Count down to Ukraine....6 days!

I am traveling back to Ukraine this coming Saturday, June 2nd with two other wonderful ladies from my work (Allison an Occupational Therapist and Kate a Physical Therapist).  They are both wonderful, kind, loving and I can't wait to spend time with them during our trip!  We will be representing TEAMWorks Ukraine and working in two different orphanages during our week in Ukraine.  We will spend the majority of our time at a newer orphanage to our group with the hopes of building relationships and improving care for the children with special needs there.  Our group has only spent one day at a time at this particular place, and every time we leave we feel we need more time there!  We are excited, nervous, joyful, and ready to get the show on the road!  We've been organizing and gathering supplies and donations over the course of the past month or so, and we are 6 days out!  Wow!  

I prayed and prayed over committing to travel on this trip, and I kept running across different things that pointed me to yes!!  I am reminded of how God calls us to care for orphans and those in need.  I am reminded of how he calls us to GO and spread the goods news to all nations!  We hope that through our work with these children, hearts will be lead to the One who calls us to this!  I love knowing that He is there before us, and He will be there after we leave.

The first song we sang this morning at church was "Come and Lay Your Burdens Down" and that was such a relief to me.  We are going on this trip to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  And the enormity of the need and changes that need to happen for these children can really make you feel overwhelmed and even a little hopeless.  But with Jesus I feel hopeful!  The changes that we want to see for these sweet children are not changes that we will make happen.  It is not in our control.  Every detail and decision during this trip will be His will, and He carries those burdens for us!  Thank you Lord!

We plan to blog as internet connection and time allow, and would love to have support in prayers during our travels.

We will blog here.

Our prayer request list:

-For us to be the hands and feet of Jesus and touch lives for Him

-our time to be well spent and hearts to be softened and prepared for us

-that our love and actions will cross the cultural and language barrier

-for us to be able to see ALL the children at GF orphanage, and spend time with those that need us most

-to build strong and trusting relationships with the caregivers

-for our education and equipment to be used to change the lives of all the children and specifically those confined to a bed

-for our hearts to be prepared and for strength and endurance to give our all every day

-for the wisdom and discernment to answer questions and educate with love

-good health, safety, and smooth uneventful travel during our trip

"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.  Rescue the weak and the needy..." Psalm 82:3-4

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Thank you for supporting and loving TEAMWorks!
Our TEAMWorks Mission:
Our mission is to keep the special needs children of Ukraine in families and out of poorly funded state nursing homes. For the children in the orphanage, this means helping to make them more “adoptable”. For children in families, this means working with parents and doctors to build a support system where the child can remain in their home.