Dear friends and family,
The last two months have flown by – a little too fast for my comfort – and life and ministry in Simferopol continues to keep me busy. Props to all of you for surviving the snow madness that I’ve heard about!
Exodus 50/Teens:
In general, working with the teens the past 7 months has been an unexpected blessing. The Exodus 50 program was (mostly) a new area of ministry for me; while working here before, the teens I worked with were living in a transition house, but this program is more broad and allows Tara, Rachel, and I more freedom for personal relationships. We continue to meet with our small group every Wednesday for prayer, discussion, food, and fellowship. The numbers continue to jump – one week there might be two or three girls, but last week, six girls showed up at Tara and Rachel’s apartment! Small groups at several different apartments meet throughout the week, and all groups come together on Sunday afternoons for “Club.” In January, club consisted of a lot of planning for the conference and the annual ski trip, and in February, we celebrated Valentine’s Day and several birthdays. We always end the evening with prayer in small groups.
I had asked prayer for the annual conference in the last update, and it was a success. Over the weekend, we had about 25 of our teens/young adults show up for worship, speakers, small groups, games, food, and fellowship. (Recognize a theme involving food and hanging out?) The theme that the OH staff is focusing on this year is “Calling,” which was also focus of the conference. Some material was based on the book “Cure for the Common Life” by Max Lucado while our staff came up with the equation Gifts + Talents + Resources = Calling. With approximately 8 different sessions with speakers followed by small group/reflection time, this weekend gave me the opportunity to talk more in depth with some of the teens who I didn’t know well and spend some time with them outside of club. The sessions varied in theme: Understanding/Using your spiritual gifts, Stages of life for men/women, etc. I did not present over the weekend but had to prepare group games before the sessions.
Playing Phase 10 at the Conference
Small Group Time at the conference
Several of the staff and young adults at the conference
It wasn’t long after the conference that we were preparing and gearing up for the annual ski trip to the Carpathian Mountains. We joined the OH staff in 2007 for this adventure, so it was my second time attempting to “hit the slopes, and “hit” I did. I must admit that I was not exactly excited about the ski trip other than I was really looking forward to hanging out with the teens for an extended amount of time outside of their “normal” environments. However, if you’ve ever attended a youth retreat or a conference when you come home all excited about new friends, you miss everyone, and you’re not sure what to do with yourself because you spent the last week surrounded by people, you know the feeling I had when I returned to Simferopol. Carpati 2010 will be a tough event to beat. Yeah, I spent a day on skis and a day on a snowboard (with lots of that time on the ground), but those were really the minor areas of excitement for me. Traveling for days together, cooking and eating meals together, living in cabins together, and playing games together (every spare second we had) really bonded our group. Rachel, Tara, and I also got to spend time together because we stayed back one of the days and walked around the local town and explored some woods and a river nearby. (Even though we see each other every day and work together every day, you’d be surprised how little time we actually just get to hang out.) This time was special for everyone, which we all recognized when it was time to say goodbye at the train station, and we all walked away sad even though we knew we would see each other at club the next evening. I was/am blessed from this time because of the bond that was made throughout the week. Truly, I felt like several of my personal relationships with the teens was strengthened, and we walked away knowing each other better. Carpati 2010 was unforgettable, and it is still the topic of conversations at times. Not only did we have a blast, but nicknames have been given, inside jokes have been made, and “Game Nights” have entered our schedules.
Game Time in the cabins during Carpati
Group Shot, Carpati 2010
Me, Dima (Our OH Director), and Rachel
During Carpati, we decided that we must continue to get together to play games; this, of course, is never a problem for me. A few weeks ago, 16 people arrived at my one room apartment for the first night of games. Dips, desserts, and drinks combined with a great group and games made for a really fun night of playing and laughing. The night ended with two of the guys performing all of their talents they could think of: break dancing, saying Russian tongue twisters, acrobatics – I almost had to kick them out the door as it was getting late. Needless to say, this will not be the last night of games in the planner.
When 16 people come to your one room apartment for game night...
Orphanage Visits:
At one point, I had mentioned our uncertainty of continuing to work in the Losovoe Orphanage. Our staff continues to visit Gagarin Orphanage and Gvordeeskya Orphanage twice a week each; however, Losovoe Orphanage was also a place that the three of us spent a lot of time at in the 06 – 07 stint. From the visits that the three of had made to Losovoe, we had left disappointed and curious as to what direction we were to take next. On most occasions, it was hard to find kids anywhere as there is almost no supervision, and because they live outside of the city, many of them just roam the territory. We decided that we did not want to completely stop all visits there, but we also did not find it a good use of our time to visit every weekend considering the time to commute there and that it was usually a ghost town. Now that the weather is clearing up, we are planning to visit more frequently and are hoping it will give us an opportunity to do outside activities.
The 4th and 5th grade classes continue to be our main focus at Gagarin orphanage. In the 4th grade class several weeks ago, we were doing an activity on talents; the topic was “What Makes You Special.” I have realized time and time again to never assume that these kids have been praised or encouraged or that they even know what they like. I had planned a set of activities for this specific day, but we never made it beyond the first: Go around the circle and share one talent you have, something you are good at, or something that makes you special. With 15 kids, this took about 45 minutes. Many sat clueless as if they have never been told any reason why he/she specifically is special. It slips my mind that we are working in a Soviet system at times. Kids are not encouraged to stick out, to be different, to be creative, to question, or to think for themselves.
At Gvordeeskya Orphanage, to change the pace a bit, we started doing some basic English lessons during our time with the 4th graders (Ages 12 to 16). It has been interesting to say the least, but it has also been fun to observe. I get annoyed when they insist on whispering to each other the answers during an activity, but I have enjoyed observing them retain vocabulary from the lesson prior and to see them smile when they are praised for remembering or doing something correctly. We’ve played the game “Around the World” several times using colors, and the youngest in the class is the quickest. He even beat out Tara and Rachel a few times! During the last lesson, I had them forming simple sentences. This orphanage is where all of the kids with disabilities are, and there is little hope for many of them. As I watch them and work with them more, I continue to be upset with the system because I see that they are capable of understanding and learning; their futures do not have to be so black.
At one point, I had mentioned our uncertainty of continuing to work in the Losovoe Orphanage. Our staff continues to visit Gagarin Orphanage and Gvordeeskya Orphanage twice a week each; however, Losovoe Orphanage was also a place that the three of us spent a lot of time at in the 06 – 07 stint. From the visits that the three of had made to Losovoe, we had left disappointed and curious as to what direction we were to take next. On most occasions, it was hard to find kids anywhere as there is almost no supervision, and because they live outside of the city, many of them just roam the territory. We decided that we did not want to completely stop all visits there, but we also did not find it a good use of our time to visit every weekend considering the time to commute there and that it was usually a ghost town. Now that the weather is clearing up, we are planning to visit more frequently and are hoping it will give us an opportunity to do outside activities.
The 4th and 5th grade classes continue to be our main focus at Gagarin orphanage. In the 4th grade class several weeks ago, we were doing an activity on talents; the topic was “What Makes You Special.” I have realized time and time again to never assume that these kids have been praised or encouraged or that they even know what they like. I had planned a set of activities for this specific day, but we never made it beyond the first: Go around the circle and share one talent you have, something you are good at, or something that makes you special. With 15 kids, this took about 45 minutes. Many sat clueless as if they have never been told any reason why he/she specifically is special. It slips my mind that we are working in a Soviet system at times. Kids are not encouraged to stick out, to be different, to be creative, to question, or to think for themselves.
At Gvordeeskya Orphanage, to change the pace a bit, we started doing some basic English lessons during our time with the 4th graders (Ages 12 to 16). It has been interesting to say the least, but it has also been fun to observe. I get annoyed when they insist on whispering to each other the answers during an activity, but I have enjoyed observing them retain vocabulary from the lesson prior and to see them smile when they are praised for remembering or doing something correctly. We’ve played the game “Around the World” several times using colors, and the youngest in the class is the quickest. He even beat out Tara and Rachel a few times! During the last lesson, I had them forming simple sentences. This orphanage is where all of the kids with disabilities are, and there is little hope for many of them. As I watch them and work with them more, I continue to be upset with the system because I see that they are capable of understanding and learning; their futures do not have to be so black.
4th Graders at Gvordeeskya Orphanage
One of the 5th graders at Gagarin and me
General News:
We have had a huge financial blessing given to Orphan’s Hope, Ukraine. A donor has offered a significant amount of money to purchase a building or land to start a type of multi purpose retreat/activity center. This could make way for many opportunities involving weekend retreats, after school and weekend programs, meetings and small groups, etc. Those familiar with Ukraine, know that there is always a lot of “red tape” to get through as well as a lot of time to wait concerning any major project. We are excited about this opportunity, and we are praying that doors would be open, that the path would be cleared, and that it would not be a long and drawn out process. This has been a vision for OH Ukraine for a long time, so it’s a blessing to see it happening.
OH staff has been working with a young adult, V, for several years now. After hearing about Operation Mobilization’s opportunity to serve on a ship to provide different ministries in different cities where it docks, it became V’s dream to serve in this capacity. After hard work, support raising, and prayers, V has joined the staff on OM’s ship, Logos Hope, and will serve there for two years. You can read more about Logos Hope and the specific ministries it provides at http://www.omships.org. It is amazing to see one of “our kids” who graduated from the orphanage and is now headed to the mission field. We are thankful for V’s changed life and are proud of V and his servant’s heart.
Personally, the most exciting recent news is that Jason was able to visit for two weeks in March. This time together was so refreshing for both of us, and we really were able to enjoy each other’s company. Jason had more opportunities to meet more of my community here as well as see more of the ministry. It was exciting to experience a taste of what is to come after the wedding when we are both here serving together. (It was maybe equally exciting for him to literally taste foods that he hasn’t been able to for several months). Living in two different countries, different cultures, different time zones… sure takes its toll on us at times, so we are both thankful we had this time together.
We spent a few days in neighboring Poland (Krakow) with another missionary couple to do something special for Jason’s birthday, and I also needed to make a run to get my passport stamped. That trip consisted of doing touristy activities: shopping malls, film in English, pizza hut, ice cream, and we spent time exploring. Krakow is full of Jewish history including old synagogues, the ghetto, Jewish quarters, Schindler’s factory (from the film, Schindler’s List), and several memorials paying tribute to victims of the Holocaust and effects from World War 2. Close by is the territory of the Auschwitz – Birkenau Concentration Camp, which is now a memorial and museum. Since becoming very interested in this time in history in middle school, I had wanted to visit. I can’t explain in writing what that experience was like for me, but I feel it is important to be educated about and remember this important time in history for many reasons. I think I am still processing what I witnessed there.
We have had a huge financial blessing given to Orphan’s Hope, Ukraine. A donor has offered a significant amount of money to purchase a building or land to start a type of multi purpose retreat/activity center. This could make way for many opportunities involving weekend retreats, after school and weekend programs, meetings and small groups, etc. Those familiar with Ukraine, know that there is always a lot of “red tape” to get through as well as a lot of time to wait concerning any major project. We are excited about this opportunity, and we are praying that doors would be open, that the path would be cleared, and that it would not be a long and drawn out process. This has been a vision for OH Ukraine for a long time, so it’s a blessing to see it happening.
OH staff has been working with a young adult, V, for several years now. After hearing about Operation Mobilization’s opportunity to serve on a ship to provide different ministries in different cities where it docks, it became V’s dream to serve in this capacity. After hard work, support raising, and prayers, V has joined the staff on OM’s ship, Logos Hope, and will serve there for two years. You can read more about Logos Hope and the specific ministries it provides at http://www.omships.org. It is amazing to see one of “our kids” who graduated from the orphanage and is now headed to the mission field. We are thankful for V’s changed life and are proud of V and his servant’s heart.
Personally, the most exciting recent news is that Jason was able to visit for two weeks in March. This time together was so refreshing for both of us, and we really were able to enjoy each other’s company. Jason had more opportunities to meet more of my community here as well as see more of the ministry. It was exciting to experience a taste of what is to come after the wedding when we are both here serving together. (It was maybe equally exciting for him to literally taste foods that he hasn’t been able to for several months). Living in two different countries, different cultures, different time zones… sure takes its toll on us at times, so we are both thankful we had this time together.
We spent a few days in neighboring Poland (Krakow) with another missionary couple to do something special for Jason’s birthday, and I also needed to make a run to get my passport stamped. That trip consisted of doing touristy activities: shopping malls, film in English, pizza hut, ice cream, and we spent time exploring. Krakow is full of Jewish history including old synagogues, the ghetto, Jewish quarters, Schindler’s factory (from the film, Schindler’s List), and several memorials paying tribute to victims of the Holocaust and effects from World War 2. Close by is the territory of the Auschwitz – Birkenau Concentration Camp, which is now a memorial and museum. Since becoming very interested in this time in history in middle school, I had wanted to visit. I can’t explain in writing what that experience was like for me, but I feel it is important to be educated about and remember this important time in history for many reasons. I think I am still processing what I witnessed there.
Jason and me
With Matt and Tammy in Krakow
At Wawel (Vavel) Castle in Krakow
Happy 28th, Jason
Group of friends who attended the ballet "Romeo and Juliet" for Valentine's Day
Prayer Requests:
**A young woman who has been involved with OH in the past is pregnant. She has since married the father of the child and is planning on having it. Please pray for protection over this young family especially the baby. Pray that God would use this experience to bring both the mother and father closer to Him. Pray for a healthy pregnancy and that our staff would know how to help if needed.
**Retreat Center – Pray that we would be able to get through the “red tape” quickly – that God would open the doors needed for us to know the exact property/facility to purchase. The office/new meeting place that is being remodeled is making progress, but we are still in need of finances for repairs and furniture. Pray for God’s blessings on both territories and that they would be grounds for ministry that will change lives.
**For V on the Logos Hope ship. That he would find solid community, new friends, and that this experience will give him the opportunity to serve in big ways and that his relationship with God will be strengthened as he is in new environments experiencing new cultures that will surely stretch him. Pray that he would learn more about himself and that this opportunity will continue to teach him how to be a solid man of God.
**At a recent meeting, we brainstormed about how we can discuss/teach our teens and young adults about healthy relationships with the opposite sex. Pray for us as we discern how/when to do this and that they would be open to listening and understanding. In general, pray for those who are in relationships that they would make wise and healthy decisions.
**For our small group that meets once a week. Pray that they will be faithful in attending even if it means planning ahead on their school work in order to be there – that those who need will be there including the new attendees. Pray that we would know how/what to discuss with them each week.
**Passion Conference – We are in the beginning stages of planning to take approximately 20 young adults from Exodus 50 to the Passion Conference in Kiev in May. Pray that we would have adequate funding and that God would already be working on the hearts of those who will be attending. You can read more about the conference at http://www.268generation.c
**For Jason and I – it was really difficult separating once more for another three months, but we are still so thankful for the time that we had. Pray that we would both finish strong as I finish out the next two months here, and he finishes his time in Nepal and India. Pray for strength for our relationship as we are apart, for electricity and a strong internet connection in order for us to communicate well, and for wedding planning. J
**For language learning – for understanding and to be understood – that I would retain what I learn in lessons and in the community.
**My pastor and his family (who are very close friends of mine here) are working at support raising in order to fund a trip to the United States to share about their work here. Vadim and his wife, Lena, have been a huge support for me (and Tara and Rachel as well). Please pray for finances and paperwork in order for this trip to happen. I am sending his support letter below, and if you feel led to help them in this endeavor, you can contact me or use the info below.
Another thumbs up to those of you who have made it this far in your reading of this update. I appreciate so much all that you do for me in supporting me financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I am so thankful for your prayers, the e-mails I receive, and the actual letters and cards I get in the mail. Hearing from that side of the world always brightens my day. Thank you again – for everything.
In Him,
Esther
**If you’d like to be receive these updates via e-mail, please e-mail me at eksnyder01@yahoo.com.**
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