THE WINDS OF UKRAINE

Ukraine in the recent past has not been so negatively affected by the world economy, but as it moves more and more to a world market economy it will be more so. That's not to say it hasn't been a poor country....it still is, but things have improved considerably in the 18 years we've been here, economically and politically.

Speaking of political....there has been a growing wind blowing across this land. The president, Yanokovich is leaning more and more to the east (Russia) in his political moves. UkrianianJournal.com quote: KIEV, Nov. 24 – "President Viktor Yanukovych on Thursday failed to deny a media report that he was going to join a meeting in Moscow December 19, skipping an EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev the same day." He is the man who was defeated in the Orange Revolution. Now, purely a political move, he has managed to imprison his major opposition rival. Her sentence is for 7 years and no politics for 3 more after that. The EU sees this as a scandal and has asked for her release. Quoted from UkraininanJournal.com, "The U.S. and the European Union have sharply condemned Tymoshenko’s sentence last month as politically motivated." It has put Ukraine many steps backwards in the issue of European integration.

Ukraine is now making visa issues more difficult and more expensive for westerners, something Russia has already done. Many left Russia as a result, some coming here to work. Today people are leaving Ukraine for this very same reason, as we said goodbye to a friend last week. For now we are fine, but you can see this is something that needs prayer. After almost two decades in this country we see the open door beginning to creak on it's hinges. We thank you for standing with us in prayer for His will to be done.

FINDING YOUR PASSION

HORSE DRAWN WAGON IN UKRAINE

For some in Ukraine this is the only mode of transportation. I snapped this in September on our road just across the street from our home. I always think it is quaint when I see a horse and wagon, but I am also reminded of how difficult the life is here for many. In 17 years in Ukraine we see less and less of these wagons, but it does not mean life has gotten easier. Their's is a life of toil and difficulties. All the more reason for the need of hope, the need of understanding a future in heaven. It is why we are here. We thank God that He has given us a small part to play in spreading the Hope of his Word to the nations.