February 23, 2022 Update

Friends, family, kind strangers – believe it or not, I have already been living in Ukraine for over three weeks! 

I am overwhelmed by the grace God has given me in this transition. Doors are opening, details are settling, and I am resting in the beauty of it all. First, this tiny apartment is becoming a home. Thankfully, I find a lot of peace in this space. Sending out a huge thank you to those who sent me “housewarming” gifts to help me settle in here! 

Slowly but surely, I’ve been able to explore what my life in ministry does/will look like. So far, I’ve been able to join Clinton and Lena with Shade for Children on their visits to the Svalyava orphanage which is about an hour away. There is a lot I feel like I should say about these children, but I haven’t fully processed the way they have captured my heart. They are beautiful and loving and deserve more than they currently have in life. It’s an interesting juggle for me to show up for them, hold their stories, allow my heart to break for them, and still take care of myself. Empathy is one of my greatest strengths, but also takes the most amount of discipline to control. I don’t know how to do it well yet, but I’m putting in the work to figure it out. 

I am also praying about how I can show up as an advocate for these children with excellence – I already have a handful of people messaging me about the international adoption process from Ukraine! I imagine God has something for me in this, just not sure exactly what it is yet. 

Remember the doors I mentioned opening? Well one of them made me have to sit down and have a good cry. Jesus and a few incredible people are blessing me with the funds to purchase a vehicle! This lifts a massive burden and will allow me to have a consistent presence in the orphanages, expand the scope of my ministry, and bring others along as we serve the children of Ukraine. This was always the goal, but I truly didn’t imagine it coming together like this and so quickly. Thank you to those who gave towards this vehicle! I am now on the hunt for a reliable car, so prayer around that is greatly appreciated.

I do want to give a brief update on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In short, it’s heartbreaking and frustrating to see the borders and sovereignty of Ukraine disrespected and manipulated. With Putin’s recognition of the occupied regions as “independent states”, Russia has moved even more military and violence into Ukrainian territory. As it stands today, it's unclear whether Russia will attempt to move further into Ukraine and how the western nations will support Ukraine’s defense of her borders. Ukraine will not give in quietly and for that, I have great respect. 

I remain safe and able to continue my day-to-day activities without commotion. While it has caused prices on food and gas to rise, we do not have any military mobilization on this side of the country, and life continues to operate relatively normally.

While opportunities for me to leave are still on the table, my intention is and always has been to stay as long as I am helpful and not a burden. 

In the past few weeks, I have gained three new monthly supporters, bringing my monthly financial support to about $660 of the $1500 goal! As we increase the consistent monthly support, I will be able to pull back from my other paid work to more fully focus on building out my ministry here. 

If you feel led to support this mission financially – here is how I’m directing my funds right now:

• Saving for a vehicle – $5000 – COVERED!! Many orphanages are outside of the city, meaning anywhere from 20 - 90 min commutes. I’m praying for a good vehicle to become available and for the funds to make the purchase when it does. 

• Ukrainian Language Lessons – $150/Month – I have Ukrainian lessons 3 times a week with a wonderful tutor! These are taxing and challenging but foundational to my life and ministry here!

• Visa costs – $500 – I officially begin the Temporary Residency Visa process next week!

• Car registration / insurance / fuel and matience fund – $1500 – with great gifts, comes great responsiblity :)

To be fully transparent with you, my life seems to be a dichotomy of feeling both abundantly happy and overwhelmingly lost. My days are both adventurous and lonely. So know that I am so thankful for you and your support, it truly does make all the difference. Your prayers are felt and your encouragement taken to heart. 

with love,

Lina