The Voices of Ukrainians

In honor of the New Year, I have posted all the pictures I have taken of doors since coming here. I think doors are interesting. The end. I think the sign says it all. Where? I don't know. Don't remember! Mystery door... Probably located in Spare Oom. This door leads to......treasure! I am almost certain of it. This door is located miles underneath Poland; its in a old salt mine. A beautiful church in Poland, home of the famed Trumpeter of Krakow. I forgot where. Your guess is as good as mine! The same church in Krakow. Lovely, isn't it? One of my favorites....I think this was taken in Poland. My favorite church in Kiev, St. Vladimirs. I think this is also in Kiev. Kiev. The sun was not in a good place when I tried to take this picture. The Golden Gate in Kiev! My garage door. Also at St. Vladimirs. Its way cool. I pray many doors will be opened during this New Year of 2013, doors that will lead to ...

This Christmas season started with our team celebrating together on December 23rd.  Who is our team and what went down on December 23rd? I shall unravel the mystery. It starts with the Stoddards: Doug, Suzie, and their kids.  They have been in Ukraine for about 10 years. Two kids, Benjamin and Megan, go to high school at Kiev Christian Academy, the same school Suzie teaches at. Another son, Nick, is older and living in the States. Zach, the second oldest, is here in Ukraine for a few months, but normally lives in the States as well.  Then, Daniel and I made the team two summers ago (we're so happy) as well as a fun little gal named Meisha who is from Texas.  We invited a few friends to join us in our Christmas festivities, including Helga (a longtime friend and translator), Gerben (some guy Zach brought, apparently they went to high school together....oh and Gerben is from Holland), and Eric and his wife. Eric teaches at Kiev Christian Academy and is married ...

We just wanted to let everyone know that Anya is having surgery tomorrow, Lord willing. I know this is coming as a surprise, but we never really know what to expect when it comes to the medical system here in Ukraine. We will share more about the events leading up to the operation later, but for now we just wanted to ask for prayers. First, that it actually happens, and second that it goes as smoothly as possible. Thanks so much; we will keep you posted.