Berdyansk and more!!

OK, so we haven't been too faithful with our post. We had been staying in a wonderful little bible college on the outskirts of Kherson until Monday morning. They do not have internet and we never had the time to find a cafe. But being busy is a good thing!

So, how do we summeries all that we've done so far without writing a novel. I guess we'll have to fill you in on all the details when we get home but here are some of the highlights:

Upon arriving in Khearson on Friday, we met with Alex of Agape Ministries and his team who would be our host throughout our time in Ukraine. They loaded us up in two big vans and off we went straight to the Babe Orphanage (We hope to post some pictures soon). To say that it is heart breaking is a true understatement. Those children are so beautiful and precious. We spent time standing, rocking, bouncing until they told us to leave. Even though we were all exhausted from the flight and overnight train ride, the visit helped God to quickly reveal why we were here. After the visit, we checked into plan but very nice dorm rooms at the bible college on the outskirts of Khearson, cleaned up and got ready to head out again.

Friday afternoon and early evening, we spent time visiting the girls at Heart for Orphan's & Agape's small home called "Esther's House". There we met with the 3 wonderful and sweet young ladies and their house mother. The place is small but has all the conveniences that one can expect in a big city of Ukraine. It was very clean and full of joy. 2 of the 3 girls spoke relatively good english and were able to help the third tranlate. They also had a wonderful meal waiting for us where they sat the entire 9 person mission team as well as Alex and his 2 drivers. All three girls are attending school and two of them hope to be accepted into bible college this summer. Please keep Iryna, Natasha, and Oksana in your thoughts and prayers as they learn and grow to be adults.

After breakfast on Saturday morning, we headed out in multiple directions in 3 teams of 3. We each visted a different "Internot" (Orphanage) where we observed some of the young Agape teachers sharing Christ. What amazing talent that God has given this dedicated people. We all spent time visiting with the kids and sharing small gifts with them. One of our teams visited an orphanage for disabled children and were astonded when many could speak english. I think one of our team mentioned how "inspired" they were with these brave young diabled children. But there future is so bleak for many of them.

After a full morning visiting these locations we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with our 10 boys at "Joshua's House". This is our biggest house which many of us had only seen pictures of as a run down shell of a building. Well, it's not run down any more. The home is beautful even by American standards but a perfect place to house these boys in a loving Christ based home as they transition from the orphanages to adulthood. For all who have donated to Heart for Orphans, please know that God's gift through you have been a blessing that is without discription. Until you've been here to see what sadness is in front of these forgotten young people, you cannot imagine the gift you've given to them. All, guided by a live-in "house father" and a husband & wife team literally living just outside the front door.

The biggest event came that evening with the dedication of Joshua's House. Both the leading local ministers (Bishops) for the two primary denominations in the area were there to conduct the dedication along with the "Regional Manager" for the entire area (basically the boss for all the mayors). The ceremony was a touching blessing and dedication of the house, house parents and the boys.

Sunday found us attending church where we thought that Bill Warwick (Williamsburg Community Chapel Minister) was presiding. Again, we'll have to post picutres but we think we found Bill's lost brother in Ukraine. He didn't speak english but he provided a powerful God inspired Easter message for all of us. Nancy was able to speak about who we are and what we stand for, Gary, Beverly, Erin, and Abby stood to speak about their adoptions story (many Ukrainians want to know why an American would adopt from Ukraine), and Jay Schell presented a short talk completely in (shelf taught) Russian, AMAZING! What a blessing the morning was.

We had lunch that day back at Joshua's House and spent time with the boys ultimately bring them back with us to the Bible College where we met the girls from Esther's House. We played soccer ("Football") and a "form" of American Football with one of the donated footballs we brought over for the boys. We also played wiffle ball which was a load of fun teaching the art of goofy baseball. What great fun and time of sharing love with all these young folks! We played until it was pitch dark and they had to head back home. With sadness but warm hungs we said goodbye.

We hit the road Monday morning with two vans on our way to Berdyansk. It took the enitre day on torn-up post-winter roads. On the way we stopped at a local "technical school" at a farming village. By American standards, it was absolutely sad. But the local Agape minister has hope and has already established a small home for some of the kids and was able to show us some potential areas we may be able to help them expand. We'll pray for God's guidance there.

But what struck us all the most was this Agape minister Victor and his wife and 5 adopted children. All stair steps ranging from 3 to 7. Victor took all of us into his small but pleasant home and feed us all in two seperate servings while the others played with their 3 beautiful girls and 2 boys all adopted from Ukraine by this wonderful Ukrainian farm family. What a testimony to all of us. But Victor kept giving it all back to God's grace and power. It made us all reflect that if this family with very small means where willing to adopted 5 children (oh, and a 6th older orphan soon), how much more can we do with all that God has blessed us with in the USA.

After a long day on the road, we made it to the Hotel in Berdyansk Monday evening.

Today we spent time at the "First Stage Orphanage" visiting and playing with the kids and finishing up with watching the Agape puppet ministry perform. What a wonderful team and great message of the gift of Jesus to us all.

We spent the afternoon at the primary orphanage where Erin Bruce lived prior to her adoption. Erin got to see many of her teachers and old friends. We spent time with some of the kids but primarily helped set up the Agape puppet ministry where Gary Bruce helped to finish it up with a short testimony.

Well, it's time for us all to head to dinner. With about 21 of us in all counting the puppet team and Alex and his drivers, we will fill up the small hotel cafe.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and comments. Please continue to pray that God gives us the eye, ears, and hearts to do his will.

Sincerely,

Your Heart for Orphans and Williamsburg Community Chapel Mission Team