Made it Zaporyzhzhia

Well, we made it to Zaporyzhzhia bright and early this morning. The train ride was very hot even though we had an air conditioned train. The other cars were quite cool whereas the one Rob, myself and the boys were in was not. I think it must have been the sheer testosterone in a small space that did it. They all give off so much heat that it definitely counteracted the air conditioning. Well it really took it's toll on me. After Yuri falling off the top bunk and landing on me and then not really getting any sleep because we had a food bag in the room that really stunk I woke up to a rushed trip to the bathroom. Then with nothing in my stomach we had to offload the bags and the kids and get checked into the hotel just in time to rush right out to the Church service at "Christ is Alive" which started at 9 instead of 10. So with a quick shower and wet hair we ran out the door and got there. It was great to hear some of the same praise and worship music that we sing but with different words. Rob and I were called up front to speak and it was a good thing that God was with us as we weren't exactly prepared to make any kind of long speech. The pastor sat down and was looking quite comfortable as we were finishing up with what we had to say. It was great to see GOD at work though in the lives of these believers. It was very interesting that the sermon at crosswalk said some of the same things we said this morning. Rob even made reference to the fact that many kilometers away believers are doing the same thing we are and worshipping God. It was great to hear the responses form the audience. We were treated like royalty. However, because of the heat I had to take our 2 younger boys outside and that is where the "nursery" was. It looked like the buggy brigade to me but all the other mothers came over and smiled as they introduced their children. One lady understood enough English for us to communicate a little and they were all very nice. Many babushka's came up and said something to us that I imagine was something like "bless you" and one of them even gave Vicky a bag of plums for us to take with us. Afterward we went to get a bit to eat at the AMCTOP which in Russian is said amstore. I was feeling pretty crummy by that time but everyone got a bite to eat and when we got back to the hotel I laid down and took a nap while everyone else went out to explore our new city. I thought I could have just laid there and died as the heat was not my friend. After getting a little rest I felt a little better so we went outside to a Christian festival which was right in the park next to our hotel. That was a first for us! We couldn't even find a church last year when we were here. Now they are having a huge Christian festival as it is the evening of their independence day. Funny how that happens. Last year we were here and picked the boys up on July 4th, our independence day and this year we are hear for Ukraine's independence day. I think God must have intended for it to be that way to emphasize that He is really the one who gives us all our independence by being dependent on Him.

We got to get together with Olga and Christina and Gregory at our favorite Pizza place (NayBay pronounced PowWow). After 2 of the boys fell asleep right on the table we decided it would be a good idea to go put them in bed.

We have made plans for the day tomorrow as it is a continuation of the holiday from today. Here in Ukriane you have to have a holiday from the holiday. It's just the way it is. Now we are here at the internet cafe sharing all of our thoughts with our families and all you other blog readers. Thanks for the comments and keep 'em coming. If you read this post first make sure you read Lisa and Vicky's posts for today as well. We all have different perspective and God has shown each of us differnet things that are worth while reading.

Blessing to all,
Laura et al