May 1, 2012

• Jenni Encounters a “Friendly” Babushka…

  We can’t believe how time is flying by. Three weeks ago today, we arrived in Kiev. What a great experience we have had so far! We are very much in a “discovery” mode in ministry… asking more questions than providing answers or advice… seeking God for how He wants to use us here. We have so much to learn before we feel like we can truly make a consistent, solid impact. We are committed to the process and know we are in the center of God’s will for our lives. We love the people here already and desire to share Christ’s love with everyone we meet.

  Jenni and I have both started back into a regular exercise schedule again. Over three months of traveling from city to city across the US (January through March), I put on about 12 pounds. So, we are in “reduction” mode right now. While exercising here in Kiev, we often are stopped by someone on the street who asks for directions (or something). Of course, we don’t know enough Russian to keep a conversation much passed the basics. So, we have learned, “Я говорю на русском языке немного,” or “I speak Russian a little.” We say it quite regularly.

  The other day, Jenni, while on her exercise walk, had a very interesting encounter with a babushka (grandmother). The older woman REALLY wanted to talk with Jenni. She understood that Jenni was a foreigner but made it clear that she wanted Jenni to sit with her. They did their best to communicate some basic things. The babushka had been feeding the birds in the park with bread that was stored away in her purse. After a while, the babushka reached into her purse to give something to Jenni. Jenni thought that maybe she was going to give her some bread to share. When she brought “the gift” out of her purse, it was a bottle of rum! She tried to share some of it with Jenni… LOL… Jenni kept telling her “no” and the babushka put some in the cap and moved it close to Jenni. So, Jenni got up and smiled and waved “bye bye.”

  Last week we started our Russian language study. Our teacher’s name is Olga. She is a wonderful lady who has been a professional teacher for many years. She actually did language study with former Nazarene missionaries in Kiev so she comes with much experience. Our plan is to meet with Olga three times a week for two hours each meeting. She gives us homework to do before our next meeting. We are also still doing an hour each day on Rosetta Stone. So, our language learning continues. I am surprised (at times) how much we are catching in conversations. At other times, I can’t believe how confused I am. LOL

  May 1 and 2 are Ukrainian holidays… “May Day.” It is basically a couple of days where everyone leaves the city and goes out to their country homes/land to visit family and plant their  gardens. Today (May 1), we went with the Poznyaki Church plant for a church picnic. We met at a YWAM (Youth with a Mission) campground that sits right on the Dniper River. It was really fun. We swam a bit in the COLD river. We played with Bekah and Sarah who are getting to know the other children as much as they can without understanding each other. We also ate shashlik (Russian BBQ). Great day overall.

  On Thursday, our Russian language study will include an excursion to the city center! Olga is very knowledgeable with the history of Kiev, Ukraine, and Russia. She will prove to be a huge blessing to us.

  • 2:46 pm
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