Sarry Speaks!

So here it is.  My first attempt at blogging.  I may not have the entertainment of all you witty and creative bloggers (Matty included), but hopefully I'll be able to capture the excitement that we experienced today.

The Hope Center recently received a shipment of various wheelchairs and walkers from the Salvation Army that we had the privilege of handing out this morning to two neighboring villages of Kerch.  We went house to house knocking on doors handing out the medical equipment directly to those in need.  I felt like I was on the crew of Publisher's Clearing House... especially when the family members would burst out into tears once they saw what we were bringing.  We must have had 6 or so people in our group (some of us taking photos and video) in these peoples' 2-3 room houses and yet they were so humbled and gracious to have us there that some asked if they could serve tea and visit.  Many of the ones in need were confined to their homes and/or beds, and you could just see the possibility of being able to go somewhere else sparkle in their eyes. (I wish I could have posted some of those pictures, but that was on someone else's camera.)  It had to be one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had.  I had mentioned before in one of my emails how the general population (certainly not the staff) appear cold and abrasive.  I would imagine that living in such harsh conditions for years (especially with physical disabilities) how that would certainly make one bitter.  And maybe these particular individuals were not necessarily bitter but joy and zeal for life were apparently lacking.  It was amazing to see how showing Jesus to someone by meeting a physical need brought light to someone's eyes.  I was feeling sad about missing Christmas this year, but knowing how easily I can get swept up into the commercialism of the holiday I'm sort of glad to be outside of my culture.  The whole "reason for the season" becomes a little clearer.  Thanks for all of your prayers and support.  We are only the hands and feet of God and those who have sent us.  Take a look at what you are a part of!