That's Only 7 Days!!!

I challenge YOU: 1) Pick one each day  2) PRAY continually for them 3) Do this for one week..that's only 7 days!

1) Lil' Sasha (I call him that- there are lots of Sasha's!)
-9 years old
-Loves people and attention ;)

2) Sasha
- His dad is in jail. Mom left him when he was 3.
-He longs for a big family.
-I shared the Bible with him that sent him to tears : God will NEVER abandon him.

3) Tanya Left/Andre Above
-Married
-Both directors to Hope Center Camp
-Pray for rest and discernment
-Energy for ALL camps!

4) Overall, Boys' home (aka orphanage/intranet)
-For HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and lots and lots of LOVE! 

5) Igor, Egor, and "Shooting" Sasha
- Graduated: Going to the University in the Fall
-Safety, staying the Straight & Narrow
-Solid friendships with one another.

6) Vlad
- High School-Loves Basketball-Trust issues but hopeful

7) Basketball Ground Court
- Right after the guys left, these BRAND NEW hoops went in but no tar ground.
-I want to help raise money to get the ground work done.

Basketball with the Boys.

After watching my first Russian "talent show" consisting of 'Wrestle mania' and soccer skills over and over again, my curiosity got the best of me by the small basketball game of 2-on-2 going on. I decided to sacrifice myself for a small 5-minute game. :)
Best decision ever! Basketball was played every single night with the guys.
In the Ukraine, girls are not to play basketball because they are considered "weak." So it was truly a "show" when they saw a blonde-hair-American lady playing pick-up basketball ("Streetboll" so they call it.) We built some incredibly deep friendships! When they left after their tenth day (Sunday), it was like ripping my heart out, literally! I am so blessed for the time I did have with them, and I miss them so much!

Two of the guys.  I hung out with Egor a ton! (Right)

Sasha being tough!

The daily main gang. 

We are tough!

the Plan.

The last 5 days: serving in the kitchen and hanging out with an all-boys camp ranges in ages 5-19.
The next 10 days: serving in the kitchen for special education orphans ranging in ages 5-19.

*These 2 camps are not part of Global Action- they are camps that rent out the facility, yet they allow us to participate to build relationships with these students.

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June 26- July 10 (10 days): First Global Action camp (ages 5-14).
* Only 5 of us are doing this camp- prayers for energy please!

July 10-24 (10 days): Second Global Action (ages 5-14)
*Barry & Barb Fluth w/ some family (Riverside) will be here for this camp

July 24- August 7 (10 days): Third Global Action

*** Each of our Global Action camps consist of living life with the children. Crafts, free time, Bible stories, music, lots of hugging, doing hair, and more. Pray.

Prayers:
- Not bottle up emotions ;)
- Energy and patience to get through each camp
- Time to rejuvenate (lots of kids don't always like leaving you alone)
- Being a vessel for Jesus
- Language barriers will lessen

Dear Mr. Jet lag,

  To be honest, this is the first time we've met. Usually, I am a pretty optimistic, bubbly, and a friendly individual on first time introductions; however, you, sir, I am not so welcoming.
     At first, I thought I would like you- I get to relax and sleep a lot; however, when you rudely welcomed me this 3 A.M., I cannot say I can return your endearment.
Even though, I may be perturbed a bit by you, I grew up being a classy lady. Because of this, I ought to write to you a little word of thanks for your lovely presence this AM:

* Thank-you Mr. Jet lag for being the start of my beautiful day. 3 AM is a real treat for this now 19-hour day.

*Thank- you Mr. Jet lag for allowing me to be organized. Since your arrival I have created three graphic organizers: 1) words I want to learn in Ukrainian  2) Things I need from back home  3) Cultural differences between Ukrainians and Americans [column for each:Boys/Girls/General] in which no one will see or care about.

*Thank- you Mr. Jet lag for allowing me to express myself. Making an additional list of all the feelings I had this morning because I couldn't sleep a wink, such as annoyed, frustrated, angry, and numb was a real treat.

*Thank- you Mr. Jet lag for allowing me to feel feminine this morning by plucking every unwanted facial hair.

*Thank- you Mr. Jet lag for your sense of humor in mixed signals-My eyes feel like I could sleep for a week, yet my body feels like I won't sleep ever again.

*Lastly, Thank-you Mr. Jet lag for your unreasonable repercussions. Because of you I posted this on my blog thinking I was funny, when in fact if I were in the right state of mind (including my readers) this makes no sense and no one really cares.

Sincerely,
Melody Olson

Travels.

Above: After the 8-hour flight at Amsterdam Airport with Christine (roommate) ..Two flights to go! 

Below: Travel Itinerary to Hope Center in Kerch, Ukraine- 3 Flights + 3-hour Ukrainian car ride!

                                                   Below: My room for the next 2 months!

So far... 
*trying to sleep off some jet lag
*ate dinner with an all-speaking Ukrainian dinner table- I understood nothing.
*Played some pick-up basketball with some Ukrainian boys that turned into a huge show- (they have never seen a lady play basketball before.)

*Prayers: Tomorrow I officially start.