Therefore, on September 13, 2008, we flew to Kiev, Ukraine, to renew visas in order to return to Russia. Matter of fact, we were not sure how long we were going to be there, because we had some difficulties with our paperwork. Buck left for a few days to check on our documents in another city.
On September 26, 2008, we headed down the road to Odessa, Ukraine, which is located near the Black Sea.
We all needed to travel and be present at the consulate where we would hand over our letters of invitation. We had hoped to meet our paperwork there; unfortunately, on the way we received an SMS that we would have to wait a few more days. While riding in the marshrouteka (van taxi) that we caught in Kiev, I glanced out the window in silence.
Wow! Wait some more! Okay! It is about time I realized that God works in ways that seem to us as possibly out of the ordinary. When in actuality He maneuvers all things according to His glory. It is really irrelevant whether or not I return; it is relevant that I “go” today with Him and be obedient.
Having left Russia a few weeks ago, I packed items for the trip as if we may never go back. I even packed certain items in trunks that we would need to receive if we got stuck out of country. Up until this point, we have waited for three months for these papers. These motives were wise given our situation but a minor issue in comparison to God’s big picture.
So, it was time to practice what I preached. I begin my day in Odessa enjoying what God provided and living for the day. I was no longer the poor, nomad missionary with no paperwork. Having learned in Finland years ago about no where to go, I made a conscience decision to delight in every day no matter where I was. I was smiling even as I walked the streets, and a Ukrainian, elderly lady approached me grinning and asked: “Young girl, apparently I know you, don’t I?”
I responded, “No, I was just smiling because Jesus loves me.” I soon realized by the look on her face that I needed to say that GOD loves you. I did. She accepted what I said, looked at me rather interestingly and then walked away. A transformation had taken place inside of me. I understood that the inner-change was all for my benefit. When transformation takes place within an individual, people begin to see evidence of it outwardly. It is not really about what I do for the Lord or with whom I have the opportunity to witness; it is about obedience.
Our family had a wonderful time together in Odessa. We also enjoyed seeing another missionary family, continuing with homeschool, attending an opera, watching a dolphin show, walking along the beach and worshipping with local believers. Buck even spoke at a brother’s prayer meeting. It was a celebration time of harvest with the local churches during this month. We felt blessed to be a part of their service and praise God for the gathering of crops. The pulpit area of the church was decorated with fruits, vegetables and fresh bread.
Luke was so amazed at the plenty before his eyes. He wanted his picture made in front of all the fruits and vegetables.
Even as we walked to the beach, we noticed the clusters of grapes growing along people’s driveways.
There are more homes in Odessa than apartment buildings. We purchased some fresh honey from a bee farm where the insects gathered the pollen from sunflower plants. We are truly blessed! Any situation can be turned into a good one.
-Journal: The Chosen Path, 2008, L.Burch
Please return soon for more posts. I still am pulling my thoughts together about the lesson I learned about not fretting. On the flip side I know that God wants us to bring our requests and troubles to Him. It is truly a lesson on balance.
By the way, on October 9, we returned to Moscow by train. We received our visas. Thanks for your prayers. Join me again soon for more of the story, especially the train ride back…
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