Because too many positive thoughts go unsaid....

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"One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement… It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word." William Barclay The Letter to the Hebrews. “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24) Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

To Krakow and Back

The Florian Gate in the old city center

We made a quick-in, quick-out trip to Krakow, Poland last week for new visas. Despite moist, cool weather the whole time we were there, we had a good time and were able to accomplish what we set out to do! (We missed the 60-degree, sunshiny days by only 1 day. Oh well.)

I really enjoyed having a break from my usual mothering responsibilities, and it was fun to spend time together as a team. I had great hopes for posting to the blog while we were there, but the trip proved to be really fast and busy! Since I got back, it's been lots of rest, and lots of laundry. :)

Hanging with Denise on the night of our arrival! 

We did a lot of walking! One of my favorite stops is pictured in the background. ;)

Stopping for lunch at an Indian restaurant while waiting for our visas to be processed.

Visas! No one can understand our happiness who hasn't been through this process. BTW, this is
our wonderful team, minus Nathan and Katelin, who are back in U.S. right now.

With recent changes in immigration policy, staying long-term in Ukraine has become more and more of a challenge. It is doable, but the process can be confusing and full of obstacles. With the help of a wonderful lawyer friend and our local Ukrainian church, plus a lot of hard work and planning on Joshua's part, we were able to get our letter of invitation and other documents for obtaining the above visas. However, these visas are only valid for 45 days. In this limited time frame, we now have to apply with local government offices for extended registration in the country. This will allow us a one-year stay, with the potential for a second year extension. So far, God has made our way smooth and we believe He will help us through the remaining steps.

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us! We have seen God's hand leading us through this whole process. The children also did wonderfully back in L'viv with their caregivers.

She's Growing Up

"Toothless"

A Few Random Things

Pregnancy

I am currently at 9 weeks and doing well so far. I've had some queasiness on and off, but overall I've felt much better than I did with my former pregnancies. I thank God for enough energy to keep up with 3 little ones, despite periods of feeling very sluggish and lethargic. I'm not getting a whole lot done at this season except the bare essentials. And I'm resting a LOT, which is good!

The girls ask me nearly everyday how the baby is doing, and Abby especially is always probing for information about how the baby is growing, what size it is, and whether it will be a boy or a girl. :)

Trips and Travel

Krakow City Center

Joshua and I are heading to Krakow, Poland, next week, along with our team mates, to apply at the Ukrainian embassy for new visas. Immigration policies are constantly changing here in Ukraine, and it is a challenge to keep up with the various laws and how they are all interpreted or applied. We have already been through quite a process to obtain the needed documents to present at the embassy next week. Joshua especially has been working for weeks to make sure everything is in order. Please pray that God would bless our trip and that we would have no trouble getting the visas we need! The girls will be staying behind with a trusted friend here in L'viv, so we'd appreciate prayers for their safety as well.

Congratulations, Nathan and Katrina!!

A very, very close friend of mine, Katrina Rebsch, just recently called me to tell me about her engagement to a godly young man attending seminary in the Houston area. They have been courting for several months now and are in awe at the way God has brought this relationship together. If you're interested in reading an inspiring love story, you can check theirs out at Katrina's blog! You will be encouraged!