Sunday, November 25, 2007
Richard's BIG Jubilee Celebration Ukrainian/American Style
This was originally posted on http://www.smilealliance.blogspot.com/on Monday, October 22, 2007 but I feel it is more appropriate here. I have added a short report of our trip at the end.
We are off this morning on an adventure. Richard turns 60 on Wednesday so we are taking a few days to visit friends in Rivne and go into Poland for the first time.
We are off this morning on an adventure. Richard turns 60 on Wednesday so we are taking a few days to visit friends in Rivne and go into Poland for the first time.
In Ukraine every five years of life is called a Jubilee and the birthday person is given a party. We had a party for Richard this weekend. American food was served--it was fun to let our Ukrainian guests sample American fare. I cooked for many, many hours since everything was made from scratch--except the lasagna noodles. The Menu: Three salads (including a green salad with ranch dressing), two lasagnas (red and white), Swedish meatballs, chips and salsa, vegies and dip, tea, coffee, juice, soda,cookies and two different carrot cakes. I thank the internet for the wonderful recipes I found there and our pastor's wife from many years ago for the carrot cake recipe she emailed me through Connie. (Praise God for the internet! Honestly, it is our connection to the world. I hope to get back to my blogs after this trip.)
28 of our favorite people were at the party including many Ukrainian friends--Serg
iy and his sister Yelena, Mr. S and his whole family, and Yura and Tanya's family and Tanya and Sasha. Our American friends, Forrest and Darcy and family, Paul and Christine and kids, Jeff, Greg, and Ahn and Natasha made the day even more special. Please say a Birthday prayer for Richard on this special day and I know he would love to hear from you.Our sons and families sent his present back with me from the states--A Nintendo DS Lite. As you can see in the picture, he is as crazy and fun as ever. Being 60 doesn't mean we have to grow up. It will be fun to see if the old guy can figure out how to use it. I know he will enjoy it once he does so. 
iy and his sister Yelena, Mr. S and his whole family, and Yura and Tanya's family and Tanya and Sasha. Our American friends, Forrest and Darcy and family, Paul and Christine and kids, Jeff, Greg, and Ahn and Natasha made the day even more special. Please say a Birthday prayer for Richard on this special day and I know he would love to hear from you.Our sons and families sent his present back with me from the states--A Nintendo DS Lite. As you can see in the picture, he is as crazy and fun as ever. Being 60 doesn't mean we have to grow up. It will be fun to see if the old guy can figure out how to use it. I know he will enjoy it once he does so. 
We did go west and spent two fun days with friends in Rivne. The 24th found us up early heading to the Polish border southwest of L'viv. Unfortunately we spent 8 hours in line and were unable to cross into Poland because of a strike by Polish government workers.
Finally at 9:30 that evening we found a new hotel and had a nice dinner to celebrate Richard's big day. The next two nights we spent in Ternopil and explored this area. The leaves were lovely and all in all we had a very good time. We are indeed learning to be flexible. 
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Reflections on Lost Lives
The sun shines on drifted snow creating a serene winter wonderland outside my window. I thank God for the gift of life and eyesight so I can enjoy this picturesque sight. After reflecting all morning on life and grace and trust, I say another prayer for those who are sorrowing, sad and unfulfilled.
Even with the beauty before me, I feel sadness over the loss of life that occurred yesterday. The man who so carefully cared for our home this summer while we were on outreaches, Valeriy, was tragically killed in a car accident along with his wife, Svetlana, and twelve year old son, Bogdan. I feel a deep sorrow because of the short life that this young boy led. I remember how excited he was to spend time at our house with his dad and the constant smile on his father’s lips. But I am grateful for the chance to have known both of them. I wish I had been able to get to know the wife/mother. And I know there are many family members grieving for this family, especially a very dear sister, Luba. In times like these, we cannot help but as the question, “Why?” But I have come to the conclusion that I must trust the One who cares the most and leave that in His capable hands.
Ukraine is changing and emerging into a modern and capitalistic country. I am not sure that is especially a good thing. The number of cars on the road increase dramatically on a daily basis. And a “me first” attitude seems to rule all activities in many lives. This attitude along with poor driving ability often causes serious accidents. Alcoholism also figures into this equation. Unless some serious changes are made soon the numbers of accidents will continue to increase. More families will grieve. I pray that the authorities will intervene soon and drivers will obey safety and traffic laws. But I fear this will not happen any time soon.Valeriy was a kind hearted, cheerful man. Ukraine was a better place because he lived here. And the world was a better place because he lived to serve others. He was an example to us of love in action and going beyond the norm to help others. I would have to say, he lived what he believed and he will be truly missed.
It’s only through grace that we live each day and I am more than ever determined to try to live each day that God gives me in a way that will glorify Him and help others. And I plan to enjoy those I know and love to the fullest. So to each of you, whether stranger, acquaintance, friend, or loved one, I want you to know that you are special and appreciated. May you be blessed and may you enjoy each day of your life.
I will go outside and breathe deeply of the cold winter air in remembrance of this family.
