice walk in the park today to burn off those grams of fat! :) It still amazes me how much I love McDonalds so much in Ukraine...when I avoid it like the plague in America. This seems to be the opinion of all the Americans I know in Ukraine. A fact that bonds us!

I even had my first driving experience in Kiev this weekend. Call me brave, or crazy, but I loaded my 5 sweeties into their car and got us all to church on time this morning. You wouldn't think that driving here is a great feat unless you've been here. But in all honestly, Sundays are quite friendly to the novice Kiev driver, so I felt quite confident in my 11 years behind the wheel preparing me for today.

So 5 more days of fun and adventures with these kiddos!

Waiting for the Parade

Well I just finished a 3 night run of the play "Waiting for the Parade" with 5 senior girls at Kiev Christian Academy! We had a blast and had a great turn out-- probably close to 250 over the 3 nights! It was fantastic and so much fun. I was so proud of my girls and our audiences were very impressed as well-- I received so many compliments on their behalf. I've known most of these girls since they were in 8th grade, so I've had the opportunity to see them grow and mature over the years into very talented actresses and just awesome young women. I'll sure miss them next year! Usually I just direct one show a year at KCA- in the spring, so this was an added bonus-- for me and them! So now that we've finished this one we have to hurry up and start rehearsing for the next one-- May will be here before we know it! Enjoy the photos!

Getting back into the swing

So by the lack of posts lately you can see I've been busy- well that and I've been trying to think of something interesting to write about! I've been back in Kiev now for 2 weeks after my 2 month trip to the states.


The last few weeks with my family were very full, with a lot of great time doing my new favorite thing-- spending time with my adorable nephew Caleb. Then I headed to Virginia for a few days of catching up with some dear friends and having some meetings at our CBN office in VA Beach. I was blessed to reconnect with two families who became close friends to me through their adoption processes in Ukraine- 2 years ago! I continue to count all these adoptive families I've come to know and love over the years as such a blessing in my life, and having walked through the adoption journey with them I feel extra connected- in a weird maternal sort of way-- and I'm not even a mother!

With Erin- adopted in '06 and Katya-adopted 1 month ago

With Luda and Galina Hughes- adopted in 2006

Then it was back to Kiev and straight back to work. In many ways it seemed like I had never left! I've been working on a special play with the senior girls at the High School where I direct drama, and our performances are next weekend. So nothing like just getting back and putting the final touches on a full length play! Life is full to say the least. My girls have been doing great and we are really excited for this coming weekend and are hoping for full audiences.

I was also able to connect with another Colorado family I've come to know (via email) who was here adopting 2 kids that we had brought over on previous hosting trips. Again, another blessing to get to meet them and be a witness yet again to the miracle of adoption.

With Jim Volf and 2 new kids, Joshua and Ashley

(wife Kari already at home)

So hopefully I can get back to this blogging thing again -to keep everyone updated on the happenings here in Ukraine--both the mundane and the extraordinary!