Now that it's final, I want to reflect a little on what this means to us.
At first we were shocked. We had been investing in a project and ministry in which we really believed. Our minds were oriented towards the activities that were coming up in the fall and winter. We were waiting impatiently to hear the results of the September GA board meeting which would decide which programs would be approved for action, for the Ranger to get out of customs so that we could explore how it could be used and to see what this time of year looks like at the HopeCenter. We building relationships with Maxim, Sergey, Anya, Lena, Lena, Inna, Sergey, Misha and other kids around Kerch.
And then it was gone...
Our mindsets were thrown 180 degrees out of whack and we were devastated. Then we started thinking about fall in Colorado and what that would entail. We'll be home for hunting season, Thanksgiving, Sarah's birthday (as well as sister Joy and my Dad). We might even get a chance to snowboard!
Then we started thinking how this would actually work...
We are going to be in Colorado with no house, limited clothes and not much else... I mean, we had to have Tanya look through our apartment at the HopeCenter to find our American plug attachment for our computer! We are not prepared for this. We'll be home for at least 3.5 months and I still have no idea what that means for work at GA. What does a missionary to Ukraine do in Colorado for 1/3 of the year?
I don't expect or want any pity or platitudes for our situation. We are able to see the enormous blessings that being back will offer and have thanked the Lord that this has happened in a relatively painless manner. We are glad that we should be able to return in the spring and be involved in all the programs for much of 2009 and that we won't have to be away from our Ukrainian family for THAT long.
In all, we're ok with it. Thanks for your prayers.
Posts
I think this is truly bittersweet. I'm sorry and joyful at the same time for you. I look forward to seeing you.
ReplyDeleteSome more upside, Dorri and the kids and I will all be in Colorado for Christmas so you and your will get a chance to meet the rest of Dorri's family.
ReplyDeleteY'all are awesome. That was some ride you have been on. I am thankful God has really been there for you during this whole thing. Maybe you can call it a sabatical. People in ministry do that all the time right?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad at least that you finally have an answer and you don't have to be in limbo anymore. But I'm sorry that it all turned out the way it did. Very confusing. I am really looking forward to seeing y'all, though.
ReplyDeleteSuch a mixed emotion thing. I can't imagine being side-tracked from all of the great work y'all were doing there. But we are so looking forward to seeing you all though. And...SAY IT ISN"T SO!!!! You will be here for our Pumpkin Carving Party!!
ReplyDeletedo have a rather wonderful opportunity to share the holidays with friends and family - and this unexpected event may spark more interest in your work. Perhaps you can snag a temporary job at someplace like BestBuy or somewhere that hires for the holidays...find a housesitting gig and then do some public speaking about your work in Ukraine. You have a story to share and an opportunity to capture the interest of the usually complacent public. Life throws us curveballs...it is the way we handle these challenges that proves what we are made of. God provides and He workd in mysterious ways...You and your family are so blessed. Who knows what wonderful experience this is preparing you for! 8-)
ReplyDelete"Ginn"
V J Pulver
Read my Journals: www.pulverpages.com