LifeUkraine

SASHA

2009-09-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Sasha (nickname for Alexander), arrived just one month ago. His happy and proud parents – Yura and Ira – are rejoicing in God’s gift to them of their first child. It’s been great fun and a blessing to have Yura, Ira and Sasha (also one of our church families,) living with me while their apartment is being repaired. I love being able to help with and hold this precious little guy. It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to be part of their lives, especially with my grand nephew (Carson James Wallace – a year old this month) and my grand niece (Leah Olivia Kimberly
Stevens – just 2 days old!) and their parents so far away in the States. So many new additions to our families – and still more moms here expecting!

Three generations

Ira and Sasha at the polyclinic - Sasha's 1-month checkup!

Lyuda awaiting Sasha's arrival and finding this quite a comfortable spot!

AGATHA'S BAPTISM

2009-09-16T04:51:00.001-07:00

And on Sunday, September 13, 2009 the congregation celebrated the first baptism in our new church building. Agatha Thornton, born in July, was baptized by her father, James Thornton, missionary pastor. Assisting in the sacrament are Pastor Sergei K. and Pastor Mel Pike. Agatha is James and Julia’s 5th child and their fourth beautiful daughter. What does brother, Timothy, think about having four sisters? You’ll have to ask him! What a joy to have them on our team and in the Kherson church.

WORK DAY AT THE CHURCH

2009-09-16T02:56:00.000-07:00

Willing hands doing some dirty work. Church members spent several hours in the hot sun cleaning up rubbish around the church yard. Still a long way to go – but, thanks to their hard work, considerable improvement! Thank you, Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Work crew

FIRST WORSHIP SERVICE

2009-09-16T02:25:00.000-07:00

What can we say except to give praise and thanks to the Lord for His provision, and thanks to His people for their generosity and faithfulness? Sunday, September 6, 2009 marked our first worship service in our own building, Evangelical Presbyterian Church of the Holy Trinity-Kherson, Ukraine.
No more rent to pay, no more being moved from place to place (9 times in 10 years!)

Unfinished stairwell looking down from 3rd floor

Gathered for worship on the top, 3rd floor, which will one day become the library and offices. The sanctuary, which isn't yet completed is located on the floor below.

COLD REMEDIES

2009-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

When she learned I was home with a cold, kindness and concern brought my friend, Sveta, to my flat a few days ago with some wonderful homemade soup, a cottage cheese and raisin strudel, dried plant leaves, honey, a bulb of garlic, and a small bottle containing hot red peppers cut up chunks of horseradish in a liquid of vodka. All of my Ukrainian friends are wonderful cooks – so needless to say, Sveta's soup and her strudel were absolutely delicious.

Sveta is quite knowledgeable in home remedies and, as far as I know, uses them exclusively. Thus the dried plant leaves which were to be brewed to make a liquid for gargling only – not swallowing. Garlic is to be eaten raw, usually with other food – a good natural antibiotic The vodka, with the peppers and horseradish, in addition to being used for gargling (and swallowed if desired-which I cannot bring myself to do! - pure fire water!), may also be applied to the face in the area of the sinuses as well as on the neck (after which the neck should be wrapped in a warm scarf or something), and also applied to the bottoms of the feet.

Applying to the feet involves dampening two cloth handkerchiefs (or something similar) with the vodka solution and placing on the feet bottoms – holding them in place with a plastic bag. As you might guess the plastic prevents the moisture escaping and holds the clothes in place. The last step is to put warm socks over the vodka application – thus keeping the feet quite warm! You may keep these on all day, all night. Vodka is believed to help draw out infection. I tried it the first evening, wrapping my feet about 8pm. Around 3am the burning sensation was a bit more intense than I cared to endure for the remainder of the night – so I removed them.

Certainly, there is much good to be said for home remedies and natural medicine. However, I'm not quite accustomed, yet, to gargling with and wrapping my feet with a vodka-hot pepper-horseradish solution! But I thank the Lord for care and kindness of my Ukrainian friends!

CHURCH BUILDING

2009-02-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

Progress!

Front view

Side view

GAMBLING, GAMBLING AND MORE GAMBLING!

2009-02-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

A very convenient 24-hour food store recently closed, much to the the displeasure of the residents of our building, not to mention the employees of the store who lost their jobs, only to be replaced by yet another game/gambling house - which will make three in our building alone. Such places are located on nearly every block in the city - often with 2, 3 or 4 together on the same block. The economic crisis has hit Ukraine quite hard in many areas. Many here are losing the jobs, or being informed that they will be receiving less than half of their normal salary. Gambling houses and game rooms are NOT what our community needs!

On this corner of my apartment building is a small sporting goods shop, then a photo processing shop, a game hall/shop next to which will be located the new gambling house/game room.

Shown here "Games Automatic" hall, neighbor to the photo shop and future new and larger gambling hall (previously our little 24 hour mini market).

This view shows the other end of our building housing at the corner a cafe-bar, whose neighbor is another automatic game hall, next to which is a furniture store.

Night shot of another of the multitude of game/gambling halls in Kherson.

GOOD FRIENDS

2009-01-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

Lydia and Melinda

Among the many wonderful friends with whom God has blessed me in Kherson during my 10+ years in this city, are two very special ladies – Lydia (whom I refer to as my Ukrainian Mama), and Valentina my interpreter, Russian tutor – my right arm. We celebrated with Lydia this past week her 85th birthday. These two dear friends are among the first people I met when I first moved to Kherson. I'm very, very grateful for their friendship, kindness and encouragement to me all these years.

Melinda and Valentina

FIRE!

2009-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

I confess being a bit irritated by the foul smell of trash burning (an all too frequent occurrence.) as I stepped out of my apartment building to make a trip to the market, To my surprise, as I rounded the corner of my building, I discovered that it wasn't trash burning but rather a first floor apartment in the building across the street.

I noticed someone breaking the windows (presumably a fireman) and throwing what appeared to be buckets of water out the window. Though a fire truck was on the scene, I didn't see any fire hoses! Walking around to the entrance side of the building, I found a small group of on-lookers. Smoke billowed out of the entrance to that section of the building, and up the stairwell to the top (5th floor) – engulfing an adjacent 5th floor apartment where I saw two young ladies leaning out their balcony window in an effort to escape the smoke engulfing them. I had to go on to the market – but I began thinking and wondering – whey were these young ladies still in that smoke-filled apartment,? For that matter how does one escape in case of fire? The only options are to exit through the stairwell to the street, or jump from a window – no fire escape. I later looked at the building in which I live to find an outside ladder/escape of some kind. At the end of our building is a ladder which extends from the roof of the building down to about the second floor level at which point it's cut off – so I suppose one is to jump from there.

Sometime later returning from the market, the fire was out – but it was evident that the apartment was gutted. Sadly, the story according to one of my neighbors was that the resident of the apartment was a drunk and burned to death.

Safety doesn't seem to be much of a priority.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

2009-01-19T13:02:00.000-08:00

Cindie doing the Advent with her children in Sunday School.

Ladies celebrating together the Light of the world, Jesus.

MERCEDES

2009-01-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

Me with my “Mercedes “. Sure makes life easier! My wheels get me through the market and home with several kilos of groceries, bearing the load for me and saving some of the wear and tear on the joints. It's great!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NADIA!

2008-10-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

Nadia and her Auntie Mel enjoyed lunch at one of our favorite pizza places in town in honor of Nadia's 10th birthday. Just happened that we were number 10 waiting for our pizzas to be served to us.
A fun day out!

HUM - HOW FIRM IS THE FOUNDATION?!

2008-10-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Good question! One way to discover the answer is to see what happens when the water pipes under the builing burst filling the basement with knee-deep water. Having just arrived home from a trip after and overnight train ride, how I was looking forward to a shower! With our water schedule the water is usually turned on again around noon. Noon came - but no water. I saw commotion going on outside with some of my neighbors which prompted me to go across the hall to my neighbor, Nina's to ask what was happening. To my dismay, I learned that we would be without water for several days as the old pipes under our section of the building had given way. Unfortunately,
this is not an uncommon occurance here. The good news was that we have people in our building who immediately took responsibility for seeing that the problem was resolved as quickly as possible - which, sadly, in many cases doesn't happen. However, though the water was shut off within a few hours after the flooding was discovered, it was long enough for the building to settle causing some damage, directly under where my apartment is located. I confess, initially I was a bit nervous about what might happen and wondering how much more the building might settle.This is the first floor apartment, two floors below me.

My apartment - the second balcony above the ground floor apartment, hidden by the trees. My kitchen window us just to the right of my balcony.

FIRST BELL - SCHOOL BEGINS

2008-10-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

September 1st always marks the beginning of the new school year - in Ukraine known as "First Bell" - a wonderful and special celebration of the first day of school. With the beginning of the new school year, was the beginning of a new Sunday School year at Kherson Church of the Holy Trinity.

Cindie Pike together with her interpreter, Maxime, are shown introducing the children to their Bible lesson. Thankfully the weather was great for that first Sunday, since, as sometimes happens, there was no access to the key for the room in which they were to meet. The woman dressed in black standing next to Maxime is one of the supervisors, Olya, who brought the group of children who come each Sunday from a nearby orphanage.

SUMMER'S END

2008-10-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

This scene is just two blocks up the street from my apartment building - the corner where the market begins.

Yes, those are watermelons - some of the last for the summer. A very common sight in Kherson during the summer months. Thanks to those who guard them 24 hours a day, I imagine you may purchase one at 3 o'clock in the morning if you have a fancy to do so! Very tasty!

Look at my new red bag, Ma - I got a deal on this one. The lady wanted 85 hrivan ($17.00)for it, but she took 60! Wow, isn't it great?!

One of our most recently wed couples - Ira and Yuri (coming up on their one-year anniversary in October! Still pretty hot in Kherson 'til the end of August - in the 90's. You would think that with the advent of all the new and large western type supermarkets we have now, that the market would lose business. Note, however, that this doesn't seem to be the case - and you can find just about anything you might want.

Kids Summer Bible Club "Olympiad"

2008-08-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

Children divided into their respective age groups opening day - each group represented with it's own banner.

Opening session - songs, prayer

Bible lesson

Craft activity

Student/Pastor Sergei checking Bible memory verses

Sports/games

Who's it?!

Grannys and Moms

Love those water balloons!

Closing session - songs, prayer, announcements and refreshments

May the Lord cause the seed of His word planted in the hearts of the 40+ children who joined us during these 5 short days to take root, grow and bear fruit!

Summer English Club

2008-08-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our church Elder, Vitaly, for opening his home providing a place for this neighborhood outreach - a 5-day English club using the Bible and Bible stories.

Julia with beginners

Mel with advanced group

Cindie with intermediate group

Foundation plus!

2008-08-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

The new home of The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of the Holy Trinity - Kherson where we hope to be worshiping by this Fall.

These are computer generated images of the what the proposed church building will look like.

Last Bell

2008-06-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

“Last Bell” – 31 May, the last day of the school year. This and “First Bell” – 1 September (the first day of the school year) are big events in Ukraine for students and school children. Every school and kindergarten celebrates.
Words of congratulation and exhortation are given by city officials, guests, the school director and teachers to students and students to their teachers as the school year comes to an end. Special awards and recognition are made to students, teachers, and volunteer workers. As part of the celebration, children and older students demonstrate some of their talents and accomplishments by reciting poetry, singing and dancing. All the children and students present their teachers with flowers.

Three of the Thornton children- Nadia, Timmy and Anna - joined me in going to the celebration at the Kherson orphanage/boarding school this past Saturday morning. The Thornton children and I enjoyed the celebrations – something unfamiliar to us in the States. It was especially fun for them to see their friends from Sunday school – the group of second graders who join us at the Kherson church on Sunday mornings. I’m so grateful to our Kherson church for the spiritual input it’s having in the lives of some of these children, and to those of you who have helped over the years with various needs of the orphanage. Having had an ongoing relationship with several teacher/supervisors and many students since coming to Kherson in 1998, it’s always a joy to join them for this event.

A very nice way to end a school year! I like it!

Lunch on the Lawn

2008-03-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

An addendum to "Breakfast on the Lawn". As I worked in my kitchen today around lunch time doing some cooking for the week, I noticed the usual group of teenage students who also like to gather in our "yard" during their breaks.

Today one of the young ladies left her lunch on the "lawn" after apparently having consumed some alcoholic beverage. Unable to stand on her own, her girlfriends helped her resume a sitting position at the community "picnic" table. Soon several women came,one of whom I believe may have been the girl's mother. Whoever this woman was, she proceeded to yank the girl to a standing position while screaming at her, and jerked down the road. Lunch for the students consists of various beverages and cigarettes.
Only minutes after that, more commotion in front of the entrance to my section of the building as several young man pulled a very, very drunk neighbor of mine (about my age) from a small pickup truck - taking 3 of them to drag him up to the 5th floor of our building where he lives.

Emptiness of soul is not limited to age,sex,or status in life. Such a needy world we live in - so desparately in need of the Truth, of the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

BREAKFAST ON THE LAWN

2008-03-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

I can't help but notice as I prepare my morning coffee, the "Brotherhood of Vodka Lovers" (my name for the group) enjoying "breakfast on the lawn" (actually the "courtyard" inner area of our apartment building) as they gather every morning beginning very early, usually not long after sun-up. A lovely continental breakfast that appears to consist of a clear liquid (which I'm quite confident is not water!) poured from a small glass liqour bottle, pieces of bread, or some kind of nuts, sometimes pieces of dried fish is shared by these men as they enjoy the fresh morning air while puffing on their cigarettes.

I relate this scene somewhat sarcastically and jokingly, though, to me it is really quite sad. As I come and go throughout the day, I often find them still sitting until afternoon or evening - sometimes moving to other nearby benches where they chat and drink and smoke some more. It's difficult to imagine such a life. Why is this so sad to me? It reveals the emptiness of the soul - the heart of a man who lives without the Lord Jesus Christ. It's a picture of life without hope or purpose, without direction, without true and lasting joy. Oh, certainly there may be a temporary feeling of euphoria - but when the vodka wares off - then what?

Only in the Movies

2008-03-07T12:16:00.001-08:00

I never dreamed I'd find myself jumping off of a moving train! For a recent one-day to Kiev by train - one night up and the next night back - I chose the Simferopal train for the return trip which meant less travel time and earlier arrival in Kherson. However, this meant a VERY brief stop in Kherson - just long enough to let passengers off and take on new passengers. The conductor assured me, "no problem, we'll wake you - you'll have plenty of time!" Just to be sure I would be up and ready, I set the alarm on my mobile phone as well. I seldom sleep much on the train - but this time I happened to be in a rather deep sleep when suddenly I heard my phone alarm. When I finally came to, it occurred to me that the train wasn't moving - did this mean...?! Sure enough, it was Kherson! Going into panic mode, when I found the conductress pulling up the step and closing the door - I, in my so-so Russian, somewhat less than calmly, said, I have to get off here!! Why didn't anyone wake me?! Running back to my coupe, quickly throwing on my street clothes over my "train" clothes (usually people change into other clothes for the train ride), snatching up my belongings, barely getting my coat and boots on, with the conductress shouting at me to "hurry,lady,hurry"!, I heard the creaking of the train wheels as the train began moving. With my bags slung over my shoulder and arms, I ran to the door, and successfully de-trained, by taking one big leap off the bottom step landing on the platform as the train pulled out of the station. Whew! I've only seen this in the movies!

Well,there I was,at 5:30am on that cold, dark morning. Barely awake, a little shaken, but very thankful I didn't end up at the next station (wherever that would have been) trying to find a way back to Kherson. I headed to the bus stop, refusing the offers of the taxi drivers at the train station. At that time of the morning, they were asking about twice the normal fare which I could have paid but on principle and out of stubbornness didn't want to pay. In my stupor, I waited at the bus stop - nothing - too early - buses hadn't started running. So, I began walking - stood at another bus stop for a while with a few other people. Again, nothing. Finally, cold, tired, and much in need of facilities, regretting my stubbornness, I began looking and praying for a taxi along the street. God is faithful - even in my stubbornness! At last I got into a nice warm taxi with a pleasant taxi driver. What a blessing to get home to my nice, warm little apartment. God is good!

Holdays! Holidays!

2008-03-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

What is that boom-boom I hear? It's just the music blasting from my neighbor's super-duper over sized speakers (love these paper/plaster walls between apartments-gives one a feeling of closeness with one's neighbors), reminding me that it's time to celebrate again. Another holiday - this one - Women's Day! Women's Day(The Wikipedia website gives some interesting background and history on International Women's Day, )March 8th, is tomorrow - though celebrations began yesterday as many people were already partying at their work places. Holidays in Ukraine are in great abundance. This is one of the bigger ones with most people having a 4-day weekend. So, I congratulate all of you women out there on this International Women's Day of 2008! May God help us to be women of noble character who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ - making his love and grace known to those around us.

This photo of some of the dear young women of the Kherson church.

Gone to be with the Good Shepherd

2008-02-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

Lena is second from the right in the first row.
Lena was taken from us after a time of much physical suffering. Though at one time an atheist, and one who had loved the former Soviet life and system, Jesus Christ became the Lord and Savior of her life. What a joy listening to her give a testimony of her faith in Christ to her elder sister, Nina, who is in her 80's, as we sat together around the small table in her living room sipping tea. At that point, Lena, because she was so weak was no longer able to leave her apartment. What a privilege it was to walk through her last days on earth with our dear sister in Christ. What a great comfort to know that she is no longer struggling in the prison of her earthly body, and is rejoicing in the presense of the Lord! Lena we missed you in worship on Sunday - but know that you're now worshiping the Lord in a far, far better place!

Feeding time at the dumpster

2008-02-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

Animal control!!!!!!
Here kitties, come get dinner!

2008-01-10T00:32:00.000-08:00

In the States I believe one may go online and pay all of one's bills including utility bills. If not online, one can simply write a check, slip it into an envelope and mail it. Not so in Kherson. Utilities are paid only in person by going to any one of a number of what I will call "State" banks.

It's important to find the right day and the right time to visit one of the "State" banks in order to pay your utilities. That is, not on a day when pensioners are either receiving their pensions (which they have to go to the bank to pick up), or whether they are attempting to complete some forms or some process due to a change in their pensions or in some policy relating to pensions. Please don't misunderstand, I am not speaking negatively regarding pensioners. In fact, it's quite difficult for many of them just to get to the bank to receive their pension money and then have to wait in long lines. In addition, pensions aren't keeping up with the rapid increase in inflation here.

Yesterday I picked the wrong day. I approached several banks the day before which both had long lines of people waiting to get in. I was sure that yesterday would be a good time, because of all the activity the day before. So during my "outing" to do my errands, I included the bank on my schedule. Still crowded, though not like the day before, I decided to find a place in line and wait it out. However, this can be a challenge. There were lots and lots of people when I first entered the bank huddled around each of the few "windows" where a clerk was sitting. It's difficult to recognize a line for a line as I know it. Therefore, it took me a minute or so to determine where I should be standing to wait my turn to pay my electric bill. After asking several people, I found where I was supposed to be. Once in line, one doesn't always know how many people are actually ahead of him as people step out of line to go do other things or to sit down, and return at some point before their turn. Therefore, it may appear that there are 6 people ahead of you when there are actually 10 or 12. In addition, one person may be paying utilities for any number of people who for some reason either aren't able to or don't want to stand in lines. In short, all this to say that what I thought would be a 5 or 10 minute stop, turned into a 30 minute stop - just to pay my electric bill. Oh well, it was nice to have it done for another month!

Beginner

2008-01-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

Greetings in this new year! I'm new at this "blogging" thing - so please bear with me as I get my feet wet.

Yesterday was Christmas day according to the Eastern calendar. Though there were a few flakes of snow in the air, mostly it was a cold blustery day in Kherson. Not the mobs of people on the street and in the market as just before the holidays.

Actually, it's rather pleasant getting around the city on a holiday - more quiet, fewer people
on public transportation which means no pushing, shoving to squeeze a few more people on a bus or trolley - whew - what a relief!

I enjoyed going with Jamie and Julia and their four children to the local puppet theater where the the annual children's Holiday - New year/Christmas - play was presented, after which were some fun games and activities for the children. As you can see most children were dressed up in costumes.
We're missing the Pikes very much as they're in the States on medical leave. Even now as I write this blog, we're waiting to receive an update from Mel.

It's been a busy holiday season this year, but a very good one. Sunday, January 6 was our Christmas worship service in the Kherson church. It was wonderful to have the group from the neighboring town of Tsurupinsk with us, as well as a number of new people. Jamie preached (with Sergei interpreting) about the true meaning of Christmas and of the One and Only Lord and King whom we worship and serve. So many wonderful, warm and happy traditions surround this season of the year - we all enjoy them. Unfortunately,however, the greatest reason for celebration is so often overlooked in the midst of all these the activities - the fulfillment of God's promise to send His One and Only Son in to the World to save His people from their sins - to offer the greatest gift known to man - the gift of life eternal through faith in this One - Jesus Christ who is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, the Bread of Life, the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, Savior, the Hope of the world, the Image of the invisible God by whom all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible - all things have been created by Him and for Him,the Word (God) who became flesh and dwelt among us, the Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End, who was and is and will be, the One who will return again one day to redeem His people. I thank and praise my God and Savior that He is faithful to His promises and that His word never fails!
Though sunny have been few and far between, today, at this moment the sun is shining brightly - certainly adds color to the otherwise grayishness of winter.

Wow, the land for our Kherson church building has finally been cleared! It's a bit too cold at the moment to begin any construction, but as soon as things warm up a bit it will begin.