Back in Kherson

After 2 weeks in Russia, we arrived at home base tonight. It is so good to be back, especially after a total of 40 hours on the train. We had a layover in Moscow and spent the day sightseeing. The last leg of the trip was long (25 hours) and hot. The A/C worked until someone broke a window. Then it was really hot as it was 90 F outside and very little air movement in our cabin. Everybody stood in the hallway crowding around open windows. The important part is we made it and it's over.

We will write about our trip later.

Observing the Solar Eclipse

On Friday we joined many millions across the world to observe a solar eclipse. In our area it took place between 1 pm and 2:30 pm. We were able to watch the total eclipse via Internet, and it was beautiful. Ukraine only got a partial eclipse, but it was worth it. We poked a whole in a box, taped some aluminum foil on top of the hole, poked a needle hole through the foil, taped a white sheet of paper on the opposite wall inside the box -- and voila! Our homemade eclipse observing kit.
This is what we saw on the sheet -- a small circle with one small part covered by darkness.
The kids enjoyed marvelling at God's creation and the wonder at how He holds all things together.

Pictures from the Two Last Days of VBS

Water balloon toss
Friends
Water Balloon Catch
Game Time
Three-legged Race

VBS is officially over. We had a great turnout, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed their time. Jamie had to lead the game time and he chose some American games. The kids had a blast even though they did not quite understand them all. I was able to roam and talk with different parents and grandparents who were hanging around waiting. By the end of the VBS most parents warmed up and just watched their children have a good time. All of them were very appreciative that such a group would love their children and give them a good time. A couple of conversations went deeper than small talk. I got to share with a mother about our church and some of our beliefs. I hope to see her on Sunday. As a follow-up to the VBS our church is launching a "Kids' Hour" club that will be held once a week on Wednesday nights until we restart our Sunday school in September. There will be a seminar for parents at the end of September, and we put that information in the letter to the parents. Please join us in prayer that some of the children and their parents will come to our church, that we might demonstrate the love of Christ to them and welcome them into our church family.