The Rest of the Story . . .

What an experience returning to Ukraine. I hope each of you had time to read the last blog. I arrived in Cherkasy late Friday evening and was glad to be home. I carried my suitcases through eighteen inches of snow for two blocks! What a homecoming.

I spent my first week recuperating from a fall from Saturday morning then I fell again Friday night on the ice and snow. On Monday, I visited the hospital to make sure everything was ok. I feel fine, however every muscle in my body hurts. Then on Friday night, a week later I fell again. I think this fall put everything back in place, if that is possible.

It was an adventure at the hospital. Someday I will have to tell you about it, they gave me tons of pills and herbs to take. I also visited the chiropractor last week and he confirmed that it was ligaments and muscles, nothing very serious, just down time from exercising to heal! Now for me that is tough. I like my daily exercising.

This past week I celebrated my 55th birthday. Thank you for all your greetings and best wishes on Facebook. Also Pastor Matt sent me an email with the significance of the number 55 plus ‘Happy Birthday’ translated in many different languages; it was fun to read, after my guests left.

I invited numerous friends for dinner to fellowship and get to know each other better. I invited the senior pastor, his wife and the acting pastor and her husband; along with girlfriends, interpreters and other very dear friends. We met on Saturday, which is Shabbat. After our meal and wonderful cake we participated in a biblical discussion.

Shabbat consists of time spent with family and God. We gave God glory and thanksgiving for His work in our lives. This was a very special day for me to spend in this manner with friends. Our discussion included a few controversial topics. However, we were able to converse and pray together even though we do not agree theologically. God is good in giving us grace for each other.



God bless each of you.
Your humble servant,
Kathy

Last Day in America and Return Trip to Ukraine

What an Experience!

My trip was extended by an additional two weeks. I spent this time helping family. My last day in America was going to be spent sorting and distributing weight between my checked luggage, the carry-on and my computer case. I try to bring back essentials for the office such as Reese’s Pieces! The airlines permit fifty pounds for overseas, I traveled to America with twenty pounds and returned with a considerable amount more. There are a few food and office items that I cannot purchase in Ukraine and I bring back as much as possible.

My last day in America . . . I was scheduled to walk my grandson to the bus at 7:00 AM. During the packing process, I took the house key from my coat pocket and set it on the counter so I would not accidently take it with me. I forgot my warning not to go out of the house without it! Wanting to return with clean laundry, I was still in my pajamas when I walked Micah to his bus. Fortunately I put on my winter coat, scarf and gloves. As we left the house, the door closed, OH NO . . . we were locked out of the house. I did not have makeup on and had not combed my hair. What a mess.

Now what? One of the bus drivers allowed me to use her mobile phone. I called my daughter in order to make arrangements to get back in the house. Fortunately my father was in town and he came to get me. The next forty-five minutes were soooooo . . . cold. I did not have socks on and my legs were bare. When dad showed up, I was so relieved; it took me all day to warm up.

Later that day, we had to pick up my mother from the airport who had spent two weeks in Florida with family. What a day! I planned an orderly and quiet day. These crazy things happen and we can either laugh or cry, it is our choice.

I arrived home on Friday after traveling for twenty six hours. What an experience! At the Minneapolis airport the agents unpacked my carry-on because something showed up as potentially dangerous. I had purchased Celtic Sea Salt on the advice of a doctor. I never realized that it would cause so much trouble. This slowed me up enough that I did not have time to call anyone from the airport.

I flew from Minneapolis to Chicago and then flew to Frankfurt, Germany then onto my final destination; Kiev. In Frankfurt I had to go through two scans, the first one was not a problem. The second one was absolutely humiliating. The wand went off because of a button, hooks, and the buckle on my boots! I tell you, this was the craziest trip of all. However, I was blessed with empty seats next to me the last two planes. The extra seat was wonderful from Chicago to Frankfurt, I was able to stretch out a bit.

Arriving in Kiev, everything was beautifully white and clean. Annessa and Victor, friends from church met me and brought lunch and hot tea, it was a wonderful greeting. They told me it had been snowing for three days in Cherkasy, I was excited to see the snow. The trip from Kiev to Cherkasy is normally about two and a half hours but this trip lasted four hour and a half hours. The roads had not been plowed and were in poor condition with lots of ice and snow on the road.

Arriving in Cherkasy, I was in a state of shock! The snow banks are at least 9 feet high. The buses were not running and the roads are horrible. Victor tried to drive me home, but could not. He had to let me out a block from home and I carried a forty-nine pound suitcase and my twenty pound computer bag through eighteen inches of snow and Annessa carried my carry-on for me. Then we carried the suitcase up three flights of steps. I was exhausted and could hardly find my breath. I had not eaten all day, so I sat down with a cup of coffee and a yogurt. I was glad that my traveling was over for this trip.

Now, the fun begins . . . back to work on Monday. This weekend will be spent organizing everything I brought back with me and I need to shop for groceries. Then when I figure out my problem with the internet, I will notify family and friends that I have arrived!

God bless each of you.
Your humble servant,
Kathy

Time is Short

Where has the time gone? It has been two weeks and there are only two weeks left before I leave. Now it is time to concentrate on business, what a task! There is so much to do.

My stay has been wonderful, spending time with family and friends. I have met new friends who have blessed me spiritually. I am being rejuvenated and believe I can return to work with new hope and vision. The ministry has to provide several new legal documents for the changing Ukrainian law. I am hoping this will be easy; it is a matter of signatures with notarization.

There was a concert in Zimmerman last weekend with Ryan Daniel and Sheila Raye Charles, who is Ray Charles daughter. If you ever have a chance to hear either of their testimonies and music, I know you will enjoy it. Ryan is called to minister to the younger generation he has a humble spirit. Sheila has a tremendous testimony and can sing as well, if not better than her father!

I spent Christmas at my youngest daughter’s and everyone joined us for dinner. It was great to have everyone together. Mama cooked and the food was out of this world! We had the traditional lutefisk and Swedish meatballs for Christmas Eve and ham for Christmas Day and of course all the fattening but great Christmas cookies! Now I have to go home and workout to eliminate all the yummy food I ate. Has anyone else overeaten this season?

It snowed in Minnesota Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I enjoyed getting out and shoveling. The snow was wet and heavy, great for a snowball fight and snowmen. However, I could not interest anyone in playing outside with me.

Sunday, I attended a home church and had a wonderful time. They asked me to pick a topic for the group. Since it is Christmas, I selected the topic of ‘gift’. The definition of gift is: property voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation! This is a great topic at Christmas; when we celebrate Christ’s birthday. Although we know this was not the time of year He was born, but we honor His birth. We know Jesus is God’s gift to us. He has been given to us without expecting anything in return. However to make that gift active or useable, we have to receive the gift.

For example; if a friend gives me a check for $100, it is not good until I go to the bank and claim it as mine by cashing it. It is the same way with Jesus.

On Christmas Eve, I told the Christmas story, it was a first for my family and a challenge for me. I teach the graduate level, not 3 and 5 year old children! I heard chuckles from the adults when I stumbled over words trying to use age appropriate words for the younger generation who has never heard the Christmas story.

The question was raised “Why did Jesus come to earth?” Wow, what an invitation to share the Gospel. I tried my best to keep the story on the children’s level. Then I gave an invitation for salvation and one of my grandsons gave his heart to Jesus! Once again, the Lord can use me in my humbleness. I praise God for His faithfulness and love for my family.

Today is the first day of the New Year. I pray everyone enjoyed bringing in the New Year with joy and jubilation. There were several events I wanted to attend, but I have been sick for a couple of days and chose to make pizza for my grandkids and stay home with the family. We used root beer floats to toast the New Year.

My oldest grandson proposed and gave his girlfriend an engagement ring! Oh dear, they sure are growing up quickly. Now mind you, it is the grandchildren growing older, not me!

Today, I plan on relaxing and enjoying the grandkids.

God bless each of you.
Your humble servant,
Kathy

My first few days in America

I arrived Tuesday early afternoon in Minneapolis. A good friend picked me up and treated me to a Starbucks coffee which I truly enjoyed! My trip was pretty awesome, God always surprises me with people He places in my path.

I met two Americans in the Kyiv airport, one from Texas who was visiting her fiancée and the other a bio-chemist who is participating in teaching and setting up three neo-natal hospitals in Ukraine. Praise God! More of our precious Ukrainian children will have the opportunity to live, rather than die due to a lack of medical treatment.

Speaking of children, I am working with my attorney and an orphanage close to my home. This is a state run orphanage and in very poor condition. My attorney is a Ukrainian Christian man who personally supports and visits this orphanage monthly. They have many needs, especially gifts at Christmas. I know this is a late request, but gifts are appreciated year round. If anyone is interested in providing gifts, please send your blessing to World Vineyard Ministries, PO Box 26, Champlin, MN 55316, in care of orphanage. The ministry email is bible.ua@gmail.com if you would like to know more.

My trip from Kyiv to Amsterdam was uneventful. My new friend was able to sit next to me and we talked about the Lord and she asked many questions regarding the Bible and the ministry. We had a traditional Ukrainian breakfast on this trip which was quite a shock for my friend. I understand her fiancée did not take her out and she did not have a good experience during her visit. I tried to give her some details of the beauty and share some of my photos with her.

Arriving in Amsterdam safely, I had to briskly walk to the connecting flight. My next flight had 300 plus people, we stood in line and waited for almost two hours to get on the plane. In Amsterdam they ask half a dozen personal questions regarding one’s traveling plans, the reason for the trip, places visited during their trip, and of course the questions regarding our luggage. They also check our passports by the barcode! It is a time consuming ordeal.

Ok – now I am on my final flight to America. There is a nice lady from India, currently working in North Dakota on my left and we spoke for quite some time during the trip and the seat on my right was empty. Hoorah, especially when I was seated in the center section of the plane. The second seat to my right was occupied by a nice jovial man. He greeted me and then pulled out his Bible! He studied off and on and we talked about ministry, he had been in India for a minister’s conference. He has a wife and seven children in Oregon. We enjoyed speaking about God’s work in throughout the world today. He is a pastor of a Church of God and has invited me to visit anytime. I was truly blessed with my comrades for this nine and a half hour trek.
My few days home, I visited some of my grandkids and am currently staying with a dear friend and her hubby. She has driven me around so that I could complete some business and to do a bit of shopping. I am in the process of setting up meetings with different pastors, but if anyone would like to visit, please email me at the above email. I am leaving for Ukraine on January 14th, so this is a short visit. However, I have to get back to my day-to-day work and teaching.

Thank you for your support and prayers. I covet your prayer support. The last four months have been very difficult for me. I was personally spiritually and emotionally empty and depressed. With constant prayer and counseling I am finally feeling like myself and am waiting to get back to work and be productive once again!

May your Christmas reveal new truths and may it be filled with love, hope and prosperity. May God’s face shine upon you.

God bless each of you.
Your humble servant,
Kathy

A Spirit of Thanksgiving

A Spirit of Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday. I pray everyone enjoyed good food and fellowship with friends and family.

I have been struggling with depression and oppression for the last several months and I am finally overcoming it. Please forgive me for my lack or apathy of writing and keeping everyone informed of ministry work. Today, I will write of my Thanksgiving experience, then in a couple of days I will write a ministry update.

Yesterday, I awoke with only 4 hours of sleep with lots of cooking to do. My friend and her family were coming for dinner. Her husband, Michael is an American and I wanted to treat Alyona to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

My new apartment in still being remodeled and the kitchen is the last room to be completed! What a challenge for cooking a large meal. I do not have kitchen cupboards and my dishes and spices are still packed. For those of you who do not know, I have been living in this apartment for eight weeks now! It has been a time of testing for me.

Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and cranberry sauce were prepared the night before. Cornbread for the dressing and pumpkin pie had to be baked before my 9 AM exercising appointment. Using a new stove both the cornbread and pie burned! This has never happened to me before. What a way to start the day.

When I returned home, Vika was already working in the kitchen. She is hanging wall paper so we pulled out the refrigerator and cupboard from the wall, leaving about 24 inches to cook. All my spices, utensils, and dishes are still packed in another room; it was time consuming finding the cooking utensils.

I wanted to serve a nice dinner, celebrating American holidays keeps me in touch with who I am and my heritage. With this in mind, I asked the Lord to give me peace and allow me to be a blessing to my friends.

Preparing the food, I realized that the oven was not working. I made a second pie and the oven would stay lit for ten minutes and then turn off, what usually takes an hour to cook, actually took three. I am glad I did not have a whole turkey to cook, only pieces, which took about 90 minutes to cook otherwise we would not have eaten until midnight!

In this process, I decided to wash some clothes. My washer doubles as my counter space! I thought it would be practical to multitask. My potatoes were on the stove cooking and the dressing was sitting on top of the stove needing to be put in the oven. I left the room to set the table and I heard a bang! I figured it was Vika but she was okay. I was dreading to find out what happened! Sure enough – my dressing was turned upside down on the floor! What a site! My heart dropped. I was so discouraged, but I was able to salvage the majority of the dressing. Needless to say, I turned the washer off. I did not need the vibration to send anything else flying into the air!

Between running into the big room to prepare the table and atmosphere, I totally forgot to make the cranberry salad. The stove continued to turn off, and then Michael called. He was checking to see if the ‘rumor’ was true about coming for a traditional dinner. I told him of the problem and they prayed, and miraculously the oven worked. Needless to say, our turkey was cooked to perfection with the Lord’s help.

My guests arrived and Michael sensed my lack of peace and prayed for me. From that moment on we had peace and awesome fellowship. God has truly blessed me with good friends and much to be thankful for.

God bless each of you. Please pray for me, God is changing my personal ministry and I need His perfect timing in my life.

God bless each of you.
Your humble servant,
Kathy

Mixed Emotions plus Spiritual blessings

I spent the first week of September with a friend praying and fasting. I desperately needed God’s wisdom and guidance. There are major changes occurring for me personally and for the ministry. Personally flowing with the change is ok; but it is much more difficult to uproot a ministry and move it after five years. Yes, I have been in Kyiv for five years this November. Can you believe it?

One of the administrators offered me a ride to my friend’s home. I would normally take a small van for this trip, but it was pleasant to visit and listen to worship music. Several weeks prior to this trip had been very stressful and I had very little peace in my life. During the ride I prayed and thanked God for my dear friends here and the opportunity to serve Him. I asked God to bless my friends and touch their lives abundantly. Little did I know, I would be a recipient of some of these blessings. God continues to surprise me.

Most importantly, God began to fill me with peace, peace that I have not experienced for some time. I know that God is always in control, but I do not ‘feel’ that way sometimes. How about you? I love God dearly and my desire is to serve Him, no matter what. Now, I am experiencing the ‘no matter what’ phase. I am sure you can relate to this experience.

There are so many changes transpiring that my head is spinning with all the details. I have that crazy administrator gifting and I like everything in order! Sometimes this gift can be a detriment. People do not realize I have a lifetime of experience moving and they want to tell me what to do. It is just like people (or us), we always know better than the next person, right? In other words, my way is the only way. I try not to convey this attitude, but sometimes I want to scream ‘I am in charge here, listen to me.’

People react rebelliously to my gifting. They claim I do not know what I am talking about. Ohhhh . . . sometimes, I wish God would sit me in a classroom so I could listen rather than be the teacher.

God blessed me with an overwhelming peace during this quiet time with Him. I am able to think clearly about the necessities that need to be taken care of and the needs of the ministry. Please keep me in your prayers especially during the next two months. A missionary needs prayer continually, but sometimes there is a special need.

I want God’s approval and blessings for the changes that are transpiring. If I am in His will, the ministry will be blessed and grow or change, also! That is a disconcerting thought, is it not? Especially for those of us who have known it to be Dr. Vernette’s work. She did an amazing work here, and the work I am doing is based on her lifetime commitment and obedience to the Lord.
Mom, thank you for being an example of a strong Christian woman.

May God bless each of you and may His face shine upon you.

Busy, busy, and more busy

We had our first administrators meeting of the year Friday; and the last in my current residence! What a contrast! This was a difficult meeting for me. We debated the location of the office and if the college should be handed over to a specific church or union. Of course this was not received well. However, our human nature does not like change and we want to hang out in our own little groups. Am I right? For myself, I dislike change.

We covered the new or updated materials. Luda worked tirelessly on translating the new charts and graphs this last year. I am excited this project is completed. We discussed the new prices and procedures. The new degrees were introduced and the administrators were impressed. One of our administrators worked with an attorney updating the degrees.

Graduation this year will be slightly different. I am unable to attend several services because of the immediate need to find an apartment, pack, and move by the 20th of September. Yes, this came as a surprise, at least so quickly; but as always, I know the Lord will provide.

The last several weeks I planned to go out of town for fasting and praying regarding the ministry for the coming year(s). I spent the last of my money on food for the administrators meeting and the next day was my scheduled date for traveling. I had set aside $50.00 and a friend needed the money for their rent. Even though I did not have money I continued to believe I would be going. I reminded God this was His plan and would have to provide the funds. It always amazes me how God works!

Please pray for me. I need God’s wisdom and patience. I am not sure where to move the office and how to handle the college from this point on. Throughout this situation my emotions run from one extreme to another. One day I want to throw my hands up and say ‘I quit.’ The next moment, I am resolved to stay and stamp on the enemies head! I want to walk in God’s perfect will for my life and the ministry and I covet your prayers.

May God bless each of you and may His face shine upon you.
Kathy