Here’s an update on what’s going on in my life: Things are going well with the family that I’ve been living with. Dima & Nina have been really wonderful in helping me learn more Russian words & how to use them. I feel more confident when I ask questions and sentences now. I even enjoy trying to follow conversations!

Since living there I’ve felt more comfortable with their different schedules, lifestyles and personalities. At first, it was challenging for me to pray for them, but now I know how to ask for specific things and even the little stuff that gets on my nerves. We had some great celebrations during the New Year & Orthodox Christmas. Even though it was a little sad to be away from my family, I was surrounded by good friends here. Lately Dima and I have had more serious discussions about Ukrainian history. I’m shocked at the things I’ve learned about Communism rule, the influence of the mafia and the exciting possibilities for the future. I truly believe that this is a time of change for Ukraine and I’m excited to pray in God’s will for this nation and city.

My work as a teacher here is also exciting. While a few of my students are ones that I taught last semester, many of them are new to me. It will be great to get to know them each more personally, through walking or going out for coffee/tea, etc. Also as a teacher, I’m excited about finding more creative ways to present the material. Now that I have taught a semester here, I feel a closer connection with the other teachers and office workers. (I hate calling them that because it is so formal. They are truly brothers and sisters in Christ.) It is amazing to work in an environment where we are free to uplift each other up in prayer at any time and speak out our feelings, no matter if we agree or not.

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