Another...

beautiful day here in Khelm. God contiunes to shower me with His blessings. This is truely an awesome experience. Though I miss being home with family and friends, God is reminding me minute by minute why I'm here (to build a bond as their father and continue to introduce them to the Father). The honest truth is that when we return, our time together will be very different. I'll be back to working 50 hour weeks, trying to be a husband to my beautiful bride, a caring father to six children, and will probably never again be able to spend the kind of time with Maks, Alona, and Natasha as I can now. I am doing my best to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Thinking about it now, I wish I would have taken more time like this with Keely, Max and Isabelle. You know what, I will have plenty of days to do that starting soon! These past few days have been filled with peace and joy. Last Thursday, my Dad quoted the following scripture - Romans 15:13 says “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy”. Boy is He ever!

Quick update - up at 8am, showered, started a load of laundry, and walked to the grocery store to pick up some Coke Light, trash bags and a few candy treats for the children. Listened to my i-pod on the way there and back. Jenny had loaded some great worship music so I was able to worship in song and praise to some great tunes. Got back, read some Scripture and spent time in prayer. You could say I had my own Sunday morning worhip service (minus the sermon). Around 11am, went to see the kids. As usual, the kids were outside and it didn't take long for all 3 to be running up offering hugs and kisses! Everyday, the visits are differnt. Today, they didn't seem so anxious to play with the gameboy or i-phone. We walked around a lot taking turns holding each others hands. Alona especially wanted to be close to me. After about an hour, it was time for lunch so we went inside. The first few days visiting, Jenny and I would sit on a couch in a room outside the room where meals are served. For the past few days, I've been going in with the group and eating ny snack bar while they eat their lunch. The caregivers have been gracious to offer me lunch, but so far I've said "no thank you" and enjoyed my snack. After lunch, we returned outside to play. Maks and a friend Bogdan played Gameboy, Natasha spent spent of the afternoon riding Maks' bike which is way too big, and Alona and I stayed close to each other talking, laughing and hugging. At around 1:30pm she went and got a blanket, spread it under a shade tree and invited me to join her. Within a few minutes Natasha joined us and Maks even came over when it was Bogdan's turn on the gameboy. It was a great afternoon playing and tickling the kids. I can't wait to get home and spend time playing and tickling on a blanket big enough for all 8 of us. At around 3pm, my ride came and took me back to my flat. I folded laundry, checked the blog, email, and Jenny's facebook, sent a couple of texts, and proceeded to go outside with the plans of taking a walk and then finding a shady spot to read until dinner; which is exactly what I did. Dinner at the Greek restaurant was good. I changed things up a bit tonight and went with the Greek saled instead of the Cesear. It was delicious. I was so impressed I even ate two olives which I rarely do anywhere. I also had grilled chicken on a stick with flat bread and about 6 french fries. Returned to the flat around 6pm, typed this post, and waited patiently for my family to call so I could hear all about their day!

Ephesians 1:3
[Spiritual Blessings in Christ] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

David

Alona winning a bubble gum blowing contest.
Natasha stopping long enough to pose!
Maks at lunch
Maks, Alona and Natasha