I love to read your posts! π I have adopted 4 from foster care and am soon to be adopting my fifth child who I was blessed to be able to get from the hospital as a newborn. Although I don't blog much about my own foster/adoption journey I love to read others stories. I'm not convinced that I won't eventually adopt overseas but for now I'm working through social services. I know God will bless you on this journey as you follow His leading!
You're right, our God is the One who makes possible the impossible! I am excited for you guys as you journey into the unknown and look forward to reading about how/where God will lead you!
oh my! your words could be my own! i love your heart! excited to see your journey unfold and send hugs from another mum planning to visit eastern Europe next year to try to find a path to help xxxxxplease please do come over and join in the forget me not friday linkup every week over at flight platform living it would be so lovely to have you onboard xxxxx
Oh ladies, thanks for commenting! It is so great to hear from others with the same heart. God is truly waking His church. I believe it. He loves the orphan even more than we do.
What a beautiful post, and Praise God for turning our hearts to what matters to Him!!Wow. We will be praying for you….that you will be able to discern the call He has put on your lives and that you will have the courage to obey. We can't wait to see where He leads you!
wow Kim i know those feelings! I love November as well…it's also SMS awareness month with the world smith magenis day on 17th november. keep doing what you do, you are amazing xxx
God has such a beautiful way of working doesn't he? Just heard an analogy of the backide of a woven carpet, all knotted, chaotic, and nothing special, and then you flip it over to see the BEAUTIFUL pattern that those imperfections created. Thought it was a beautiful analogy to how God weaves our lives into something miraculous even when we just see knots! I am so happy to know there is another family in town!!! π YAY!!
oh i adore this post!i am now following my blogs in google reader so hopefully i will be more organised in commenting and reading. thankyou for your blog over the year and have a blessed new year. lots of love from jane at the flight platform xxxx
So very exciting! I love your heart for Jesus and your willingness to just say "YES" even without knowing the details! Will be praying and watching to see how HE will guide your steps!!!
Thank you for this series. I am interested in fostering. I would appreciate any further information you share in future updates. Do you think fostering is possible for a single lady? Or would that not be in the kid's best interest?
You know, I think anyone who can be a loving, consistent presence in a child's life is DEFINITELY in the child's best interest. π I worked with a single lady who fostered infants and her mom helped with childcare. She was an awesome foster mommy!
I'm so glad you are doing this series! Thank you for sharing your lives with these children and your hearts with these readers. Any chance you'd be okay with me posting this on our website marionfosteroradopt.com? Billy
Oh Kim I am so glad yu are writing this all out. Everything you are writhing is exactly how we feel… Everything you write feels like someone telling the story of my heart aches and happiness of fostering. I am goad that at this point we have our forever kids and I love love love knowing they won't just disappear after a phone call… The stray sock comment pretty much sums up the loss of a little moving on…
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! But most of all for allowing yourselves to LOVE those babies so much, as if they were your own…without hesitation. Especially knowing you have to give them back. So many people aren't willing to take that kind of risk with the heart…but the fact that you are willing to give of yourselves (and I know you and Jed don't hold back) KNOWING that part of your heart leaves with that child each time all because you know that child needs/deserves that love…that kind of selflessness is indescribably beautiful. And I adore the fact that precious Addie, Ezra and Havalah are just as willing to love the children that come into the family. I praise God for what he is doing through you all!!
oh im so glad ur posting this..i have wanted to be a foster parent forever..ive been starting to look into it more recently..So i would love to here any suggestions or just anything about ur journey in being foster parents..im a single mom of 3 kids so ive been praying if god wants me to wait or press on..but its my hearts desire to fodter..i have such a special place in my heart for children in foster care system..Rachel
Kimmie (I can't help but call you that!)- this is beautiful beyond words! I'm teary eyed reading it and it's difficult to decribe how impacting it is to my heart. I have 3 adopted sisters- and 2 of them (twins) were removed from thier birthparents when they were 11 mos old. Thier story is heartbreaking. As Trace and I have been anticipating adoption for 2 years now, many paths have been considered and prayed about, and at one time I thought I could "never do" foster care. Although we know this is not God's plan for our first child, we are open to it down the road. Voices like yours- filled with love, compassion, and grace NEED to be present to help others better understand the need, and the heart of the Lord in this issue. Thank you again for being willing to share!
Thanks for sharing Randee, and for the encouragement. I'm really am praying for you and Trace. God loves how open-handed you are and willing to say "yes" to Him. His perfect plan for your family is beyond your wildest dreams. I believe it! Go God go!!!
This is a great blog!!! Your kids are so sweet….. Your brother Micheal is my teacher this year at school and mrs. Kimberly I have had your mom as my teacher for 4 years π Havala is supper cute!! I have meet you and your kids before π Kate
What a wonderful feeling! I do recall that same feeling of loving-in-safety after our three were finally declared ours forever. Relish it; it's a shadow of the Lord's love for us!
Ahhhh… Im laughing, and crying!!! So Happy… So totally AWESOME!!!And were did you find such supermarkets??? We never found anything that wasn`t rinky dink… Praying for you my friends… Praying!!! Thank You King Jesus! I`m so emotional as I watch this journey you are on… I know how very tired you are but THANK YOU THANK YOU for blogging!!!!!!
So glad to read that you got there safly! Hope you get some rest and have some awesome God appointments tomorrow! Be encouraged we are praying! Spread the light, share the love, Jenny
You has a great blog. I'm very interesting to stopping here and leaves you a comment. Good work.Lets keep writing and share to us and other.Nb: Dont forget to leave your comment back for us.
Tears… Sitting on this side of the globe EMO right along with you!!!! Praying. Thank you for sharing your heart! I Get it… I really do! It can be so hard to wait on the Lord.
I am so eager to see if you will visit the institution where Aaron and Judd came from — in particular to see if you will see Heath or Hanson and get more pictures of them. I have been following them over the last year and really want to see how they are doing. Please keep an eye out for them, give them a hug, and get pictures of them if possible!Sue H.
Sue, we are hoping and praying for that too! It is our deepest desire to see the Boys. If we get to go we will definitely be on the lookout! You can count on it. Pray with us for favor from the Director to let us in. Thank you!!
Just watch. Just pray. Just listen. Oh yeah, and I love the building with all the beasts! I can't remember the story behind it! I LOVE UKRAINE! And I love that you love Ukraine!
I am taken right now with how God has created such an incredible partnership between the two of you. Your hearts truly overflow with love and compassion. Though at times you may feel or experience things differently (ok, sometimes completely opposite of one another) it still blends into something perfect and beautiful that blesses others. I KNOW you are uplifting and encouraging those serving over there. Even though you may not be able to see it, you are God's love – made tangible. Be encouraged!! It's ok, Kim, that you feel sad…it means you feel deeply. But know that God's hope is still full in your belly in all situations. I love you guys!
We love the father's heart you two share with the World. Thanks for putting words to it here. Blessings to you both! May God open doors for you and give you an opportunity to "do" His love from time to time just for fun!Drew
LOVE IT!! PRAYING OFTEN FOR YOU! LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING THE MORNING WITH ADDIE AND Ezra. Amayli is looking forward to spending the morning with her "friend Cindi" and Havalah!!! Much love to you! Keep posting everyday so we dont miss a thing. Your perspectives are right on.
Hello,in case you are looking for an international church in Kiev to attend service on Sunday – this one is pretty unusual:HILLSONG KIEV CHURCHhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsong_Church_KievService times are 10:00 and 12:30 and you go to the desk in the lobby to ask for them to translate for you. How to get there:On the BLUE metro line, you'll go to the stop Petrivka. Head toward McDonald's (walking down the left side of the road) going North on Tul's'ka sq. and away from the railroad (actual trains). At McDonald's, turn left onto Moskovs'kyi ave. It's a MAIN road, and you'll need to also cross to the other side of it (generally underground). You'll pass a few large shopping centers and an Ashan (looks like AWAH in Cyrillic) which is a HUGE grocery store. Sort of behind the Ashan, just past it on the side road is a huge orange/yellow "tent" dome. It's down a side street just a little bit but is visible from the road.
Laughing so hard i am crying….isaac loves Hot Pockets….i bought costco size box for quick dinner before games….he told me on Tues….that it is better to eat them afterwards because after he eats them he has to go to the bathroom! Lol! Hot pockets!We need to have a debrief when you get back….so you giys can share everything that you are seeing, hearing, and tasting of the Lord's kingdom in Ukraine. We can serve chocolate, coffee!
hey you two, just want to let you know you were and are on the radar screen of the saints praying for you today.noontime prayer had some good insight going on re releasing the love of the Father there.Kim, some of that grieving youre experiencing is intercession for the broken…go with it and let God's Spirit lead you into agreement for "as it is in Heaven make it so on earth".love the pics,dudes. they are soooooo you!!! thanks for keeping us posted. love ya landonsure do miss you guys ,
Kim, thanks so much pulling the curtains to help us see and understand the world these precious little guys exist in; very moving to us from a distance so I can't fathom what you are experiencing first hand. "… how much more valuable are you then the birds… Do not be afraid little flock ,it is the Fathers pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12: 24,32. Love to you and them, Landon
Oh My Dear sweet Friends… Just plain tears… Ahhhhh, this is so hard to read and watch but so terrific too. Praying and sending you both big ol happy hartman hugs!!!
Tears in my eyes and a heart that is broken, Kim Johnson! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your obedience and courage. Because of you, NONE OF US will ever be the same. We are praying non-stop for you guys! Keep the updates coming! Love, Alexis
I know it seems like so little against such great odds but it is good and holy and right. I am so grateful you were able to see what they are doing. I can only imagine what that little bit would do for our Lost Boys in the dreariness of their lives.
Thank you for sharing. I am thinking some of the same things you mentioned in the blog. I, too, want my Father to tell me to tell me what to do about this situation. Thank you for your honesty.
Hey you two…it's been so great to follow your Ukrainian adventure! I've experienced most of what you talk about! I think you will agree that one of the main things that is so amazing there is that people do so much with so little, and often, here, we do so little with so much. Ukraine is an amazing place!Praying!
We keep praying for all the callings, scripture and questions to align for God's glory as He reveals how He wants to co-labor with you in Ukraine. And we keep praying for your babies back here as God protects their hearts while you are briefly away. God's love through Grammy! Praying, Millyellen
I love your blog! I have a 4 year old son with Down syndrome and have been actively working to raise awareness for orphans with Down syndrome. Is there any chance I could get an email address to contact you? bradymurray34@gmailBradywww.onestepclosertohome.blogspot.com
So excited and amazed by all God is doing! He is SO GOOD! And, not to ignore all the incredible spritual stuff, but, SERIOUSLY, you posting a picture FOR ME of Baskin and Robbins may just be my favorite part of your trip (totally just kidding … kind of!). You did treat yourself to the best ice cream on the planet in my honor, right? π Miss you so, so, so much! Can't wait to see how God works in all of this! Love, Alexis
Praising God for this answer to our prayers! Yes, they are precious in His sight. Trusting Him with many more breakthroughs to come. ΠΠ° Π±Π»Π°Π³ΠΎΡΠ»ΠΎΠ²ΠΈΡ Π²Π°Ρ ΠΠΎΡΠΏΠΎΠ΄Ρ, Jed ΠΈ ΠΠΈΠΌ!
oh that was so lovely!i relate to all you said Kim!i felt so the same in the ukraine…i am so desperate to hear, to know, to be lead down the right path but most of all to do something!and then we had jed's take on the day and its so awesome how you guys work together…its fabulous to read…cant wait to watch God's big picture unfold! xxxx
that right there is what i needed to hear…i am covered in goosebumps! 'DO THE NEXT THING!' WOW WOW WOW do you know that post rocks off the scale! when the need is so huge and the p[light so desperate its so easy to listen to all around saying to leave it alone what can you achieve…i know, believe me, i was surrounded by that when i visited the Ukraine! but that's it…do the next thing! xxxxxlove this x
Hi Sue! No, we didn't see either of them, unfortunately. I think Hanson is laying down, and we didn't go inside, I was looking every which way for Heath and I never saw him either. π
I'm so happy for you all and your great adventure!!! May God continue to lead, guide, bless, & find favor on ALL you come across. Keep the blogs going as it helps us pray for you all.Sounds like you all have found your niche, the heart of God for you and yours!!! XOXOXO
It appears that childen with DS are well-cared for and are being mainstreamed, which is great! What responsive, beautiful little faces – all of them. I concur with Molly – let's get these children onto RR!So glad you were able to visit the "lost boys", connect with others who are true servants, and see some of the local sights, although some of the "sights" may not have been too "sightly"! ;-). The opera house is spectacular – my relatives also greatly enjoyed the opera during their adoption journey six years ago.Thanks again for sharing..Susan in KyCousin to 2 from EE
So glad to hear you connected with Kyiv Vineyard folks! Mark searched the internet when we were there and only found the website for the Odessa Vineyard, so on our Sunday in Kyiv we worshiped at a Hillsong church that met in a big tent- a little like home π Glad to hear there IS a Vineyard presence in Kyiv.Jed and Kim, I am so going to miss your posts! Thanks for taking us along on this faith adventure in this land we love so much. I will continue to pray for you to hear what He wants your next step to be. God bless your trip home!
I love it!! I'm glad you were able to wisely split the money up between the three trips… I also know that money was donated into Harvest for them too…That should cover even more trips!
This is fantastic! Talk about being the hands and feet of Jesus — you all really put some miles on yours. I am delighted that your kids did well, you did what you set out to do, and you made it home safe and sound. Thank you so much for sharing!Now, just to go back to the beginning for a moment — the whole thing is "To market, to market to buy a fat pig; home again, home again, jiggety-jig! To market, to market to buy a fat hog; home again, home again, jiggety-jog!"Rosemary
Thank you so much for the update about the Lost Boys. I would love to hear anything more you can share about the trip there. What did you see? What do you want us to know? I've read Julia and Melanie's accounts on their blogs. I know you said you didn't see Heath or Hanson, which makes me sad. Did you see any new boys who appeared to have been newly transferred? Sue
Thanks! It IS super exciting! We plan to partner with a Ukrainian couple who minister to orphans with disabilities. Our big HUGE dream is a medical group home for bedridden orphans…someday….it will be a miracle!!! Can't wait to see God do it π
WOW, I reconnect with you to find THIS!!! I was supposed to be doing my QT but stalled to read this…clearly I was supposed to read this this morning. I have tears in my eyes and goosebumps all over. WHAT an incredible journey and display of His glorious goodness! You were all clearly meant for each other! <3
Kim,I went to ORU with you, on Destiny our freshman year. I was Julia Trant (now Everheart). You did not have bad hair! You were adorable! I am so proud of you and your husband for the huge step you're taking to help these kids. I'm proud to say I knew you way back when!
Hi Julia! Wow! It's been sooooo long! Thanks for the hair reassurance π Also, thanks for the encouragement. It's a pretty exciting/scary time…but mostly exciting. Yay for reconnecting!!
Wow Kim…you are so very right. I am in agreeance with you, HE has got this and we are going to see HIM more and more. I can't wait to finally meet you and share/confirm what God is doing. How EXCITING!!
CANT Wait to see you get there!!!!! Cant wait to someday Visit and see the work first hand!!! Yipppeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! And of course cant wait to see ya`ll Sooon :)!
Thanks for the update! How exciting but scary at the same time. There are so many things to think about and I can't wait to see what your future holds. I agree that it feels great to sell all the excess "stuff" but then you start looking around and want to keep selling more and keep streamlining! It's a bit addicting. I will support you in whatever way I can once you get things finalized.I want to also share this organization that I just learned of recently. It may not be an exact match for you and Jed but with your nursing background I thought you would appreciate their work:http://www.teamworksukraine.com/mission/teamworks-ukraine/Sue H.
Jessica, thank you so much for that idea! I had never heard of Indiegogo or anything like it. Wow, it looks really interesting! I'm going to look into it further. Thanks again!!
Thank you for your support Sue! I really appreciate it so much. π You know, now I think I maybe read about Team Works on another blog…I'll definitely check them out. I'm super interested in learning about all types of work that is being done in Ukraine. Every bit of info helps. Thanks for sharing!
So happy to see you guys making all those steps forwards!! Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean… i'm already planning in my head to visit & help out whenever & wherever i can π
hmmm… posting my comment a second time…So happy to see you guys taking steps forwards. Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean. i'm already planning in my head to visit & help whenever & wherever i can… π
Kim- I am SO excited for your family! I love that you are being obedient to the Lord even when (in our culture) that looks "crazy"! Someday Trace and I hope/ plan to move to Africa so I think we will be following a similar path in the years to come. It IS an adventure, but God will take care of His plan. Your blog is great- I love keeping up with you guys step by step!
so happy to hear you have some where to live… God is Good! All the time! & as always He is just on time π Sooo excited for you… praying for the next steps & for you & your family to be prepared in all areas to follow where God leads…
figured I should stop lurking now and just comment π That would be hard for me, too! π I can relate. I'm so excited, though, to see how He is going to move for your family. What a great adventure!! Awesome, awesome π
I've been checking your blog for updates! So glad to hear you are settled and you have a renter. The new place looks like it's in a very peaceful setting.Sue H.
GOD is amazing… God`s Not dead he`s surely alive :)… Love it when Abraham sings that! I simply cannot wait to hear ALLLLLL about it!!! See ya SOOOON… WHOHOOO!!!!
Sitting here in S. Salem in utter amazement! AMAZEMENT! Selfishly, I confess I am sad. It will be at least 5 years before you are ever my neighbor again. Major sadness. But, apparently, as I have said before, God is kicking you out of Oregon and I'm getting the feeling that He is in a hurry! π We love you guys! Alexis
HOLY COW!!! You are so right – it is laughable how much God is just blowing the top off things! It's insane!! And he didn't just stop blessing you with a free place to stay…he gave you a mountain top view. Why not?! Thank goodness we can cast all of our anxiety on him because he CARES for us…the big and small things. He is so awesome! Love you guys! Keira
Hey, yes, I would love to hear all about Heath. I have been praying for him and wondered if there was a way to find out more about him. Can you email me at glormars@aol.com? Thank you!
I love reading your blogs and hearing about the work you are doing and your passion for kids Kim! ( I remember you taking care of the babies in the nursery at church!) Since I have done emergency foster care…I know how you feel, about doing your best to keep the kids because they have had to move around so much and I can only guess at how they will blame themselves. And I admire your honesty when you have decided that if you don't feel you can keep that promise you are now willing to say we can't do foster care right now.Vonnie and Gary should be really proud to have raised a kid who is compassionate, loveing and letting there light shine in a world that is so dim to some of his youngest children!God Bless you and your family!! I am praying!!
I wish we could foster. I am not sure I truly have the physical stamina BUT I am ever ready to support fostering families. I would really like to do respite. Currently my outgrown clothes mostly go to Women's Space – for battered women and children but I will keep CWO in mind!
Hi Sheri! Thank you so much for your kind words! I didn't know you did emergency care. How wonderful. Thank you for praying π We really appreciate and I love love loved hearing from you!!!
Ahhhh… You stinker, makin me cry like that. You have been on my heart ALL day… and that BEAUTIFUL smile of yours. We need you and Jed to come sing to us *Smile*!!! We Love Love Love you Johnson family. God Knows the why`s… Someday your answers will come, and turn pain into beauty. For now a big ol Hartman (((((HUG)))))
This was a beautiful post..thank you for sharing it with us. I am so sorry about the loss of your baby. There is so much beauty and hope in what you wrote.
It's amazing to see how far He's brought you through all of this in the last week. It's not only a testimony to His faithfulness, but to yours. It's been an honor to witness. Love you.
What a beautiful, heartbreaking, belly-laugh filled, anguished tear brushed year this has been. Blessed to be part of the journey already made and the road that lies ahead. He'll bless all of it, every last inch.
Oh my dear… i'm so very sorry… i haven't been keeping up with reading & i didn't know… my heart aches for you & your loss… i'm amazed at your great faith & your insight into how God has it all in His Hands… i pray that God bring you comfort each day & peace in your heart… i pray that God fill your heart with what fills His Heart & He will show you how faithful He is to fulfill all His Promises… hugs…
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I found your blog from SUYL. what an amazing story! we have one very similar to yours! we are in the process of FINALLY moving towards adopting our 17 month old! who was born addicted to 8 different drugs, like yours it's been full of ups and downs and more joy than I could imagine!! Thanks for sharing your story! The Lord is SO SO very good! -crystalwww.rcolbertreport.com
I know this sounds crazy but…Nathan and I eventually would love to adopt a teenager. We were stoked when we found out we had that same dream and we know it's gotta be a God thing. I guess with some things, you just know. That being a journey FAR off in the future, we need some major major training! The foster care system I have seen bless kids' socks off when you just love them RIGHT…how Jesus would. I am excited to glean from what you share on this blog and relate to you as far as heart and eventual journies go!
So I was going to say…(three deleted comments later)…that it is amazing to view your bright, shiny, spectacular obedience and super danged inspiring. All six of you will be a bridge to those who don't know Jesus and you already are a bridge to at least four people who do (hint: there's four people in my family. And I'm one of them). Love you all!
How exciting! I looked briefly at some of the links and will have to spend more time reading about them. Do you know if any of the RR boys are in the orphanage they visit regularly? When I looked at some of the pictures and saw so many boys wearing identical shirts it made me sad (I understand they are donations and there might be surplus of a certain shirt to donate, but it takes away from them as individuals and just made me a little teary). Please keep us posted on how we can help, if you'll be able to take any donations with you (they have a long list on their web site), etc. Happy Easter!P.S. We still have snow in Wisconsin. When is Spring coming?!!!Sue H.
Hi Sue! I don't believe any boys there are listed on RR. There have only been a couple adoptions from there so far, one boy was adopted by a Ukrainian family, and then one boy was adopted by the Malone family. Are you familiar with them? They are the ones who run "The Eli Project". They live in Ukraine now as missionaries. I will totally let you know if we take donations with us! Thanks for offering. :)PS: We had spring today!! I was afraid if I blinked it might go away!
Hey, I'm a friend of Mary Jill and LIVE in Zhitomir (well, I work there!) I know where the MTU building is – but have never been there. I have Ukrainian friend who knows lots of people from there, tho! Oh – and I have another friend who knows people there (I apparently don't get out much!) :)Would love to stay in contact with you and meet YOU (Although by your FB name, I thought your NAME was Kimandjed… Wondering what nationality you were! :)Maybe "friend" me on FB? Stay in touch! Really! Want to meet! So glad you're coming! Tammy
WooHoo! So happy & excited for you. So wish you could stop by ours on the way to U when you are here in May… but i know it is an added expense you don't need to have at the moment…i will definitely like to contribute monthly, i'll pray about you & get back to you.When your board is all setup, along with a completed mission statement/vision, please send that to me & i will approach my church here to see if they will support you too.Waiting to see awesome things happen as God moves in this ministry! HUGS!
Thank you so much Sandra. We'd love to visit… who knows! We'll keep you up-to-date as we move forward with the non-prof side of things. Thanks for sharing the mission. We are all in this together.
Jed replied to you below, but I had to say hi too! Thank you so much for your willingness to give and for thinking of asking your church! That would be amazing. We will for sure keep you updated. Thanks for always being such an encouragement π
This just makes me smile so big. I only wish I was sitting on that couch next to you with my socks on and a big ol' cup of coffee too. I especially like the part about accepting orphan lovin' from visitors. I have two people in mind for that job. Love you guys!
Loved reading your answers! Our oldest sons are planning a short trip to help out in Ukraine this summer! We'll be praying and following along on your progress!
Beating the jet lag (along with getting 3 small children to do so as well) is one of the parts about moving to Europe this fall that I'm NOT looking forward to! So make sure to give me some tips. π
So you got my text? I think something is wrong with mine because I know I have not received some texts lately (I'm assuming you texted back!). Sorry for the repeat update in the e-mail I sent. We are praying! Enjoy your freedom, but don't forget to hurry back! π Alexis
I adore this picture of you two. ADORE! I wish I had something deep to say in response to your post. But as I sit here with my tired eyes, tired and worn down emotions and spirit, all I can say is…it blesses me. You both bless me. I praise God for the rawness and authenticity you both possess. It is refreshing and encouraging and I know blesses countless people. I love you both and will continue to read and pray about your journey!
Yeah, these boys are adorable! I'm sure you'll love coming there. It's special for me every time I have a chance to join MTU girls on Fridays. May God continue His awesome work there!P.S. Their names are spelled Zhenya, Vova and Misha (Masha is a girl's name). Bless you guys.
Thanks Tanya, I'm open on Wednesdays for Tutoring, ;-). My brain is getting more comfortable with Cyrillic, but then putting what I hear back into latin makes my head hurt. It was fun riding with Oleg to Kiev, minus the traffic Jam. We are looking forward to getting together this coming week.
LOVE following your story. Gives me so much courage and hope. And you all just rock. And I'm happy for you. And you make me want to jump on the next flight to Kiev. Enjoy your time!
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What fun! i'll do you one better than feel your pain about the warm weather… if you send the warm weather over here, i'll send you the unseasonal cold we are having. Deal? π
Tears… ok… smiling ear to ear. I hate turtlenecks and can handle scarves for short periods. I so wish I was there… I am so happy you have been blessed by so many people there. Hows that for encouragement from the lord! Remember when fear strikes,,, psalm 91. Its my saving grace right now. *smile* (((hug)))…
So glad to hear that! i heard from one of my church committee members on Sunday about donations for orphans and told him about you guys… he says to talk about you guys & your work & the orphans maybe in the Fall!! So PM me my dear!
Hi! This might be presumptuous of me, since I just found your blog and we don't know each other at all, but you said it was okay to ask questions: what are your plans for language learning?I am so excited, as I read around here and see what you're doing!
Hi Phyllis! I'm so glad you asked. π Well, we are doing our best to study now in advance (doing what we can…but I'm not sure it'll really be that helpful), but we know we will have to hire a language teacher once we move. I just peeked at your blog. Hey, compared to now, we'll practically be neighbors! Hehe. Any language-learning pointers you have would be like gold to me! It's important to us to learn, so we will study like crazy people when we aren't at MTU. π
I'm glad you didn't mind my question. I was toddler wrestling when I asked, and so I couldn't write more. :-)I think you and I have a lot in common. Four children, homeschooling (I did catch that you homeschool, didn't I?), love for Ukraine, orphans….The only tip I can think of off the top of my head is just do it! It's terribly important to know the language, and not all that easy to learn Π½Π° Ρ ΠΎΠ΄Ρ. I still kind of regret that we didn't set aside separate time, just to focus on studying.
I'm back. π Reading around more and just falling in love with your excitement and plans. If you ever want to correspond about life in Ukraine, I'd love that! (fylliska@gmail.com)
hi we are a Canadian family with 12 kids living in Stavi,Ukraine. 6 of our kids came through foster care/ adoption & 1 daughter we adopted from Zhitomyr in 2000. as we visited her at the internat during the adoption process , we made a promise to God we would come back some day to help the other children . so here we are…would love to get to know you…our daughter from zhitomyr has mild CP & we have an interest in working with handicapped children.Lance & Shari Giesbrecht thamesgal@gmail.com
Oh sister, I love LHOP too!!! We were watching it last night and I was telling Lilly all about what happened leading up to that episode! I'm totally getting that book!! π
Have you read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller? I just finished it and enjoyed it. I'm also a LHOP fan. I still have the book collection I received for my 9th birthday. I tried to get my daughter into it but she wasn't interested! Every month or so when I see my set on the bookcase I'm tempted to reread them. Love it! Sue H.
We loved LHOP when we could get it – living in Asia all those years meant we could only get whatever the Tv station chose to air… but i liked it… i'm not a huge fan but i can see how people could absolutely love it!
More in common! I love Educating the Whole Hearted Child. I haven't read it for a while, but I remember how desperately I wished that it was available in Russian back when I first read it. I need to reread. Somehow, usually homeschooling+missionary=Abeka, which isn't bad, of course, but I often find that it leaves us with no homeschooling subjects to talk about on the rare times that I actually come across a real, live foreigner!And we're reading Little House on the Prairie out loud right now. :-)I'm going to have to try to get the book by Dr. Perry. We've just had opportunities to sit through seminars put on by Agape that are probably along the same lines. Is Karyn Purvis' work anything like his?
Wow. Should of mentioned it a little earlier when we were squishing from a 2400 sq. ft., 13 room house house into a 750 sq. ft. four room apartment. Too bad.
I bet it feels great knowing that is taken care of- and prob makes it feel more real too. This is happening and THIS IS AWESOME. 4 bdrs and purple cabinets…. KINGS AND QUEENS! Sounds like you have room for a family of 3 to live there too! ehhhhh? knduge-wink wink.
Oh LOVE it that God made Disneyland happen for you & brought joy to you. Thank you for the timely reminder that indeed He delights in giving us good gifts and bringing joy into our lives…
Grown ups, especially Christians seem to lose their joy. Somehow being serious is thought as being more pious, holy ? Anyway, I wanted to say your joy and exuberance about life is what I like about you. If that means being cheesy, bring on the cheese.May you never lose this joy and take it with you as you minister to the least of these in Ukraine. I have a feeling your joy would be contagious π
Wow. Wow. Wow. A few years ago, I would have had to fight not to be jealous! (God has taught me a lot about not coveting other people's housing! π I am so glad that He has provided this for you, and I KNOW that it's a miracle.
Kim, it was so great to meet you this last week! And I'm so glad you got to go to Disneyland…what a great story and great post/reminder! I will definitely be following your journey.
All In… i love it… now dear Lord move my fearful heart… move the heart of my husband to see Your Heart beating for justice, mercy & compassion ministries!i pray also for my dear friends who have given all – are all in – to help your people in Ukraine! Give them courage, wisdom, and compassion to be Your Hands and feet. Bring them peace of mind and give them know-how and everything they need.Amen!
I don’t envy you all that traveling, but I’ll be praying. I need to reread… I don’t think I saw California in there? It you are going to be in CA, I would love to work out a way for you to meet up with the Fedorchuks from Agape.
And I know exactly what to do about the luggage: pray for it to get lost (temporarily). That has saved us several times when we couldn’t transport it ourselves. The airline delivered it a few days later. π
#46…..I get to see you in a week! ACCKK!! π Also, I love your updates, your ice cream addiction, and the sweet kiddos you get to take pictures of….what an exciting adventure to be on! π
So, so happy for you guys! We’ve been busy with medical/houseish stuff lately and I hadn’t checked your blog to see that you all are leaving so soon! God is so faithful-I cannot wait to see how He’s going to use your family:) Will be breathlessly awaiting updates!
Yay, we’re on the same continent! It’s so crazy how our families are going through something so similar right now. We also had a sobfest as the family left, though I will admit most of it was my and my mom’s.
The house is amazing! We love it! The outside pics make me laugh, though. Very, very odd looking house on the outside. π But hey, I guess if you need any rubble, you just walk out your back door! π So thankful to Jesus for giving you guys such a perfect house! I want to come visit!
PS – I’m surprised the fire marshal in my life who also looked at these pics didn’t say anything about the bed pushed up against the radiator in the guest/boys room. Guess he figures Zhitomer is a little out of his jurisdiction, so what does he care? π MISS YOU!!!!!!
Okay, this girl must need some chocolate or something. I got tearful looking at your house and THEN when I saw the playground and the fact that it was JUST installed…my eyes are raining! God is SO good. It just touches my heart that he cares about the details. And Kim, I can’t help but think about your time in Turkey, our time in Morocco, your long wait in the U.S and believe your heart is finally home again being overseas. I love you friend!
Ah! I love you too!!! You said it just right. I do feel like I’ve come home, strange. But I’m glad you get it. Today we used a squatty and I thought of you and hairbrushes. π
Amazing! I love how open everything looks on the lower floor. That’s always been my quibble with house design here: the closed off rooms. You can’t usually fit guests around the table in the kitchen, but if you put the table in another room, then you’re busy in the kitchen and cut off from the conversation…. It looks like you won’t have that.
I wish I was close enough to help you with that washing machine. We recently moved to a place with a lovely old German one, and I had forgotten how confusing stuff like that can be.
Yep, it’s pretty much perfect for us. I’m just a bit worried about how loud we are for the neighbors. I have no concept of how much they can hear…and we aren’t quiet! Hmmmm
Kim…..love love love everything about your new digs!!! It really couldn’t be any better!!! It’s so cheery and clean. Thanks for posting so many pics. It’s so great to finally have a visual of where you’re at! Emma and I like the kitchen & bathroom too!! I must admit though, that in all my thoughts about what the house looked liked never did “purple kitchen” enter my brain. Hahaha! Loves to all of you!
Hey my friend! Yay thanks for saying hi! Yeah, the kitchen color choice was quite surprising to us too. I guess they just wanted a “pop” of color. Hehe Miss you!
I love, love, love it! Every last little detail! They are all the things I wonder about and remember being weird in Mexico too! Keep up the amazing work of documenting your life! It helps me to try to convince my heart that you aren’t so far away! Love you!
I hope you can keep writing like this! It could be so valuable to others who are coming. I’ve honestly forgotten what my early days were like. Shopping with Google Translate? That didn’t even exist back then. (But, really, I’m not old! π )
Pokes a hole in the milk… or falls splat on a bag of kefir while going up with stairs. I had a child do that once. It made me think of Piglet on his way to Eeyore with the balloon, only a lot messier. π
Love this Kimmie! I just started a major project for our ministry in Russian and Google translate was my best friend too! I’m so impressed you guys are learning it!!!
Hi you all! I am SO HAPPY to read all the details of life there! Smiling and sometimes laughing at either the blog or pictures! Thrilled that Hannah will be spending some time with the cousins! Happy Birthday to Ez-Pez! I love you all…
Once again, I think you’re amazing. We only ever buy frozen vareniki.
I had forgotten my struggles with ovens at the beginning. Now I’m just so used to it, that I had forgotten there would be anything else. My first time in a new home, I always burn the first thing I bake, but after that, we’re fine. π
I am cozied up in my beloved t-shirt right now! I just read like a million of your posts and had goose bumps the whole time. So happy for you guys and can’t wait to visit! Ukraine is blessed to have all of you!
I love all the pics of the food. Ukraine has the BEST juice ever, in the blue containers. And I found most restaraunts didn’t refrigerate it once it was opened.
Did you make perogees(sp?) from scratch?!
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving!
Hey there! Yes, the kids are really loving the juice π We do make the dumplings from scratch. It’s not hard! You should give it a try. It just takes time, so I do it when the kids go to bed.
Wow, your first month was so much alike and yet so different from ours in the UK! I so miss having friends. Praying for you guys; I know God is using you mightily.
Love your Advent plan with the kids! Tip for your baking – if you are using an American recipe for any sort of baking & it calls for Baking Powder, you will need at least 1.5 to 2 times what it says cos in Europe the baking powder is not double-acting like in the US.
Have a most Blessed Christmas & a fulfilling new year!
Oh thank you for that!! I bet that’s the problem. Too bad the baking powder comes in teeny tiny little envelopes. I should’ve brought some with us in suitcase!
You are so wise! I also love Advent and Christmas, and Advent was such a comfort to me and to our family in the year that was the hardest for us. Advent is good when all is well, but it’s essential when everyone needs a little extra.
We’ve been reading an Advent book this year and really, really enjoying it. I want to try Jotham’s Journey next year, or sometime.
I love to hear all the details. I’ve been praying. Not to discount your miracle in any way–it really is a miracle!–but that’s almost exactly how it’s usually happened for us, too. My favorite was when the boss lady for all of regional OVIR actually sat down to type out a letter for us herself, just to be sure that every bit was just right. π
You can be praying for miracles for us, too, if you remember. We have to do all this pretty soon in a new-to-us region.
I hope I didn’t tell any stories that were too horrific or discouraging! I like to say that the visa process in Ukraine is not necessarily simple, but that it’s very doable. I think people who complain here should try Russia. (And people who live in Russia probably think that I should go to China or something. π )
Wow, all of that is so cool! I love hearing God stories. We have been praying for more than 2 months now about a big adoption decision. I asked and begged and asked and prayed and asked some more for a sign by New Year’s. No sign. π Praying now for a complete heart transformation in my husband…
Having jumped through a few Ukrainian hoops of our own, all I can say is WOW! God is good. So thankful He has blessed you with this miracle! Have fun in Switzerland!
The best, best, best photo is of you and Heath! So amazing that you met him! We need to FaceTime soon pleeeeeaaasseeee! I want to hear all about him! I love how God continues to meet every need, above and beyond what we could hope or imagine! Love you soooooo much!
That is IN.SANE. We remember the wheels of government and how they turn, and we were only there a month! Astounding. We’re speechless with delight (but also not really surprised….He’s going before you!!) π
I love this! I love your picture of Heath and the one Julia posted of him in front of the Christmas tree. I really enjoy hearing about your adventures. I desperately want one of those items in your last picture (sorry my mind has gone completely blank on what they are called!). My snowman one doesn’t quite compare. LOL.
Just read this! The miracle is even more amazing now that i know more details!! Absolutely amazing & ONLY GOD can!
Can’t wait till you get here π
Switzerland is such a tiny country compared to Ukraine and it is more efficient in many ways BUT government paperwork still moves at snail’s pace and also require lots of stamps! π hahhahaa
Kim, this was amazing to read! A-MAZE-ING! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Yes, I will stand with you and let go too! I am right there with you when it comes to worrying about my littles, but God has got them and He loves them more than I do. For what it is worth, I think you are one of the most incredible Mamas I have ever met! You inspire me! π So, here’s to letting go in 2014!!!! (just please don’t let go of me! hee – hee!) LOVE YOU!
Your words are a blessing, Kim. Well said. Letting go and holding on to Jesus (and the lightness that comes along with letting go) brings Matt. 11:30 to mind: For my burden is easy and my yoke is light. So thankful for that!
Oh, and I also have a word for this year! It’s “gentle.” In how I speak, think and treat others. With my kids and husband. With myself. My heart and the hearts of those around me just need more gentleness.
Nice to see what choices you have there π baking powder in Europe (most of Europe) comes in little sachets cos that’s all you need for one cake – usually π
Enjoy your food – maybe we should take you supermarket shopping here π
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post! Shopping in U is quite the adventure, isn’t it? I just walked a mile and a half down the road to our local (small) supermarket, bags handily stashed in my pocket. :-). Can’t wait to read your post on open markets. They are such an adventure!
Thank you for posting the picture of the baking powder! I was despairing of ever finding any!
I’m definitely praying! I hope you take lots of pictures and write all about it, so that we can enjoy your trip, too.
(And you can pray for me as I fight off jealousy. We’re just starting our doc process today, and it looks like this time we won’t even be able to make the family trip that we look forward to so much each time. We’ll have to have one parent go while the other stays with the little ones, and then switch. π )
Wonderful, how good our God is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are two of God’s brightest.
I love you very much and your dear family.
God Bless and keep you in all His ways.
Grandma Pat
Jed’s slippers take me back more than 30 years to the ones I picked up (and brought back as gifts) from a little store in Vienna called “Bippa’s”. So European! π BTW, Happy Birthday Jed!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post about one of my favorite grocery stores in Zhytomyr. I have been in Ukraine for 7 years now, and always enjoy hearing people’s first impressions of food in bags and little pkgs of baking powder and babushkas and all the other things that make shopping in Ukraine an adventure. We are so priviledged here, it just takes time and effort and a dictionary and sometimes lots of questions to find what you are looking for.
You are most welcomed! & have definitely thanked us more than enough π Glad we could provide the peace you needed (it helps having only 1x kid – hahhaaa) – we loved having you guys here. Remember our door is always open & we’ll be praying that you will have a safe journey home & for Ukraine…
Yes, our hearts are broken for Ukraine. We adopted our youngest son from there, so the country has a special place in our hearts and has become part of our family’s identity. We pray daily for Ukraine and it’s people.
Elliott, thank you so much for praying faithfully for Ukraine. The Ukrainian people definitely have a way of winning hearts. π Also, I’m so glad to hear you adopted from here! AWESOME.
Kimberly, I have not seen you in years and I think I only met Jed once, but I want you to know that I am praying for both of you, your children and those in the Ukraine. Esther 4: 14 And who knows but that you have come to your royal position (in my words, right where He wants you) for such a time as this?β
Thank you! It’s so cool to hear from you! It really does bless us tremendously when we hear of someone praying for us who has never met us, or hasn’t seen us in years. THANK YOU!
I was in Kiev for 5 days for a friends wedding at the start of January this year. I loved the Ukranian hospitality, they sure know how to organise a wedding, eat dance eat dance. Tanya’s friends were very generous with there time, showing us around all the sights in Kiev. We stayed near Maidan Square, so I visited it everyday day. I was impressed by the courage, conviction and the organisation that went in to the protest.
One fella that left an impression on me, he was ” hardy and wiry and had great go in him” as we would say in West Cork. He could just as easily be a neighbouring farmer in Clonakilty.
Naturally I’m saddened that 3 people have lost their lives in this quest for human rights, these people could be my family, friends or neighbours here in Cork.
I pray to God that there will be no further loss of life.
Oh Francis, thank you for sharing! I’m so glad you were able to see Ukraine with your own eyes, and meet her beautiful people. Now you know better how to pray. Thank you!
I’ve been praying for safety, for courage, for peace, and for the TRUTH to stand. The past 6 years of my life really opened my eyes and my heart in so many different ways. It made me realize the freedom and luxuries we truly have in America, yet it still so hard to comprehend having none of it. Even when I lived somewhere else, I still had the choice to leave. It makes me respect and love my friends living in those other countries even more. So brave. So strong. So resilient. I definitely stand with you guys for Ukraine and the ones you love. I praise God that he placed you there at this time! Your sensitivity, awareness and love are surely blessing your friends who need the support right now.
Love to you each! We are praying for you and for Ukraine. God’s timeing is perfect. It might not totally make sense right now, to us, but He is in control and has you guys there for such a time as this!
LOVE YOU!!
Thank you Robin! We sure love you too. Thanks for praying and for letting us know, and for the encouragement. It’s a crazy time, but we trust in Him. Today we have a lot of peace. π
Well done on the bundling! The Swiss tell us that the trick is to layer so the kids can remove layers as the weather warms up or as activity warms them up (it’s hard work playing in snow!)… take care HUGS!
Oh my, what an adventure! (Have you gotten that sentence a lot? It seems to be a favorite every time I blog from our American friends. π ) Anyways, your kids are so stinkin’ brave — wow! Keep us posted!
So proud of you and Jed for being flexible enough to do this! It is one of those “teachable moments” that we love in homeschooling. This one just happens to be extended!, I’m loving how God is providing for your family.
I don’t have any advice or anything, but lots of prayers and sympathy in the mourning part of your feelings. (By the way, I’ve been that English teacher, helping a Russian-American little girl and foreign parents. In a different school, of course. π )
Also, I understand about wanting to be learning the same language, but Ukrainian could be really useful long term. We speak Russian in our family, but we try to learn Ukrainian, and it would be so nice if we could do better with that! It’s so useful for anything official, and Ukraine may be headed more and more in that direction anyway, even in the Russian-speaking regions. So, while I don’t envy you having to learn like this–all at once and in different directions–I can see how God may be using it.
Oh, by the way, we have suffered and agonized over Ukrainian music textbooks for homework, but at least here the teachers speak Russian!
Oh, and a little more: not that my opinion counts for anything in your family decisions, but I really do agree with your decision of learning Russian. No matter how lovely and useful Ukrainian is, Russian does meet a wider audience. I recently heard the director of Agape sharing how, even though his native language is Ukrainian, for some reason, unknown at the time, he had the Bible curriculum written in Russian. And now, years later, that early decision is making it much easier to spread into other former USSR countries. π
Hi guys! First of all, I love reading your posts! It’s so amazing to see how God is working in your family. I wanted to just quickly say my kids both are in Spanish immersion here in salem, which of course is way different than your situation, but…it had been so amazing for them. I have loved watching their transformation. Their classes start at 90% Spanish for kinders (pe and music stay English) then each year they get a 10% shift to English. They have picked it up so well and having monolingual Spanish children in their class has helped so much! The trick we used most is to tell the kids they are investigators. (I also worked in a Spanish immersion class 7 years). We would excite them about watching the other kids and figuring out what to do. It made it fun for them until they caught onto the language a little more. I hope that helps at least a little. It has been such a gift to my boys who are now both bilingual π
I have a feeling that picture of them in the classroom will be one you will cherish years from now. How cute are they and how cute are all those little students in their uniforms!!! The only way I can think of for them to learn Ukranian more naturally would be for them to be around even younger children (preschool, age 1-3 for example) who are just learning basic words or putting phrases together (yes, no, eat, sit, etc.). I’m not sure if those types of groups even exist there, such as a church/mom’s group where you could take all 4 kids or some basic (but intense) introductory tutoring from someone who knows both English/Ukranian.
They don’t understand at the moment but they will. After a month their minds will understand most things and after 2 they will be pretty good. By June they should be very comfortable and fluent,.
In school here, they also change into what are called βhouse-shoesβ and the shops here sell specific types for younger children (so they donβt kick them off during class). Do they have a small gym bag too? Over here they all bring a small gym bag (shoes & gym clothes inside) to school which is hung on a hook (labelled with their names) in front of their classrooms. You can opt to bring the bag home daily or weekly or whenever your mother tells you to.
Kids bring their own snack here (very regulated in our school β nothing sweet or with sugar) & the school advises to not give kids money unless itβs to pay for something for school (such as bus fare for school outings).
With regards to the kids understanding the language, it will comeβ¦ how long it will take will depend on individuals BUT immersion is the best way to learnβ¦
If you wanted to help them, maybe cartoons in Ukrainian? i found these on YouTube⦠http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPO25D8mKPQ
You can watch together as a family for a fun way to learn together?
A YouTube search for cartoons in Ukrainian gives 11,200 results β so there is a whole selectionβ¦ just be sure to screen them cos some of them maybe old soviet stuff.
i think itβs so very wonderful that you guys are getting to know peopleβ¦
Oh i feel your mamaβs heartβ¦ it was hard for me when T had to go Kindergartenβ¦ even now, i prefer to have him home whenever i can. If i told Swiss mothers this, most would shake their heads at meβ¦ here children learning to be independent (do without parents) is a huge thing. But know that as long as they are happy, and learning along the way, you are doing the right thing π hugs!
Reblogged this on trippingdifferently and commented:
i have been praying and praying for a country i have never been to… for a country i took little notice of until now… i have posted almost daily on my Facebook about Ukraine and any news article i come across, asking people to pray with me.
i have been praying for Ukraine… why? Because Heath – my beloved Heath who is now with his forever family, he who introduced me into the world of special needs orphans, is from there. Because i now know friends who are living there, supporting their new Ukrainian friends on the ground. Because God moved my heart to.
Please pray along with me as this country works towards peace and a democratic, and just government.
Thank you.
syc
Oh Kim, do I know exactly how you feel. No, we’re not facing war, but my babies are going through the same things as yours as far as figuring out this new country, being lonely and nervous, wondering where they fit in. Your lines of each of your kids being called as well as you and Jed hit me smack in the middle of my head and heart. Pray for me, friend. I don’t seem to be as advanced as you yet in the acceptance department. π
Thank you for your post. My Dame is David; I live in Salem, Oregon.We have friends here, and around the world who have taught us more about what it means to follow Jesus Christ, walking as He walked, bringing glory to God rather than to ourselves. Some of those friends live in Ozerne and Turnopil. You can contact them via http://www.brunstad.org. Your “letting go” site was referred to me by my youngest daughter. Thank you; I will be praying for you and your family regularly.
Hi David! Sorry for the delayed reply. Thank you so much for your note! It’s great to hear from you. We’ll check out your friends for sure. Thank you for the prayers and encouragement. π
I think of you every day! I had the same thought as you — the boys can’t leave —- please don’t let their caregivers abandon them. Hopefully this will lead to improvements for them (eventually). Thank you for the update.
Hi Kim,
We’re always so glad to catch up with your adventures! We miss you madly and talk about all of you every day – do your ears burn at odd times? π
We’re so proud of the wonderful work you are doing and the amazing job you are doing as parents not only to your kids but helping the boys. How is your coffee supply doing?
Btw, has spring sprung there? What is spring in Ukraine like? The cherry blossoms on the capital mall are all in full-bloom.
Spring break is next week and the Mexico contingent is taking off tomorrow. Power prayers from the Johnson clan for the week they are gone would be most welcome.
All our love,
Randy and Jennifer
This comment blessed us so much! Thank you so much for the encouragement. We finished off the coffee today. It was soooooo good. We have been praying for the Mexico team. Can’t wait to hear about their adventures. Love you guys!
I am almost jealous of you studying Ukrainian. I have tried off and on, but just can’t get enough exposure. I’ve finally gotten to where I understand, but I can’t speak. And don’t worry, you’ll have all of eternity to learn Russian. I know for sure that it’s the language of heaven. π
Oh, after 5+ years I just now tried speaking surzhik with my neighbor. It almost hurt, but she understood me better.
Oh the preciousness! I just love every single one of your strong, courageous, obedient and loving souls (that goes for you too, Kim & Jed). You are my heroes! Love you. <3
I’ve never heard of that term before, but we do this every night! We ask what was the best and hardest part of your day. Jude (3) doesn’t really get it yet — he just says everything he did that day — but Jack (6) can have a meaningful conversation sometimes, when he’s not distracted by seemingly everything else. And strangely, the baby always said her favorite part of her day was nursing. π
This is beautiful! Our family has been praying for your family! Just when we need it, Jesus comes in with exactly what we need to make our hearts soar and rejoice in His love for us and others. So amazing. So inspiring-what your doing!
Beautiful! I’ll take your random, day-in-the-life post any day of the week. We’re grieving too, but joyful for who you are and what you are doing. Love you guys so. (PS I don’t have your genes because I’ve been wearing a down jacket inside all day.)
It’s not nearly as rainy here in ENGLAND as Salem, either! Though the locals share your hot blood. The second the sun comes out, it doesn’t matter if it’s only 55. People wear shorts and tanks. And here I am, still in 3 layers without fail….though last weekend I only wore 2. It was exciting. π
Some really great things happened today (immigration approvals! VISAs! killer samples at Trader Joe’s!), but this, my friends, is my favorite. I laughed (the “spelling word” list), I cried (“mission trip smell”–familiar from Guatemala and I know will be smelled in China) and I just felt the Holy Spirit jumping off this screen in the smiles of Jed and your boys. I’m very, very full right now. <3
It doesn’t rain as much here where we are but the wind sure is cold when it blows… so the kids are running around in tees but i still have at least a light sweater on when i’m out… but i do so love the sunshine days π it’s great to read about your everyday… i always mean to do some of those for my blog too – but like you – semi-control-freak too – so can’t get to it – that’s why i’m not on Twitter can’t understand why people would want to follow my boring daily life… hahhaa π
So. Right. On. It’s all about Him and He is opening your eyes (all of our eyes) to all the ways we’ve given in to the love of this world instead of Him. You will not be disappointed, nor will your children. They are His. You keep pointing!!! Love you and miss you!
I think your honesty just might be my very, very favorite thing about you! Thank you for being real; now we know how to really pray for you! It feels like a lot longer than six months for me too! LOVE YOU!
ohh I love this so much! Iβm not sure if you remember me (I go to Bensonβs church). I loved hearing you guys speak and have been following you guys since. π This very much resonates with this American mommyβs heart and is something true for how I should be living here in the US too β not putting my own expectations and experiences on my boys. (Iβd be lying if I said I havenβt dreamed several times of packing up our belongings and joining you all in Ukraine though.)
I’m so glad you wrote this. Honestly, I’ve been comparing my journey to yours because we both left Salem at the same time for new countries. And when I’ve been struggling, it seems like there was always a new blog from you saying how much you LOVED your new country and people when I really just wanted to chuck mine down the drain (which, of course, would be smaller than an American drain because nothing is the same size here!) and go home. And I would feel so pathetic, like you’re a better Christian (I KNOW in my head that you can’t compare things like that, but that’s what the irrational, I-just-want-my-mom part of me thought) because you’re growing by leaps and bounds in Ukraine, and accepting the hard things joyfully, while I’m desperately trying to do the same but maybe not with the same joyful attitude.
But boy do I know EXACTLY how you’re feeling in regards to the kids. Not so much with the language barrier, but everything else! My kids are missing out on so much back home. Jack’s little heart breaks so often, especially when he sees what he’s missing through Skype, or when the kids here make fun of him for his accent, or the way church here is SO inadequate compared to the thriving church movement back home and I worry about what Jude isn’t learning that Jack did at that age.
Thanks for sharing, friend. I am so with you. And thankful that we serve a God who knows and cares about all these details.
Hi there. Oh girl, don’t compare yourself to me. We all struggle, we’re all in process. I do love it here, but that doesn’t make it easy. You’ll see just how normal we are in OCTOBER! Woohooooo!!! π
Your love and concern for your beautiful children is almost tangible in this post. I do hope that you and they will find ways of “connecting” with friends old and new, on both sides of The Pond, in the time ahead.
Meanwhile, are you familiar with/in touch with Bible Orphan Ministry, also in Zhitomir? They are a tiny but very effective all-Ukrainian group which works with and serves over 1,000 kids and young adults in ten orphanages and institutions in and around your city, providing material and practical assistance, Bible lessons, and guidance for teens who’ve aged out.. Check out their Facebook and blog – Alla V., who keeps both the Facebook page and the blog, is just great, as are her fellow BOM members. It would be great it BOM and Wide Awake could team up!
Hi Susan! Thanks for saying hello. π Yes, we know about BOM. I actually met them last spring when we were visiting U and got to go to an orphanage with them one day. They are such sweet people! Thanks for the reminder, I’ve been meaning to connect with them now that we are living here but it just hasn’t happened yet. I’m hoping this summer when our schedule is more free we can meet and see how to link arms. It seems crazy that it hasn’t happened yet…it’s not like we live in such a big town! Ha! But, up to this point we’ve just been trying to figure out life. Now I feel more prepared to reach out and connect with others who aren’t right in front of us. π
So glad you have met with BOM – I hope you can reconnect. Right now, BOM has just successfully completed a fundraiser to help provide 70 orphanage graduates with a few things: Bibles, cooking utensils, dinner plates, soup bowls and mugs, individual place settings, comforters, etc. – basics, but precious and greatly needed by teens who have nothing.
BOM welcomes donations of clothing and other items for all those they serve – see recent comments on Alla’s blog for info. about sending packages to Ukraine. Clothing for teens is greatly needed right now. It can be new or gently used and clean.
Last year BOM’s staff went to a huge street market in a city about 200 miles away to purchase some of the gifts for graduates – prices were very reasonable there and their funds went farther. I expect they’ll try to do the same this year, so they may be away for a while this week. They wrap the gifts very attractively, which helps make the extremely poignant graduation ceremonies a little more hopeful. With 70 graduates to “gift” this spring, perhaps BOM could use some help with all that wrapping!
I’m pretty sure BOM also visits the men and boys’ institution you visit – I know they’ve provided privately paid caregivers to a nearby men and boys’ institution, to improve the quality of care. They selected two very sweet ladies who are gentle and affectionate with the boys. They also help with basic supplies, clothing, toys, etc.
Let me know via email if you’d like Alla’s contact info. They are working with a few families who have children close to the age of your youngest, in addition to working with the orphanages and institutions, so your children might find new friends and playmates through BOM!
Best wishes to you and your family – I hope things will begin to feel more comfortable as you gain familiarity with your new home.
I already commented on Facebook, but I just keep thinking about this. There’s no arguing with the fact that you feel alone, of course, but I do know more than a few families now who have moved over here with children. I wish there was some way for you to get together with some of them!
And the part about mothering and family expectations… yes! I feel so weird, because even though I grew up in America, I’ve only mothered here, and that is what has shaped it all for me. So, when I think about how I feel on visits to America, I think I can understand a little of what you’re in right now. It’s so hard to even express it. What’s different? Um, yeah…. everything? But nothing so obvious that I could just list it off.
Hey there!
Thanks so much for your encouragement and prayers. Yeah, there just isn’t anyone in our area that I know of, but it’s okay. God knows our needs and if He has someone in mind for me to connect with I know He’ll make a way. I think right now He’s saying “Lean on me, not on man.” You know? I’m gaining some good perspective. I’m excited to check out the missionary mom blog. Thanks for sharing!
By the way, for us it was TWELVE YEARS before we ended up near English speakers. Looking back, I am so glad; it was just what I needed. God knows what you need, too. Maybe you’re not as slow as I am. π
Awww Jan, thank you!! Thank you so much for your faithful support. π I’ll have Jed contact you about your card. He’s the smarty about all that…I’m clueless. Ha!
Hi Kim, Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you and can’t imagine how it feels.
My 14 year old daughter sometimes comments/complains that we shouldn’t have taken her out of gymnastics after several years of lessons – she wishes she’d stayed with it and mastered it. We took her out because she couldn’t progress to the next level, she started too old (insert laugh here – should have started at age 2 or 3?!) and couldn’t learn the flips. She would dread going to the training as time progressed. Deep down, I do regret pulling her and wished we’d just pushed through the tough times.
I envision you and Jed packing up and leaving U. and years from now your kids commenting/complaining (think early teen whine/rolling eyes) “You took us out of U. because of missed sleepovers and play dates!!! MOM!!!”
I know it’s completely different but thought you’d enjoy a laugh. Sometimes when you get some time and distance you can see that things you thought were so important to a decision really weren’t all that important .
YES YES YES!!! Thank you Sue! You made me smile and your comment was so good for my perspective! I love it. Let’s keep our priorities straight, shall we? THANK YOU!
Dearest Kim, much of the answers escape me, I have never really been in your shoes. With Harry being in the Air Force for 23 years we did move a lot, which meant our children changing schools and friends. Our middle 3 were very close in age and the integration seemed easier because they had each other. The other two were 5 years older and 4 years younger and it was tough for them. I know we spoke the same language, except when we were in the South. But the culture in every State was very different from ours. But we felt we were called by God to do what we were doing. As I look back he did use us in unusual and wonderful ways. We always walked with the Lord and trusted HIm to work it all out, which He did. All I can say is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. He will work it out”.
I will pray that God will give you both great wisdom and peace. Your love for them and your strong faith will serve you well.
Thank you Pat! I love hearing from your wisdom and experience. Yes, I need to trust Him with all my heart. My understanding is pretty limited. Thank you for that verse. I love hearing from those who have gone before us in their walk of faith. π
Although the situations are completely different, my heart resonates with much of what you said… I am in the midst of raising a sweet little boy with autism, adopted 8 months ago. When he first came home he had absolutely zero interest in other kids but over the past couple months he has been showing an increasing desire to play and interact with them which has been a huge step for him. Unfortunately, I have yet to find any kids who want to play with him… π Although he came to me “non-verbal”, my little miracle boy is now talking up a storm but he is not very clear and is incomprehensible to most people outside the family, especially kids. It is so hard on my mama’s heart to watch him try so hard to say hi and play with other kids, only for him to be ignored, left out, and/or laughed at due to his lack of language (and developmentally appropriate play/social skills).
Anyway, this comment is not to say that I get it, because I have not lived what you’re living right now, but simply that as I pray for my son’s heart and wisdom in how to best help him, I will be praying for you and your kids as well.
Hang in there and keep holding on the the One who hold both your heart and theirs.
Completely understand your mama’s heart… right there with you… even though T was born here & speaks the language, the fact that his brain is wired slightly differently & the fact that we parent differently from the people here, it already makes a difference & sometimes he does get picked on or ignored – i can only imagine what your heart is feeling, my dear friend. BUT you are so right – our job is to point our children to Jesus & if that makes us stand out, then so be it – it is worth it π Thank you for being so brave… May the Lord continue to bless you all with the riches of Heaven!
Thank you guys for sharing your experiences and your hearts. It is so good to know how to pray and how to brag on God moving people’s hearts toward His purposes and plan even when it means they need to/get to step out again and move halfway around the globe He created! Thanks for the encouragement of updating us on how you all are doing on happy days and hard days! We love you guys! The Strayers
I love these updates and the pictures make it real and bring your interactions to life! I’m not on FB so I didn’t see the request for help with coats/shoes but I just donated to help with whatever else the boys need!
AWESOME! Thank you Sue! It was a quick mention on FB and I really didn’t expect anything to come from it. Ha! Silly me. When we use the money I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures. Thanks again for your generous heart. π
Love reading your emails, loved my recent visit to Zhitomir, the hospitality of the people, the greenery, the traditional food, eating out cheaply, etc. I wonder if you need a helper, a local man, speaks fluent English? Please let me know. Thanks.
Ahh! Π΅ΠΆ!!! They are SO adorable!! My friend told me that she held three hedgehogs at once! If I am ever able to come to Ukraine, I have to touch one. What do they feel like??
So wonderful to hear how positive their experience of U public school is. i pray that the Lord gives you wisdom as to what to do for the next school year.
My 2 cents is that going to public school always helps with integrating and understanding the culture more. With regards to have a foundation in English 1st, while that is true, i also know children who are effectively tri-lingual because they have at least 30% of each language within a week. So it is possible for H to learn both languages at the same time and be good in both, you just have to balance the time she spends in each language.
Whatever you decide on, you have your kids’ best interests at heart & that means it can only go well. Enjoy the summer!
We still have 5 weeks of school over here…
I’m so jealous! School in England doesn’t get out until July 23. Their summer break is one month long, and I am so burnt out! But super-glad to hear about how well everything went for your kids. Yay!
I’m sure God will give you wisdom and opportunities for next year. Sometimes libraries and other places have preparation classes for school. I had thought of doing that with some of our children, because it’s just an hour or two, several times a week, and it’s just focused on prep. Maybe there will be something like that for you. Bi/tri-lingual education choices are hard!
Addy totally rocks those Ukrainian bows!!! π Tell that girl we miss her, and hug your brave and fabulous kids for us. I want to be a little bit like them when I grow up–they are rockstars! What a wonderful end to the year, we love following along with all of you π
i like that everyone has their own hymnal π That way, you never run out, even if you have a boatload of visitors, which has happened to us before…
Thanks for sharing…
I like to think I will have the compassion to respond like you in a situation with unpleasant smells and wondering how long ago the mouth that kissed me had their teeth brushed. But I don’t think I will, perhaps with training. I am doubly impressed and had tears at how your children responded. If you ever wonder if this was a right move, think of their response. Few adults will respond like they did. Your children make me want to be like them.
Oh Carrie, your words made me cry! Thank you for the encouragement about our move. Let me encourage you that I definitely have those thoughts about stinky mouths and stinky bodies. Ha! I’m human too, that’s for sure! The love we have for the boys is definitely from God. He’s the one who is doing this work. Without Him we would probably just run away! π
Note new e-mail address – I dropped Comcast & have local wifi. The children are so beautiful – I am so happy for all of you and that school went well. God is good! I liked comment “never in my dreams”. Our heavenly Father likes to surprise us with joy. Give all the children a hug for me.
Love and prayers ~ Grandma Pat
I enjoy your posts! I think Ukraine is a great place to explore, great food, great drinks, great hospitality, great scenery, and a spirit of making the most of everything!
I totally know what you mean about needing your family/friends to SEE your daily life, to really “get” what you’re going through. I’ve felt the same way with all 5 sets of visitors we’ve had so far! Such a blessing. P.S. Sandlot is one of my favorite movies of all time — baseball or otherwise — and so I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the Sandlot shot. Now just make sure he doesn’t recreate the pool scene. π
Wonderful, wonderful! I am so happy your parents and nephew came. We were only stationed overseas once, It was England for 3 years and I was so happy when My Mom came to visit us. Our oldest daughter got Married to an Airman and that made it more fun. She was her first Granddaughter. Anyway I know a little bit how you felt. The children are so beautiful and Seth just gets taller and taller.Love and blessings to all. Grandma Pat
PS: I hope your parents are feeling better!
I love to read your posts! π I have adopted 4 from foster care and am soon to be adopting my fifth child who I was blessed to be able to get from the hospital as a newborn. Although I don't blog much about my own foster/adoption journey I love to read others stories. I'm not convinced that I won't eventually adopt overseas but for now I'm working through social services. I know God will bless you on this journey as you follow His leading!
You're right, our God is the One who makes possible the impossible! I am excited for you guys as you journey into the unknown and look forward to reading about how/where God will lead you!
oh my! your words could be my own! i love your heart! excited to see your journey unfold and send hugs from another mum planning to visit eastern Europe next year to try to find a path to help xxxxxplease please do come over and join in the forget me not friday linkup every week over at flight platform living it would be so lovely to have you onboard xxxxx
Oh ladies, thanks for commenting! It is so great to hear from others with the same heart. God is truly waking His church. I believe it. He loves the orphan even more than we do.
amen to that and thanks so much for visiting the flight platform and adding the forget me not button! i squealed with delight when i saw it xxxx
What a beautiful post, and Praise God for turning our hearts to what matters to Him!!Wow. We will be praying for you….that you will be able to discern the call He has put on your lives and that you will have the courage to obey. We can't wait to see where He leads you!
That's so exciting Kim! I am so excited to keep following along on your journey and see where it will lead… Will keep praying!
Thanks for the encouragement Andrea! It's pretty exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Thanks for praying!
wow Kim i know those feelings! I love November as well…it's also SMS awareness month with the world smith magenis day on 17th november. keep doing what you do, you are amazing xxx
God has such a beautiful way of working doesn't he? Just heard an analogy of the backide of a woven carpet, all knotted, chaotic, and nothing special, and then you flip it over to see the BEAUTIFUL pattern that those imperfections created. Thought it was a beautiful analogy to how God weaves our lives into something miraculous even when we just see knots! I am so happy to know there is another family in town!!! π YAY!!
oh i adore this post!i am now following my blogs in google reader so hopefully i will be more organised in commenting and reading. thankyou for your blog over the year and have a blessed new year. lots of love from jane at the flight platform xxxx
So very exciting! I love your heart for Jesus and your willingness to just say "YES" even without knowing the details! Will be praying and watching to see how HE will guide your steps!!!
Ahhh! So excited!!
Amazing. I would honestly love to see your itinerary… Where are you going… what parts of the country?? What orphanages?? etc etc…
Thank you for this series. I am interested in fostering. I would appreciate any further information you share in future updates. Do you think fostering is possible for a single lady? Or would that not be in the kid's best interest?
I love you…..You guys are amazing….Papi.
I don't have any particular questions right now, but I'm looking forward to the series!
You know, I think anyone who can be a loving, consistent presence in a child's life is DEFINITELY in the child's best interest. π I worked with a single lady who fostered infants and her mom helped with childcare. She was an awesome foster mommy!
Thanks Katie π
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! What a grande adventure our God has prepared for you! π Can't wait to hear what happens next! π
Kim- Thank you for sharing this! I'm excited to read more about your experiences and heart for foster care. Randee
I'm so glad you are doing this series! Thank you for sharing your lives with these children and your hearts with these readers. Any chance you'd be okay with me posting this on our website marionfosteroradopt.com? Billy
Oh Kim I am so glad yu are writing this all out. Everything you are writhing is exactly how we feel… Everything you write feels like someone telling the story of my heart aches and happiness of fostering. I am goad that at this point we have our forever kids and I love love love knowing they won't just disappear after a phone call… The stray sock comment pretty much sums up the loss of a little moving on…
Wow. That was very moving. So real and well expressed. You are angels to these little ones. God has equipped you in a way that only He could.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! But most of all for allowing yourselves to LOVE those babies so much, as if they were your own…without hesitation. Especially knowing you have to give them back. So many people aren't willing to take that kind of risk with the heart…but the fact that you are willing to give of yourselves (and I know you and Jed don't hold back) KNOWING that part of your heart leaves with that child each time all because you know that child needs/deserves that love…that kind of selflessness is indescribably beautiful. And I adore the fact that precious Addie, Ezra and Havalah are just as willing to love the children that come into the family. I praise God for what he is doing through you all!!
Sure Billy, go for it! Thanks for all you do to encourage and support. We really really appreciate you.
Love ya Keira. You da besssssssst.
oh im so glad ur posting this..i have wanted to be a foster parent forever..ive been starting to look into it more recently..So i would love to here any suggestions or just anything about ur journey in being foster parents..im a single mom of 3 kids so ive been praying if god wants me to wait or press on..but its my hearts desire to fodter..i have such a special place in my heart for children in foster care system..Rachel
Thank you for this series. Keep them coming!
Great post!
Kimmie (I can't help but call you that!)- this is beautiful beyond words! I'm teary eyed reading it and it's difficult to decribe how impacting it is to my heart. I have 3 adopted sisters- and 2 of them (twins) were removed from thier birthparents when they were 11 mos old. Thier story is heartbreaking. As Trace and I have been anticipating adoption for 2 years now, many paths have been considered and prayed about, and at one time I thought I could "never do" foster care. Although we know this is not God's plan for our first child, we are open to it down the road. Voices like yours- filled with love, compassion, and grace NEED to be present to help others better understand the need, and the heart of the Lord in this issue. Thank you again for being willing to share!
Thanks for sharing Randee, and for the encouragement. I'm really am praying for you and Trace. God loves how open-handed you are and willing to say "yes" to Him. His perfect plan for your family is beyond your wildest dreams. I believe it! Go God go!!!
This is a great blog!!! Your kids are so sweet….. Your brother Micheal is my teacher this year at school and mrs. Kimberly I have had your mom as my teacher for 4 years π Havala is supper cute!! I have meet you and your kids before π Kate
AWESOME POST
What a wonderful feeling! I do recall that same feeling of loving-in-safety after our three were finally declared ours forever. Relish it; it's a shadow of the Lord's love for us!
Congratulations! I'm so glad to see that he's finally yours!
Congratulations!!! I have experienced that happy day for 2 little ones last year and waiting on another one sometime soon.
Okay, Now i am just dying to know who goes to Little Beavers and who your mom is!! This is Naomi by the way, you left a comment on my blog!
Oh my goodness Kim, he is beautiful! And the picture of him in the mud… priceless :)Congratulations – the son of your heart is now officially yours!
Oh I love that. It is the best feeling ever.
Thanks friends!!!!
Loved this post! Keep them coming as you can! :o)
Hopefully you found Jed's snoring soothing or at least inspiring!!
Ahhhh… Im laughing, and crying!!! So Happy… So totally AWESOME!!!And were did you find such supermarkets??? We never found anything that wasn`t rinky dink… Praying for you my friends… Praying!!! Thank You King Jesus! I`m so emotional as I watch this journey you are on… I know how very tired you are but THANK YOU THANK YOU for blogging!!!!!!
Ok One more thing… You are carrying our hearts in your back packs…. Just sitting here soooo EMO!!!! LOL!!!!
So glad to read that you got there safly! Hope you get some rest and have some awesome God appointments tomorrow! Be encouraged we are praying! Spread the light, share the love, Jenny
WOO HOO!! LOVE THE SIGN!!
You has a great blog. I'm very interesting to stopping here and leaves you a comment. Good work.Lets keep writing and share to us and other.Nb: Dont forget to leave your comment back for us.
Tears… Sitting on this side of the globe EMO right along with you!!!! Praying. Thank you for sharing your heart! I Get it… I really do! It can be so hard to wait on the Lord.
I am so eager to see if you will visit the institution where Aaron and Judd came from — in particular to see if you will see Heath or Hanson and get more pictures of them. I have been following them over the last year and really want to see how they are doing. Please keep an eye out for them, give them a hug, and get pictures of them if possible!Sue H.
Love you….Praying, moved, praying…Papi
Sue, we are hoping and praying for that too! It is our deepest desire to see the Boys. If we get to go we will definitely be on the lookout! You can count on it. Pray with us for favor from the Director to let us in. Thank you!!
YOU GUYS ARE SO COOL!!!
Just watch. Just pray. Just listen. Oh yeah, and I love the building with all the beasts! I can't remember the story behind it! I LOVE UKRAINE! And I love that you love Ukraine!
I am taken right now with how God has created such an incredible partnership between the two of you. Your hearts truly overflow with love and compassion. Though at times you may feel or experience things differently (ok, sometimes completely opposite of one another) it still blends into something perfect and beautiful that blesses others. I KNOW you are uplifting and encouraging those serving over there. Even though you may not be able to see it, you are God's love – made tangible. Be encouraged!! It's ok, Kim, that you feel sad…it means you feel deeply. But know that God's hope is still full in your belly in all situations. I love you guys!
We love the father's heart you two share with the World. Thanks for putting words to it here. Blessings to you both! May God open doors for you and give you an opportunity to "do" His love from time to time just for fun!Drew
LOVE IT!! PRAYING OFTEN FOR YOU! LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING THE MORNING WITH ADDIE AND Ezra. Amayli is looking forward to spending the morning with her "friend Cindi" and Havalah!!! Much love to you! Keep posting everyday so we dont miss a thing. Your perspectives are right on.
I love that city!! May God richly bless your time and lead you step by step.Joy McClain
Awwww stop it! But, thanks. π
Hello,in case you are looking for an international church in Kiev to attend service on Sunday – this one is pretty unusual:HILLSONG KIEV CHURCHhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsong_Church_KievService times are 10:00 and 12:30 and you go to the desk in the lobby to ask for them to translate for you. How to get there:On the BLUE metro line, you'll go to the stop Petrivka. Head toward McDonald's (walking down the left side of the road) going North on Tul's'ka sq. and away from the railroad (actual trains). At McDonald's, turn left onto Moskovs'kyi ave. It's a MAIN road, and you'll need to also cross to the other side of it (generally underground). You'll pass a few large shopping centers and an Ashan (looks like AWAH in Cyrillic) which is a HUGE grocery store. Sort of behind the Ashan, just past it on the side road is a huge orange/yellow "tent" dome. It's down a side street just a little bit but is visible from the road.
Laughing so hard i am crying….isaac loves Hot Pockets….i bought costco size box for quick dinner before games….he told me on Tues….that it is better to eat them afterwards because after he eats them he has to go to the bathroom! Lol! Hot pockets!We need to have a debrief when you get back….so you giys can share everything that you are seeing, hearing, and tasting of the Lord's kingdom in Ukraine. We can serve chocolate, coffee!
hey you two, just want to let you know you were and are on the radar screen of the saints praying for you today.noontime prayer had some good insight going on re releasing the love of the Father there.Kim, some of that grieving youre experiencing is intercession for the broken…go with it and let God's Spirit lead you into agreement for "as it is in Heaven make it so on earth".love the pics,dudes. they are soooooo you!!! thanks for keeping us posted. love ya landonsure do miss you guys ,
Kim, thanks so much pulling the curtains to help us see and understand the world these precious little guys exist in; very moving to us from a distance so I can't fathom what you are experiencing first hand. "… how much more valuable are you then the birds… Do not be afraid little flock ,it is the Fathers pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12: 24,32. Love to you and them, Landon
Oh My Dear sweet Friends… Just plain tears… Ahhhhh, this is so hard to read and watch but so terrific too. Praying and sending you both big ol happy hartman hugs!!!
Tears in my eyes and a heart that is broken, Kim Johnson! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your obedience and courage. Because of you, NONE OF US will ever be the same. We are praying non-stop for you guys! Keep the updates coming! Love, Alexis
I know it seems like so little against such great odds but it is good and holy and right. I am so grateful you were able to see what they are doing. I can only imagine what that little bit would do for our Lost Boys in the dreariness of their lives.
Thank you for sharing. I am thinking some of the same things you mentioned in the blog. I, too, want my Father to tell me to tell me what to do about this situation. Thank you for your honesty.
You move my heart Jedge. I love you two and am so blessed by your hearts.Pop
LOL;;; Judds little friend that has Autism calls him Judge :)!!!!! Praying! How Wonderful to see pictures of those sweet girls!
Amazing! Love, love, love your hearts to do what GOD has called you to do!!! Emily
Hey you two…it's been so great to follow your Ukrainian adventure! I've experienced most of what you talk about! I think you will agree that one of the main things that is so amazing there is that people do so much with so little, and often, here, we do so little with so much. Ukraine is an amazing place!Praying!
We keep praying for all the callings, scripture and questions to align for God's glory as He reveals how He wants to co-labor with you in Ukraine. And we keep praying for your babies back here as God protects their hearts while you are briefly away. God's love through Grammy! Praying, Millyellen
I love your blog! I have a 4 year old son with Down syndrome and have been actively working to raise awareness for orphans with Down syndrome. Is there any chance I could get an email address to contact you? bradymurray34@gmailBradywww.onestepclosertohome.blogspot.com
So excited and amazed by all God is doing! He is SO GOOD! And, not to ignore all the incredible spritual stuff, but, SERIOUSLY, you posting a picture FOR ME of Baskin and Robbins may just be my favorite part of your trip (totally just kidding … kind of!). You did treat yourself to the best ice cream on the planet in my honor, right? π Miss you so, so, so much! Can't wait to see how God works in all of this! Love, Alexis
Praising God for this answer to our prayers! Yes, they are precious in His sight. Trusting Him with many more breakthroughs to come. ΠΠ° Π±Π»Π°Π³ΠΎΡΠ»ΠΎΠ²ΠΈΡ Π²Π°Ρ ΠΠΎΡΠΏΠΎΠ΄Ρ, Jed ΠΈ ΠΠΈΠΌ!
Wow! You both were made for this. God Bless and will pray for you.Simon
Thank you for the update! Can you say if you saw Heath or Hanson?Sue
wow this is fab! loving the chocolate aisle! x
brilliant! it looks wonderful, apart from the gorilla scamming you..how bizarre is that! x
oh that was so lovely!i relate to all you said Kim!i felt so the same in the ukraine…i am so desperate to hear, to know, to be lead down the right path but most of all to do something!and then we had jed's take on the day and its so awesome how you guys work together…its fabulous to read…cant wait to watch God's big picture unfold! xxxx
wow what an awesome place! I am so inspired by people like this! x
the high hell thing is insane isnt it! minus 20 when I was there, ice and snow and they were still running around in heels!
that right there is what i needed to hear…i am covered in goosebumps! 'DO THE NEXT THING!' WOW WOW WOW do you know that post rocks off the scale! when the need is so huge and the p[light so desperate its so easy to listen to all around saying to leave it alone what can you achieve…i know, believe me, i was surrounded by that when i visited the Ukraine! but that's it…do the next thing! xxxxxlove this x
The LOVE BOAT!!! More information than i needed! lol x
yes i knew it it is the Alyona I met! She is AMAZING! xxx
praying for you guys x
wonderful xxxxx
Hi Sue! No, we didn't see either of them, unfortunately. I think Hanson is laying down, and we didn't go inside, I was looking every which way for Heath and I never saw him either. π
I'm so happy for you all and your great adventure!!! May God continue to lead, guide, bless, & find favor on ALL you come across. Keep the blogs going as it helps us pray for you all.Sounds like you all have found your niche, the heart of God for you and yours!!! XOXOXO
Praise God for what he is doing. I am so happy you were able to be on this great adventure.Joy
So many gorgeous faces! Are any of them listed with RR?? I just want to snuggle them all
It appears that childen with DS are well-cared for and are being mainstreamed, which is great! What responsive, beautiful little faces – all of them. I concur with Molly – let's get these children onto RR!So glad you were able to visit the "lost boys", connect with others who are true servants, and see some of the local sights, although some of the "sights" may not have been too "sightly"! ;-). The opera house is spectacular – my relatives also greatly enjoyed the opera during their adoption journey six years ago.Thanks again for sharing..Susan in KyCousin to 2 from EE
I enjoy your blogs so much. Life changing experiences God ordained. You guys have beautiful and huge hearts. I'm proud of you.Pop
Molly, most of these kiddos aren't available for adoption. π I know, they are perfectly cuddly.
Praying for your safe travels home!!!
So glad to hear you connected with Kyiv Vineyard folks! Mark searched the internet when we were there and only found the website for the Odessa Vineyard, so on our Sunday in Kyiv we worshiped at a Hillsong church that met in a big tent- a little like home π Glad to hear there IS a Vineyard presence in Kyiv.Jed and Kim, I am so going to miss your posts! Thanks for taking us along on this faith adventure in this land we love so much. I will continue to pray for you to hear what He wants your next step to be. God bless your trip home!
I love it!! I'm glad you were able to wisely split the money up between the three trips… I also know that money was donated into Harvest for them too…That should cover even more trips!
This is fantastic! Talk about being the hands and feet of Jesus — you all really put some miles on yours. I am delighted that your kids did well, you did what you set out to do, and you made it home safe and sound. Thank you so much for sharing!Now, just to go back to the beginning for a moment — the whole thing is "To market, to market to buy a fat pig; home again, home again, jiggety-jig! To market, to market to buy a fat hog; home again, home again, jiggety-jog!"Rosemary
Thank you so much for the update about the Lost Boys. I would love to hear anything more you can share about the trip there. What did you see? What do you want us to know? I've read Julia and Melanie's accounts on their blogs. I know you said you didn't see Heath or Hanson, which makes me sad. Did you see any new boys who appeared to have been newly transferred? Sue
Love you! I need the SCOOOP! -Cody
Uggggg… Im Balling my eyes out! I need a Hug, LOL! WOW!!!! Thank You!
Seriously sobbing! What a beautiful story!! He is one lucky little guy to have found your family!
Ha Melanie! Consider yourself hugged- big time.
Thanks Becki!!! We are truly the lucky ones. π
Wow that's soooo exciting! What's your plan when you get there?
Thanks! It IS super exciting! We plan to partner with a Ukrainian couple who minister to orphans with disabilities. Our big HUGE dream is a medical group home for bedridden orphans…someday….it will be a miracle!!! Can't wait to see God do it π
Tears… YOU CAN DO IT! God will make sure of it! And we will be right along cheering you on… Agghhhh TERAS<LOL< I MEAN TEARS!!!!
WOW, I reconnect with you to find THIS!!! I was supposed to be doing my QT but stalled to read this…clearly I was supposed to read this this morning. I have tears in my eyes and goosebumps all over. WHAT an incredible journey and display of His glorious goodness! You were all clearly meant for each other! <3
Kim,I went to ORU with you, on Destiny our freshman year. I was Julia Trant (now Everheart). You did not have bad hair! You were adorable! I am so proud of you and your husband for the huge step you're taking to help these kids. I'm proud to say I knew you way back when!
Hi Julia! Wow! It's been sooooo long! Thanks for the hair reassurance π Also, thanks for the encouragement. It's a pretty exciting/scary time…but mostly exciting. Yay for reconnecting!!
Ok, First off… You and I have A LOT in common my dear friend…And second, TEARS,,, TEARS,,, TEARS!!!! So Looking forward to friday!
Wow Kim…you are so very right. I am in agreeance with you, HE has got this and we are going to see HIM more and more. I can't wait to finally meet you and share/confirm what God is doing. How EXCITING!!
CANT Wait to see you get there!!!!! Cant wait to someday Visit and see the work first hand!!! Yipppeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! And of course cant wait to see ya`ll Sooon :)!
You could try crowdfunding to raise money for your venture. Indiegogo might be good for your purposes. Good luck!
Thanks for the update! How exciting but scary at the same time. There are so many things to think about and I can't wait to see what your future holds. I agree that it feels great to sell all the excess "stuff" but then you start looking around and want to keep selling more and keep streamlining! It's a bit addicting. I will support you in whatever way I can once you get things finalized.I want to also share this organization that I just learned of recently. It may not be an exact match for you and Jed but with your nursing background I thought you would appreciate their work:http://www.teamworksukraine.com/mission/teamworks-ukraine/Sue H.
ME TOOOOOOO!!!! To all of it. π
Jessica, thank you so much for that idea! I had never heard of Indiegogo or anything like it. Wow, it looks really interesting! I'm going to look into it further. Thanks again!!
Thank you for your support Sue! I really appreciate it so much. π You know, now I think I maybe read about Team Works on another blog…I'll definitely check them out. I'm super interested in learning about all types of work that is being done in Ukraine. Every bit of info helps. Thanks for sharing!
So happy to see you guys making all those steps forwards!! Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean… i'm already planning in my head to visit & help out whenever & wherever i can π
hmmm… posting my comment a second time…So happy to see you guys taking steps forwards. Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean. i'm already planning in my head to visit & help whenever & wherever i can… π
Kim, what awesome news! Our God always has it covered, doesn't He? So happy to see things falling into place for your family!
Kim- I am SO excited for your family! I love that you are being obedient to the Lord even when (in our culture) that looks "crazy"! Someday Trace and I hope/ plan to move to Africa so I think we will be following a similar path in the years to come. It IS an adventure, but God will take care of His plan. Your blog is great- I love keeping up with you guys step by step!
He totally does. It's just amazing and very reassuring. π
Thank you Randee!! We're both in pretty exciting times huh? God is good, no…great.
Ooooh so happy you have some where to live… God is Good! All the time! & as always He has perfect timing π Sooo exciting… will be praying…
so happy to hear you have some where to live… God is Good! All the time! & as always He is just on time π Sooo excited for you… praying for the next steps & for you & your family to be prepared in all areas to follow where God leads…
BIG OL TEARS….. Love you! Love them Johnsons!!!!
figured I should stop lurking now and just comment π That would be hard for me, too! π I can relate. I'm so excited, though, to see how He is going to move for your family. What a great adventure!! Awesome, awesome π
You are an amazing woman with a huge heart. Prayers for you.Samantha
Awww love me some Hartmans too.
Yay for de-lurking! Thanks for the encouragement. π
Thank you Samantha! How sweet of you and I really appreciate the prayers. π
I can only imagine how scary all these "small" (a.k.a HUGE) steps are but I am so excited for you guys!Praying for you!
Thank you Andrea! Yes, HUGE. AAAAAAUGH!!!!! π
Excited for you too!! Step by step… you will get there with God showing you the way!
I've been checking your blog for updates! So glad to hear you are settled and you have a renter. The new place looks like it's in a very peaceful setting.Sue H.
Thank you for thinking of us Sue! Yes, the new house is amazing. So cozy, so homey, so perfect. We are blessed.
5 years. 5 years! 5 years? WHO are these people and they should know God's got them in His clutches. =D
I KNOW!!!! I KNOW!!!!!!!! So funny and so amazing.
GOD is amazing… God`s Not dead he`s surely alive :)… Love it when Abraham sings that! I simply cannot wait to hear ALLLLLL about it!!! See ya SOOOON… WHOHOOO!!!!
Awesome….That Jesus is a good boy.Papi
If no one is dressing up as the Swamp Princess for Halloween, I call dibs.Love you guys!
Soon and very soon. Packed and ready, waiting for Jed!
As Eric would say, "Thank Sweet Baby Jesus!"
That mask has your name all over it. Love you toooooooo!
Sitting here in S. Salem in utter amazement! AMAZEMENT! Selfishly, I confess I am sad. It will be at least 5 years before you are ever my neighbor again. Major sadness. But, apparently, as I have said before, God is kicking you out of Oregon and I'm getting the feeling that He is in a hurry! π We love you guys! Alexis
HOLY COW!!! You are so right – it is laughable how much God is just blowing the top off things! It's insane!! And he didn't just stop blessing you with a free place to stay…he gave you a mountain top view. Why not?! Thank goodness we can cast all of our anxiety on him because he CARES for us…the big and small things. He is so awesome! Love you guys! Keira
Hey, yes, I would love to hear all about Heath. I have been praying for him and wondered if there was a way to find out more about him. Can you email me at glormars@aol.com? Thank you!
Thank you for asking! You've got mail π
i know i'm so very very late in reading & commenting… But i really just wanted to say Praise the Lord!!
Hmmm… my comment did not seemed to have gone thru?Just to say Praise the Lord!! Looking forward to the rest of your journey.
This is ridiculous… my 3rd time trying to comment… Praise the Lord & looking forward to your amazing journey…
I love reading your blogs and hearing about the work you are doing and your passion for kids Kim! ( I remember you taking care of the babies in the nursery at church!) Since I have done emergency foster care…I know how you feel, about doing your best to keep the kids because they have had to move around so much and I can only guess at how they will blame themselves. And I admire your honesty when you have decided that if you don't feel you can keep that promise you are now willing to say we can't do foster care right now.Vonnie and Gary should be really proud to have raised a kid who is compassionate, loveing and letting there light shine in a world that is so dim to some of his youngest children!God Bless you and your family!! I am praying!!
opps sorry that was me kim! Sherri dougan
You brought me tears. Such a beautiful testament to your faith and how we are called to love.
I wish we could foster. I am not sure I truly have the physical stamina BUT I am ever ready to support fostering families. I would really like to do respite. Currently my outgrown clothes mostly go to Women's Space – for battered women and children but I will keep CWO in mind!
Hi Sheri! Thank you so much for your kind words! I didn't know you did emergency care. How wonderful. Thank you for praying π We really appreciate and I love love loved hearing from you!!!
Oops *Sherri* π Spelled your name wrong! Ha!
Aww thanks Sarah. Love you tons π
You would be awesome at respite! It is so hard to find good respite. Let me know if you have any questions about it!
Ok having computer issues… Ben and I Loved this Post… !!! Really touched our hearts.We love you all… Squeeze those awesome Johnson kids for me please!
I somehow missed this post….Awesome…..We Love Seffers!!!Papi
Awesome. Love love,Papi
"we are yours and I mean that"…I love it because you are really walking it out…what a privilege to watch, my friend:)
Joy! That is all I can think of.
Ahhhh… You stinker, makin me cry like that. You have been on my heart ALL day… and that BEAUTIFUL smile of yours. We need you and Jed to come sing to us *Smile*!!! We Love Love Love you Johnson family. God Knows the why`s… Someday your answers will come, and turn pain into beauty. For now a big ol Hartman (((((HUG)))))
I am so sorry. I didn't know. Hugs!
Love you, friend. I have been praying that He would draw closer than ever to you. ((hug))
Oh, I am so sorry. I may have missed if you posted that there was a baby coming! Take things one day at a time and be kind to yourself.Sue H.
So sorry for you :((( the hurt is so hard and so unfair. But one thing is I can see and feel Jesus through your writing… Praying for you …,
Prayers being sent right now!
This was a beautiful post..thank you for sharing it with us. I am so sorry about the loss of your baby. There is so much beauty and hope in what you wrote.
Thanks for the hug Joanna π
Thank you Deanna!! Your encouragement has helped more than you know π
Thanks Sue. We hadn't announced it yet..it was kind of a shocker! One day at a time…you are so right.
Oh thank you Naomi! I know you know how to pray π
Thank you Sarah, so much!
Oh Gloria, thank you for that. You made me smile this morning. π
It's amazing to see how far He's brought you through all of this in the last week. It's not only a testimony to His faithfulness, but to yours. It's been an honor to witness. Love you.
What a beautiful, heartbreaking, belly-laugh filled, anguished tear brushed year this has been. Blessed to be part of the journey already made and the road that lies ahead. He'll bless all of it, every last inch.
I'm sorry for the babe lost… Praying for your hearts as you grieve.
Oh my dear… i'm so very sorry… i haven't been keeping up with reading & i didn't know… my heart aches for you & your loss… i'm amazed at your great faith & your insight into how God has it all in His Hands… i pray that God bring you comfort each day & peace in your heart… i pray that God fill your heart with what fills His Heart & He will show you how faithful He is to fulfill all His Promises… hugs…
I want to to thank you for this good read!!I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have you book marked to check out new things you postβ¦Visit my page :: Legacy.Php-Fpm.Org
I found your blog from SUYL. what an amazing story! we have one very similar to yours! we are in the process of FINALLY moving towards adopting our 17 month old! who was born addicted to 8 different drugs, like yours it's been full of ups and downs and more joy than I could imagine!! Thanks for sharing your story! The Lord is SO SO very good! -crystalwww.rcolbertreport.com
Yes, He is so so good!! Congratulations on your adoption finally coming. I know that feeling! What a wonderful reward for such a long journey π
Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. We also have adopted 2 boys from foster care. What a blessing!!! God bless you all!
I know this sounds crazy but…Nathan and I eventually would love to adopt a teenager. We were stoked when we found out we had that same dream and we know it's gotta be a God thing. I guess with some things, you just know. That being a journey FAR off in the future, we need some major major training! The foster care system I have seen bless kids' socks off when you just love them RIGHT…how Jesus would. I am excited to glean from what you share on this blog and relate to you as far as heart and eventual journies go!
Love This…
Wonderful!
Oh my. Havalah. Can I have her?? Love your family and what you are doing.
Hava is quite amazing. π I can't wait for you to visit us someday…cause you know you totally have to!
So I was going to say…(three deleted comments later)…that it is amazing to view your bright, shiny, spectacular obedience and super danged inspiring. All six of you will be a bridge to those who don't know Jesus and you already are a bridge to at least four people who do (hint: there's four people in my family. And I'm one of them). Love you all!
Yes my dear… intentional – that's what we should be aiming for in my family too… i'm so glad you are doing what you are doing… praying along with you!
Thank you Sandra!!
Very cool!
What comes to mind is: John 15:115 "Philos". I am so blessed through your blessings and friendship with Jesus. Thank you.
So very excited for you!! Amen!
How exciting! I looked briefly at some of the links and will have to spend more time reading about them. Do you know if any of the RR boys are in the orphanage they visit regularly? When I looked at some of the pictures and saw so many boys wearing identical shirts it made me sad (I understand they are donations and there might be surplus of a certain shirt to donate, but it takes away from them as individuals and just made me a little teary). Please keep us posted on how we can help, if you'll be able to take any donations with you (they have a long list on their web site), etc. Happy Easter!P.S. We still have snow in Wisconsin. When is Spring coming?!!!Sue H.
Jed and Kimber,I have an adoption fundraising idea I'd like to share with you. Could you email me at mlee@coupaide.com?Thanks!Matthew Lee
Thank you!
YAY YAY YAY!!! π
Hi Sue! I don't believe any boys there are listed on RR. There have only been a couple adoptions from there so far, one boy was adopted by a Ukrainian family, and then one boy was adopted by the Malone family. Are you familiar with them? They are the ones who run "The Eli Project". They live in Ukraine now as missionaries. I will totally let you know if we take donations with us! Thanks for offering. :)PS: We had spring today!! I was afraid if I blinked it might go away!
Hey, I'm a friend of Mary Jill and LIVE in Zhitomir (well, I work there!) I know where the MTU building is – but have never been there. I have Ukrainian friend who knows lots of people from there, tho! Oh – and I have another friend who knows people there (I apparently don't get out much!) :)Would love to stay in contact with you and meet YOU (Although by your FB name, I thought your NAME was Kimandjed… Wondering what nationality you were! :)Maybe "friend" me on FB? Stay in touch! Really! Want to meet! So glad you're coming! Tammy
WooHoo! So happy & excited for you. So wish you could stop by ours on the way to U when you are here in May… but i know it is an added expense you don't need to have at the moment…i will definitely like to contribute monthly, i'll pray about you & get back to you.When your board is all setup, along with a completed mission statement/vision, please send that to me & i will approach my church here to see if they will support you too.Waiting to see awesome things happen as God moves in this ministry! HUGS!
Thank you so much Sandra. We'd love to visit… who knows! We'll keep you up-to-date as we move forward with the non-prof side of things. Thanks for sharing the mission. We are all in this together.
I will definitely donate Kim, I just have to figure out whether it will be lump sum or monthly. It's exciting to see this come together!Sue
Thank you Sue! Isn't it crazy! It's really happening! I have to pinch myself just to make sure it's not a dream π
Jed replied to you below, but I had to say hi too! Thank you so much for your willingness to give and for thinking of asking your church! That would be amazing. We will for sure keep you updated. Thanks for always being such an encouragement π
This just makes me smile so big. I only wish I was sitting on that couch next to you with my socks on and a big ol' cup of coffee too. I especially like the part about accepting orphan lovin' from visitors. I have two people in mind for that job. Love you guys!
Praying along with you & am so excited for you… can't wait till we can come over & visit you & help out!!
I can't wait for that!!!!
Loved reading your answers! Our oldest sons are planning a short trip to help out in Ukraine this summer! We'll be praying and following along on your progress!
Have fun!
You are so funny! Enjoy your trip!
Beating the jet lag (along with getting 3 small children to do so as well) is one of the parts about moving to Europe this fall that I'm NOT looking forward to! So make sure to give me some tips. π
Everyone loves it when folks come together and share opinions.Great blog, continue the good work!My blog post … site here
So you got my text? I think something is wrong with mine because I know I have not received some texts lately (I'm assuming you texted back!). Sorry for the repeat update in the e-mail I sent. We are praying! Enjoy your freedom, but don't forget to hurry back! π Alexis
Loving these updates! God is indeed the best!
Yes! Yes and amen π
Tears too! Love you!
I adore this picture of you two. ADORE! I wish I had something deep to say in response to your post. But as I sit here with my tired eyes, tired and worn down emotions and spirit, all I can say is…it blesses me. You both bless me. I praise God for the rawness and authenticity you both possess. It is refreshing and encouraging and I know blesses countless people. I love you both and will continue to read and pray about your journey!
You have the best personality. Sunny, warm, loving and you are unafraid for God. Love reading your posts, will be praying for you.M
Well-said!
indeed He will carry you through!
Yep,,, that is a sweet picture alright! Feel it… every part of it… melancholy and all. For you will never be exactly where you are now, again!
Love!!
Loving the work MTU & you guys do… indeed so very brave & so very much needed! Thank you for sharing & loving so wonderfully…
Yeah, these boys are adorable! I'm sure you'll love coming there. It's special for me every time I have a chance to join MTU girls on Fridays. May God continue His awesome work there!P.S. Their names are spelled Zhenya, Vova and Misha (Masha is a girl's name). Bless you guys.
Thanks Tanya, I'm open on Wednesdays for Tutoring, ;-). My brain is getting more comfortable with Cyrillic, but then putting what I hear back into latin makes my head hurt. It was fun riding with Oleg to Kiev, minus the traffic Jam. We are looking forward to getting together this coming week.
Just think how much Russian you'll know in one year's time!
LOVE following your story. Gives me so much courage and hope. And you all just rock. And I'm happy for you. And you make me want to jump on the next flight to Kiev. Enjoy your time!
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I've truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!my site; vakantieparken frankrijk
What fun! i'll do you one better than feel your pain about the warm weather… if you send the warm weather over here, i'll send you the unseasonal cold we are having. Deal? π
Tears… ok… smiling ear to ear. I hate turtlenecks and can handle scarves for short periods. I so wish I was there… I am so happy you have been blessed by so many people there. Hows that for encouragement from the lord! Remember when fear strikes,,, psalm 91. Its my saving grace right now. *smile* (((hug)))…
Beautiful! Oh and Love them self portraits!
phew you got me in tears with this one! xxx
Thanks Jed. I can't imagine what these caregivers have experienced themselves let alone what they see daily. Can't wait to hear more!Sue H.
Amen! Amen! Thank you for a new insight to a well-read passage! Amen!
I am way behind on my blog-reading but thank you for this… Just what I needed to hear today.
This is so great, guys. I'll keep praying that God moves on the heart of the landlord in Israel and that all will go super-smoooooooth for you. π
Yes, and amen. And that's what His promises are to you–He's gonna take care of it, perfectly. π
Love love love everything about this post!
Praying
So glad your MIL had such a wonderful idea… praying praying for the perfect house π Wonderful to hear about the support you are getting too π
I'm sorry I missed it! I was planning on coming, but then Nick got home late from Washington. π
So glad to hear that! i heard from one of my church committee members on Sunday about donations for orphans and told him about you guys… he says to talk about you guys & your work & the orphans maybe in the Fall!! So PM me my dear!
I love this!!
Excited for you & your family! & indeed Seth is too cute to resist π
Hi! This might be presumptuous of me, since I just found your blog and we don't know each other at all, but you said it was okay to ask questions: what are your plans for language learning?I am so excited, as I read around here and see what you're doing!
Hi Phyllis! I'm so glad you asked. π Well, we are doing our best to study now in advance (doing what we can…but I'm not sure it'll really be that helpful), but we know we will have to hire a language teacher once we move. I just peeked at your blog. Hey, compared to now, we'll practically be neighbors! Hehe. Any language-learning pointers you have would be like gold to me! It's important to us to learn, so we will study like crazy people when we aren't at MTU. π
I'm glad you didn't mind my question. I was toddler wrestling when I asked, and so I couldn't write more. :-)I think you and I have a lot in common. Four children, homeschooling (I did catch that you homeschool, didn't I?), love for Ukraine, orphans….The only tip I can think of off the top of my head is just do it! It's terribly important to know the language, and not all that easy to learn Π½Π° Ρ ΠΎΠ΄Ρ. I still kind of regret that we didn't set aside separate time, just to focus on studying.
I'm back. π Reading around more and just falling in love with your excitement and plans. If you ever want to correspond about life in Ukraine, I'd love that! (fylliska@gmail.com)
Ooooh yes!!! Getting ready to email you now!
hi we are a Canadian family with 12 kids living in Stavi,Ukraine. 6 of our kids came through foster care/ adoption & 1 daughter we adopted from Zhitomyr in 2000. as we visited her at the internat during the adoption process , we made a promise to God we would come back some day to help the other children . so here we are…would love to get to know you…our daughter from zhitomyr has mild CP & we have an interest in working with handicapped children.Lance & Shari Giesbrecht thamesgal@gmail.com
Oh sister, I love LHOP too!!! We were watching it last night and I was telling Lilly all about what happened leading up to that episode! I'm totally getting that book!! π
Have you read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller? I just finished it and enjoyed it. I'm also a LHOP fan. I still have the book collection I received for my 9th birthday. I tried to get my daughter into it but she wasn't interested! Every month or so when I see my set on the bookcase I'm tempted to reread them. Love it! Sue H.
We loved LHOP when we could get it – living in Asia all those years meant we could only get whatever the Tv station chose to air… but i liked it… i'm not a huge fan but i can see how people could absolutely love it!
More in common! I love Educating the Whole Hearted Child. I haven't read it for a while, but I remember how desperately I wished that it was available in Russian back when I first read it. I need to reread. Somehow, usually homeschooling+missionary=Abeka, which isn't bad, of course, but I often find that it leaves us with no homeschooling subjects to talk about on the rare times that I actually come across a real, live foreigner!And we're reading Little House on the Prairie out loud right now. :-)I'm going to have to try to get the book by Dr. Perry. We've just had opportunities to sit through seminars put on by Agape that are probably along the same lines. Is Karyn Purvis' work anything like his?
Wow. Should of mentioned it a little earlier when we were squishing from a 2400 sq. ft., 13 room house house into a 750 sq. ft. four room apartment. Too bad.
Great idea! Praying all the garage sales will be big hits & more will come to know about Wide Awake!
Oh I love a good stirring! π
Amen! i read this yesterday & my heart is stirring too… http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/07/when-you-are-done-with-pundits-soul-wrestling-looking-at-the-sky-25-things-i-learned-from-staying-with-katie-davis/?utm_source=voskamp&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=July13
go to Pioneer woman, ree drummond for an excellent recipe for iced coffee…it's delish
SO thrilled for you all! Yikes this is perfect!!!
Very cool! And I want to see those purple cupboards. π
I bet it feels great knowing that is taken care of- and prob makes it feel more real too. This is happening and THIS IS AWESOME. 4 bdrs and purple cabinets…. KINGS AND QUEENS! Sounds like you have room for a family of 3 to live there too! ehhhhh? knduge-wink wink.
Way to cool!! So excited for you & Praise the Lord!
Thanks for awkwardly making me cry at the computer lab on campus. π
Add another casualty to the tearing up count. Okay, openly sobbing. Love you.
Oh LOVE it that God made Disneyland happen for you & brought joy to you. Thank you for the timely reminder that indeed He delights in giving us good gifts and bringing joy into our lives…
Grown ups, especially Christians seem to lose their joy. Somehow being serious is thought as being more pious, holy ? Anyway, I wanted to say your joy and exuberance about life is what I like about you. If that means being cheesy, bring on the cheese.May you never lose this joy and take it with you as you minister to the least of these in Ukraine. I have a feeling your joy would be contagious π
Wow. Wow. Wow. A few years ago, I would have had to fight not to be jealous! (God has taught me a lot about not coveting other people's housing! π I am so glad that He has provided this for you, and I KNOW that it's a miracle.
Kim, it was so great to meet you this last week! And I'm so glad you got to go to Disneyland…what a great story and great post/reminder! I will definitely be following your journey.
Ha! You're so welcome.
Back at ya my dearest!
Oh thank you so much for this! You made my day!
I loved meeting you too. I would love our fams to get together someday. π
All In… i love it… now dear Lord move my fearful heart… move the heart of my husband to see Your Heart beating for justice, mercy & compassion ministries!i pray also for my dear friends who have given all – are all in – to help your people in Ukraine! Give them courage, wisdom, and compassion to be Your Hands and feet. Bring them peace of mind and give them know-how and everything they need.Amen!
God is soo good!! Love you guys. π
Love you too! Thanks for all the support and donations!
Amazing! Praise the Lord!
I KNOW!! I owe you a reply, just need a moment to chat with Jed about it π
i know you know… i just figured moving stuff is keeping you very busy… but if you could get back to me sooner rather than later it would be good π
Yay, that’s so great! You certainly beat our garage sale total. π
Super surprising that’s for sure!
I don’t envy you all that traveling, but I’ll be praying. I need to reread… I don’t think I saw California in there? It you are going to be in CA, I would love to work out a way for you to meet up with the Fedorchuks from Agape.
And I know exactly what to do about the luggage: pray for it to get lost (temporarily). That has saved us several times when we couldn’t transport it ourselves. The airline delivered it a few days later. π
#46…..I get to see you in a week! ACCKK!! π Also, I love your updates, your ice cream addiction, and the sweet kiddos you get to take pictures of….what an exciting adventure to be on! π
One weeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!! Bring it on!
Love the new blog! Keep on keepin’ on, prayer people all over this country for you guys. Know THAT.
Love, Saige
Oh Saige, thank you so much!! π
So, so happy for you guys! We’ve been busy with medical/houseish stuff lately and I hadn’t checked your blog to see that you all are leaving so soon! God is so faithful-I cannot wait to see how He’s going to use your family:) Will be breathlessly awaiting updates!
Ah! Thank you Abby! What an encouraging note! π
I love it! (And I promise that I won’t tell them my Moscow Metro–escalators there are even longer!–horror story, if we ever meet in real life.)
Oh boy sister. do I know EXACTLY how you feel! And the Hudson Taylor reference? Stellar!
Godspeed!!
Yay, we’re on the same continent! It’s so crazy how our families are going through something so similar right now. We also had a sobfest as the family left, though I will admit most of it was my and my mom’s.
Oooooh so close…yet so far away…are you blogging about your move?
Save a spot in the guest room for me next summer! I’m coming!
WOOT!
Wow. Just wow. You guys will be such a blessing to that community and how amazing that the Father gave you such a special home!!!
Thank you for sharing our joy. We are soooo blessed beyond measure. π
It’s so wonderfully Ukrainian! Rejoicing with you over our amazing, down-to-the-last-detail God. Love that playground! π
It’s so wonderfully Ukrainian! Rejoicing with you over our amazing, down-to-the-last-detail God. Love the playground! π
Thank you for rejoicing with us!! Now you just need to pop on over for a visit! π
I teared up as I read this. It is so special to hear about God’s faithfulness to your family and your faithfulness to serve him.
He’s just too stinkin’ good, right??
The house is amazing! We love it! The outside pics make me laugh, though. Very, very odd looking house on the outside. π But hey, I guess if you need any rubble, you just walk out your back door! π So thankful to Jesus for giving you guys such a perfect house! I want to come visit!
COME COME COME!!! I know, our yard is a sight. It makes me feel less guilty about how long we had NO YARD at our house. Remember those days??? Hehehe
PS – I’m surprised the fire marshal in my life who also looked at these pics didn’t say anything about the bed pushed up against the radiator in the guest/boys room. Guess he figures Zhitomer is a little out of his jurisdiction, so what does he care? π MISS YOU!!!!!!
Okay, this girl must need some chocolate or something. I got tearful looking at your house and THEN when I saw the playground and the fact that it was JUST installed…my eyes are raining! God is SO good. It just touches my heart that he cares about the details. And Kim, I can’t help but think about your time in Turkey, our time in Morocco, your long wait in the U.S and believe your heart is finally home again being overseas. I love you friend!
Ah! I love you too!!! You said it just right. I do feel like I’ve come home, strange. But I’m glad you get it. Today we used a squatty and I thought of you and hairbrushes. π
Uh — so I am definitely crying after reading the part about the playground. WHY IS GOD SO FREAKIN GOOOOOOOD?????
***ten million big bear hugs********
Hahhahaha! I love you!!!! I’ll take the hugs thank you very much. π
Amazing! I love how open everything looks on the lower floor. That’s always been my quibble with house design here: the closed off rooms. You can’t usually fit guests around the table in the kitchen, but if you put the table in another room, then you’re busy in the kitchen and cut off from the conversation…. It looks like you won’t have that.
I wish I was close enough to help you with that washing machine. We recently moved to a place with a lovely old German one, and I had forgotten how confusing stuff like that can be.
Yep, it’s pretty much perfect for us. I’m just a bit worried about how loud we are for the neighbors. I have no concept of how much they can hear…and we aren’t quiet! Hmmmm
So awesome! I love the playground part! God is so faithful.
YES!!!
You all are amazing!
(What’s your coffee? Ours is Carte Noire.)
The new one we tried is “Jardin” Dessert Cup. It’s better, but I’m still not convinced it’s The One. Ha! I’ll try yours next. π
Ah, yes. Jardin is also good. I think we like most of theirs.
We went to West Suffolk Vineyard Church on Sunday!
Ooooh what did you think??
Hi Kim, Just catching up on your last few posts. You made it! Congratulations. The house looks great. The kitchen is definitely cheerful!
Oh hi Sue!! I’m so happy to hear from you!
Kim…..love love love everything about your new digs!!! It really couldn’t be any better!!! It’s so cheery and clean. Thanks for posting so many pics. It’s so great to finally have a visual of where you’re at! Emma and I like the kitchen & bathroom too!! I must admit though, that in all my thoughts about what the house looked liked never did “purple kitchen” enter my brain. Hahaha! Loves to all of you!
Hey my friend! Yay thanks for saying hi! Yeah, the kitchen color choice was quite surprising to us too. I guess they just wanted a “pop” of color. Hehe Miss you!
I love, love, love it! Every last little detail! They are all the things I wonder about and remember being weird in Mexico too! Keep up the amazing work of documenting your life! It helps me to try to convince my heart that you aren’t so far away! Love you!
Yay! Thanks for commenting! It makes me so happy to see your name pop up. Love you mucho!!! (Like how I threw the Espanol in there?) hehe
I hope you can keep writing like this! It could be so valuable to others who are coming. I’ve honestly forgotten what my early days were like. Shopping with Google Translate? That didn’t even exist back then. (But, really, I’m not old! π )
Pokes a hole in the milk… or falls splat on a bag of kefir while going up with stairs. I had a child do that once. It made me think of Piglet on his way to Eeyore with the balloon, only a lot messier. π
Haha! Yes! My kids were tossing a bag of mile around last night. Ummm no.
*milk, not mile π
I’ve been trying to cover similar details with the UK. And Jack’s 6th birthday was on Saturday! How crazy are our lives???
Oooooh Twilight Zone! Crazy. Hope your boxes arrive soon!
Love this Kimmie! I just started a major project for our ministry in Russian and Google translate was my best friend too! I’m so impressed you guys are learning it!!!
Ha! We’ll if you heard me you wouldn’t be that impressed… π Slowly but surely! Thanks for saying hi!!!
I love your blog! You are an amazing communicator and I am so happy to be a part of your life in Ukarine!
Thank you Jan! How kind of you. Thank for being a part! Your encouragement is such a blessing!
Your blog makes my life. I’m so freaking happy that everything has been smooth, even to the smallest details! Love you guys!
We love you toooo! Yep, God has been super good to us. Thank you so much for saying hi!!! π
Hi you all! I am SO HAPPY to read all the details of life there! Smiling and sometimes laughing at either the blog or pictures! Thrilled that Hannah will be spending some time with the cousins! Happy Birthday to Ez-Pez! I love you all…
Love it…hahaha! The bread thing! Once in Lativa Jeannie thought she was getting a cinnamon roll…MEAT! I LOVE those meat rolls!
Love you…
Steve Bittner Santiam Christian School Northwest Student Services, LLC (541)760-2027
(Sent from my iPhone.)
>
What a great story! It made me laugh! You are so brave!!! I’m in awe.
Our ovens here in the UK are way different too! It’s like our first year of marriage all over again!
Once again, I think you’re amazing. We only ever buy frozen vareniki.
I had forgotten my struggles with ovens at the beginning. Now I’m just so used to it, that I had forgotten there would be anything else. My first time in a new home, I always burn the first thing I bake, but after that, we’re fine. π
I am cozied up in my beloved t-shirt right now! I just read like a million of your posts and had goose bumps the whole time. So happy for you guys and can’t wait to visit! Ukraine is blessed to have all of you!
Awww you’re the best! I can’t wait for you guys to visit. Hannah and I were talking about how great that will be. Come come come!!
Yes! Amen! So be it, as you said.
I am so glad to be able to read about your journey. I am so very proud of you!
Oh wow! Thank you!!! It’s so nice to hear from you π
So thankful those precious boys are not forgotten! God is on the move in Ukraine! Praise Him!
Yes!! Hey, Samuel’s family met him on Friday!!! Cool eh?
I love all the pics of the food. Ukraine has the BEST juice ever, in the blue containers. And I found most restaraunts didn’t refrigerate it once it was opened.
Did you make perogees(sp?) from scratch?!
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving!
Hey there! Yes, the kids are really loving the juice π We do make the dumplings from scratch. It’s not hard! You should give it a try. It just takes time, so I do it when the kids go to bed.
Good stuff! Be careful how you try to ask for sage too… π
Love the updates and pictures. I can’t wait to see and hear more.
Hi Sue! I got to meet Julia and we were both talking about what a great encouragement you are. Thank you so much. You are a blessing.
Wow, your first month was so much alike and yet so different from ours in the UK! I so miss having friends. Praying for you guys; I know God is using you mightily.
Praying for you all and Ukraine! It’s been so wonderful to share in your adventures through your blog:) Definitely missing Ukraine
Thanks Abby! Let me know when/if you ever come back. I would sure love to meet you.
It snowed! π
Luv hearing your adventures and your blessings. Our God is amazing. May His blessings continue to surprise and encourage you.
Thank you so much Pat! It’s so good to hear from you. Thank you for saying hi π
Hey friend. I’m just catching up with you. Soooo many things to say, so I’ll save it FaceTime. So for now…..love you!!!!!!!!!
I would love to chat! Anytime for you my dear π
Love your Advent plan with the kids! Tip for your baking – if you are using an American recipe for any sort of baking & it calls for Baking Powder, you will need at least 1.5 to 2 times what it says cos in Europe the baking powder is not double-acting like in the US.
Have a most Blessed Christmas & a fulfilling new year!
Oh thank you for that!! I bet that’s the problem. Too bad the baking powder comes in teeny tiny little envelopes. I should’ve brought some with us in suitcase!
So fun to keep up. Miss you all. Joe and Kim
We miss you too! Have fun in Hermiston. JEALOUS. π
You are so wise! I also love Advent and Christmas, and Advent was such a comfort to me and to our family in the year that was the hardest for us. Advent is good when all is well, but it’s essential when everyone needs a little extra.
We’ve been reading an Advent book this year and really, really enjoying it. I want to try Jotham’s Journey next year, or sometime.
Oh what book are you reading? We’ll need a new one next year.
I like the Abominable Snowman the best. π
Me tooooo! We got that one the first Christmas we were married. π
Omigosh! Camdon’s absolute number one thing on his list this year is the Abominable Snowman! He will be so tickled to see his friend has one π
Oh sweet Camdon! Hey, I read about the white Christmas dress. HILARIOUS. I laughed at/with you on that one. Hehehehe
Sweet! They actually had Christmas trees you could buy, eh?!
Can’t wait to hear the news!
I love to hear all the details. I’ve been praying. Not to discount your miracle in any way–it really is a miracle!–but that’s almost exactly how it’s usually happened for us, too. My favorite was when the boss lady for all of regional OVIR actually sat down to type out a letter for us herself, just to be sure that every bit was just right. π
You can be praying for miracles for us, too, if you remember. We have to do all this pretty soon in a new-to-us region.
I hope I didn’t tell any stories that were too horrific or discouraging! I like to say that the visa process in Ukraine is not necessarily simple, but that it’s very doable. I think people who complain here should try Russia. (And people who live in Russia probably think that I should go to China or something. π )
Wow, all of that is so cool! I love hearing God stories. We have been praying for more than 2 months now about a big adoption decision. I asked and begged and asked and prayed and asked some more for a sign by New Year’s. No sign. π Praying now for a complete heart transformation in my husband…
I am so blessed by your story. I just absolutely LOVE you guys!!
Having jumped through a few Ukrainian hoops of our own, all I can say is WOW! God is good. So thankful He has blessed you with this miracle! Have fun in Switzerland!
AMAZING! I love how God is working out the details on your behalf. So beautiful!
The best, best, best photo is of you and Heath! So amazing that you met him! We need to FaceTime soon pleeeeeaaasseeee! I want to hear all about him! I love how God continues to meet every need, above and beyond what we could hope or imagine! Love you soooooo much!
That is IN.SANE. We remember the wheels of government and how they turn, and we were only there a month! Astounding. We’re speechless with delight (but also not really surprised….He’s going before you!!) π
I love this! I love your picture of Heath and the one Julia posted of him in front of the Christmas tree. I really enjoy hearing about your adventures. I desperately want one of those items in your last picture (sorry my mind has gone completely blank on what they are called!). My snowman one doesn’t quite compare. LOL.
Just read this! The miracle is even more amazing now that i know more details!! Absolutely amazing & ONLY GOD can!
Can’t wait till you get here π
Switzerland is such a tiny country compared to Ukraine and it is more efficient in many ways BUT government paperwork still moves at snail’s pace and also require lots of stamps! π hahhahaa
Your theme and your thought are so inspiring………… Thank you!
Thank YOU Jan, for your encouragement!
This is one of your best posts. I so struggle with the same issues, especially in regards to mommy guilt.
Thanks for the encouragement. So many people struggle with that! Let it go girl! π
Mine: Hope
& this quote:
When given a choice between being kind or being right, choose kind. – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer (from the book “Wonder”)
I love that quote! I need to post that up in my house. -in every room! Ha!
π that’s an idea π
my word is new. new every morning. behold he makes,all things new….more to come.
Yes! That is so good. Thank God for new beginnings each day.
Kim, this was amazing to read! A-MAZE-ING! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Yes, I will stand with you and let go too! I am right there with you when it comes to worrying about my littles, but God has got them and He loves them more than I do. For what it is worth, I think you are one of the most incredible Mamas I have ever met! You inspire me! π So, here’s to letting go in 2014!!!! (just please don’t let go of me! hee – hee!) LOVE YOU!
I could never let go of you! I love you tooooooo much! π
Love!!! Thank you for sharing : )
Awww shucks. π You’re welcome!
Your words are a blessing, Kim. Well said. Letting go and holding on to Jesus (and the lightness that comes along with letting go) brings Matt. 11:30 to mind: For my burden is easy and my yoke is light. So thankful for that!
Oh, and I also have a word for this year! It’s “gentle.” In how I speak, think and treat others. With my kids and husband. With myself. My heart and the hearts of those around me just need more gentleness.
Ooooh gentle. Yes, that is really good too. So much beauty can come from having a gentle spirit.
Nice to see what choices you have there π baking powder in Europe (most of Europe) comes in little sachets cos that’s all you need for one cake – usually π
Enjoy your food – maybe we should take you supermarket shopping here π
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post! Shopping in U is quite the adventure, isn’t it? I just walked a mile and a half down the road to our local (small) supermarket, bags handily stashed in my pocket. :-). Can’t wait to read your post on open markets. They are such an adventure!
Thank you for posting the picture of the baking powder! I was despairing of ever finding any!
Waiting for your arrival… patiently (NOT)!
fantastic! will be praying over all these details….
Jen
I’m definitely praying! I hope you take lots of pictures and write all about it, so that we can enjoy your trip, too.
(And you can pray for me as I fight off jealousy. We’re just starting our doc process today, and it looks like this time we won’t even be able to make the family trip that we look forward to so much each time. We’ll have to have one parent go while the other stays with the little ones, and then switch. π )
How I would love to get my hands (and mouth!) on some Swiss chocolate! π
Happy photos! Thank you.
So wonderful…love you.
Steve Bittner Santiam Christian School Northwest Student Services, LLC (541)760-2027
(Sent from my iPhone.)
>
Wonderful, how good our God is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are two of God’s brightest.
I love you very much and your dear family.
God Bless and keep you in all His ways.
Grandma Pat
Thank you!! I’m so happy you are keeping in touch.
Jed’s slippers take me back more than 30 years to the ones I picked up (and brought back as gifts) from a little store in Vienna called “Bippa’s”. So European! π BTW, Happy Birthday Jed!
Thanks you awesome bunch of Douglass’ you!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post about one of my favorite grocery stores in Zhytomyr. I have been in Ukraine for 7 years now, and always enjoy hearing people’s first impressions of food in bags and little pkgs of baking powder and babushkas and all the other things that make shopping in Ukraine an adventure. We are so priviledged here, it just takes time and effort and a dictionary and sometimes lots of questions to find what you are looking for.
You are most welcomed! & have definitely thanked us more than enough π Glad we could provide the peace you needed (it helps having only 1x kid – hahhaaa) – we loved having you guys here. Remember our door is always open & we’ll be praying that you will have a safe journey home & for Ukraine…
May the Lord bless your family and keep you safe. Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the encouragement! I hope you are doing well. π
Yes, our hearts are broken for Ukraine. We adopted our youngest son from there, so the country has a special place in our hearts and has become part of our family’s identity. We pray daily for Ukraine and it’s people.
Elliott, thank you so much for praying faithfully for Ukraine. The Ukrainian people definitely have a way of winning hearts. π Also, I’m so glad to hear you adopted from here! AWESOME.
Standing with you…
Thanks my dear. I knew you would. π
Praying with you now!
Hi there! Thank you for praying. I sure wish we could see each other again π
Praying for Ukraine!
THANK YOU Merlin!! We very much appreciate it.
Kimberly, I have not seen you in years and I think I only met Jed once, but I want you to know that I am praying for both of you, your children and those in the Ukraine. Esther 4: 14 And who knows but that you have come to your royal position (in my words, right where He wants you) for such a time as this?β
Thank you! It’s so cool to hear from you! It really does bless us tremendously when we hear of someone praying for us who has never met us, or hasn’t seen us in years. THANK YOU!
Praying for your family and Ukraine!
Thank you Sue. π
Beautifully written. Praying for you guys.
Thank you Crystal! π
I was in Kiev for 5 days for a friends wedding at the start of January this year. I loved the Ukranian hospitality, they sure know how to organise a wedding, eat dance eat dance. Tanya’s friends were very generous with there time, showing us around all the sights in Kiev. We stayed near Maidan Square, so I visited it everyday day. I was impressed by the courage, conviction and the organisation that went in to the protest.
One fella that left an impression on me, he was ” hardy and wiry and had great go in him” as we would say in West Cork. He could just as easily be a neighbouring farmer in Clonakilty.
Naturally I’m saddened that 3 people have lost their lives in this quest for human rights, these people could be my family, friends or neighbours here in Cork.
I pray to God that there will be no further loss of life.
Oh Francis, thank you for sharing! I’m so glad you were able to see Ukraine with your own eyes, and meet her beautiful people. Now you know better how to pray. Thank you!
I’ve been praying for safety, for courage, for peace, and for the TRUTH to stand. The past 6 years of my life really opened my eyes and my heart in so many different ways. It made me realize the freedom and luxuries we truly have in America, yet it still so hard to comprehend having none of it. Even when I lived somewhere else, I still had the choice to leave. It makes me respect and love my friends living in those other countries even more. So brave. So strong. So resilient. I definitely stand with you guys for Ukraine and the ones you love. I praise God that he placed you there at this time! Your sensitivity, awareness and love are surely blessing your friends who need the support right now.
Thank you my dear Keira!!! Love, love, love you.
Love to you each! We are praying for you and for Ukraine. God’s timeing is perfect. It might not totally make sense right now, to us, but He is in control and has you guys there for such a time as this!
LOVE YOU!!
Thank you Robin! We sure love you too. Thanks for praying and for letting us know, and for the encouragement. It’s a crazy time, but we trust in Him. Today we have a lot of peace. π
Well done on the bundling! The Swiss tell us that the trick is to layer so the kids can remove layers as the weather warms up or as activity warms them up (it’s hard work playing in snow!)… take care HUGS!
Oh my, what an adventure! (Have you gotten that sentence a lot? It seems to be a favorite every time I blog from our American friends. π ) Anyways, your kids are so stinkin’ brave — wow! Keep us posted!
ooooh… exciting… praying they will at least be able to follow instructions & catch on quickly!
So proud of you and Jed for being flexible enough to do this! It is one of those “teachable moments” that we love in homeschooling. This one just happens to be extended!, I’m loving how God is providing for your family.
Thank you! Your comment really encouraged me!
I don’t have any advice or anything, but lots of prayers and sympathy in the mourning part of your feelings. (By the way, I’ve been that English teacher, helping a Russian-American little girl and foreign parents. In a different school, of course. π )
Also, I understand about wanting to be learning the same language, but Ukrainian could be really useful long term. We speak Russian in our family, but we try to learn Ukrainian, and it would be so nice if we could do better with that! It’s so useful for anything official, and Ukraine may be headed more and more in that direction anyway, even in the Russian-speaking regions. So, while I don’t envy you having to learn like this–all at once and in different directions–I can see how God may be using it.
Oh, by the way, we have suffered and agonized over Ukrainian music textbooks for homework, but at least here the teachers speak Russian!
Oh, and a little more: not that my opinion counts for anything in your family decisions, but I really do agree with your decision of learning Russian. No matter how lovely and useful Ukrainian is, Russian does meet a wider audience. I recently heard the director of Agape sharing how, even though his native language is Ukrainian, for some reason, unknown at the time, he had the Bible curriculum written in Russian. And now, years later, that early decision is making it much easier to spread into other former USSR countries. π
Hi guys! First of all, I love reading your posts! It’s so amazing to see how God is working in your family. I wanted to just quickly say my kids both are in Spanish immersion here in salem, which of course is way different than your situation, but…it had been so amazing for them. I have loved watching their transformation. Their classes start at 90% Spanish for kinders (pe and music stay English) then each year they get a 10% shift to English. They have picked it up so well and having monolingual Spanish children in their class has helped so much! The trick we used most is to tell the kids they are investigators. (I also worked in a Spanish immersion class 7 years). We would excite them about watching the other kids and figuring out what to do. It made it fun for them until they caught onto the language a little more. I hope that helps at least a little. It has been such a gift to my boys who are now both bilingual π
Wow, thank you for that great info Monica! That is super encouraging.
I still can’t imagine being in their place, wowzers! Their little brains must be growing by leaps and bounds!
I have a feeling that picture of them in the classroom will be one you will cherish years from now. How cute are they and how cute are all those little students in their uniforms!!! The only way I can think of for them to learn Ukranian more naturally would be for them to be around even younger children (preschool, age 1-3 for example) who are just learning basic words or putting phrases together (yes, no, eat, sit, etc.). I’m not sure if those types of groups even exist there, such as a church/mom’s group where you could take all 4 kids or some basic (but intense) introductory tutoring from someone who knows both English/Ukranian.
They don’t understand at the moment but they will. After a month their minds will understand most things and after 2 they will be pretty good. By June they should be very comfortable and fluent,.
Thanks Chantal! I hope you’re right π
In school here, they also change into what are called βhouse-shoesβ and the shops here sell specific types for younger children (so they donβt kick them off during class). Do they have a small gym bag too? Over here they all bring a small gym bag (shoes & gym clothes inside) to school which is hung on a hook (labelled with their names) in front of their classrooms. You can opt to bring the bag home daily or weekly or whenever your mother tells you to.
Kids bring their own snack here (very regulated in our school β nothing sweet or with sugar) & the school advises to not give kids money unless itβs to pay for something for school (such as bus fare for school outings).
With regards to the kids understanding the language, it will comeβ¦ how long it will take will depend on individuals BUT immersion is the best way to learnβ¦
If you wanted to help them, maybe cartoons in Ukrainian? i found these on YouTubeβ¦
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPO25D8mKPQ
You can watch together as a family for a fun way to learn together?
A YouTube search for cartoons in Ukrainian gives 11,200 results β so there is a whole selectionβ¦ just be sure to screen them cos some of them maybe old soviet stuff.
i think itβs so very wonderful that you guys are getting to know peopleβ¦
Oh i feel your mamaβs heartβ¦ it was hard for me when T had to go Kindergartenβ¦ even now, i prefer to have him home whenever i can. If i told Swiss mothers this, most would shake their heads at meβ¦ here children learning to be independent (do without parents) is a huge thing. But know that as long as they are happy, and learning along the way, you are doing the right thing π hugs!
Old soviet cartoons are the best in the world!!! Really “ΡΡΠ°ΡΡΠ΅ Π΄ΠΎΠ±ΡΡΠ΅ ΡΠΎΠ²Π΅ΡΡΠΊΠΈΠ΅ ΠΌΡΠ»ΡΡΠΈΠΊΠΈ,” there’s nothing better. π
Hi, My daughter is Zhitomir, she is Irish and will be getting married to her ukranian fiancΓ©, soon. I follow your blog because of that connection.
Regards, Mgt
Wow Margaret! How cool π Thanks for saying hi!
Amen! Standing with you in prayer & in spirit!
Reblogged this on trippingdifferently and commented:
i have been praying and praying for a country i have never been to… for a country i took little notice of until now… i have posted almost daily on my Facebook about Ukraine and any news article i come across, asking people to pray with me.
i have been praying for Ukraine… why? Because Heath – my beloved Heath who is now with his forever family, he who introduced me into the world of special needs orphans, is from there. Because i now know friends who are living there, supporting their new Ukrainian friends on the ground. Because God moved my heart to.
Please pray along with me as this country works towards peace and a democratic, and just government.
Thank you.
syc
Hi,
I was touched by your post re Ukraine and pray that stability will happen there soon.
My daughter is in Zhitomir currently also, her fiancΓ© is from the city, and like you she could hardly believe that she was witnessing the historic changes there. Regards, Margaret
We just heard a sermon on Isaiah 54 last week!
Oh Kim, do I know exactly how you feel. No, we’re not facing war, but my babies are going through the same things as yours as far as figuring out this new country, being lonely and nervous, wondering where they fit in. Your lines of each of your kids being called as well as you and Jed hit me smack in the middle of my head and heart. Pray for me, friend. I don’t seem to be as advanced as you yet in the acceptance department. π
Thank you. I love you. Those pics are amazing.
*Steve Bittner/DirectorNorthwest Student Services, LLCP.O. Box 667Corvallis, Oregon 97339 USAMobile: 541-760-2027www.nwstudentservices.com info@nwstudentservices.com SKYPE: steviethevagabond*
Praying for you guys and so encouraged by this post! What a great verse to carry in your heart during these times.
Hi! I always think of you guys and wonder how you’re doing being a mommy. π
Dearest ones ~ my heart goes out to you and I pray for your safety and wisdom. Hang on to Jesus! I love all of you ~ Grandma Pat
Hi there! Thanks for the note. Thanks also for the prayers. It’s so good we can be in touch from so far away!
Thank you for your post. My Dame is David; I live in Salem, Oregon.We have friends here, and around the world who have taught us more about what it means to follow Jesus Christ, walking as He walked, bringing glory to God rather than to ourselves. Some of those friends live in Ozerne and Turnopil. You can contact them via http://www.brunstad.org. Your “letting go” site was referred to me by my youngest daughter. Thank you; I will be praying for you and your family regularly.
Hi David! Sorry for the delayed reply. Thank you so much for your note! It’s great to hear from you. We’ll check out your friends for sure. Thank you for the prayers and encouragement. π
I think of you every day! I had the same thought as you — the boys can’t leave —- please don’t let their caregivers abandon them. Hopefully this will lead to improvements for them (eventually). Thank you for the update.
Hi Kim,
We’re always so glad to catch up with your adventures! We miss you madly and talk about all of you every day – do your ears burn at odd times? π
We’re so proud of the wonderful work you are doing and the amazing job you are doing as parents not only to your kids but helping the boys. How is your coffee supply doing?
Btw, has spring sprung there? What is spring in Ukraine like? The cherry blossoms on the capital mall are all in full-bloom.
Spring break is next week and the Mexico contingent is taking off tomorrow. Power prayers from the Johnson clan for the week they are gone would be most welcome.
All our love,
Randy and Jennifer
This comment blessed us so much! Thank you so much for the encouragement. We finished off the coffee today. It was soooooo good. We have been praying for the Mexico team. Can’t wait to hear about their adventures. Love you guys!
I am almost jealous of you studying Ukrainian. I have tried off and on, but just can’t get enough exposure. I’ve finally gotten to where I understand, but I can’t speak. And don’t worry, you’ll have all of eternity to learn Russian. I know for sure that it’s the language of heaven. π
Oh, after 5+ years I just now tried speaking surzhik with my neighbor. It almost hurt, but she understood me better.
Heaven’s language…hahahaha! I think my neighbors would beg to differ. So funny!
My brain hurts learning British, so I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. π Glad to hear you’re doing well, my friend!
Ha! Thanks π
Oh the preciousness! I just love every single one of your strong, courageous, obedient and loving souls (that goes for you too, Kim & Jed). You are my heroes! Love you. <3
Your kids are amazing & you & Jed are the amazing parents!
I’ve never heard of that term before, but we do this every night! We ask what was the best and hardest part of your day. Jude (3) doesn’t really get it yet — he just says everything he did that day — but Jack (6) can have a meaningful conversation sometimes, when he’s not distracted by seemingly everything else. And strangely, the baby always said her favorite part of her day was nursing. π
Heart lifting blog! I will be in Zhitomir in two weeks time, can’t wait!
Hey there! Are you here in Z town now?
This is beautiful! Our family has been praying for your family! Just when we need it, Jesus comes in with exactly what we need to make our hearts soar and rejoice in His love for us and others. So amazing. So inspiring-what your doing!
Oh Gabby, thank you so much for praying!!
Your connection with Vova, through the bubbles, was very cool Kim! Keep up the good work!
Love, love, love! The pictures were great and I can’t wait for karaoke night…might there be some video clips? : )
This is awesome! What a powerful statement of love that transcends language, culture, ability and what a powerful vision to cast for your kids.
This is awesome! What a powerful message that transcends language, culture, ability… and what a powerful vision to cast for your kids.
<3 <3 <3 Karaoke is going to be a blast! Take some videos!
Beautiful! I’ll take your random, day-in-the-life post any day of the week. We’re grieving too, but joyful for who you are and what you are doing. Love you guys so. (PS I don’t have your genes because I’ve been wearing a down jacket inside all day.)
It’s not nearly as rainy here in ENGLAND as Salem, either! Though the locals share your hot blood. The second the sun comes out, it doesn’t matter if it’s only 55. People wear shorts and tanks. And here I am, still in 3 layers without fail….though last weekend I only wore 2. It was exciting. π
Some really great things happened today (immigration approvals! VISAs! killer samples at Trader Joe’s!), but this, my friends, is my favorite. I laughed (the “spelling word” list), I cried (“mission trip smell”–familiar from Guatemala and I know will be smelled in China) and I just felt the Holy Spirit jumping off this screen in the smiles of Jed and your boys. I’m very, very full right now. <3
It doesn’t rain as much here where we are but the wind sure is cold when it blows… so the kids are running around in tees but i still have at least a light sweater on when i’m out… but i do so love the sunshine days π it’s great to read about your everyday… i always mean to do some of those for my blog too – but like you – semi-control-freak too – so can’t get to it – that’s why i’m not on Twitter can’t understand why people would want to follow my boring daily life… hahhaa π
<3 <3 <3 so wishing wishing we could visit real soon…
Love the updates! I think of you regularly as well as the boys.
So. Right. On. It’s all about Him and He is opening your eyes (all of our eyes) to all the ways we’ve given in to the love of this world instead of Him. You will not be disappointed, nor will your children. They are His. You keep pointing!!! Love you and miss you!
I think your honesty just might be my very, very favorite thing about you! Thank you for being real; now we know how to really pray for you! It feels like a lot longer than six months for me too! LOVE YOU!
I owe you an email my dearest! I’ll get right on it!
I love you so much…
Steve Bittner Santiam Christian School Northwest Student Services, LLC (541)760-2027
(Sent from my iPhone.)
>
LOVE LOVE LOVE you too.
ohh I love this so much! Iβm not sure if you remember me (I go to Bensonβs church). I loved hearing you guys speak and have been following you guys since. π This very much resonates with this American mommyβs heart and is something true for how I should be living here in the US too β not putting my own expectations and experiences on my boys. (Iβd be lying if I said I havenβt dreamed several times of packing up our belongings and joining you all in Ukraine though.)
Hi Kayla! Thank you so much for saying hi! You’re welcome to visit anytime…come on! π
I’m so glad you wrote this. Honestly, I’ve been comparing my journey to yours because we both left Salem at the same time for new countries. And when I’ve been struggling, it seems like there was always a new blog from you saying how much you LOVED your new country and people when I really just wanted to chuck mine down the drain (which, of course, would be smaller than an American drain because nothing is the same size here!) and go home. And I would feel so pathetic, like you’re a better Christian (I KNOW in my head that you can’t compare things like that, but that’s what the irrational, I-just-want-my-mom part of me thought) because you’re growing by leaps and bounds in Ukraine, and accepting the hard things joyfully, while I’m desperately trying to do the same but maybe not with the same joyful attitude.
But boy do I know EXACTLY how you’re feeling in regards to the kids. Not so much with the language barrier, but everything else! My kids are missing out on so much back home. Jack’s little heart breaks so often, especially when he sees what he’s missing through Skype, or when the kids here make fun of him for his accent, or the way church here is SO inadequate compared to the thriving church movement back home and I worry about what Jude isn’t learning that Jack did at that age.
Thanks for sharing, friend. I am so with you. And thankful that we serve a God who knows and cares about all these details.
Hi there. Oh girl, don’t compare yourself to me. We all struggle, we’re all in process. I do love it here, but that doesn’t make it easy. You’ll see just how normal we are in OCTOBER! Woohooooo!!! π
I know, I can’t wait!
Wow, the pain we feel as we want for our children. Thank you for your honesty.
Oh Lynn, seeing your name made me smile so big. You are so special to me. FYI π
Your love and concern for your beautiful children is almost tangible in this post. I do hope that you and they will find ways of “connecting” with friends old and new, on both sides of The Pond, in the time ahead.
Meanwhile, are you familiar with/in touch with Bible Orphan Ministry, also in Zhitomir? They are a tiny but very effective all-Ukrainian group which works with and serves over 1,000 kids and young adults in ten orphanages and institutions in and around your city, providing material and practical assistance, Bible lessons, and guidance for teens who’ve aged out.. Check out their Facebook and blog – Alla V., who keeps both the Facebook page and the blog, is just great, as are her fellow BOM members. It would be great it BOM and Wide Awake could team up!
Best wishes to you and your family.
Susan in Kentucky
Cousin to 2 from EE
Hi Susan! Thanks for saying hello. π Yes, we know about BOM. I actually met them last spring when we were visiting U and got to go to an orphanage with them one day. They are such sweet people! Thanks for the reminder, I’ve been meaning to connect with them now that we are living here but it just hasn’t happened yet. I’m hoping this summer when our schedule is more free we can meet and see how to link arms. It seems crazy that it hasn’t happened yet…it’s not like we live in such a big town! Ha! But, up to this point we’ve just been trying to figure out life. Now I feel more prepared to reach out and connect with others who aren’t right in front of us. π
So glad you have met with BOM – I hope you can reconnect. Right now, BOM has just successfully completed a fundraiser to help provide 70 orphanage graduates with a few things: Bibles, cooking utensils, dinner plates, soup bowls and mugs, individual place settings, comforters, etc. – basics, but precious and greatly needed by teens who have nothing.
BOM welcomes donations of clothing and other items for all those they serve – see recent comments on Alla’s blog for info. about sending packages to Ukraine. Clothing for teens is greatly needed right now. It can be new or gently used and clean.
Last year BOM’s staff went to a huge street market in a city about 200 miles away to purchase some of the gifts for graduates – prices were very reasonable there and their funds went farther. I expect they’ll try to do the same this year, so they may be away for a while this week. They wrap the gifts very attractively, which helps make the extremely poignant graduation ceremonies a little more hopeful. With 70 graduates to “gift” this spring, perhaps BOM could use some help with all that wrapping!
I’m pretty sure BOM also visits the men and boys’ institution you visit – I know they’ve provided privately paid caregivers to a nearby men and boys’ institution, to improve the quality of care. They selected two very sweet ladies who are gentle and affectionate with the boys. They also help with basic supplies, clothing, toys, etc.
Let me know via email if you’d like Alla’s contact info. They are working with a few families who have children close to the age of your youngest, in addition to working with the orphanages and institutions, so your children might find new friends and playmates through BOM!
Best wishes to you and your family – I hope things will begin to feel more comfortable as you gain familiarity with your new home.
Susan in Ky
Cousin to 2 from U.
I already commented on Facebook, but I just keep thinking about this. There’s no arguing with the fact that you feel alone, of course, but I do know more than a few families now who have moved over here with children. I wish there was some way for you to get together with some of them!
And the part about mothering and family expectations… yes! I feel so weird, because even though I grew up in America, I’ve only mothered here, and that is what has shaped it all for me. So, when I think about how I feel on visits to America, I think I can understand a little of what you’re in right now. It’s so hard to even express it. What’s different? Um, yeah…. everything? But nothing so obvious that I could just list it off.
Anyway, I’m praying for you.
Hey there!
Thanks so much for your encouragement and prayers. Yeah, there just isn’t anyone in our area that I know of, but it’s okay. God knows our needs and if He has someone in mind for me to connect with I know He’ll make a way. I think right now He’s saying “Lean on me, not on man.” You know? I’m gaining some good perspective. I’m excited to check out the missionary mom blog. Thanks for sharing!
By the way, for us it was TWELVE YEARS before we ended up near English speakers. Looking back, I am so glad; it was just what I needed. God knows what you need, too. Maybe you’re not as slow as I am. π
Hi Kim, You are a great mom. You love your kids and they know it. Where can I change my credit card info for the my monthly gift to Wide Awake Family?
Awww Jan, thank you!! Thank you so much for your faithful support. π I’ll have Jed contact you about your card. He’s the smarty about all that…I’m clueless. Ha!
Hi Kim, Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you and can’t imagine how it feels.
My 14 year old daughter sometimes comments/complains that we shouldn’t have taken her out of gymnastics after several years of lessons – she wishes she’d stayed with it and mastered it. We took her out because she couldn’t progress to the next level, she started too old (insert laugh here – should have started at age 2 or 3?!) and couldn’t learn the flips. She would dread going to the training as time progressed. Deep down, I do regret pulling her and wished we’d just pushed through the tough times.
I envision you and Jed packing up and leaving U. and years from now your kids commenting/complaining (think early teen whine/rolling eyes) “You took us out of U. because of missed sleepovers and play dates!!! MOM!!!”
I know it’s completely different but thought you’d enjoy a laugh. Sometimes when you get some time and distance you can see that things you thought were so important to a decision really weren’t all that important .
YES YES YES!!! Thank you Sue! You made me smile and your comment was so good for my perspective! I love it. Let’s keep our priorities straight, shall we? THANK YOU!
Dearest Kim, much of the answers escape me, I have never really been in your shoes. With Harry being in the Air Force for 23 years we did move a lot, which meant our children changing schools and friends. Our middle 3 were very close in age and the integration seemed easier because they had each other. The other two were 5 years older and 4 years younger and it was tough for them. I know we spoke the same language, except when we were in the South. But the culture in every State was very different from ours. But we felt we were called by God to do what we were doing. As I look back he did use us in unusual and wonderful ways. We always walked with the Lord and trusted HIm to work it all out, which He did. All I can say is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. He will work it out”.
I will pray that God will give you both great wisdom and peace. Your love for them and your strong faith will serve you well.
With love in Christ ~ Pat Epperly
Thank you Pat! I love hearing from your wisdom and experience. Yes, I need to trust Him with all my heart. My understanding is pretty limited. Thank you for that verse. I love hearing from those who have gone before us in their walk of faith. π
Although the situations are completely different, my heart resonates with much of what you said… I am in the midst of raising a sweet little boy with autism, adopted 8 months ago. When he first came home he had absolutely zero interest in other kids but over the past couple months he has been showing an increasing desire to play and interact with them which has been a huge step for him. Unfortunately, I have yet to find any kids who want to play with him… π Although he came to me “non-verbal”, my little miracle boy is now talking up a storm but he is not very clear and is incomprehensible to most people outside the family, especially kids. It is so hard on my mama’s heart to watch him try so hard to say hi and play with other kids, only for him to be ignored, left out, and/or laughed at due to his lack of language (and developmentally appropriate play/social skills).
Anyway, this comment is not to say that I get it, because I have not lived what you’re living right now, but simply that as I pray for my son’s heart and wisdom in how to best help him, I will be praying for you and your kids as well.
Hang in there and keep holding on the the One who hold both your heart and theirs.
Completely understand your mama’s heart… right there with you… even though T was born here & speaks the language, the fact that his brain is wired slightly differently & the fact that we parent differently from the people here, it already makes a difference & sometimes he does get picked on or ignored – i can only imagine what your heart is feeling, my dear friend. BUT you are so right – our job is to point our children to Jesus & if that makes us stand out, then so be it – it is worth it π Thank you for being so brave… May the Lord continue to bless you all with the riches of Heaven!
Thank you guys for sharing your experiences and your hearts. It is so good to know how to pray and how to brag on God moving people’s hearts toward His purposes and plan even when it means they need to/get to step out again and move halfway around the globe He created! Thanks for the encouragement of updating us on how you all are doing on happy days and hard days! We love you guys! The Strayers
Oh man, we love you guys too. Thanks so much for the encouragement and prayers.
I love these updates and the pictures make it real and bring your interactions to life! I’m not on FB so I didn’t see the request for help with coats/shoes but I just donated to help with whatever else the boys need!
AWESOME! Thank you Sue! It was a quick mention on FB and I really didn’t expect anything to come from it. Ha! Silly me. When we use the money I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures. Thanks again for your generous heart. π
Love reading your emails, loved my recent visit to Zhitomir, the hospitality of the people, the greenery, the traditional food, eating out cheaply, etc. I wonder if you need a helper, a local man, speaks fluent English? Please let me know. Thanks.
Parents always find the cool things to do. It is because parents are kids at heart.
Reading your post made my heart sing.Β I am praying for your family and the Ukraine and sending positive energy your way.
Love all the traditional headbands!
Ahh! Π΅ΠΆ!!! They are SO adorable!! My friend told me that she held three hedgehogs at once! If I am ever able to come to Ukraine, I have to touch one. What do they feel like??
So wonderful to hear how positive their experience of U public school is. i pray that the Lord gives you wisdom as to what to do for the next school year.
My 2 cents is that going to public school always helps with integrating and understanding the culture more. With regards to have a foundation in English 1st, while that is true, i also know children who are effectively tri-lingual because they have at least 30% of each language within a week. So it is possible for H to learn both languages at the same time and be good in both, you just have to balance the time she spends in each language.
Whatever you decide on, you have your kids’ best interests at heart & that means it can only go well. Enjoy the summer!
We still have 5 weeks of school over here…
I’m so jealous! School in England doesn’t get out until July 23. Their summer break is one month long, and I am so burnt out! But super-glad to hear about how well everything went for your kids. Yay!
I’m sure God will give you wisdom and opportunities for next year. Sometimes libraries and other places have preparation classes for school. I had thought of doing that with some of our children, because it’s just an hour or two, several times a week, and it’s just focused on prep. Maybe there will be something like that for you. Bi/tri-lingual education choices are hard!
Addy totally rocks those Ukrainian bows!!! π Tell that girl we miss her, and hug your brave and fabulous kids for us. I want to be a little bit like them when I grow up–they are rockstars! What a wonderful end to the year, we love following along with all of you π
i like that everyone has their own hymnal π That way, you never run out, even if you have a boatload of visitors, which has happened to us before…
Thanks for sharing…
Awesome! Keep the progress reports coming!
What a hum-dinger of a week! π Love it all
What God is doing in you and through you never ceases to amaze me. You guys are my heroes. Truly. I love you!
Praise the Lord! i love love love the work you are doing!
I like to think I will have the compassion to respond like you in a situation with unpleasant smells and wondering how long ago the mouth that kissed me had their teeth brushed. But I don’t think I will, perhaps with training. I am doubly impressed and had tears at how your children responded. If you ever wonder if this was a right move, think of their response. Few adults will respond like they did. Your children make me want to be like them.
Oh Carrie, your words made me cry! Thank you for the encouragement about our move. Let me encourage you that I definitely have those thoughts about stinky mouths and stinky bodies. Ha! I’m human too, that’s for sure! The love we have for the boys is definitely from God. He’s the one who is doing this work. Without Him we would probably just run away! π
Note new e-mail address – I dropped Comcast & have local wifi. The children are so beautiful – I am so happy for all of you and that school went well. God is good! I liked comment “never in my dreams”. Our heavenly Father likes to surprise us with joy. Give all the children a hug for me.
Love and prayers ~ Grandma Pat
I enjoy your posts! I think Ukraine is a great place to explore, great food, great drinks, great hospitality, great scenery, and a spirit of making the most of everything!
I totally know what you mean about needing your family/friends to SEE your daily life, to really “get” what you’re going through. I’ve felt the same way with all 5 sets of visitors we’ve had so far! Such a blessing. P.S. Sandlot is one of my favorite movies of all time — baseball or otherwise — and so I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the Sandlot shot. Now just make sure he doesn’t recreate the pool scene. π
Wonderful, wonderful! I am so happy your parents and nephew came. We were only stationed overseas once, It was England for 3 years and I was so happy when My Mom came to visit us. Our oldest daughter got Married to an Airman and that made it more fun. She was her first Granddaughter. Anyway I know a little bit how you felt. The children are so beautiful and Seth just gets taller and taller.Love and blessings to all. Grandma Pat
PS: I hope your parents are feeling better!