August 7, Friday

Last night was an interesting night. Almost everyone crashed early after the long night and days' flights and slept well. The dogs (which are numerous and very loud) barked but couldn't do much to disturb our sleep.

After breakfast at the seminary we loaded everyone up into the van's and headed off to see downtown Odessa!

The church to the left was destroyed during WWII (or perhaps by someone else just after -- we heard conflicting stories). Regardless it was founded in 1794 as an Eastern Orthodox congregation.

The Russians didn't have much room for church in their plans so it was originally scheduled to have a restroom built over the baptismal/christening chamber. A local eye specialist convinced them to make it a theatre instead. After the fall of the soviet empire the church was rebuilt and is still under construction. The building is beautiful, but still absent a congregation that has a relationship with Jesus Christ the Savior.



A short walk on the way to lunch took us through a small shopping center. It is called "the passage". There are glimpses of beautiful architecture of old. Some in terrible disrepair and much being restored.








Yes, there is a McDonald's in Odessa. And yes, we found it. The food is still unremarkable and much like the food at McDonald's at home. That said everyone was much appreciative to have a little taste of home. It was especially good for the kids. Here's the kids (or most of them) sitting at the table enjoying a little time together.

There was one of those "precious" moments just after this photo was taken. The kids on their own stood Ukranian style during prayer and prayed for God to bless their food. Some of us parents were on the other side of the glass and it really blessed our hearts!



The Odessa theatre is one of the most beautiful buildings architecturally in Odessa. It also sits on the same row as the court house and the city hall. Weddings in Ukraine at church are purely ceremonial as the state must officiate all weddings and provide the legal paperwork. The weddings, therefore, are often schedule when the government offices are open. because we were in Odessa on Friday afternoon there were wedding parties EVERYWHERE. We counted at least 25 wedding parties in various places in this immediate vicinity!

The gowns were beautiful, just like in the states and many grooms were dressed in off white (as opposed to the more traditional black from the USA). -- Although some were in your standard black tux. Fun environment with many smiling people. You don't see as many smiles on the street in the Ukraine as at home (it's a cultural thing. You need to be happy on the inside, not the outside apparently)

Will try to publish another article shortly after this one but running out of time. Internet cuts off at 9pm sharp here and then it's not on until morning!

Prayer requests:
Today we got to know Kamil (the pastor here), his family, Kurt (not sure if C or K, sorry) and family (from Holland Michigan) and Brett (a teacher here at the seminary and missionary from Denver). There are little pockets of Christianity in this very big and growing city. Odessa is a multicultural city and there are very rich and very poor here but not much in between. I was told today a very good salary in Odessa is about $1000 a month. Things are a little less expensive here but not proportionally.

Additionally we met our translators (there are several). They are wonderful translators and apparently a part of our mission field here in Ukraine. We have begun to get to know them and some of their family and it is evident that they have not given their lives to Christ but have had some exposure to Christians. Pray that we can behave and set an example as families and also show God's love to them while we are here.

Our lost piece of missing luggage has made it to Odessa. Jim picked it up and we now have all our supplies!