Monday - December 18, 2006

We got up at 10am and felt like it was 10pm, which shows how hard we were pushing ourselves. We ate breakfast and then went to the church. The first person I saw was Lubasi. I ran to him and gave him a big hug. The others followed suit. It was so great to see another of our team members.

The boys and another Ukrainian played hackey sack while Mrs. Hadley, Hanan, and I graded tests. We also had worship that morning. Worship was a very bonding experience.

Later that morning we went to town and looked around. The supermarkets there are the same as in the US. The prices are about the same when the exchange rate is figured. However, I did notice that they had more meat and candy than in the US. Also, they had a whole aisle, both sides, full of tea. It was like the cereal aisle in the grocery store. There were many different brands and flavors of tea. This is because Ukranians drink more tea than water.

That night for the meeting, we read the last chapter of the Passion. Then we had open discussion. All of us were up on the platform to answer their questions. They had some very interesting questions.

After a while, we brought it to a close. We thought we were done except for some special music. But they had a different idea. They called us all up front and gave each of us a little token to remember them by. Each of the students got a teacup that was engraved. The people didn’t want to let us go. Some of the individual members gave some of us presents. There were tears in many eyes.

What especially touched me were three of the children. They had been to the children’s meetings the day before and participated in the activities. I wondered if they learened anything about God during the meetings. I couldn’t ask them since they couldn’t speak English and I don’t know Russian. But when it was time to say good-bye, they were trying very hard not to cry. This wouldn’t be if we had only been playmates with them. This showed me that God really used me to spread His Word to His children. This gave me the affirmation I needed to continue ministering in the next churches.

This was the most receptive and loving church in the whole conference. I wish I could go back and stay there.

We had to board the bus and leave for “home.” We didn’t get back until late, but Mrs. M had supper on the table for us. We ate and then sought the bed.