Top Ten: Ukraine Summer 2012

10: Thank you... boys from Kerch, Ukraine’s orphanage. You were not only the 1^st people I met/connected with, you were some of my closest connections during my stay in the Ukraine. You reminded me from the first time we met to the last day I left that there is no such thing as language barrier, girls truly do add a little “pa-zaz” into a group of all males, and, more importantly, you reminded me how much I love my family- particularly my big brothers and Dad.  You truly re-ignited my passion and love for basketball. I never realized basketball could be a tool for reaching others for Christ.

 

9: Thank you… International teams. I laughed, cried, vented on, listened to, invested in, led, was led by, and worshiped with you.  Thank you for encouraging me always. I truly saw how we were many parts with many different gifts, working together as one body- true Unity.  May the Lord be glorified always. It was truly an honor to serve next to you.

 

8: Thank you… opportunity to worship through music. Most the time I never understood a word of those around me, but what I did understand is that we praise and glorify the same God. The One and Only God. He understands all and I am simply amazed by Him.

7: Thank you…woman in Ukraine. You helped refine me as a woman. You have encouraged me to blossom as a godly woman. 

*My beauty is not by what I wear.

*My feminity is not defined by men.

* I truly know I am loved by Christ just as He has created me to be.

- But I also know that putting a flower in the hair to add a little something-something brings a little joy to everyone too!

6: THANK YOU... children of Camp One. Because of you, I truly have started to see the refined individual God has created me to be. Selfishness to Selflessness. Pride to Humility. Hopelessness to Hopefulness. Ashes to Beauty. Anger to Joy. Anxiety to Peace. Frustration to continually growth. Tall/Solid Barriers  to vulnerability. Openness to appropriate boundaries. Loneliness to discernment with friends. Control to Freedom.

5: THANK YOU...kids of Camp 2. You were the first kids that allowed to love me back fully for who I am...not because of what I do- but simply loving me just as I am- imperfections and all. You have helped me accept tenderness, sweetness, gentleness, peacefulness, hope, love, trust, and immense joy.

4: THANK YOU...kiddos of Camp 3. You have demonstrated pursing love towards me. I was ill, tired, and homesick- BUT you still sought me out, hung out with me, talked with me, took initiative, and completely changed my life.  

3: THANK YOU... friends and family in Minnesota and United States- church family.

Thank you for your time, encouragement, prayers, and investment in my life. 

Thank you to those who gave financially- I truly would not have been able to go without your help.

You helped me learn to live with  freedom, gave me an opportunity to serve, and have a chance of a lifetime. Most importantly, you are furthering His beautiful kingdom for those who don't always get a chance to hear and/or see it. 

2: THANK YOU... People in the Ukraine. I could go on and on about each of you. All I will say about this: Before I left for the Ukraine I lost 2 dearly loved people in my life. One of their funerals just 2 days before I left for this 2 month trip. I came to the Ukraine grieving and hurting, but I left the Ukraine- I knew I had inherited an entire family. This has shown me how blessed I am and how faithful the Lord truly is in my life. 

 

1-THANK YOU... Jesus Christ for adding increase to my life. 

*Thank you Jesus Christ for your non-judgmental friendship.

*Thank you Jesus Christ. I have not only seen but experienced that YOU are good, kind, and seeking out for what is best for each individual- young or old.

*Thank you Jesus Christ for never abandoning an orphan child. Thank you for never abandoning me.

*Thank you Jesus Christ for life. I will always praise You.