An Early Present

In many ways, Ukrainian society is more direct and has less "gray" in it than in the West. The weather is often hot or cold, Ukrainians are either upfront or avoid confrontation at all cost, and decisions are made more decisively. Two weeks ago, Handjik and Lena (two of the young people who used to live at the Safe Haven home) got engaged. The following Sunday, they and Anya sat down and had the wedding all planned out: where (Andrew and Jenny's camp), when (Jan. 22), who will come (53 people) and who will bring what. Assignments were given and, boom, a wedding is planned.

Bogdan baptizing Boo-who needs a fancy baptismal?

That next night, we had another one of those decisive moments. Sergei Buliyev's ("Boo") heart was opened and he felt God was calling him to faith. He repented and then wanted to be baptized. A few years ago, Boo had been at the orphanage camp and had really connected with Jake, Tim, Matt, Kyle and James. He even wrote to them to tell them how much their friendship meant to him and how much he admired their faith.

And what does it look like when you are connected with God and with a family? Take a look at the photo of Boo and Shkasia (below) and you be the judge.

Shkasia and Boo