For me it has been long awaited. I have had so much to say to you but just have not found the time to articulate it in writing. Included in this post are a few brief events that have happened in my life recently. At the end is an overall update and a link for some more pictures.
Building Snow-people in the Park
The first weekend of January, I decided I wanted to go see the Christmas tree (in Ukraine it is the New Year tree) in the center of town. The family I was living with decided they wanted to go too. A friend of theirs was visiting and she joined us. One of the guys from our church who lives nearby also joined us. We loaded the two boys on the sled and headed out. It was a gorgeous evening for a walk. Our route took us through the park. As we began walking in the park, some other folks from church called and wanted to join us. So while we waited for them in the park, we had a snowball fight and began building a snowman. By the time they join us, we had an entire family.
My Very Own Holiday
The 25th of January was Tania’s Day. No, I’m not kidding. I’ve waited all my life for this! It is the celebration of all those named Tetiana (Tania). In celebration, gifts and greetings are often given. Almost all the Tanias from our church met in the evening for tea. I was great being included in the celebration and just getting to know the ladies better in an informal setting as these are the ladies I came here to serve and help to go deeper in their walk with Christ.
Socks on Boots
I was on the marshrutka (mini bus) one day and looked down to see a woman with socks on the outside of her boots. I was quite surprised and curious as to the reason for this. I began to think of all the possible options. First thought was that she was cold; we had about a week of temperatures about -27°C. No, that didn’t make sense; she could easily wear the socks on the inside. Second thought, she was wearing the socks to keep from slipping on the ice. You see, for the past month, most of the sidewalks in Rivne have been sheets of ice. It is not very smooth ice in most places but it is still really slippery. A friend confirmed later in the day that this was indeed the reason. It was very efficient, effective, creative but odd. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture.
Other Happenings
I have been living in Rivne since right after American Christmas. I was living with a family but on last Friday moved into my own flat. As I right I am sitting in the living room. It is great to have a place of my own so I can truly begin to feel settled in Ukraine. God is also beginning to open up opportunities to serve. I will be teaching English on Saturdays as an outreach for unbelievers, I have started going to the Bee House (a family style orphanage house) weekly, and I am now doing one-on-one discipleship with young woman from Salvation Church who speaks English fluently in preparation for the discipleship group. God has answered my pray and provided me with a new friend and English is the only language we currently have in common. I thank God for the opportunity to meet her and pray that the friendship will develop with time.
Here are some recent pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=145937&id=550104316&l=9db0ea7c91
14 responses so far ↓
1 Carolyn // Feb 9, 2010 at 9:28 am
Thanks Tania for sharing. I love hearing from you and what God is doing in your life. In keeping with our theme for 2010 “Beyond” ‘Beyond”, my prayer for you is that God will do exceedingly abundantly above all that you may ask or think, according to the power that works in Him.
Love YA!
Carolyn
2 connie // Feb 9, 2010 at 9:32 am
Tania, I always look forward to your blogs. It looks like you are doing well & have been truly blessed with great people around you. I am here trying to picture the woman with the socks…did you ask any of your friends out there why she would have done that? I’m curious now. Lol. Keep up the good work!
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3 Minister Sylvia Taylor // Feb 9, 2010 at 9:36 am
Thanks for sharing. It is always good to hear from you and see how God continues to elevate you in the ministry. We are bracing for more snow here but in all things we give thanks. The snow now will make for a beautiful spring later. Same for you there. Be blessed and safe in His arms.
Minister Sylvia Taylor
4 Melanie // Feb 9, 2010 at 9:59 am
Tania, God has brought you a long way in this past year. What a blessing you are to the Kingdom! Continue being steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the Lord and your heart’s desires will be realized. What a nice looking apartment! I pray increased discernment and wisdom for you as you grow in your new environment.
5 zetilda // Feb 9, 2010 at 10:07 am
Hey Tania! Ur experinces are truly amesome. Its so inspiring to hear how God is using you. I myself have been doing some one on one disipleship here in NYC. I will lift u in prayers. Continue to allow God to take you higher in Him. Love always.
Zetilda
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6 Nancy // Feb 9, 2010 at 11:10 am
Seeing your photos and reading your update brings a huge smile of thanksgiving to my face. It’s happening… God DOES give us “the desires of our heart.”
7 Pastor Covington // Feb 9, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Hey Tania, Only a few months and we’ll be there. Please get rid of the snow by then.
8 VERCAL // Feb 9, 2010 at 4:38 pm
HI TANYA, GREAT UPDATE. LOVE THE PICS, ESPECIALLY “CENTRAL PARK” WITH TREES. “CAKE LOOKS GOOD TOO!”
PRAYING GOD’S CONTINUED BLESSING.
LOVE, VERCAL
9 Billy, Paula & Benjamin // Feb 10, 2010 at 7:12 am
Hey Tania,
Its so good to hear that all is going well and how God is using you in the Ukraine. Our, entire family sends there love and blessing to youand pray God will keep using you in great ways. We miss you a lot stay warm over there and know that the Staton’s Love Tania in Jesus name.
10 Carolyn Tatem // Feb 10, 2010 at 9:16 am
Tania
Thanks so much for sharing. I am so happy to hear how God is moving in your life. May the Lord continue to use you.
11 Mary Sue // Feb 11, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Tania,
Love to hear how God is working. I think of you often and am glad we got to know one another.
Love
Mary Sue
12 Baxter, Ruth & Joe // Feb 12, 2010 at 8:43 am
Dear Tania, We rejoice that you have been able to get your own place and we know you will have friends in and share Christ. We are excited to learn how you share God’s love in so many ways. Thanks for your Faithfulness in Serving Him and may He continue to be your JOY in ministry. Lovingly & Prayerfully, Ruth & Joe
13 Catrina // Feb 14, 2010 at 8:16 am
Tania,
It is always wonderful to hear from you. It is awesome to see what God is doing for the Ukraine and in your life. I will continue to pray for God’s blessings and favor upon you.
14 smack // Mar 19, 2010 at 5:54 am
Btw, the socks over the boots is something I learned as a little girl from reading The Little House on the Praire books. It really works well! Hey, just about anything is better than falling and breaking a limb on the icy sidewalks and streets.
Glad you’re here in our city and survived the cold winter! Welcome to wet, muddy spring!!
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