Church in a Chinese Restaurant

Last night we met up with the Ferdons. They are a missionary family from America living right down the street from where we are staying.  Forrest, the Dad took us on a walking tour of the city center before we headed back to their apartment for coffee and sweets.  His wife Darcy and their three children were there.  All of them adopted from Ukraine.

They invited us to church in the morning.

At 9:30 in the morning we walked to Hotel Lugansk where the church meets on the 7th floor in a Chinese restaurant.

 

Here is Rachel waiting for church to begin.  It was wonderful to attend church for the first time in Ukraine.  The service was translated for us.  

Matthew 11:29-30

 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.   For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

 The message spoke to me today.  We could not do this without God, but with Him we are able because His burden is light.

The service lasted 2 hours which is customary here.  Afterwards, we stayed for lunch.

Here we are with the Ferdon family having Chines food in Ukraine.  It was not only affordable but very good too.  I think we will be back sometime during our stay. :)

After lunch I wanted to head out to the open market to buy a few basic necessities like dish soap, clothes soap, and a broom.  It was a scavenger hunt in the open market, but it was fun.  John also bought a pair of flip flops from a Paskistani gentleman who he struck up a conversation with. His other pair broke back in Kiev.  Anyway, the guy from Pakistan asked us what was the first thing we thought of when we hear Pakistan.  He was certain that we would think terrorist.  I thought middle east.  How do you answer such a statement?  I simply said that I know there are good and bad people from everywhere and so I don't automatically assume one whole country is bad.  I wondered why he was living here and selling shoes rather than living in his home country.  Turns out, he married a Ukrainian.

Here is John walking back to our apartment with Rachel following.

As soon as we got home, I swept the floor and it made all the difference.  I don't know about you,but I can't stand a dirty floor and this apartment has nothing as far as cleaning supplies, not even a sponge (which I brought from home) or dish soap.  After the floor was swept and the dishes were done by Rachel, the apartment felt more like home.  Right now, John took Rachel out to the park where American music is blasting.  When they come back in two hours, we will head out for our evening grocery trip.

Tomorrow is the big day!  We will get to meet our boys!  We are very excited to say the least.  We found out at our SDA appointment that they have both been in the baby house since birth.  God willing, that is about to change!

P.S.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask.