The view from our window this-morning.

We had our first substantial snowfall Friday night. (About 6 inches.) When It began snowing I was at the YWAM ship Venetsia for a sort of “Youth Group” for a lack of a better term. It’s part of a ministry called “Key of Hope” Who’s target is the street kids, orphans and to a lesser extent local Ukrainian kids. This “youth group” is mostly a time of decipleship but there is also some fellowship afterwards. I was invited to come and help with the ministry and meet the kids… it was great. In many ways it was similar to a meeting with youth in the US but in other ways it was totally different. My understanding is that they were mostly “street kids” (”level one” or “part-time” street kids.) This was the first meeting so a lot of the time was laying down the rules and talking with the kids about what they want to do in this time. There were a couple mini-sermons and some team building type exercises and exercises that tied in with the teachings. All in all I think it went very well and I look forward to seeing how God uses this ministry in the lives of the guys and girls who attend, please be praying for the kids!

Saturday Mom and I went to a grocery store (or as close as it gets to a “grocery store” over here) and were able to buy the ingredients for several american style meals as well as Nesquick chocolate milk mix! (My favorite!) Tomorrow two other missionary women are coming by to get Mom and take her shopping. They’ll “show here the ropes” so to speak of shopping and cooking in Ukraine. (And believe me, it’s not like America!!!) We’re thankful that God has provided kind sisters here to help Mom out with the shopping and cooking. :c)

On the evening of the 17th I am leaving for an orphanage in Uzgurod. We’re traveling via train (I can’t wait… Oh, yes I can!) We’ll visit and play with the kids one day and the next day we’ll give the kids christmas gifts. Some of the other guys I’m going with have been visiting this orphanage for a long time now and have relationships with the staff and kids. I’d like to ask that you pray for our journey, our health and most importantly that we’ll be a good witness to these kids and bring the Truth to them. I’m really looking forward to this trip and I’m glad that I have this opportunity to serve so early on here.