We Are Not Alone

Not only are we blessed to know that God is with us every step of this journey, but we are also very fortunate to have friends who have either been, currently are, or soon will be right where we are. We met up with about 30 American friends one night recently at TGIF (a popular hang-out in downtown Kiev for American visitors) for dinner. In attendance were us and the West families, along with two groups of friends from Birmingham doing mission work with youth and orphanages in various places throughout Ukraine the last week or so. We sat with a fine Kiev man Oleg, who does Christian youth camps and outreaches, and his wife and three children. About half of the group were kids, who had a great time being the loud teenage American kids that they are. It was great to hear some of the stories about how God is moving among kids and youth in Ukraine through their outreaches.

Those who have gone before us have served to pave the way and their experience and advice have been invaluable to us. There is something very reassuring in knowing that others have been down this road and made it through. Those who are here with us now have been a source of empathy and encouragement when we have needed them most. And we rejoice with those who will soon join us here. We would ask that all of our friends and family who are following our journey join us in praying for the following friends who will soon be in Ukraine to adopt:

Currently Here: West Family

Due in November: Hartsock Family, Underwood Family, Kemp Family, *Grace Family

Due in January: Smith Family

Hopefully Soon: Davie Family, Gaver Family, Gully Family, Thomas Family, Hall Family, *Williams Family

*The Grace and Williams families were included in our original list but somehow got lost in the midst of all our cutting-and-pasting!! Sorry guys!!