It's A Celebration!
We’re back! No internet for a day, but we are back with a connection and ready to fill ya’ll in on our wonderful day yesterday.
Yesterday we docked in Kherson bright and early. We loaded up the bus with all our gifts and supplies and headed to our only orphanage of the day. When we arrived we were surprised to find that the orphanage was celebrating all the children’s birthdays that were in the spring time. We were given a wonderful show of dancing and singing from the children. Because of the celebration we remained indoors which enabled the team members to have more one on one time with the kids while the photography team caught the smiles of each precious child. Props to the poloroid team: team leader Jan, David, Marty, Jill, Luke, Chris, Sandy, and kudos to Olivia for pitchin’ in where she was needed. We’ve decided that we left there with happy hearts because the orphange seemed to be a happy and safe place for those wonderful kids.
Argh! Pirates attacked! When we arrived in the dining room of the ship for dinner, we were surprised to find that our wait staff had turned into pirates and ransacked our tables. Our dinner consisted of flaming meat, Cassie catering to our every need by serving us(that’s what you get when you don’t tip pirates), and Marty dancing around in a bikini top. Yes, you read right. Our lovely waitress Katja caught Marty of guard and left him so many shades of red we can’t even keep count.
After dinner we all met for a wonderful night of worship and sharing. We have come to find out that we were truly blessed with our very own rock star this year. Deb has been leading our worships with her angelic voice on and off the ship. Marty gave our devotion last night and made us realize that we are looking into the face of Jesus with each child that crosses our path. We shared captivating stories and images about how we have been blessed thus far.
As we have asked you to pray for our team, please continue to lift us up and pray specifically for our health as some have encountered minor stomach ailments and Troy has thrown out his back which is especially important as he heads to Africa from Amsterdam on our way home.
We miss you all,
The 33 Amigos, Yuri, Ira, and Yuri no. 2
May 30, 2008
taylor rae madge and others!
i have prayed for you the entire time youve been on this trip, i wish i could have gone this year! hello to everyone from last year, and i guess also hello to people i dont know that went this year. taylor i miss you like crazy and love you like a sister. everyone try not to get sick, stay safe and taylor, i cant wait to see you when you get home and ill keep praying for you guys. youre making such a difference to all those kids and i just wish i could be there too.
love,
kelley monroe
ps taylor call me as soon as youre able!!
May 30, 2008
hey everyone,
Just reading everybody’s comments let me know how much everyone is being prayed over, how much you are loved and how much you are missed. Casey will tell you it doesn’t take much to make me tear up or cry but just reading Casey’s emails get me every time. Also, I will definitely have to try out Casey serving me dinner like she did everyone else. Did you make any tips?
Casey, Taylor, Olivia, Candace – Those kids are responding so much to you because they love your sweet smile, your laugh and your loving disposition. Just remember you are making a difference in their life that they will remember after you have left, just like you will remember them. We love you!
May 30, 2008
Leslie,
It is great to hear about what is going on with your group. We look forward each day to see where you are and what is going on. I am sure you are making a great impact on all of the children that you see. Jocie is doing great. Her cousins are really enjoying getting to spend time with her and so are we! She is so animated and is always talking. We are really enjoying her. We will continue to pray for your safety and for you all to be great witneeses to everyone you come in contact with.
We love you!
Mom and Dad
May 30, 2008
Chad and Katie, (& everyone else!)
It’s so good to get an update! It seems much longer than a day since the last blog. Things are going well here. The kids are all counting the days until you get back. They miss you so much! So do I!
This is Andrei, I love you and miss you. I am waiting for you, Dad, to start the training for the next 5K, and to go to the fitness room. Are you ready?!
Olivia says, “I love you and miss you alot and can’t wait for you to be home!”
Elizabeth says, ” I love and miss you, Papa. We went to see Third Day in concert last night and he threw a guitar pick to me. I am so excited! Katie, I love you. We got to see Vasya today!!! It was so fun!”
Andy here, ” Vasya is really cool and funny. I wish you could’ve been here. I miss you and love you. Love, your son and brother, Andy”
I wish I could be there to hear Deb’s awesome music! I love it!
I guess that’s all for now. Everyone, remember to hug and love on Rhonda, your fearless leader! Isn’t she awesome!?
Love,
Wendy and the Webb clan
May 30, 2008
Jenny and Candace,
Glad to hear that the weather is better. We are doing good. Radnor lake, zoo, biking, and swimming. Can’t wait to see you guys. By the way, Jeff and Sara didn’t go through Sevastopol (my bad). Have a great day tomorrow. We are praying for you.
Ross and boys
May 30, 2008
Andrea,
Mom and I could not be prouder to know you are touching so many childrens lives from the heart and with faith glowing through your smile.
We miss you and pray for you and the others that your trip will be safe.
P.S. Gavin won his game tonight 20-0. …boring game.
We love you,
Mom and Dad
May 30, 2008
Britt,Katie,and Team,
I am so glad to hear that God is still moving. I am praying for you guys. Whoever it is that has the stomach stuff I’m praying for you guys to get healed. And troy… Come on man throwing out your back… whats with that!! Seriously we are building a house in Africa and (i don;t think you and Taylor know this yet)-> We are more than likely going to start the school as well. Having a non hurt back is kind of important…. haha. I’m praying for a miraculous healing for you. And safe flights for you and Taylor and that you don’t have any conflict or trouble catching up with us.
May 30, 2008
Toye,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers since you left on Saturday, but this is so wonderful to hear about what is happening each day. It sounds like such a wonderful day. I know you all made the birthday party really special. I just hope the pirates let you all go! Enjoy and be blessed, as you are blessing others.
Much love & prayers,
Martha
(Hannah sends her love too!)
May 30, 2008
Aargh! Is there a Steve the Pirate on board? Wow, what a day! Thanks for the update. I don’t know if ya’ll realize it, but while ya’ll ask for prayers and uplifting, that’s exactly what your are providing for those of so far away!
Thank you.
Troy, hang in there!
Dad/B
May 30, 2008
I’m so blessed to hear about such a joyful experience at the orphanage…it’s humbling to leave more richly blessed then the children you came to serve, isn’t it? Troy–please be careful! Take it easy with that back…you’re no spring chicken! haha just kidding—sorta! But really, I’m praying for a quick and full recovery–and supernatural relief for you in the meantime. Rhonda, Taylor, Austin, Chad, Katie, and Jill—as in Jill, Jill? from last year? are you this trip??! ahh!—yall are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. May God reveal new slivers of His heart to you in every child you meet and every divine encounter you have. Do the work of His hands, go where His feet would have gone, and speak His beautiful truth into these precious lives. I love yall!!
-elle
p.s. PLEASE make taylor read these next time…tay tay, i remember you so generously volunteering to read a few of them last time and it made my night!!
May 31, 2008
Andrea,
Gavin’s team won tonight and we play at 2:00 on Saturday and Carson plays at 10:00. Sunday and Monday we are going to hang out in Chattanooga and take in a Lookout’s game. The boys and I are so excited about you coming home and we can’t wait to see you. We know you are doing wonderful things over there and we will continue to lift you and the group up before the Lord in our prayers. Call me when you can. We love you! Make sure you bring us some of that chocolate you were talking about. For the boys of course.
May 31, 2008
Praying for all of you for good health and “healing” of the stomach ailments and for Troy’s back. Candace and Jenny, we have driven past your home several times recently and reminds us to lift you up to the Lord as you serve Him there in Ukraine.
Blessings to all. Betty & Bob
May 31, 2008
Praying for all of you for good health and “healing” of the stomach ailments and for Troy’s back. Candace and Jenny, we have driven past your home several times recently and reminds us to lift you up to the Lord as you serve Him there in Ukraine.
Blessings to all.
May 31, 2008
Hello Madge/Robertson Clan,
We loved reading the new blog. We are all counting down the days until you get home Jack gets back today and leaves again on Monday. We have had some major birthday celebrating going on here. Yesterday Jessica,luke,rachel,holton,michael,karen,gatlin,quinn,alec and I all met at nachos for my lunch hour and i have a newbackgroung on my phone –Luke wearing a sombrero bigger than he is – it is toooo funny. We also had a very energetic – even if really off key serenade from the staff at nachos – both in English and Spanish. Holton ate enough cheese dip that he may not go to the bathroom for a week. Luke opened a couple of presents and then Jessica took them to toys are us – well she said that they make a HUGE deal over you if you come to toys are us on your actual birthday – they gave him balloons and they announced him over the intercom and he was king for an afternoon. Then when I got home from work – Luke’s friend Sean came over ( holton had baseball) and Grayson came over and we went bowling and then we came home and had cake and played. WHEW -that was alot of birthday – Luke said it was fun. We have managed to lose my phone – but we will look for it in the day light. I think that they have a tapeworm – they eat and eat and do not gain an ounce .. I know that today will be a wonderful day for you all – keep spreading God’s love and joy. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers – we look forward to each of your blog entries. Georgia and Joe – I need some hugs and kisses – ILYSG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Mom/Susan
May 31, 2008
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Thank you for being Jesus’ hands and feet! I pray for healing for you all, and that you will be strengthened and encouraged as you share the love of Christ with each special child. God Bless!
Abigail Partlow
May 31, 2008
Hi Everyone!!
Thank you for the updates. I don’t know who is writing the blogs, but you are doing such an excellent job. Thank you for the details which paint us such a descriptive picture of your experiences.
Troy, I am so bummed to hear about your back. We will so pray for you and I will contact the HH Prayer Team to pray for your back specifically as well as we for continued health and protection for the rest of the team.
Sounds like it was an uplifting day. I would have loved to see Marty in his bikini top. Sorry I missed that!
Rhonda — how you holding up? I pray for you my friend.
Thank you for all that you are doing. I sure miss being there with you all. But again, please know that I think about you and pray for you all throughout the days constantly.
Please give my love to Yuri, Ira, Yuri 2 and Bogdan. And please hug Rhonda for me!
Deneen
May 31, 2008
Hello Linda, Kim and the team,
The boys and I continue to pray for your safety and health each day. We review the itinariry and pray over your days events each morning. We miss you terribly. It appears to be more difficult for the boys than when I travel because we don’t get a chance to talk with you over the phone. It’s really cool to read the summaries of your days on the trip blog. Thanks for taking the time to update us daily. It’s a highlight of our day to read the blogs.
We love and miss you,
Budde
May 31, 2008
Leslie, hope you don’t have the stomach crud. I pray for you to have an added measure of faith today. I pray for more ability to believe in God, His Word, His promises, His ways, and His power. I pray you will hear his voice clearly. Rely totally upon Him and acknowledge Him in everything. How great is Your goodness LORD. Reba
May 31, 2008
Hey Linds and Deb,
Just wanted to let you know still thinking about you and hearing about your adventures from mom today. Hope you are feeling well. Good luck on your journey.
Love you, Kerri
May 31, 2008
Oh, Wow! This is hard to write. I so want to be there! I am praying for you all! I have the boat picture as my screen saver as a reminder. It is weird, but Jack and I can even smell the dill and the rooms all the way over here. Don’t hold back the stories at night! Share what God is revealing and showing you. There is nothing like that experience. Love on those kids for me. I will continue to pray for safety, sunshine, and for hearts to be opened, comforted, and moved. You are all doing a mighty work by being Christ’s hands and feet. Keep it up! Love to you all, Mandy
May 31, 2008
What a wonderful experience once again!! It never ceases to amaze me how these children bless us so much without them even knowing it.
We love to read your blog- if I close my eyes, I can remember being on the ship like it was yesterday. Jill- did you get a cabin with the leapord print this year? I’m sure you put in a special request for it! LOL
We are praying for each of you. Troy- our hearts especially go out to you.
Love to all-
Nancy
May 31, 2008
Britt, Katie, and Team,
I am overjoyed when I think of the beautiful children you guys are loving in Ukraine. I can picture their innocent and candid faces smiling back as you demonstrate the love of Christ to them, and it is a blessed sight to behold. Praise the Lord! May God bless you servants abundantly as you walk faithfully in obedience to Him. You are in my prayers throughout each day.
See you guys soon. Standfast.
Kory A. Lewis
May 31, 2008
Just finished work on a stress filled American Real Estate Day and it is so great to hear the stories filled with love and fun and the work you all do for these kids! I feel very blessed to have my beautiful daughter, Lindsay and my sis, Deb associated with such a blessed trip where you all make such a great difference and touch lives! I am proud of them and proud of you all and will say prayers for your safe travels and experiences!
May 31, 2008
Hi, Toye,
I hope you are feeling alright and you haven’t had a queezy tummy. We’ve been praying for you each and every day that you will continue to be a blessing to all you encounter as you share God’s love. We love you and miss you and can’t wait to see you on Monday afternoon.
Love,
Momma and Grammy
May 31, 2008
Hey Casey
I miss you so much and want you to come back but I know that you are making a big difference! I have been praying for you and the team. I hope you are doing well. Every single time mom reads your e-mail Iend up reading it because she starts balling crying!!!!!!!! I love you so much and I will keep on praying. Be safe. Tell Mr. Troy to not hurt his back. Haha
Love,
Ally
Jun 01, 2008
Good morning to Chad and Katie on this early stormy Sunday morning in Charleston, TN. Prayers continue as we lift your (and your team’s) names to our Heavenly Father, asking for His will to be done on your mission trip.
Remain strong, faithful, and obedient to His calling as you “make much of Jesus”……and He will continue with His many blessings to you.
We’re petitioning God via our prayers several times each day with your names!
Love to all on your team!
Bobby & Rosie
Jun 01, 2008
To Chad, Katie and the rest of the team:
As I was having my devotions this morning, the Lord led me to these verses and I thought they might be a source of encouragement to all of you as you do His work.
“The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
Psalm 145: 17-18 (KJV)
Jun 01, 2008
Hi Joe and Georgia. What’s new on your trip? How’s Mr. Troy’s back?
We’re all thinking and praying for you and the team. Keep up the great work.
We had a wedding out here yesterday. It got to 101 degrees, ugh. Today, we have our 1st Sunday concert starting at 2pm.
Wish I were there to see you all in action.
Big hug and kiss
Dad
Jun 01, 2008
Hi! I hope everyone is having a great time. I’m Deb’s daughter. I’m Lindsay’s cousin too. I wanted to say I miss both Lindsay and Deb SOOOOOOOO much. I wish you all the best of luck coming home. I really hope the airplane doesn’t crash. I got my dance recitle pictures yesterday and they went great! Thank you mommy for buying me something at the market. We have a surprise when you guys come home. You’ll love it! We bought mom a present from Ireland and I made Lindsay something! Ya’ll are doing a great job at the orphanages! Actually I haven’t seen you but I know everyone is ding a great job! You all have great talents.
– Maggie
Jun 01, 2008
Rhonda and the entire gang -
Rhonda, I’m sorry we missed seeing you while our paths crossed in Kiev. I’m glad to read that things are off to a good start. Of course, I had no doubt that things would be. Our God is so faithful, and He has prepared you to lead strongly. I miss being a part of the trip this year, so please enjoy it and love on the kids for me too. Justin, our two new girls, and I arrived home safely late Thursday night. We’re getting settled in. I can’t help but think that maybe a few years from now I’ll be able to share a HopeHouse mission trip with them. You all are in our prayers. I look forward to hearing all of what God is up to through this trip.
Blessings,
Wendi