Note for readers: Monday was a holiday in Ukraine so the group was unable to visit or teach in the schools. The plans were modified so that they would be able to go to the village of Zelena that has several that are interested in studying and obeying the Gospel. Hopefully some from our group will go back during the week to follow up on this wonderful possibility.
FROM DOUG SCHOFIELD:
What a day! After our traditional breakfast at Churchill’s on Monday morning, the entire group headed for the hills – literally!
We arrived at the home of Borg and Galena in the Carpathian mountain range, and were greeted by them and close to a dozen of their relatives who live nearby. The family livelihood is derived from the operation of a backyard sawmill; they also have two large bee houses that accommodate about 2 dozen colonies of bees. The colonies are housed in hive boxes that are built into the structure of the houses. The interior of each one is fitted with a built-in bed, for sleeping inside the bee house, making a kind of “therapy” room. The theory is that the constant sound of the buzzing of the bees induces a state of relaxation that is thought to be very therapeutic. Even though most of our group was impressed with the idea, we didn’t have anyone who was willing to volunteer.
Our hosts called us to eat. The “snack” course consisted of borscht, vareniki (dumplings stuffed with cheese and potatoes), and an assortment of fresh fruits; followed by fire roasted pork; and finally warm milk fresh from the cow. Everything was delicious. The warmth and generosity of their hospitality was truly wonderful. After the meal we drove to the higher elevations of the mountain to see a beautiful log cabin that might have some potential for a meeting place. Because of the condition of the road, however, we hiked up the mountain path, crossing a river on a foot log – twice. The vista was beautiful, and certain of our number were inspired to run even higher up the mountain clearing. There will be stories.
Upon returning from the adventure, we were taken to the home of Tarus and his wife, also named Galena, where they served a delicious layered dessert, poppyseed cake, with coffee and tea.
These people and their neighbors who have been impacted by the Russian war in various ways have received aid from some of the containers the church has sent. This kindness has caused them to inquire about the church, opening doors of opportunity to teach them the gospel. Today (Tuesday) we plan to return to visit the school, and then hopefully have some Bible study time with these families. Please pray that our work will be effective.
FROM CALEB COLQUITT:
On Monday, we visited the village of Zelena, After a bumpy bus ride, we arrived at the remote community surrounded by mountainous range lands with lots of livestock. Within an hour, we were eating some of the best food you’ve ever tasted, all traditional Ukrainian cuisine. This is a town with no congregation of the Lord’s Church right now. We spoke to one of the families that wants to be baptized, but they are hesitant to defy the Orthodox church in the area.
However, we were able to see a building under construction where the church might be able to meet. It was a harrowing journey into the mountains to see it, however, the building is a gorgeous log cabin with two stories and a place to house guests. They also house guests in the same building as their beehives (though the bees themselves are able to enter the inside of the guest house). Our brother Ivan Skoleba’s family is from this town and they graciously hosted us with a wonderful meal that was some of the best food I’ve ever had. We were served Shashlyk (Ukrainian Barbecue) as well as two different kinds of Vareniki (Potato or cottage cheese filled pasta), and Ugsvar (dried apple juice).
And then we ate at the Chocolate Factory.
FROM NICK REVELS:
Yesterday after breakfast, we went up to the mountains to visit the village of Zelena. We ate what I can only describe as the best food I’ve ever had: pork, vareniki, fruit and even raw cow milk. After eating, we had a chance to walk over a couple narrow bridges and hike up and down around a river to see a building that could be used as a church building. The mountain scenery was beautiful! After stopping to eat some more desserts (I’ve gained at least 10 lbs already), we went back to Ivano-Frankivsk. I’m looking forward to beginning our work in earnest tomorrow!
FROM ELIZABETH REVELS:
After a great breakfast at Churchill’s, we headed to the mountains to visit the village of Zelena. After meeting Ivan’s cousin we had an amazing meal outside in the mountains. They wanted to take the Americans on an adventure. We hiked to the river where we crossed a tiny and terrifying bridge then up a steep hill. Once at the top we had another bridge and big hill. We hiked up to a building they would like to use as the church’s meeting place. We then went to the Dean of Education’s home where we were treated to the best desserts!
We had a wonderful visit with everyone. After dessert they wanted to take us to a third bridge to cross. We were definitely entertainment for the day! I loved meeting everyone in Zelena yesterday!
FROM GIF AND SIMBA:
Outside of a visit to a high-quality buffet there is rarely a time when one could accurately say they were stuffed like a bird, a phrase which here means “to eat so much food you feel like a thanksgiving turkey because of how much food you have in your stomach.” However, thanks to the hospitality of our Ukrainian friends I think that phrase was applicable to everyone in the group — especially Nick the Berryman.
Monday was a triple holiday in the country so we got to spend time in the village of Zelena with our Ukrainian brethren and friends. After lunch we were able to go see a potential site for the church to meet there in the village. And because it was on a mountain a few of us felt compelled to climb the rest of the mountain and discovered leg muscles we didn’t know we had. It was a good day full of fellowship and beautiful mountains and we are excited to start the work Tuesday.
FROM MAGGIE BERRYMAN:
Today started off the way every productive day starts off: a good breakfast. After we finished eating, we walked to the church to board our bus to go to Zelena (the mountains). The ride was filled with tons of laughter and we now have several inside jokes with our Ukrainian friends! Once we arrived to our destination, we were greeted (as always) with open arms! We explored and talked to them as the food/table was being prepared. And John tried (multiple times) to get me to lay in a bee house! Then….we feasted! It was the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted, and they kept bringing more! Little did we know, they were having us carbo-load (or that’s what we decided anyways) for the adventure we were about to embark on!
With full tummies, we were off to see a building that was under construction to be a possible church for that village! I believe the process of getting there was the Ukrainian’s entertainment for the day.
Even though the trip was a bit physically challenging, the view was beautiful. The fellowship, adventures, laughs and love shown and received will always be treasured!
FROM CHIP MCEWAN:
On Monday, we started our day with breakfast at Churchhills and then began the daily activities. Loaded up in a large van and heeded to a village, Zelena, for the day. We visited with Ivan’s cousin, Galena, and two other 2nd-Cousins. When you are treated to a meal here you better bring a real empty stomach! I ate my first bowl of borscht — and it wasn’t bad considering I don’t like beets and cooked cabbage. We also had fruit and vegetables, slaw, BBQ meat, veriniki, and milk and honey.
We then set off to see a site they are building with a nice building with land to also have a Christian camp. Beautiful day up here in the mountains.
Then we went to another home with another Galena who was Head of a local school and had tea/coffee and pastries in her home then back to van and another bouncing ride back to Ivano-Frankivsk. The roads are horrible. Pot holes everywhere and if i moved here I would open a tire store because the wear and tear on brakes and suspension is bad from my perspective as a passenger.
Another great day starting for Tuesday! Please keep us in your prayers for much good seed to be planted!
