Hello??? Can ya hear us now? Our signal is back…finally! It’s hard to imagine our trip is coming to a close. The last few days have been very busy but so rewarding. We’ve been blessed to see the face of Jesus in every orphan child.

Friday we visted 2 orphanages in Sevastopol. Our experiences at both were incredible. The first was mostly teens that were very receptive to our message. We added another rockstar to our tour, Austin Madge. Him and the backup singers: Alicia, Taylor, Katy,Casey, Deb, and Olivia sang “Can’t Bring A Good Man Down”. The kids loved it and so did we.

Our second was a special needs orphanage that afternoon. Our beloved Rick stepped up to the plate to play Lucifer (aka Troy)…we all knew he had a little devil in him. Kudos to Rick!

As the face painting team (Kim A., Linda, Olivia, Brittany, Bailey, Katy, Toye, Leslie, Taylor, Kim J., and Georgia) left their mark on those angelic faces, one chose to leave a little more. A girl whose feet were bleeding because her shoes were to small brought out the compassion of that team. Candace felt led to give her the shoes on her feet…but they were too small. Georgia tried as well…too big. Linda’s were a perfect fit!

Dinner that night was extremely special. We shared the night with 5 HopeHouse Families and were entertained by through singing, poems, and a lot of love. It’s beautful to see the hand of God work within these families.

Saturday was another busy day! We traveled 2 hours to Simferopol to visit a large orphanage. Many of the returning team members were very happy to see some children they had connected with in the past. Several of the children were graduating that day and wore special red sashes. We felt very blessed to share that day with them. The second orphanage was the one that the building teams ususally visit in Sevastopol. It was awesome to hang out with familiar faces.

Seriousness has not been part of this group too much this week, however a miraculous thing occured last night.As you know, Troy had hurt his back earlier this week and had been laid up in his cabin for the past few days. After our worship Chad, Marty, and Gene went to his cabin and prayed over him. He got up immediatley after and felt healed. He walked around the ship to find Rhonda and the rest of us so we’re could all see the miracle God performed. God is amazing.

Deneen, just wanted you to know, after 15 plus years of never being rained out today we were in hail. Our last orphanage of our mission was full of hail and rain, but it was still a special time for all. We had to cut out all our music and skits, but we were still able to share God’s love and found out that many teachers and children there were Christians… an added bonus to say the least!

There are so many individual stories to share and we will all be talking your ears off as soon as we return…

Please continue to pray for us as we start our 7 hour bus ride back to Kiev tomorrow morning.

We miss you all,
33 Amigos, Yuri, Ira, and Yuri no. 2

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

Well besides roomates locking each other “Inside” their rooms (we won’t mention any names cough Rhonda and Gene) we awoke to a bright sun shinny day…our first. We heard through the grapevine that in 17 years no mission cruise has ever been rained on…well I guess we were the first and until today had missed “walkin in sunshine”!!! Guessing that we know those beanie hats and socks came in handy with the recent cold (40 degrees). We all decided that next year we are including sunglasses, baseball hats and sunscreen to ensure warmer days ahead!

Today we docked in Zaporozia and traveled to an orthopedic orphanage…home to about 80 kids all with bone or joint problems. They were between the ages of 4 and 15 and came from other orphanages for treatment of broken bones, scoliosis, or rheumatoid arthritist. It was incredibly wonderful to see these beautiful faces waiting to be loved…but even more painful to know the love they are not gettiing. This encouraged our hearts even more so…and in ways we could express His love…and a little of our own.

We gave the orphanage games, balls and sports equipment which gave us the opportunity to have a little fun. I think ALL the boys were blown away watching Andrea (head of our rec team) spin that basketball on her finger…guessing they thought a girl could not do it! Candace and Jenny played parachute games with giggling preschoolers…you should have seen those faces under the cloud of that chute! Forgotten Boyfriend Austin (sorry we forgot to mention he was the boyfriend in the skit yesterday), Rick, Chad, Troy, Chris, Alicia and Gene kept the boys entertained with soccer, karate, football and a variety of other sports. The kids loved it…and after all the desserts we’ve been eating the exercise is coming in handy!

Dan Dan Our Karate man spoke to the kids and demonstrated a few Karate moves. While doing this he told them how we are all weak without Christ. It was a testament of faith to kids who are physically week and want to be strong.

While all that was going on a few team members were asked to step inside the orphanage to speak to the 12 kids that were bed ridden or unable to go outside. They gave them a few gifts, sang, as well as performed the skit about Lost sheep. Joe, our shepherd, does a BAA..ry good job searching for his herd among the kids (they think it is funny they know where it is and he doesn’t) while Jill read the story. Amazingly a young boy inside started talking the moment they came in. As Ira interpreted we came to realize he remembered the team from last year and kept saying Sheila…who was unable to be with us this year. Proof once again how these short visit impact these kids in ways we will never know.

Last but not least we surpised Birthday Girl Kim Allen with an authentic Ukrainian celebration complete with birthday cake and accordian players. What an experience for us all to share…now if we could only get her to share her gift of chocolate candy…we all need to eat around here.

Please keep us in your prayers as we follow His path. Love to all and keep the comments coming they are so encouraging to the entire team!!!

—-33 Amigos, Yuri, Ira and Yuri No. 2

Well besides roomates locking each other “Inside” their rooms (we won’t mention any names cough Rhonda and Gene) we awoke to a bright sun shinny day…our first. We heard through the grapevine that in 17 years no mission cruise has ever been rained on…well I guess we were the first and until today had missed “walkin in sunshine”!!! Guessing that we know those beanie hats and socks came in handy with the recent cold (40 degrees). We all decided that next year we are including sunglasses, baseball hats and sunscreen to ensure warmer days ahead!

Today we docked in Zaporozia and traveled to an orthopedic orphanage…home to about 80 kids all with bone or joint problems. They were between the ages of 4 and 15 and came from other orphanages for treatment of broken bones, scoliosis, or rheumatoid arthritist. It was incredibly wonderful to see these beautiful faces waiting to be loved…but even more painful to know the love they are not gettiing. This encouraged our hearts even more so…and in ways we could express His love…and a little of our own.

We gave the orphanage games, balls and sports equipment which gave us the opportunity to have a little fun. I think ALL the boys were blown away watching Andrea (head of our rec team) spin that basketball on her finger…guessing they thought a girl could not do it! Candace and Jenny played parachute games with giggling preschoolers…you should have seen those faces under the cloud of that chute! Forgotten Boyfriend Austin (sorry we forgot to mention he was the boyfriend in the skit yesterday), Rick, Chad, Troy, Chris, Alicia and Gene kept the boys entertained with soccer, karate, football and a variety of other sports. The kids loved it…and after all the desserts we’ve been eating the exercise is coming in handy!

Dan Dan Our Karate man spoke to the kids and demonstrated a few Karate moves. While doing this he told them how we are all weak without Christ. It was a testament of faith to kids who are physically week and want to be strong.

While all that was going on a few team members were asked to step inside the orphanage to speak to the 12 kids that were bed ridden or unable to go outside. They gave them a few gifts, sang, as well as performed the skit about Lost sheep. Joe, our shepherd, does a BAA..ry good job searching for his herd among the kids (they think it is funny they know where it is and he doesn’t) as Jill tells the story. Amazingly one of the boys inside started talking as soon as he saw the team. As Ira interperted his words the team realized that he remembered the team from last year and kept saying Sheila..who was not able to be here with us this year. Proof once more that these visits do impact their lives in powerful ways!.

The attachment these younger kids made with us in such a small window of their lives (ours too) was the shining light we needed to remind us that God’s grace is always evident…even in the storms and despair.

Last but not least…we surprised Birthday Girl Kim Allen with a special surprise at dinner…Cake and accordian singers!!! What an experience for all of us to share…now if we can only talk her into sharing her gift box of chocolate candy with the team!!!

Please continue to lift us up as we continue on His path. —-33 Amigos, Ira, Uri and Uri 2.

Ahoy everyone! First we owe a huge apology for not ‘blogging’ before now…it is totally the password kings fault…Troy. We have arrived safely overcame a few hiccups going through customs, but have been blessed beyond measure.

Yesterday (Monday) was amazing and so moving. We were able to visit two orphange hospitals in Kiev. What a time we had with the kids playing around (Uri was having a blast…until he came away with a headache…after being hit with a wiffle ball!). Deb, Casey abd Lindsey kept the kids rocking doing the Chicken Dance. The skit team (Marty…played God, Troy…played Lucifer, Candace, Taylor, Georgia, Brittney, and the whip cracking director Jill) performed the “Everything” skit which brought tears to some of the kids and administrators. One boy even pulled up his sleeve to show marks where he had attempted suicide. Needless to say we came away receiving more than we gave. (look it up on Godtube.com to see Lifehouse perform it)

We have been spoiled with a bit of R&R today as we head down the river. Having to make ourselves enjoy five course lunches, delicious icecream, and a fabulous view. We just met the captain of the ship and are now anxiously waiting for dinner!

Please keep each of us in your prayers and the young lives we will meet along the way…33 Amigos Yuri, Ira & young Yuri

Today, we’re celebrating Victory Day - like all good Ukrainians do on May 9th.  We’re going to Yalta before we fly to Kiev this evening.  Tomorrow morning, we fly back to NYC then Nashville.

We “pulled a double” yesterday and really are happy about the work that was completed this week.  It’s easy to see God at work on the jobsite, considering the tasks that needed to be finished and the conditions (and tools) we had to work with.

It’s also easy to see God at work in the relationships that are being developed.  That has been even more inspiring than the blue roof and the cement floors we finished yesterday.  Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to mind over and over and over.

Last night at dinner, Yuri told us a little about how Hope House has arrived to where it is today.  It is clear that he has not been making all the decisions on his own.  God has been directing the path of Hope House, and we’re just along for the ride by being open to His call.  Again, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to mind over and over and over.

Several times on this trip, we’ve discussed what we think would be helpful to further Hope House.  It has been a very interesting conversation.  Still, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to mind over and over and over.

I’m sure we all will have a lot to think about on our flight home tomorrow.  Most of which will have nothing to do with the beautiful scenery we have been surrounded by or that we take in today.

Pray for safe travel.  Spaseeba. - The Four Tops

Hello all,

Wednesday evening here and we’re back at Yuri’s.  We had a great start to the day this a.m.  Before we left for Max’s house a truck pulled up and we proceeded to unload sixty 50 kilo (110 lb.) bags of cement.  When we got to Max’s house here comes the same driver with sixty more to unload.  !3,200 pounds of concrete…Good Morning!  Now we’re ready for work.

We had another great day of work and fellowship.  Our little group moves right along from task to task encouraging, laughing and joking with one another…the banter is constant and lively.  Today we finised the drywall work and most of the plastering.  We got one bedroom floor poured and intend to finish the kitchen, bath and other bedroom tomorrow.  No lost time accidents today!  We will put up a sign in the morning proclaiming “1 Day On the Job With Zero Injuries”!

Once again I am blessed…What an awesome opportunity it is to serve.  Isn’t it cool that the God of the universe allows us to serve Him, His people and His Kingdom.  He doesn’t need us and we’re certainly not worthy but He uses us anyway. 

Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers…we love you and will see you soon.

Ty

The gash in my head is healing nicely.  Ten minutes into day one, I ducked a piece of falling angle iron that put a nice dent in my forehead.  The “bloody American” was my name for the day.

Several of us have nicknames.  Sergei is “John Belushi” thanks to looking like the Samuri warrior character from Saturday Night Live.  Maksim is “Gonsheek” (race car driver) because he drives very fast.

There are a few things that have struck me.  One is Maksim’s optimism and appreciation for having life.  His reply to me about having a big family is that God has given him life and that is reason enough to help others and that is why he is adopting two more children (he and Sveta have two already).  When he prayed at dinner the other night, his first sentence was simply “thank You for life”.

Maksim’s approach is so different than the other eastern European immigrants I know that live in America.  He is not jaded.  He is not pessimistic.  He is not pre-occupied with “getting ahead” as the world would interpret.

Maksim has been very refreshing for my own perspective and my own faith.  Well worth the knot in my head and the scar to remind me that simple faith is all that’s needed.

Poka. - Anthony

We just arrived back at Yuri’s place from our second day of work on Maks’ house.   The house was not as far along as we had originally thought.   We are putting up inside walls (masonry) as well as dry walls and plaster.   For the construction neophyte it has been on the job training.   I might actually know what we are doing by the end of the week.   We ended our day today with a tour of the mission house in Eagle Village and the beginnings of two house condos in the same town.   We are all prayerful that we are making an eternal differnce in the lives of Maks and his family as well as all of those we meet throughout our day.  The Bible says that we are to be salt and light as well carry the Gospel of peace on our feet.   Presently, the four of us are being salt and light in Eastern Europe.   We are continuing to covet your prayers.   More later.

The Four Tops

 We arrived in Sevastopil yesterday after a 17 hours on the train.  We have met Maks and his family and seen the house we are to work on today.   We’ve met our interpreter, Ira, and her family.   Her husband, Edward, is a local pastor.   We will head out for Maks’ house about 8:30 today.   All four of us are looking forward to begin our work.   I am amazed at how quickly our team has bonded.   I pray that our days are not just about the labor, but mostly about being the eyes, hands, and feet of Jesus.  We are coveting your prayers as we are keeping ourselves before His Glorious Throne.  

Shalom,

Lee 

I think I speak for the entire group when I say that my heart is filled with great joy at being a part of making a HOME, not a house, for Max, his family and the children at the Hope House.  Being able to make this trip has truly been a gift from God.  Rex and Chad B rocked the house again (pun intended) by finishing the frames and hanging all of the dry wall for the ceilings.  Chad W and Brain (with a little help from Rex and Chad B) were able to almost finish all of the dry wall for all of the rooms.  The three walls started on Monday were completed by Mark, David and Lisa.  By the way, yes means no in Ukrainian - to Sergi “The wall looks good?” Sergi to the group - shakes his head yes. “It’s o.k.?” Sergi to the group, “No.”  Comic relief right?  Highlights for the day were David accepting the offer of a haircut by one of the Ukrainian volunteers, affectionately known as Little Sergi. Will be sure to post before/after pictures soon.  Looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself.  A long way to go for a $5 cut!  We were able to make a quick trip to Eagle Village to see the future site of the two three-story condominimum’s and the Hope House headquarters.  After lamb stew, meat, and apple pies, Uri cracked the whip and sent us back to work.  And it appears that after four days of hanging out at Ira’s house, her dog has finally gotten used to Mark and Brian’s smell.  We did not have a single shoe missing after dinner this evening.  Thanks again to everyone for the quick comments to our blog.  It is nice to know that you are all keeping up with our progress (antics?).  It has been a wonderful trip with lots accomplished and we are looking forward to seeing all on Sunday.  Continue to keep us in your prayers for the 12 hour bus ride home, and the long flight overseas. 

No Kink’s Masters

Another day of tremendous progress on the house for Max and his family!  If Chad W and Brian can keep up with Sergei and Max’s standards, they may finish the dry wall tomorrow.  Rex and Chad B are rockin’ to get the ceilings framed and the drywall in place.  Lisa, David and Mark finished one complete wall today and hope to finish the other two before they leave.  Ira, as usual, has been such a gracious hostess.  The family dog however, has issues with some in our group.  Chad B and Mark had to be rescued by Lisa as the dog had the front door guarded (with teeth beared and growling) and wouldn’t let them in for lunch!  She LOVED Brian’s shoes so much that during the meal, she decided to keep one for herself - she nearly had it buried in the back yard before he realized it was missing.  Hench the quote of the day - “Dude, the dog tried to bury my shoe!”  As always, thanks for the prayers and your comments.  We all look forward to seeing them when they are posted.  

By:  No Kink’s Masters

We made good progrerss on the house today. The interior walls should reach the ceiling tommorrow, much of the sheetrock on the walls and ceiling has been hung and the electric wiring is almost complete. However, the highlight of the day was visiting the children at the orphanage. What a wonderful experience it was to spend time with the reason that we are here. While at the orphanage we found ourselves in a fierce soccer game. The final official score was USA 6
Ukraine youth 28. Mr. Masters was the MVP while Mrs. Masters cheered for us through our defeat. Brian was hit hard with the ball and I am sure he will be sore tommorrow and hoping for a hot bath (with Bubbles). We were so blessed with the time that we spent with the kids. I look forward to tommorow for more great weather, increadible food, and one day closer for Max and his family to move into their new home. Please continue to pray for us throughout the week and and as we return home.
Chad

Wow…how wonderful to see all of the progress that was made today.  Walls getting completed, ceilings were started and no one lost any appendages!  We were able to communicate with hand signals - english is not an easy language to interpret. Chad B and Rex were serious worker bee’s knocking out the frame work for most of the ceilings.  Mark, Lisa, David, Chad W and Brian had some trying times getting all of the walls straight but I think the end, Max and family will be able to hang pictures without worrying about the wall falling over.  Progess was also made on getting dry wall on two walls, on some of the ceilings and as our crew departed, Max and Surgi were going to install some of the electrical wiring.  Many many thanks to our hostess for lunch and dinner - Ieria (not how it’s spelled I’m sure) and her family.  Gracious and patient are the words that come to mind when I think of her hosting our crew.  Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers and keeping up with our progress.  Tomorrow should bring another day of commradory and achievements.  We will keep you posted!

Posted by: No Kinks Masters’

It’s now 11 o’clock on monday night (3pm there). All is great after 36 hours of invigorating travel. Today was our time to rest and prepare for the start of our workweek tomorrow. Lots of pingpong and “sentimental walks on the beach” keeps the ankles fresh.
Rex is keeping us on our (see beach reference above, he was last out of the bed). Chad “Sensei” Bawcum has made us all afraid of any card games. We’ll be cleaning up the mess left by Troy’s last visit and building interior walls in Mixin’s house. The weather is great and looks like we’ll only have rain on Monday (gotta keep Mark from melting; he’s so sweet). To everyone back home, we all thank you for your prayers (double up on Chad Williams). This is looking like it will be a great group to work with once we work out the Masters (kinks).

Master Jedi Hughes