Christmas for our Grads...

You have all probably been to youth group, heard about youth group, or know someone that has gone. And these places are normally filled with fun activities for the kids. Well, our kids are no different than those kids and they want a place to go that is fun. We are very blessed to have a church who loves on our kids and allows them to come there once a week. And even though kids are coming to "church" it doesn't mean that they don't want to have fun. So I would like to ask you to help us fill our little room full of fun for the kids. I am hoping to fill the room with things such as a ping pong table, foos ball, a small pool table and maybe some darts. I want this because it will not only help our kids have a place that is safe, it will draw out other kids who are in need of a safe haven where they can let loose and have some fun while learning about how much Jesus loves them. I have dreamt of a community center for years. I want this because it would be a place that would allow kids to come and have the opportunity to stay out of trouble if they choose. I know we don't have the means to have a community center right now but even a room would be an amazing start. Please think and pray about how you can help with this. 

Here is about what each would cost:

Ping Pong table: $300

Foos ball: $150

Pool Table: $150

Darts: $65

Here is the room we have our meetings in.

Orphanage fun...

Today we got to go to the orphanage and do a little program there for the kids. We went on Tuesday and when we were leaving the kids all asked when we were coming back. It was obvious they needed some love. So we quickly put together a program and went today. We played some games, sang songs, and had a bible story on creation.  The kids had so much fun with the games, here are some pics to show how cute they all are.

Gummy bear game :)

She just can't get any cuter!

Singing some songs..

So thankful for these great people who all helped make this program great!

Joy

Life can sometimes be depressing or feel so overwhelming, but this little girl has brought some serious joy into our lives the past week. This pic was too cute to not share.

I honestly don't know what the future holds for Alina and baby Melissa but I am thankful I know who holds their future.
I was also thankful for a much needed night out. 

It's the small things...

The last few weeks have been some of the hardest that I can remember... Someone I dearly loved went to be with Jesus and watching the family lose their dad/husband/papa was maybe even harder. To be honest, I was looking forward to coming back to Ukraine to have a day's rest. Unfortunately, there has not even been a day of that since coming back. Some pretty bad stuff has happened that I can't write about. Let's just say we have new roommie with a baby for the time being. Then on top of that, things have not been great with some of the grads. The girl in me starts questioning everything we have ever done in Ukraine(Yes, I realize that is a bit dramatic, but these kids are so good at making you feel like complete crap). I have been a little depressed and feeling like we have done more damage then we have good. I am good at letting my mind run with all the faults I have ever done.

All that to say.... I met with one of our grads today and we had a good talk, both telling each other truths that aren't always easy to hear. Then walked home and was thankful that although it is cold it was warm enough still to walk and take some pretty pictures. I felt I got some clarity from my pity party... :) And even though life feels hard and I feel a little lost, I was reminded that this too shall pass. And sometimes, it is the small things, like a walk home by yourself to help you see some much needed perspective.

So thankful I get to enjoy fall if only for a few days. (the river is already starting to freeze)

I love this walk...

Our little giraffe :)

I am beyond thankful that I get to be in this little girl's life.

Fall Fundraiser Tea

$12 each to reserve your spot at the tea.
Contact Melissa for more information.

Click here to donate $12 to reserve your ticket for the tea. 

Click here to reserve more than one ticket or donate a different amount. Please specify your number of tickets. 

A Taste of Ukraine

Anika Bachle is having a fundraiser for Open Arms on September 20th. It is going to be a taste of Ukraine. Come and hear about what is going on with Open Arms and have some fun Ukrainian food. It is going to be a fun night! Please come join us if you are in the area. If you aren't, but still want to be apart of helping, feel free to buy a ticket. There is a link at the bottom to get your ticket! Come join us!!!

Orphanage Fun

Just like always it seems a lot of time has passed since I last wrote a blog... So here is a video of when we did camp at the orphanage. There were some pretty amazing kids who will absolutely bring a smile to your face.