Monday we went to Kiev with three Pastors and the Son-in-law of Yaraslov to purchase a portable sound system for the Church. What an adventure! We began in Igor’s car with two “Igors” who speak no English. We then picked up another Pastor who was walking along the road; he also didn’t speak English. We really had no idea where we were going. All of a sudden we pulled into an apartment complex, everyone got out and we got into a van with another man, who thankfully spoke a little English. I am always amazed that after all these trips to Ukraine, I still can’t figure out what to wear on these adventures. When I think we are going to the “market,” I layer on the clothes.  Never fails… we end up crammed into a car and I’m sweating. Then I think we are going to a store, and I don’t layer, and I’m freezing.  It has gotten to be a joke between Sasha and me… I am never dressed properly. Oh, well some people never learn.

Anyway, back to the reason of our adventure. Because they have the Youth Club in the House of Culture, they have to unhook the sound system in the Church and haul it over there. Also have to do the same for the services in Omelyonovo and Bogdonovka as well as camps in the Summer. So it made sense to purchase a good portable one. We were able to get the entire system with two mics and stands at a very good price. They are all really happy.

On Tuesday we worked on Igor’s house and started a new trend using two different wallpapers in one room. They are amazed! We tried to get them to let us paint, but found that wallpaper is much cheaper than painting. We have one more room to do.

Keith has also been helping Anatoly plant onions and tulip bulbs. They have 4,000 bulbs and I don’t know how many bags of onions to plant in the greenhouse. He will get the tulips to bloom for Mother’s Day and sell them in the bazaar. The onions he will sell wholesale. He has been very thankful for Keith’s help.

On Wednesday I spent most of the day (while Keith wallpapered) visiting with the young Mothers from the Church. I began at Era’s house (wife of Vitaly) and then we walked to the “center” of town and met Era (Vilodia’s) and Lilia (Valera’s) and another young Mom. We spent a long time together and then I walked back with Era and ended our time with coffee. I talked to Nina about “MOPS” in the US and said maybe it would be a good thing for the older ladies of the Church to begin for these young Moms.

On Wednesday night we had our second Ladies Meeting. I cooked potato soup for them. What a laugh we had as some loved it and some really didn’t like it. We talked about different cultures and how common it is to not like something different… like “meat jelly”… those of you who have been here will understand. There were 25 ladies there and I talked to them about Mary and Martha. Thank you to all who prayed for me. We had a really good evening together and I felt your prayers.

Today, Thursday, it has really warmed up so we went with Nina and Sash into Kiev for an “excursion.” Nina seldom gets to do things like this, so it was special for her. We went by train to Independance Square where the Orange Revolution was and then walked to St. Andrews Church. It was a beautiful day.

Everyone is excited about Lou and Sue’s arrival tomorrow night. We will be hosting a couples’ meeting at the Church. They are bringing in a speaker from Kiev and we will prepare and serve the food.

Thank you for everyone who is following our trip news and praying for us.

Love,
Darla