Look What I Can Do

I was glad I had a camera near by when Emma said, "Mama, I can yo-yo and dance at the same time!"

Ukrainian Genocide: Holodomor

On Saturday I took Allyson to Kiev for a quick visit of the city. While we were there we came across a huge memorial service. Thousands of people from all over Ukraine were meeting in Kiev to remeber those killed during the forced famine ordered by Joseph Stalin from 1932-1933. Only one year ago today, was Holodomor finally recognized by the government as genocide. These are a few pictures of what we saw in Kiev. If you are interested in reading more about the famine, click here. As you think about those who died, please remember those who are dying here today. There are millions of people in Ukraine who do not know Christ. They are sick and tired and starving for a Savior. Please pray for the souls of Ukraine.

Time with Allyson

On Gavin's birthday we drove to Kiev to pick up a very special friend at the airport. Allyson flew in from Turkey to spend Thanksgiving with us. I have known Allyson since she was one year old. It was so fun to have such an old and dear friend here. The kids will definitely miss having her around. She was constantly entertaining them and of course she brought them gifts which always catches their hearts.

Allyson lives and works in Turkey. On Sunday she shared with our church about her life there, the friends she is making and all that is happening there. We were greatly blessed by her testimonies.

Allyson, thank you for coming. You are missed already. We can't wait to see you in January!

Big # 6

Tuesday Gavin turned six! It's pretty unbelievable that our little boy is getting so big! Gavin grew up a lot this year. He started losing teeth, he grew a couple of inches, he started going to the boarding school with Conor, he learned how to read, the list goes on. The most memorable thing that happened in Gavin's fifth year was in February. He came to us and told us that as he was laying in bed, talking to God, he asked Him to come and live in his heart! The best thing a parent could ever hear! We pray that in his sixth year, Gavin would know God and love Him more.

This week has been a non-stop party for Gavin. Monday night we celebrated with Auntie Reenie and Auntie Chris before they flew to America. Tuesday, Gavin's actual birthday, we took the kids to their favorite place near Kiev where they have a giant jungle gym and a lot of fun games. Our friend Allyson flew in from Turkey on Tuesday night and we celebrated with her. Wednesday we had toffee bars with the church. And finally, Thursday, as we gathered for Thanksgiving with the Fournier's, we wrapped up the celebration with a "super-hero," chocolate cake.

Snow Day

We got a foot last night. It's our first big storm of the season.

Lost Another One

Getting The Word Out

The Washington Post put out this article on how missionary groups are using technology to bring the gospel to unreached people groups all over the world. There are so many ways to get the Word to people these days. Reading it encouraged me and got me thinking and praying about what more could be done over here to reach people with Gods Word.

Wednesday Night

I've been wanting to take some pictures at church, but I never can seem to get around to it. So last Wednesday night, after the service, I finally got a few. There were a lot of people that couldn't make it to this service. I will try and get more on a Sunday soon.
Right now we are going through the book of Nehemiah. On this particular Wednesday we were studying chapter eight and had a great time of worship and prayer.
Here are a few of the family.

Many of you have spent time with us in Chernigov and know our church. Please feel free to leave a message for them here in the comments. Russian or English is fine.

Prayer Request

So, I thought I would shoot this thing up again for two reasons. Our good friend Gretchen Fournier had an operation today to remove some gallstones. The operation went well and she hopes to get out of the hospital on Friday. Please pray for a quick recovery for her. The second is that we are watching the 3 Fournier children during this time. They are really good kids and it's great having them with us, but their 3 and our 2 all are sick with bad coughs and colds. My hat goes off to all you family's with 5 or more kids! Reenie and Chris are watching the two girls at night which is a huge blessing! They are also helping out a ton during the day. We could all really use your prays for healing and strength. Thanks so much!

( Danny, thanks for the new prayer beacon.)

Emushka

I was looking through some old pictures of the kids and I came across this one. Emma is almost 2 here. Little girls love to play dress up and they usually dress up like princesses. Not our little one. I think she was going for the babushka look here. She looks just like the babushka that lives next door to us.

Friends & Photos

A few nights ago we had Victor & Tatiana Velichko over to our house. These two lovely people are the proud parents of Olya Velichko. Olya is a young lady that goes to church with us, but at the moment is working as an intern with . Usually she is here with In Lumine working to get great christian books into peoples hands all over Ukraine and Russia. Olya is a good friend and we are missing her a ton! But, in her absence we have made a new friendship with her parents. Lately we have been able to spend time with Victor and Tatiana, getting to know them better.
They took Koren and I to the Chernigov Philharmonic, in which Olya's older brother Kolya plays the violin. The other night they came over and shared with us pictures that Viktor had taken, which is the real reason I am writing this post. I really want you to see some of the pictures he has taken of our beautiful Chernigov. He has a real talent and loves taking them. This first one is my favorite. Koren thought it would look good in black and white. Thanks Danny for doing that!