Stories in the Missional Journey of Bruce & Deborah Crowe

Photo Update

The boys thought I was strange to ask them to pose backwards, but to their dad, their back of the head is as special to me as their front :)

The boys thought I was strange to ask them to pose backwards, but parents will understand.  I love patting those precious heads.

September 1st marks the ‘opening bell’ across Ukraine.  An hour (at least) long service filled with the same songs, poems, suits and dresses.  This year however, a somber emotion filled the air as parents gathered to remember the fallen soldiers from our town – not from WWII, but only weeks ago.

Natasha Yevtoshenko has been an amazing help shopping for deals on shoes in Kiev and sizing the kids up.

Natasha Yevtoshenko has been an amazing help shopping for deals on shoes in Kiev and sizing the kids up.

Last week we were able via a donation from Texas, provide shoes for the kids at Kuzmenci.  Thank you to all that gave this summer towards the fire/restoration of property.  The kids are back, and have actually a much nicer/cleaner place to live than before the fire.

This little ray of sunshine makes us laugh everyday.  The smarts she possesses compared to our boys at the same age.. well, it's a bit embarrassing gents.

This little ray of sunshine makes us laugh everyday. The smarts she possesses compared to our boys at the same age.. well, it’s a bit embarrassing gents.

On Friday of last week, we received some amazing news.  The Health Inspector for the region surprised us by visiting our Mayor’s office with our official approval document.  This means we are totally legal now and can finally open!   We celebrated by opening for a few hours, and selling our ceremonious first cup of coffee – the winner.. Alyosha.  Fitting, as he was with us when we bought the property +3yrs ago, and was instrumental in the major renovations.  I gladly took his $1.50, along with this historic photo!

Tucker overhead the voice of the notorious math teacher (only male teacher in school), thus the face.

Tucker overhead the voice of the notorious math teacher (only male teacher in school), thus the face.

More to come on the Cafe later.  Please pray for us as we prepare for Vladivostock, Russia in less than 2 weeks.  I go to the consulate tomorrow to pick up my visa.  Many refugees have flooded the region from the Mariupol region – the situation is escalating, and many homes are crowded with additional family, friends and contacts from the war torn areas.  This is a logistical nightmare for families fleeing and receiving, schools, hospitals, and everything in between.

IMG_2805Deb is only 6 weeks shy (or less) from baby delivery #8.  We are looking at a crazy month ahead with travel, family visiting, the Cafe now open, more big changes in our Texas business, and an escalating war to the south – not to mention the looming winter ahead with concern of gas/heat politics.   Life comes at us in waves doesn’t it?  Enjoy the lulls, they are a gift.  When my kids complain of being ‘bored’, I tell them how lucky they are, they leave puzzled, but they’ll get it.

Mid-Flight, sorry so many Abbey pics, she just reminds me why we all miss being kids.

Mid-Flight, sorry so many Abbey pics, she just reminds me why we all miss being kids.

This is Ruslan.  He's a great kid who has been abandoned by his parents.  He is very polite and thankful.  He's sporting the new suit purchased by our supporters.

This is Ruslan. He’s a great kid who has been abandoned by his parents. He is very polite and thankful. He’s sporting the new suit purchased by our supporters.

It’s times like this we take refuge in our great God.  We hide in Him because He is our strength.  We push forward in prayer because the real enemy is already defeated.  We remember our King sits securely on His Throne, and all who trust in Him should not be afraid.

Opening Class, several broke down into tears (teachers) as the had a moment of silence for the fallen recently in battle.

Opening Class, several broke down into tears (teachers) as the had a moment of silence for the fallen recently in battle.

Thank you for praying, caring and the little notes you do send.  We miss you guy out there!

If you sit, the kids will come.  They long for physical affection - language all by itself.

If you sit, the kids will come. They long for physical affection – language all by itself.

We join with many across Ukraine and the world for peaceful resolution before more lives needlessly taken.

We’ll be in touch soon with more updates on the Cafe and ways you can continue to partner with us.

Bruce & Deb

2 Comments

  1. lorrie mae

    I can’t believe I have a little niece so adorable! My daughters (and oldest son!) would LOVE to see her! We have to make it happen!

  2. Tanya Johnson

    We prayed as a family for all of you this morning.
    Jesus is a secure Hiding Place.
    Hugs!

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