Into the Field: Two weeks and thousands of miles away...but still on the top of my heart...

In some ways, it seems like far more than two weeks have passed since my heart-touching trip to Ukraine; in other ways, it was just yesterday. But regardless of the days or miles that separate us, the people - big and small - I met and the memories I experienced are still very much on the top of my heart.

Every time I pick up my cell phone I see Sveta and her big cross-eyed smile grinning back at me. Multiple times each day I think and share about the blessings and contrasts that I witnessed:

The cold eyes and demeanour of the orphanage director who only wanted to talk about financial support for remodeling and murals;
The kind, warm, deep eyes of the director who spoke of his dislike of designated giving and his desire to focus on meeting the needs for the children's food, care, and programs instead of some of the much evident repairs;
The children who looked and smelled of wet diapers quietly rocking themselves for comfort since they knew that their cries would bring no response;
The children who laughed and played, who listened to Christian CD's in the hallway and had posters of their favorite sports teams hanging over their beds;
The 21st century version Ukrainian orphanage version of the quilting bee...10 toddlers sitting in a circle working on potty training;
The therapy space that was pridefully showed to us, but which was obviously unused since it had mirrors and other equipment laying in its midst;
The beautiful murals painted by orphanage teachers, on their own time, at their own expense, so that the children could have brighter surroundings;
The joyful giggles of toddlers racing after plastic mushrooms - seeing who could gather the most - while their teacher played a jubilent tune on the piano;
Malinka problinka (my poor spelling)...small problem...camp without electricty...bus without a wheel...;
Experiencing the joy and delight with a new, special friend at her first stay in a hotel;
The sophistication and brilliance of a gold-domed, painting and image filled church;
The simplistic beauty of three wooden crosses on a sandy hill at a camp in the woods;
The hearts of new friends working to translate the hearts and passions of others we met, helping to forge relationships filled with hope and faith as we crossed the country;
The excuisite ornamentation and professionalism of the ballet featuring dancers from around Europe and Asia;
The self-composed songs sung around a candle lit table in the middle of the woods, while cooking and eating dinner, playing cards, collapsing chairs, and working to stay warm (and yes, Olexiy, I have a video);
The reminder that God is good...all the time...even when it looks like He is hiding...and that happiness, joy, and blessings that can be found in the simplicity of a balloon or a sticker can remove the darkness of the world, barriers, and any situation surrounding us, if we will only remember to pause and look;
The joy of Jesus in a hug, a smile, the squeeze of a finger, the changing color of a leaf, the peace of a sleeping baby, the passion of those striving to serve Him regardless of their language, education, financial status, or outlook on life;
And oh so many more....