September 18, 2005

Greetings from Ukraine! The weather is suggesting that it is fall. It has gotten a bit colder this past week. I have definitely been wearing long-sleeves and a jacket. But, its beautiful! Amanda and I find ourselves out on the streets more often. Things are going wonderfully here. I am staying busy, but not too busy, which is very nice.

We started our fall program for Pilgrims last week. We will be doing the Alpha Course for the next 15 weeks. We will be providing dinner each week and doing the study. We started the course last week, and it went over very well. We had about 25 students there, including 4 visitors! It's exciting to see more and more people come because they want to learn more about Christ, or because they enjoy the fellowship and the group. Whatever their reason, they are there, and God can do awesome things with that.

My cooking continues to be a topic of conversation. Since we are having dinner at Pilgrims I will be cooking for about 25 people each week. That is always an adventure, but it went over well last week. We continue to have people over for dinner, and share our home with others. There are several girls interested in learning to cook Mexican food and some American cuisine as well. Olya Kornyliuk came over last week, and we cooked a Mexican dish together. She called me the other night and said she fixed the dish for her father and he liked it a lot. I have had to type my recipes on the computer because so many people ask for them, and it's just easier to print them out or email them! The favorite so far is the chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Next week there will be two ballets at the opera house in L'viv. We are going to take about 5 students total, to the ballets. Friday night we are going to see Romeo and Juliet, and Sunday afternoon we will see the Nutcracker. Yes, we thought it a bit early for the Nutcracker, but I am sure it will be fantastic. Today we had our monthly worship service, and the dance ministry participated in worship. It went over very well. Ira is showing interest in dance and has picked it up very quickly. I mentioned to her about coming over and learning some of the movements so that when I leave she can continue the dance ministry. She seemed eager to learn more.

Last Sunday Julia, my good friend from last summer, called me and wanted me to go walking around the city with her. I was so comfy in my sweats and watching a movie, and really didn't want to go out, but I said sure. I met her outside of our apartment, and we proceeded to spend the rest of the day together. We had a wonderful time walking around the city, shopping some, and talking a lot. We sat down on some park benches and talked for about an hour. It was great, she shared a lot of struggles she has had in the university, and just other things in her life. And I shared some struggles in my life with her as well. We hadn't had a chance to really talk like that since we had met, so it was very exciting. But then suddenly somehow the subject came up about me leaving, and we both became very sad. She is such a good friend to me, and I to her. We realized how much we truly love each other. It is such a blessing to have such a friend as Julia.

That's about all I have for now. If you haven't checked out my website, you should! I am always adding new pictures and writing random thoughts and stories. Check it out and leave me your comments:

I ask your continued prayers for all of those affected by hurricane Katrina.

I also ask you to pray for the students here, I know God is working, just pray that they allow Him into their hearts. Pray for the Vanderwerfs as they continue to adjust to a new baby at home, and for Levi who is desperately missing the attention.

Thank you all for your continued love and support!

Blessings on you,

Ginger

Go Raiders!!