Happy 4th of July!

My favorite holiday…one traditionally filled with swimming, barbequing, and fireworks.  I had thought (with some disappointment) that by being in the Ukraine I would miss out on this celebration that I so love.  I was wrong. 

I won’t spend my whole entry on my excitement over the 4^th of July, but I am very excited – Fireworks are legal in the Ukraine.  Like, real…big…off the ground explosions…are legal (and common) in Ukraine!  They are often part of wedding and birthday celebrations here in the city, and today, a large group of Americans working at the base, as well as many who attend the Calvary Chapel here in Ternopil, got together to celebrate Independence Day.  We all went to the home of one of the families in the congregation.  I found out that kitchens in the Ukraine do not have smoke alarms (and a good thing, too!  We filled the kitchen with smoke grilling hamburgers on the stove!).  In spite of the smoke, we were able to make lots of hamburgers for all the people who attended.  Everyone talked about where in the States they are from, and it was a great time of laughing, eating, and fellowship.  There were 13 adults and…wait for it…15 children!!!

Outside of this celebration, the team arrived from Texas to help begin the King’s Kids ministry!  There are 32 team members total!  I am helping cook lunch for the team, and let me just say – I am already a better cook!  I have learned so much from Dima, the gentleman in charge of the kitchen.  I’ll never peel a potato the same way again!  (and I know how to make potato salad from scratch!  And mayonnaise!  And I love Ukrainian mustard…which is a big deal because I don’t like American mustard.)

We’re planning on participating in the “I love Jesus” festival in a few weeks.   It’s a huge outdoor event which will last (I believe) 5 days.  I’m really excited to see how God is going to work not only at this event, but also in preparation for the event. 

I love the staff here at the base so much.  I’m getting to know each individual in their little quirks and traits.  I’ve begun to build real friendships with a couple of the girls in my room.  I will tell more about these things soon, but it’s getting late.  I hope all of you have a wonderful 4^th of July!  <3