Saturday, August 10th

We finally arrived in Donetsk Ukraine.

I am especially blessed to have my lovely wife with me on this trip.  Last night’s update was three short sentences until she read it.  Of course she made it appropriate while I was fast asleep sawing some serious logs.

We've seen God already in some pretty cool ways:

Our departure from home was eventful.  One of our members, who stepped out in faith to come and was obedient to God’s call,  had emergency surgery the day before we left and could not come.  Although we are sad he is not with us, we recognize that God knew this was going to happen.  When we think about it – those who gave, are blessed for responding to God’s call, those who stepped out in faith to come (whether they actually could make it) are blessed for being responsive to God’s call.  But most of all this emergency surgery happened at home.....not far from home.  It’s Gods timing and blessing.

Similarly, Anne, was in a significant car accident two days before we left.  Although she is still sore, she's a trooper.  Again, God's timing was awesome.  The accident and necessary medical care took place at home.  Amazingly her treating emergency room physician just returned from Donetsk Ukraine on a medical mission trip!

Before we left, I was given donations of $200 to pay for additional bags (they're $100 each).  We try to carry gifts and supplies with us for the orphans we visit.  We had about 8 large suitcases with stuff.  This group is wonderful, they packed their personal stuff in small carry on size bags or shared suit cases.  Because of this, we only had to pay for 2 bags - $200.

Today was good.  As I think about our mission here, I’m reminded of the depth of God’s love for us.  The chorus of Matt Maher’s song “Alive Again” speaks to God’s heart for us  and how he is reaching for us every day. 

“You called and You shouted

Broke through my deafness

Now I'm breathing in and breathing out

I'm alive again

You shattered my darkness

Washed away my blindness

Now I'm breathing in and breathing out

I'm alive again”

Good night, and God bless.  Steve and the Urkainiacs (team’s nickname).