We visited a Ukrainian ‘spa’ on Sunday – not how pretty the lake looks from afar.
Today we found out that our Gas documents have returned back (for 3rd time) to Kiev. We have limited information but the regional office that was handling our documents I guess has been closed down by the new government – I’m not sure yet if that is good or bad news – but something tells me our year long wait is not over.
We were told last Monday that ‘any day’ we would have health inspection, which upon completion would allow us to finally open the cafe legally. We are cleaned, ready and waiting, but every day they say ‘not today’. The most recent excuse is that their workers are on vacation for August – it could be weeks before we can get someone to visit (even if we go and pick them up) and get this remaining stamp. Then, once they come, who knows what they will require or problems they might want to cause.
Was a lot of fun swimming with the four boys and Abbey – in the chlorine filled pool!
Maybe when all this is finished, and our Cafe is finally open, we’ll be approached to do a case study on the road blocks to private business in Ukraine. Surely our experience is common, and highlights some major problems towards this country growing on it’s own.
Enough about the Cafe. We entrust it to the Lord, He is good and we have plenty of other things to remain productive. We delivered 12 school uniforms to the kids at Kuzmenci. They have 2 new little kids from Donetsk area, both didn’t take long to warm up with some play.
But when you get up close, it looks radio-active. Ready to dive into that!?
I am preparing class for Sept 15 in Vladivostock Russia. Simeon Ewing, fellow missionary expressed interest in joining a few months ago, and it’s turned out to be a great blessing – it’s a lot of material and we’re going to tag team teach.
I have Russian Visa interview this coming Thursday. Please pray for that would you? I’m uncertain the realities of US citizens at present getting visas, but so far things look like it should work. After this, if visa received, I will need to purchase a plane ticket – and I have no idea at the moment where the funds will come from for this. It’s been a faith step from the start, and looks like it will be a faith step right on the plane! It feels good to trust Him however in this capacity again. The Lord knows our needs before we ask.. but sure doesn’t stop me from asking Him to provide.
Heart goes out to those suffering in Iraq and wherever ISIS radicals are spreading evil. I met some really nice Muslim guys in egypt last month. What blows my mind is the general apathy of millions of Muslims who privately condemn jihad-ist groups like ISIS, but thru their silence force the west to stand up and make more enemies. Shame on Islam for enabling, through passivity, the growth of evil. You are either for or against Islamic terror, no matter your religious tribe.
It feels that everywhere we turn there is war, political tension, evil. We’re reminded that the spiritual battle is waging, in times of peace or difficulty. Just a matter of whether we are willing to recognize it, and embrace our enlisting in it as soldiers. May our lamps be readied, hearts filled with Him in these final hours.
Bruce