Our time here in Ukraine is at an end. The past 28 days have been full of wonderful new experiences and friends. The students have done a great job of being the hands of feet of Jesus as we served with Christ Fellowship and New Life churches through both physical labor and developing relationships that will last far beyond our short time here. While we know that many are excited to return home, it will be bittersweet as we leave these new friends, and also say goodbye to the Mosses and to Jacky. We will miss seeing them each day, but will be praying for the ministry opportunities God has laid before them in Ukraine and China.
Today, we leave for the airport to head to Vienna, Austria. We will be there overnight, and will hopefully have the chance to explore the city a little bit. Then, Friday morning, our flight leaves Vienna for Chicago! Please be praying for smooth travel and efficiency, as we have about 2 hours to get through customs in Chicago before our flight leaves for LA! This can be a stressful time as we have 36 of us to get through in a short amount of time.
As we have begun to look back on our time here, it is clear to us that we could not have done it without your prayers and support. We have been blessed with a fairly uneventful (as far as safety and major issues go) trip, and we know it is because we were constantly lifted up in prayer by all of you! In the same way you have been praying for us, and are excited to hear our stories, we know that God's presence and work was not just here in Ukraine, but that he is active and working in Orange County too. We look forward to hearing your stories. Thank you again for your support. We will see you all soon...
Hey guys (dobrie narod, lyubie dryuzie)!
ReplyDeleteWe made it to Kiev and are chilling for a few days and we had a chance yesterday to read through the Ukraine team blog! We miss you all already, and it has been great telling stories and reminiscing as we look through instagram pics, tweets, and blog entries.
Alfie and I can't help but look back to our early days of mission projects back in the ...yes...eighties...and marvel at how well you were able to keep people back home updated. We remember sending mailgrams which took about two weeks to get back to the States. I remember getting six out on my first eight week project in Thailand in '85!
As a team, you did an amazing job getting pics, tweets, and blog entries out so regularly despite sometimes "sketchy" internet access. Well done!
So enjoy your homecoming. We trust that God will bless you as you re-adapt to life back in OC, and figure out day-by-day how God is calling you to continue being disciple-makers there. We know that God will continue to prove Himself faithful in every challenge you face at home, equipping you for every good work that He has for you. Know that we pray for you, and that you are dear to our hearts.
Eat some Chipotle (is it really as good as Pepe's?) and In-and-Out for us! And save us some for next summer when we can eat some with you!
Much, much love,
Alfie, Julie, Joseph, Micah and Anya!