Crazy Ira is on my list of great friends I have come to love so much. Two of us were very honored to be able to stay with her in 1998. She blessed my life then, and continues to bless it today!
Several years ago, Ira and her husband got an opportunity to move to Germany. She is Jewish by birth and Germany has many lucritive opportunities for the Jewish communtiy to live there. She really likes her living situation but misses Ukraine, too. She has the opportunity to Skype with Jane on a regular basis, and that is where I got to talk to her once again.
I have to tell you in 1998 her English wasn't too bad! She carried an English/Russian dictionary with her or used the very large, very old dictionary that she kept at her flat. It was not easy to talk to her, but we could communicate enough to carry on a half way decent conversation.
In her flat in Dneper, she always had a million questions about pronunciation and definitions of words. She was eager to learn English, and she wanted to speak it. One of the things that she would do is lapse into Russian in the middle of her sentence...sometimes in the middle of a WORD! It made for a hilarious afternoon sans interpreters!
It just so happened that on Thursday she Skyped Jane while I was at home in the flat. She was delighed to talk to me, and couldn't get over the fact that I was there, and how much she wanted to see me.
It didn't take me long to realize that her English had gone down hill fast! I could only understand about 1 out of 10 words she was saying. And that includes the basic words I remember from high school German!
She was Skyping (we had her on video), and she was trying to ask me questions about my stay. Jane and I were sitting at the computer trying our best to make heads or tails of what she was saying.
You have to get this visual...Jane is shouting at the computer screen...Ira is wringing her hands and running her fingers thru her hair in frustration...Jane is trying to interpret what she is saying and she keeps switching between German and Russian with a stray word or two of English thrown in!
"Ira, you are speaking in German again!" says Jane.
"Wieghets (I think this means 'why')...
"Again with the German...you must speak Russian or English..."
"I am...(then on to a short conversation in Russo-Germ-ish)"
Jane shouting in Russian...Ira answering in pseudo German...me laughing and asking "what did she say...what did she say...?"
I don't think we got more than a couple of sentences out, but it brought back those delightful days with Ira, Karye and myself sharing sweet times on Karl Marx Ave!
Karye...this one's for you!
till later,
Jackie
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Rosie the Riveter, Ukrainian style...
I told you a little bit about Nadezhda in an earlier post, but I wanted to add some things I found out about her while we were having tea together.
In her flat I saw several large, framed, cross stitch pictures. I asked about them because they were so intricate and delicate. Beautiful lilacs, roses, and other designs were on pictures, table runners, and pillows.
I was so impressed that Nadezhda had done them all. I couldn't cross stitch my way out of a paper bag with the instructions in "Cross stitch for Dummies" style and the picture pre-printed on easy to stitch cloth!
Rita began to tell me the stories behind the pictures. It was unbelievable to me the lenghts she went to in order to create something of such beauty. The picture of the lilac's really caught my eye. The colors were gorgeous, and the stitches so even and perfect. It looked like it had come from a very expensive pre-made kit. It picqued my interest, so I asked about it specifically.
Nadezhda apologized for the look of the material that the picture was stitched on. She told me she couldn't wash it because it might fall apart. I was thinking, "well, it looks very old. so that is probably why it would fall apart." When Rita explained to me WHY it would fall apart, I was even more amazed at the beauty of the piece.
The picture was done during WW II, and there were shortages of everything, including thread. Nadezhda had collected small pieces of colored thread off of worn out clothes, towels, sheets...anything that she could put her hands on. Because she could not purchase matching thread at a store, she had to collect what thread she could and match it herself. And because she was using whatever thread she could get ahold of, some of the pieces were long and some were very short. That would make it very difficult to clean because of the differing lenghts of thread. I studied that picture and could not believe something that beautiful came from bits and pieces of throw away materials. What patience it must have taken!
That was not the only surprise I got during that visit. This little 5 foot package of womanhood had more to her than fabulous cross stitching abilities! She was the Ukrainian version of "Rosie the Riveter". Sort of...
She didn't actually rivet planes and such together...but what she did amazed me in so many ways!
Our little Nadezhda, sweet little thing with a HUGE heart, the one who looked like she wouldn't hurt a fly...was a truck driver during the war. Not only was she a truck driver, but she was a munitions truck driver! She drove those big trucks from the munitions factory to the front line areas where they would disperse them to troops.
Nadezhda...drove a munitions truck? Rita called it a "Studebaker" truck. I'm still shaking my head over the fact that she drove several hours with a truck load of ammunition in the back! What courage and determination that tiny little lady has!
I'm just so blessed to know her, and I am VERY glad that I am on HER side and not going to have to "go to fist city" over ANYTHING!!
till later,
Jackie
In her flat I saw several large, framed, cross stitch pictures. I asked about them because they were so intricate and delicate. Beautiful lilacs, roses, and other designs were on pictures, table runners, and pillows.
I was so impressed that Nadezhda had done them all. I couldn't cross stitch my way out of a paper bag with the instructions in "Cross stitch for Dummies" style and the picture pre-printed on easy to stitch cloth!
Rita began to tell me the stories behind the pictures. It was unbelievable to me the lenghts she went to in order to create something of such beauty. The picture of the lilac's really caught my eye. The colors were gorgeous, and the stitches so even and perfect. It looked like it had come from a very expensive pre-made kit. It picqued my interest, so I asked about it specifically.
Nadezhda apologized for the look of the material that the picture was stitched on. She told me she couldn't wash it because it might fall apart. I was thinking, "well, it looks very old. so that is probably why it would fall apart." When Rita explained to me WHY it would fall apart, I was even more amazed at the beauty of the piece.
The picture was done during WW II, and there were shortages of everything, including thread. Nadezhda had collected small pieces of colored thread off of worn out clothes, towels, sheets...anything that she could put her hands on. Because she could not purchase matching thread at a store, she had to collect what thread she could and match it herself. And because she was using whatever thread she could get ahold of, some of the pieces were long and some were very short. That would make it very difficult to clean because of the differing lenghts of thread. I studied that picture and could not believe something that beautiful came from bits and pieces of throw away materials. What patience it must have taken!
That was not the only surprise I got during that visit. This little 5 foot package of womanhood had more to her than fabulous cross stitching abilities! She was the Ukrainian version of "Rosie the Riveter". Sort of...
She didn't actually rivet planes and such together...but what she did amazed me in so many ways!
Our little Nadezhda, sweet little thing with a HUGE heart, the one who looked like she wouldn't hurt a fly...was a truck driver during the war. Not only was she a truck driver, but she was a munitions truck driver! She drove those big trucks from the munitions factory to the front line areas where they would disperse them to troops.
Nadezhda...drove a munitions truck? Rita called it a "Studebaker" truck. I'm still shaking my head over the fact that she drove several hours with a truck load of ammunition in the back! What courage and determination that tiny little lady has!
I'm just so blessed to know her, and I am VERY glad that I am on HER side and not going to have to "go to fist city" over ANYTHING!!
till later,
Jackie
Tea Time with Nadezhda
Two of my very favorite ladies here are Raisa, and Nadezhda. I spoke of Raisa before, so today,(Thursday the 23rd on my calendar)I will tell you about one of the funniest and sweetest ladies in the church, Nadezhda.
I had the privilege of having tea with her and her daughter, Jane. We arranged the tea thru Raisa who is a dear friend to her. When we arrived at her flat, Raisa was already there and Jane greeted us as if we were long, lost friends. Jane lives with her mother in a small flat near down town Dneper. She does not go to church with her Mother so I was not familiar with her at all.
The tea was set up on a small round table. I felt like the Queen of England with all the plates and cups and saucers...you know...regular 4:00 tea time set up! Jane greeted us warmly at the door, and made us feel right at home immediately. She was so thrilled to meet the lady from the USA who she heard about non-stop!
Nadezhda was reclining on her small sofa-like bed in the corner of the living area. The beds here are much like the fold out couches I remember from my Grannies trailor when I was a child. She was wearing a beautiful bed jacket that complimented her sweet face.
Some memories I have of her are her quick laughter that is so contagious. She is so willing to laugh at silly situations that others might take the opportunity to be "offended" at. She is more than willing to participate in childrens games that include relay races, baloon popping games, and funny hat competitions.
In fact, I have such fond memories of a picnic that took place several years ago on an island in the middle of the Dneper River. We all were taken on "a three hour tour, a three hour tour" (couldn't help myself, Sharon!) down the river in an open tour boat. The weather was hot, but not too muggy. Old Helen, (vs. 'young Helen' her grandaughter) was already on the island cooking over an open fire for the whole group. They planned some games (see above: silly types of games) and a Funniest Hat contest. She was SO creative in her efforts!
The look on her face when she realized that she had completely forgotten about the contest...it was not irritated or sad...just determined to use whatever she could get her hands on. The hats, of course, had to be shown off in a "runway" hat/fashion show. There were so many cute hats out there, from big sun hats with native flowers from the island on them, to baseball type caps with grass growing from them. It was hilarious just watching what people came up with.
As people began to create their masterpieces Nadezhda began searching for hat making material. Seeing that so many were decorated with grass and flowers, she decided to go ultra simple! I couldn't believe it when I turned around and saw her creation.
She had simply folded the edges of a brown paper bag into a cuff...and pulled it down over her ears! We laughed and laughed. She was very surprised that we thought her hat was so funny. She looked at us, and told us "you do what you have to do and you make do"!!
I don't remember who "won" the contest, but everyone had a marvelous time.
Nadezhda turned 90 years old on her last birthday. She doesn't get out much any more because of the difficulty she has in walking and seeing things, but I know that she misses the fellowship that she used to have with everyone at the church. She kept repeating over and over how much she appreciated us coming. It was definately my pleasure and honor to visit with such a lovely saint in His army.
By the frail appearance of her physical body, I am not sure I will see this sweet lady again this side of Heaven. But one thing I look forward to is her smile and hug and welcoming me to join her for some fellowship!
till later,
Jackie
I had the privilege of having tea with her and her daughter, Jane. We arranged the tea thru Raisa who is a dear friend to her. When we arrived at her flat, Raisa was already there and Jane greeted us as if we were long, lost friends. Jane lives with her mother in a small flat near down town Dneper. She does not go to church with her Mother so I was not familiar with her at all.
The tea was set up on a small round table. I felt like the Queen of England with all the plates and cups and saucers...you know...regular 4:00 tea time set up! Jane greeted us warmly at the door, and made us feel right at home immediately. She was so thrilled to meet the lady from the USA who she heard about non-stop!
Nadezhda was reclining on her small sofa-like bed in the corner of the living area. The beds here are much like the fold out couches I remember from my Grannies trailor when I was a child. She was wearing a beautiful bed jacket that complimented her sweet face.
Some memories I have of her are her quick laughter that is so contagious. She is so willing to laugh at silly situations that others might take the opportunity to be "offended" at. She is more than willing to participate in childrens games that include relay races, baloon popping games, and funny hat competitions.
In fact, I have such fond memories of a picnic that took place several years ago on an island in the middle of the Dneper River. We all were taken on "a three hour tour, a three hour tour" (couldn't help myself, Sharon!) down the river in an open tour boat. The weather was hot, but not too muggy. Old Helen, (vs. 'young Helen' her grandaughter) was already on the island cooking over an open fire for the whole group. They planned some games (see above: silly types of games) and a Funniest Hat contest. She was SO creative in her efforts!
The look on her face when she realized that she had completely forgotten about the contest...it was not irritated or sad...just determined to use whatever she could get her hands on. The hats, of course, had to be shown off in a "runway" hat/fashion show. There were so many cute hats out there, from big sun hats with native flowers from the island on them, to baseball type caps with grass growing from them. It was hilarious just watching what people came up with.
As people began to create their masterpieces Nadezhda began searching for hat making material. Seeing that so many were decorated with grass and flowers, she decided to go ultra simple! I couldn't believe it when I turned around and saw her creation.
She had simply folded the edges of a brown paper bag into a cuff...and pulled it down over her ears! We laughed and laughed. She was very surprised that we thought her hat was so funny. She looked at us, and told us "you do what you have to do and you make do"!!
I don't remember who "won" the contest, but everyone had a marvelous time.
Nadezhda turned 90 years old on her last birthday. She doesn't get out much any more because of the difficulty she has in walking and seeing things, but I know that she misses the fellowship that she used to have with everyone at the church. She kept repeating over and over how much she appreciated us coming. It was definately my pleasure and honor to visit with such a lovely saint in His army.
By the frail appearance of her physical body, I am not sure I will see this sweet lady again this side of Heaven. But one thing I look forward to is her smile and hug and welcoming me to join her for some fellowship!
till later,
Jackie
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Jane...speechless??
I don't think I have ever seen my friend, and sister in Christ, ever be speechless. But I know that it happened...well at least once...a long, long time ago!
The year was 1993. Americans had been coming since 1991, and the local people were interpreting for them. (mostly teachers of English)There were two teachers who worked in the same school and one was doing some interpreting. She invited the other to do the same. The invitation was to work during the summer, while they were off, make some money, practice English, get a foot in the door to interpret...you get the picture.
The second teacher was very unsure of the situation and had to be persuaded. Finally, she agreed to do it, and THE DAY had arrived. The Americans would be arriving on the train, the interpreters were to meet them at the station, get their assigned person, and spend time with them before they began their "real" job on Monday.
There was a list of names, it stated the name and indicated a little about the person who was coming, so they tried to match up similar people with similar interests, etc. They had no idea of who the American person was...just a name on a list.
When the train arrived, the second teacher froze. Her voice would not come out. She was introduced to "her" American...and she was frozen!
Sally Clark, meet your interpreter, Jane Ostrovevgenia. Thus began a life long friendship. Since that "chance" name on a list the miles between the two have not stopped them from being friends. Sally Clark, Engish teacher in America, met Jane, English teacher in Ukraine.
That long week end before they began their job together "defrosted" Jane's voice. (trust me, Jane never looked back!) The miles between them have enriched their love for each other and for the Lord. Sally has been to Ukraine numerous times, and Jane has spent time in the States with Sally. What a beautiful friendship.
It would be a wonderful story if that were the end of it...but there is more. Jane's family background comes straight out of the old Soviet system of atheism. Sally wanted a good friend, and interpreter, but what she got as a bonus, was a new sister in Christ.
Early on the morning of July 15, 1995, Jane took a trip down to the Dneper River ans was baptized into Christ. Her mother was against it, but Jane knew what she needed to do, and at 6:30 a.m. she became not only Sally's friend, but her sister as well.
That other teacher? Rita Girenko, of course. (who was baptized in 1992, one year after her husband Andrew)
now you know the rest of the story,
Jackie
The year was 1993. Americans had been coming since 1991, and the local people were interpreting for them. (mostly teachers of English)There were two teachers who worked in the same school and one was doing some interpreting. She invited the other to do the same. The invitation was to work during the summer, while they were off, make some money, practice English, get a foot in the door to interpret...you get the picture.
The second teacher was very unsure of the situation and had to be persuaded. Finally, she agreed to do it, and THE DAY had arrived. The Americans would be arriving on the train, the interpreters were to meet them at the station, get their assigned person, and spend time with them before they began their "real" job on Monday.
There was a list of names, it stated the name and indicated a little about the person who was coming, so they tried to match up similar people with similar interests, etc. They had no idea of who the American person was...just a name on a list.
When the train arrived, the second teacher froze. Her voice would not come out. She was introduced to "her" American...and she was frozen!
Sally Clark, meet your interpreter, Jane Ostrovevgenia. Thus began a life long friendship. Since that "chance" name on a list the miles between the two have not stopped them from being friends. Sally Clark, Engish teacher in America, met Jane, English teacher in Ukraine.
That long week end before they began their job together "defrosted" Jane's voice. (trust me, Jane never looked back!) The miles between them have enriched their love for each other and for the Lord. Sally has been to Ukraine numerous times, and Jane has spent time in the States with Sally. What a beautiful friendship.
It would be a wonderful story if that were the end of it...but there is more. Jane's family background comes straight out of the old Soviet system of atheism. Sally wanted a good friend, and interpreter, but what she got as a bonus, was a new sister in Christ.
Early on the morning of July 15, 1995, Jane took a trip down to the Dneper River ans was baptized into Christ. Her mother was against it, but Jane knew what she needed to do, and at 6:30 a.m. she became not only Sally's friend, but her sister as well.
That other teacher? Rita Girenko, of course. (who was baptized in 1992, one year after her husband Andrew)
now you know the rest of the story,
Jackie
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, Monday...
Monday, Monday....what a day this has started out to be. The morning started out overcast, with huge gray clouds that I could just barely see out the large picture size window from my bed on the couch. I thought about just covering my head and not getting up at all!
Next! So if I was going to HAVE to get up anyway, I might as well get up with a good attitude. Getting showered, getting my clothes together and finding all of the stuff that I didn't want to have to come back and get was fairly easy. It was cool, but not cold, and the rain had stopped completely.
Of course, Mother Jane was not satisfied with the thought that the rain had stopped, perhaps I might get a chill and would need a jacket...or it might start to rain again?? I replied that I didn't have a jacket or an umbrella so...of course you know that was not good enough for Mama J! She found a light jacket in her wardrobe and brought it to me. I looked at it...it looked vaguely familiar...it WAS my jacket from last year...you know KW, the one I have been looking for ALL year?? There it was...provided by God for just such a purpose as was needed now!
Well, I must add, the wind was considerably cooler when I stepped out of the flat, and it DID look like rain might start again any time. I was grateful for the added protection of a hood.
As we walked away from the building it began to rain. By the time we were around the corner on the street where we catch vans it was pouring! Needless to say, my little light jacket was not holding up under the downpour.
It didn't take me long to suggest that we not walk the mile to Larissa and Dima's house but instead take a taxi. We only had to wait a few minutes for one to arrive, and were able to wait under a tent outside the Pizza Cafe.
Arriving at Dima's and Larissa's house I got a VERY pleasant surprise. Masha had come for the long weekend from Kiev. She had heard that I would be here and found a train ticket to see her family. I am so glad she did!
We had a very good lunch of grilled meat, potatoes, salad and bread. They also have a mulberry tree near their front door and we had fresh mulberries from it as well as fresh apricots from their tree in the back yard.
Now when I say they have a mulberry tree, you have to understand it is obviously a Mutant Mulberry Variety! I am not kidding when I say those berries were 1 - 2 inches in size! They are HUGE...and SO sweet...wow! I think the purple fingers are SO worth the taste of the berries! I took a picture of them so I DO have proof of how humongous these things are!
After a long visit after lunch, they had to go and do some planning on the repair of their kitchen. I hated to go, but we all had things to do.
Jane wasn't home, so Rita dropped me off at my place and went on to her home. I just stayed in the flat and rested. I am exhausted from getting up and going from 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. I was ready to prop my feet up and relax. No Rita...no Jane...no tv...no cat...well the cat was still here...but nothing else. It was very calming!
So...ready for another full day on Tuesday!
till later,
Jackie
Next! So if I was going to HAVE to get up anyway, I might as well get up with a good attitude. Getting showered, getting my clothes together and finding all of the stuff that I didn't want to have to come back and get was fairly easy. It was cool, but not cold, and the rain had stopped completely.
Of course, Mother Jane was not satisfied with the thought that the rain had stopped, perhaps I might get a chill and would need a jacket...or it might start to rain again?? I replied that I didn't have a jacket or an umbrella so...of course you know that was not good enough for Mama J! She found a light jacket in her wardrobe and brought it to me. I looked at it...it looked vaguely familiar...it WAS my jacket from last year...you know KW, the one I have been looking for ALL year?? There it was...provided by God for just such a purpose as was needed now!
Well, I must add, the wind was considerably cooler when I stepped out of the flat, and it DID look like rain might start again any time. I was grateful for the added protection of a hood.
As we walked away from the building it began to rain. By the time we were around the corner on the street where we catch vans it was pouring! Needless to say, my little light jacket was not holding up under the downpour.
It didn't take me long to suggest that we not walk the mile to Larissa and Dima's house but instead take a taxi. We only had to wait a few minutes for one to arrive, and were able to wait under a tent outside the Pizza Cafe.
Arriving at Dima's and Larissa's house I got a VERY pleasant surprise. Masha had come for the long weekend from Kiev. She had heard that I would be here and found a train ticket to see her family. I am so glad she did!
We had a very good lunch of grilled meat, potatoes, salad and bread. They also have a mulberry tree near their front door and we had fresh mulberries from it as well as fresh apricots from their tree in the back yard.
Now when I say they have a mulberry tree, you have to understand it is obviously a Mutant Mulberry Variety! I am not kidding when I say those berries were 1 - 2 inches in size! They are HUGE...and SO sweet...wow! I think the purple fingers are SO worth the taste of the berries! I took a picture of them so I DO have proof of how humongous these things are!
After a long visit after lunch, they had to go and do some planning on the repair of their kitchen. I hated to go, but we all had things to do.
Jane wasn't home, so Rita dropped me off at my place and went on to her home. I just stayed in the flat and rested. I am exhausted from getting up and going from 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. I was ready to prop my feet up and relax. No Rita...no Jane...no tv...no cat...well the cat was still here...but nothing else. It was very calming!
So...ready for another full day on Tuesday!
till later,
Jackie
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Do you remember "Garbage Pail Kids"?
I remember those horrible tacky cards from when my boys were little. They were gross, slimy cards that you could trade for other gross, slimy cards that depicted little children in oozing, awful pails filled with garbage of one sort or the other.
Today, I want to tell you a tale about a real-life garbage pail kid.
When Sergei (not his real name) was born his mother threw him in the garbage. A baby...tossed aside like trash...laying amongst the filth and "unwanteds" that people throw away in every day life. His tiny cry was heard by a Good Samaritan, and he was retrieved from that filth pit. He was taken to the hospital where he would await a parent or relative to come and identify him and sign papers concerning him.
It was surmised which family he belonged to by neighbors. Unwed pregnant woman is no longer pregnant and has no baby. When she is confronted with the information, she admits that the baby was hers, and agrees to accept him as hers and fill out papers on him. (now he can have an identification attached to his birth)
Now, before you go postal on his mother, please consider the other side of the coin for a moment.
Unwed, under educated, poor, no support, no father willing to participate, overwhelmed, depressed...living in Ukraine. A country not famous for its care of the very young and the very old.
Should she have thrown away her child like last weeks left over lunch? Literally in a filthy, bug infested, heap of garbage? NO, again I will say NO!
What would you have her do? I'm not sure of all of her circumstances...I don't even know her name! I do have a bit of compassion for a lost soul who has found herself in a place with no apparent options. Having found myself, in the past, in situations that did not seem to have any good solutions I cry for her. I had family...church...social systems and mental health facilities...health care...friends...many, many things that she did not have available to her. But most of all...I had a knowledge of a loving God and Savior. I KNEW where I could turn when all else failed!
But that is not the end of the story. Sergei has a story much like Joseph, in the Bible. He was hated and "thrown away" by his brothers. He lived away from his "real" family, he was imprisoned at no fault of his own...he came to rely on a King (Pharoah), and was reunited with his family. Joseph's trials in life had a purpose, one that prepared him for a better life to come.
Sergei's trials also have a purpose. That little boy, the "garbage pail kid", got a second chance.
Because he was thrown away...he was found.
Because he was found...he was eventually moved to a Baby House.
Because he was moved to a Baby House...he came into contact with some Christians.
Because he came into contact with some Christians...he learned about Jesus.
Because he learned about Jesus...he shared Him with his birth mother.
Yes, that little boy who started out life as a "garbage pail kid" is teaching his birth mother about Jesus every time he sees her. He shares stories told to him by the church people who visit the orphanage where he now lives.
I wish I could tell you that his mother is now a believer, and can take him home, and that they will live happily ever after! But this isn't a fairy tale. It's real life.
His mother has married and now has another child that the couple are raising. They see Sergei on holidays and some weekends.
He is still at the orphanage. He still sees the church people. He is still telling his mother about Jesus.
This sweet little boy started his life out under dire circumstances. Yet, the King of Kings has taken those circumstances and given not only the boy, but his mother, a chance to feast at the table, and live with Him forever.
till later,
Jackie
Today, I want to tell you a tale about a real-life garbage pail kid.
When Sergei (not his real name) was born his mother threw him in the garbage. A baby...tossed aside like trash...laying amongst the filth and "unwanteds" that people throw away in every day life. His tiny cry was heard by a Good Samaritan, and he was retrieved from that filth pit. He was taken to the hospital where he would await a parent or relative to come and identify him and sign papers concerning him.
It was surmised which family he belonged to by neighbors. Unwed pregnant woman is no longer pregnant and has no baby. When she is confronted with the information, she admits that the baby was hers, and agrees to accept him as hers and fill out papers on him. (now he can have an identification attached to his birth)
Now, before you go postal on his mother, please consider the other side of the coin for a moment.
Unwed, under educated, poor, no support, no father willing to participate, overwhelmed, depressed...living in Ukraine. A country not famous for its care of the very young and the very old.
Should she have thrown away her child like last weeks left over lunch? Literally in a filthy, bug infested, heap of garbage? NO, again I will say NO!
What would you have her do? I'm not sure of all of her circumstances...I don't even know her name! I do have a bit of compassion for a lost soul who has found herself in a place with no apparent options. Having found myself, in the past, in situations that did not seem to have any good solutions I cry for her. I had family...church...social systems and mental health facilities...health care...friends...many, many things that she did not have available to her. But most of all...I had a knowledge of a loving God and Savior. I KNEW where I could turn when all else failed!
But that is not the end of the story. Sergei has a story much like Joseph, in the Bible. He was hated and "thrown away" by his brothers. He lived away from his "real" family, he was imprisoned at no fault of his own...he came to rely on a King (Pharoah), and was reunited with his family. Joseph's trials in life had a purpose, one that prepared him for a better life to come.
Sergei's trials also have a purpose. That little boy, the "garbage pail kid", got a second chance.
Because he was thrown away...he was found.
Because he was found...he was eventually moved to a Baby House.
Because he was moved to a Baby House...he came into contact with some Christians.
Because he came into contact with some Christians...he learned about Jesus.
Because he learned about Jesus...he shared Him with his birth mother.
Yes, that little boy who started out life as a "garbage pail kid" is teaching his birth mother about Jesus every time he sees her. He shares stories told to him by the church people who visit the orphanage where he now lives.
I wish I could tell you that his mother is now a believer, and can take him home, and that they will live happily ever after! But this isn't a fairy tale. It's real life.
His mother has married and now has another child that the couple are raising. They see Sergei on holidays and some weekends.
He is still at the orphanage. He still sees the church people. He is still telling his mother about Jesus.
This sweet little boy started his life out under dire circumstances. Yet, the King of Kings has taken those circumstances and given not only the boy, but his mother, a chance to feast at the table, and live with Him forever.
till later,
Jackie
Thursday, June 23, 2011
It's Tuesday, this must be Ladies Bible Class day!
It is Tuesday, so I felt right at home having Ladies Bible Class. We started off with about 6 or 7 ladies, and ended up with 13. I was so thrilled to have a table full of ladies that wanted to study and be together. We had a time of fellowship and study. It was in I Timothy (some of you ladies may be feeling a little dejavu about now) where Paul is telling Timothy that he is the worst among sinners.
Our point of the lesson was to encourage each other with the thought that if Paul could be forgiven, and he was the chief among sinners, than so could I. And that God would be glorified in the process.
During the lesson two different ladies were standing out to me. One is a struggling alcoholic who is barely sober, and the other was a young mother, who just had "that look" in her eyes.
The question was posed to them all "What are you thankful that God has done for you?". They were asked to answer it specifically, no "God" or "Jesus" answers that we get in VBS would be accepted. I wanted them to THINK about it and answer specifically.
The young mother had a teary look early in the lesson, but answered right away. The other lady passed her turn and wanted to answer a little later. Knowing her history a little, I knew that she was struggling with sobriety during adversity. The question came back to her and she admitted that she was thankful that God saved her "after all that she had done to herself with her bad decisions".
After a little more class time, and much discussion, I think that this lady finally understood, that no matter WHO you are, you have made bad decisions in your life. And that sometimes thru no fault of you own, think of Job here, bad things just happen. And that it doesn't matter which place you are in...you SHOULD be grateful to God for saving you!
I think I saw a little light go on behind her eyes. "Maybe...just maybe...I am worthy of Jesus saving blood". Not because of who I am, but because of Who He is! I hope that light stays on...it will make sobriety a tinsy, tiny bit easier.
The young mother caught me in the kitchen after class was over. She explained that she knew I gave that lesson specifically for her. She told me of the previous two days...very HARD days...and how the Word of God spoke to her and she was encouraged by being in class! She could do whatever it took to keep going.
THAT is why I come here...that is why I can't NOT come here!!
till later,
Jackie
Our point of the lesson was to encourage each other with the thought that if Paul could be forgiven, and he was the chief among sinners, than so could I. And that God would be glorified in the process.
During the lesson two different ladies were standing out to me. One is a struggling alcoholic who is barely sober, and the other was a young mother, who just had "that look" in her eyes.
The question was posed to them all "What are you thankful that God has done for you?". They were asked to answer it specifically, no "God" or "Jesus" answers that we get in VBS would be accepted. I wanted them to THINK about it and answer specifically.
The young mother had a teary look early in the lesson, but answered right away. The other lady passed her turn and wanted to answer a little later. Knowing her history a little, I knew that she was struggling with sobriety during adversity. The question came back to her and she admitted that she was thankful that God saved her "after all that she had done to herself with her bad decisions".
After a little more class time, and much discussion, I think that this lady finally understood, that no matter WHO you are, you have made bad decisions in your life. And that sometimes thru no fault of you own, think of Job here, bad things just happen. And that it doesn't matter which place you are in...you SHOULD be grateful to God for saving you!
I think I saw a little light go on behind her eyes. "Maybe...just maybe...I am worthy of Jesus saving blood". Not because of who I am, but because of Who He is! I hope that light stays on...it will make sobriety a tinsy, tiny bit easier.
The young mother caught me in the kitchen after class was over. She explained that she knew I gave that lesson specifically for her. She told me of the previous two days...very HARD days...and how the Word of God spoke to her and she was encouraged by being in class! She could do whatever it took to keep going.
THAT is why I come here...that is why I can't NOT come here!!
till later,
Jackie
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