2018  Blog # 1

Back in Ukraine

We are thankful for our safe arrival.  After uneventful flights our trip to Molochansk had some challenges.  The potholes have grown in size and multiplied while we were away, so travel by road is increasingly challenging.  Unfortunately one of those holes resulted in 2 left-side flat tires.  Our driver replaced one with the spare.  After straightening the rim and pumping up the second tire, we made it home.  Ira’s tasty borscht made us feel truly welcomed.

March 8^th was International Women’s Day which seems to have much greater importance here than back home.  Schools and government businesses are closed.  Shops take advantage of the extra shopping that people do for holiday events.   

Oksana was honored at a Tokmak celebration as a female director of a charity organization.  About 20 women were honored from various professions.  Along with flowers and certificates, there was also music from various performers.

On Saturday the local Mennonite Church had organized a special program for women and girls.  Tables were beautifully decorated in pastel colors, with candles and treats.  The program included games, music, and presentations by two very capable young female leaders.  The youth served tea, ran the sound system, and helped with the preparations and clean-up.

March 12 we traveled to Melitopol to meet  with Father Peter.   We observed the soup  

kitchen in action, serving about 80 people per day. Mennonite Centre helps fund this.   He described how his staff becomes involved with projects that utilize their particular gifts and abilities.  The cook, for example, has a real heart for single mothers, and responds to their needs.  One of the male staff is a skilled carpenter and assists with various building projects. 

Father Peter was eager to share      about his dream for a neighboring

village.  Six years ago they built a 

church there which is the only church in the village.  

Cheap housing is available and so they have provided an apartment for a needy single mother with 4 young children. We enjoyed seeing the children’s joyful response to Father Peter and Father Sasha when we came for a visit.  They hope to provide other homeless families with  housing in the future.

The friendship between Mennonite Centre and Father Peter continues to grow as we seek to extend God's love to others.