Today was the big day...the moment Valera has been waiting for....the soccer game. He was taking it all in....all the orange and black, the concession stand, the lights, fans, cheers, etc. The Donetsk Shoktar cooperated with a 3 to 0 victory. His favorite goalie played. The most famous Ukrainian singer performed a concert after the game. Valera could have cared less. In fact, at one point I looked over at him and his bandana headband was over his eyes like a blindfold.
We also went back to the African church today. Although we still enjoyed it, it was 2 and 1/2 hours...which is especially long when you are 12, you don't speak English, and you just want to go to a soccer game. Valera was a trooper though.
At church we met a family from Australia who are missionaries in Ukraine. They have a 6 yr old daughter, Analise, who took a liking to me. She sat on my lap and held my hand. We drew pictures and it just felt "familiar". The parents names are Ben and Angela. Ironically, Ben told me that two men from our church, Grace Bible Church, are coming to Donetsk this week. They are looking into how to build a home for aged out orphans. Ben gave me his contact info. So we are excited about that and I hope to connect with fellow church members from Grace if at all possible.
Also, we met Adam at church. He is from California...in the peace corp. He has been here for about 3 years. He lives near our apartment and showed us a yummy place to eat. He also gave us his phone number. We ate lunch with him today. Super nice guy.
So....we met great American people, ate a good lunch, heard a powerful sermon on being a living sacrifice for God, went to a fun soccer game, and I even beat my high score on Fruit Ninja....I am up to 148. (Don't laugh kids!)
It was a good day. I am grateful. Hopefully more pictures will be posted soon. I am still learning.
It was a good day. I am grateful.
The Lord NEVER ceases to amaze me. Ben and Angela work at Zhayne's first orphanage. It is an awesome orphanage ... not government run, church run. Angela and Ben and their friend Matt are going to meet OUR Steve DeMik and John Lapardo on Tuesday to go look for possible sites for the transition home!!! No one could have worked that out but God!!! I'm more excited about this meeting than the soccer game ... and I know how exciting those are!!! Zhayne and I were to be part of that team from Grace but as you know I am at home getting well. I will tell Steve to call you once he is in Donetsk. Their trip is going to be a whirlwind but maybe he can call at least.Talked with Ted and Delany today at church. Ted totally agrees with Edward on his opinion of Ukraine!! :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy that today was a good day. Hoping for the days to fly by so you can be home soon. Still praying for the judge to waive the 10-day wait after court!! "So I tell you, when you pray for something, believe that you have already received it. Then it will be yours." Mark 11:24
Hope you have been able to meet Mark and Kaylee, they are there adopting Oksana, and another family from Chesapeake will be there on Sept 3rd. Praying daily for God to direct your path ...
karol
Lisa... What memories you are creating! I am counting down the days until your court date!!!! Love ya! Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteginger
Oh Lisa........God is just so amazing. I love how He orchestrates things in HIS perfect timing. Always remember that He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. I see that coming to life in every one of your posts!! Love you so much and so glad that Ted and the girls are home safely!!
ReplyDeleteLove, tracy
Dear Lisa, It truly is a small world! That God would orchestrate your meeting of Ben and Angela, who will be meeting with Steve and John from Grace, is just a miracle of His! Dean preached today about when Jesus walked on the water, and Peter had faith to walk on water to Jesus. The point of the message was that we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the distractions (in Peter's case, the wind and the waves). We do that by having faith in Jesus--why does that seem so hard sometimes? One of Dean's points is that Jesus performed his miracles to reveal Himself to His closest followers and share His power with them. I know He is revealing Himself to you in such a real and powerful way. You, Ted, Pa, the girls, are such an inspiration to me about really living by faith and listening to God. Thank you for walking in obedience and for being such an example. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Like Karol, I pray that the days would pass quickly and that September 6th will be here before you know it! Praying for you!! Stay strong!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Rochelle
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see God moving right in front of you to number your steps. That's what I love so much about Ukraine; the way God reveals Himself to you in every circumstance so that He gets the glory and youget to be amazed once again at the awesome power He has to work in and through his people! Enjoy :)
Blessings,
Laura Passanita