Safe in Ukraine

Hi friends and family,

I arrived safely to Simferopol today around 11.The last two days of traveling were long, but everything went so amazingly well. I was worried a bit because I was afraid that I might miss my flights since I only had an hour layover at each. I went to Cleveland to Chicago and had an hour to get to my next gate. It took about 20 minutes, so I had plenty of time. At the next layover in Switzerland, I had about an hour to get to my next flight also. It took me literally about five minutes to get off the plane, through a security checkpoint, and to my next gate. It was amazing. I was really nervous about this layover because if I missed it, I knew I would miss my train that night. I ended up having about 40 minutes to laydown on some seats and sleep. On the flight to Ukraine, both seats beside me were empty, so I, of course, being able to sleep anywhere in almost any position, took advantage of the opportunity. I lifted up the arm rests and slept the entire plane ride.

Once in Ukraine, there was a long wait at passport control, but there were no questions asked. This is a change since I received a new passport. If you ever saw my old passport, you would understand. On the other side of passport control is baggage claim and customs. I walked up to the belt, which wasn’t moving and spotted both of suitcases just laying there as if they had stopped the belt for me because as soon as I picked them up, it started moving. I walked right out of the airport, not having to go through customs, and headed straight for the bus to get me to the train station. Once there, I waited for about an hour for my friend, Andrei, who met up with me to give me my tickets and hang out with me before my train left. We went to McDonalds across the “street” for a bite to eat. (Those who have been to Ukraine and ridden the train know it is almost impossible to not have the McDonalds experience as much as you don’t want to.) Andrei helped get my luggage on the train and off we went.

I was also a little worried about the train ride since I was traveling alone, and there’s no telling who is going to be in your train “cubby.” It’s sort of a small room with 5 other people – 3 sets of bunks – with a walkway on one side. Many people take the long train rides as an opportunity to get drunk and oftentimes obnoxious. I had been praying with many of you that there would be calm and sober people in my cubby. Prayers were answered. There were four women and one man. They weren’t too friendly, but they really didn’t say anything probably assuming I couldn’t speak anyway. One of the women and the man helped me with my luggage the next morning unasked. On the ride, I had a top bunk and pretty much slept the entire ride to Simferopol.

My good friend, Angelina, met me at the train station. I have been here about 8 hours now, which has included a nap, a shower, food, checking facebook and e-mail, and writing this update. Tomorrow, I am headed to one of the summer camps for the kids in the orphanages in Evpatoria with one of my missionary friends, Tammy.

Thank you so much to all of you for prayers and support. You are all so important in making this happen.

Here are specific things you can pray for:
-Adjustment to another long stint here with a continued strong community of people
-Finding an apartment – this needs to happen quickly and soon as college students are moving back into the city because classes start soon
-Language learning – In the next month, I would like to start Russian lessons again to continue to improve my language skills.
-Tara and Rachel as they are both planning on being here soon as well. Pray that funds come in and details would be worked out respectively for both of them.
-Jason – He leaves the States on Saturday to come here for two weeks and then head to India. Pray for both of us as we transition into a long distance relationship (and continue planning a wedding in the midst of it).
-The children in the orphanages and the teens – that their hearts, eyes, and ears would be open as I begin to do weekly ministry – that they would be protected – that they would have families
-That God’s will would be evident in everything I do here and that I would be effective in sharing the love He has for us

Again, thank you all for your continued encouragement, support, and prayers. Thank you!

Until I get an apartment, my mailing address will be here at the church. I wouldn't advise mailing anything of importance, and you can assume it will take at least two weeks to get here.

Esther Snyder
C/O Provozyuk
Per. Zuiski 52
Simferopol, Crimea
Ukraine 95022

My phone number is the same as last time: 0-11-380-955-701-347. That is my cell phone, and if you choose this option, you will get the best rates if you buy and call from a calling card.

The best option is skype. If you don't know or have it, it's a free program you can download on your comp and can use with only a microphone. (Most comps have them built in). If you happen to have video, then we can see each other also. It's completely free and amazing. www.skype.com

Let me know if you already have skype and what your name is. You can find me at "esther.snyder"

Also, I will be posting all my updates and photos at my blog http://esther-ukraine.blogspot.com
There is also always e-mail and facebook. I will do my best to keep you all updated about what is going on, and I would love to hear from you as well!

In Him,
Esther