Ukraine

 It was almost 10 years ago that we flew to Ukraine to get our girls.  To be honest when I found that Sarah was in Ukraine I had to go to the globe and look for it.  Of course I knew it used to be part of the old USSR and I knew it was in Eastern Europe.  That's where my knowledge ended.  After 2 months in Ukraine my knowledge of the country had grown as had my love for it.  I've never lived in another country for such a long period of time other than the US.  

We really fell in love with Ukraine despite the challenges of daily life there.  We had a wonderful facilator and once we got to the girls town we found a church to worship in and were completely embraced by their love.  It was difficult to communicate but we managed.  We've kept in touch with so many from Ukraine and have made new friends since then of different ministries that work with the orphans and special needs community.  

I hated to leave in some ways and we had hoped to return but were not able to do so.

In 2014, just two years later the area our girls were from fell under Russian rule and many friends left because they were not wanted there.  Our ministry friends just moved to another area and began a work.  We encouraged them years ago to relocate to the US but they told us they were where God wanted them to be.  

Now they and others have no where to go.  They are in harm's way.  I'm being careful with what I'm writing tonight because ai do not want to cause any harm to them.  There are so many people facing unimaginable terror.  Our hearts are broken.  Our TV is on constantly and I'm scanning the internet trying to check on all the ones we care so much about.  

The original place our girls were at was closed and all the children/adults were sent to another orphanage in 2014.  We've kept in touch with many and our church was able to do their Christmas program this past year.  

Now so many in harm's way.  We have friends who work in various ministries throughout Ukraine.  Most left a few have stayed..... A family I know completed the adoption of 3 children recently but one had passport issues and could not leave the country.  They were forced to leave him while the government works on his paperwork.  

Please join with so many others around the world and pray for the peace of Ukraine and supernatural safety for the most vulnerable.

It's odd seeing so many posts about this country (and of course everyone is an expert lol)  Today we saw a video of the very street we stayed on in Kiev!  Surreal!    We constantly see video with the backdrop as the big church that the Ministry of Adoption was behind. 

I have so many news articles posted on my public FB page and I'm tempted to put them on here too but it's so sad.  Our hearts just break!  We knew even back in 2012 there were rumblings and of course 2014 had so much happening but then there was some "peace" even tho Doneskt was occupied.  But now this is worse than I could have ever imagined.  

Please pray for Ukraine!  Our church will be sending some financial help.  Every penny that comes in will go to help the people of Ukraine.  If you would like to give please write a check to GRACE CHURCH 7060 Berry Road, Zephyrhills FL 33540.  If you give to any ministry or humanitarian effort make sure you know who you are giving to.  I'd advise to give to someone who has been in country for a long time.  Don't give to anything you don't know about!

The loving people of Ukraine are showing the world that they are brave.  In fact some of their bravery is absolutely heartbreakingly brave!