Fall was certainly in the air here today. It was cool, breezy and overcast. We had a nice relaxing day. I actually laid in bed for three hours with a washcloth on my eye, while Valera watched a movie and my dad made some yummy potatoes.
Afterwards, I walked to the grocery store for what should be the last time.
Valera and I played a soccer game on a field outside of our apartment. We made goals out of tree branches. He beat me 10-3. I tried really hard. This may have been our last soccer game here in Ukraine. Even if we have the time, we have worn out the ball.
We watched our last soccer game for sure. We went to another Shaktar game. We won 4-1. It was a joy tonight to watch Valera celebrate every goal. He was really into it.
When we got home, the three of us watched Ratatouille. While I am certain we will watch it again, it will be the last time while in Ukraine.
Tomorrow is our last full day in Donetsk. We will leave for Kiev on Tuesday (on an overnight train), spend two days in Kiev then fly home on Friday (assuming that all goes according to plan).
We had a fun Skype session with Ted and the girls last night. Valera held up six fingers and said, "Americ". He wanted to show them all his "tricks" with the ball, and had them listen to his "rap" music. He watched the girls do flips on the trampoline. Valera seemed excited to be a part of our "family time". As a friend pointed out to me, the culture shock, language barrier, strange food, etc. will hopefully help me sympathize with him as he adjusts to life in America.
So, just as the weather is changing, this "season" of our journey is about to change. We are preparing for the next phase that will lead us "home". We ask for prayers that we continue to stay healthy, that all logistics fall into place, and most of all....that Valera will do well with the travels and all the change that he will experience. As I anticipate all that is about to happen, I hold on to the fact that God never changes.
Happy Fall!
Yea! Come home come home come home!!!!
ReplyDeletefor everything there is a season .... you know the serious countdown has started when ratatoille gets packed in the suitcae. sooo looking forward to meeting valera and trying out my russian praying that you are all on the plane on friday. love mom/grandma/love
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting!! I can't wait to see you all!! We are also in the countdown here... Ximena
ReplyDeleteIn my recent study of Daniel, I have been reading and rereading Daniel's praise prayer in Chapter 2. It speaks of how God is the only one that can do something as mighty as change a season. Reading your post today reminds me how relevant this is to our walk with God. We are continually having to trust Him with our "next steps". The physical seasons on this earth are a beautiful metaphor of an even great churning of God stirring in our hearts new things to come. I am so excited for you, Ted Valera and the girls and what beauty God is unfolding in your lives. What a blessing to be a part of God's greatest plan!
ReplyDelete“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Oh Lisa,
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited for your return home with your new son, Valera James Miller (:
We talked with Ted , Delaney and MK at church on Sunday and they were beaming with excitement and hope thay you , Valera and Pa will be home this Friday. The girls are absolutely beautiful inside and out . YOU are a wonderful mom and Valera is blessed to be in the Miller family.
Love and Peace in Christ - and lots of Prayers,
Karen