If you like history and art then you will definitely want to take the time to watch the video in the link below. Ukraine definitely does have talent! Our kids at the Ark have tons of talent as well. This summer we had our own contest – “The Ark has Talent!” I have included several photos of the children displaying their various talents. It was a great time getting to see all their hidden talents. They thoroughly enjoyed sharing all the crafts they made and dances and songs. It really was a great time! And we can proudly proclaim – The Ark has talent!!

What the video depicts –

She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated.
It is replaced by a woman’s face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman’s face appears.
She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier.
This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house.
In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye.
The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine, resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million.

Recently we had a celebration of the Fall season in typical Ukrainian style. The kids were dressed in traditional Ukrainian costumes, danced, sang, and “operated” a bazaar (outdoor market). It was truly a cultural evening and they enjoyed it immensely! We try to teach them about their culture and help them experience it as well. Hope you enjoy the posted photos!!

Someone sent me this and at first I thought it was too early to post it but then decided nope it’s definitely NOT too early. So here goes…

“T’was the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas – no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a ‘ Holiday ‘.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CD’s from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa in hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas – was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas; it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your ‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!”

Unfortunately there is some truth to this version. We need to pray and take a stand!

Well, I said I was back a month ago but sad to say I didn’t quite make it. Being on vacation and then getting caught up on the happenings on the Ark were priority. Now that I am back in Kiev maybe it will be easier…we’ll see how it goes. No promises!

A week ago we celebrated Kristina’s 12th birthday. We had a great time and I know she felt loved by many. Love really is the most important thing at birthday celebrations! Celebrating the life of someone that God planned to be here on this earth for such a time as this. Kristina has many talents and gifts and I hope that as she grows older she will use those gifts to bring glory to the Father. Pray for her will you? She and her 2 brothers long for a family. One day……

Well, after a long break from blogging I have decided to return. Just had too much to do and that combined with traveling for vacation just didn’t allow time for blogging. Maybe some of you are interested in knowing what’s been going on lately. Here’s a brief update and there will be more later. Actually I am on vacation and will try.

On August 1 we had a reunion of all our kids who now live in America. It was a fabulous time and great to see them all together. What was the occasion? It was the birthday of a fine gentleman who has come over to Kiev many times. You would never believe he’s 84! He invited all the kids and Barbara and me to celebrate his birthday at Lake Gaston in Virginia. It definitely was a day to remember!! Boating, swimming, music, renewing relationships and of course food!

So here’s a birthday photo from the event –

Happy kids!

Just a little something to bring a smile to my face is what I was looking for tonight as I did some web surfing. I came upon this video that I believe many will thoroughly enjoy. Exactly how this was all recorded remains a mystery but I can imagine they had a great time doing it! It bridges the gap of may cultures and many people groups. So cut and paste this link into your browser and sit back and enjoy! You’ll be glad you did. Trust me!

http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

Interesting that even though today America is 233 years old today (and I am very thankful to be an American!) my mind is on the upcoming presidential elections in Ukraine. Here’s the latest news in case the Western news networks haven’t kept you updated.

Ukraine Parliament set the date for the next presidential election – January 17, 2010. Originally the date was October 25, 2009 but President Victor Yushchenko complained and the Constitutional Court ended up siding with him. Campaigning can begin on September 19 because the constitution only allows 120 days. Don’t we wish we had that law in the US?! The current front runner, Victor Yanukovych, is attempting to reduce the campaigning to only 90 days. Yanukovych currently is at 25% support. Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is in 2nd place with 16%. The former parliamentary speaker Arseniy Yatsenyuk is in 3rd place with 13%. His fast rise to popularity is what Yanukovych fears and shortening the campaign will make it more difficult for Yatsenyuk to become more known to the general population. The current President Yushchenko has also announced he will run for re-election but his support is very low – 8%.

Many here feel that the next presidential election will have a great bearing on the future of Ukraine. Depending on who wins, the country will either remain independent and lean toward the West or align more closely with Russia and lean towards Asia. It’s a huge difference and a very pivotal season – much like the most recent elections in the US. Best thing we can do is pray – not only for Ukraine but for the USA as well! Will you join me in that?

Introducing a team of summer interns – Erin, Daniel (a/k/a DJ), and Twila. Although they are from very different backgrounds and from 3 different states, they are quite the team! ACTS is an acronym for Attitude, Cooperation, Training, Service. I am amazed and blessed at how quickly they have bonded with each other and are tackling the various assignments. Most of all I can clearly see they have already earned the love and respect of many of our kids. I promise I will blog more about their summer months with us. So stay tuned…

This past Saturday team 2 from FHBC in Raleigh departed. It was an absolutely marvelous time with BOTH teams!!! They accomplished MUCH in the construction arena and even more in relationships with our children. Today I overheard kids still talking about the time with the teams. It will definitely NOT be a time soon forgotten!!!

We here say a HUGE thank you to all those who came and to those who gave of their finances to help enable the ones who came. You all gave sacrificially and we are humbled and grateful! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

I can across this verse recently and thought it was well worth sharing with many. As I read it my heart was deeply touched with a heart piercing reminder that really no matter what is happening in my life, nevertheless, God’s love and His assuring voice strums gently the strings of my heart. And for that I am in awe and eternally grateful. It is a comfort that keeps me going – forward and onward!

“A harp stood in the moveless air,
Where showers of sunshine washed a thousand fragrant blooms;
A traveler bowed with loads of care
Essayed from morning till the dusk of evening glooms
To thrum sweet sounds from the songless strings;
The pilgrim strives in vain with each unanswering chord,
Until the tempest’s thunder sings,
And, moving on the storm, the fingers of the Lord
A wondrous melody awakes;
And though the battling winds their soldier deeds perform,
Their trumpet-sound brave music makes
While God’s assuring voice sings love across the storm.”

Just had to share this street sign from a small city in southern Ukraine. Your guess is as good as mine as to what they are trying to communicate to the driver.