All Came To Pass

Today was the last full day here in Ukraine for Byron and I. It's so bittersweet to be heading back to Denver... On one hand, we're really excited to be back and sleeping in our own beds. On the other hand, we're going to greatly miss all of the people we've met and visited here... Bittersweet for sure.

Looking back, it's kind of funny to remember how I felt one month ago. I remember how difficult it was to leave my job and church, my friends and family. I was experiencing the bittersweetness of leaving. It was so hard to say goodbye to Colorado, and yet here I am, in the same position again, but with Ukraine.

The last few days in Kiev have been busy ones for us. We've met with friends quite a bit, catching up on their lives, their feelings about God, and in some cases, have had the privilege of hearing about friends that recently chose to have a relationship with God.

We've also spent a lot of time with the missionaries that we're staying with right now - and that time for us has really been invaluable. They've taught us so much about dealing with spiritual warfare, cultural differences, and the importance of building relationships with the people we want to minister to.

It's really hard for me to summarize this trip... It's been amazing, it's been terrifying, it's been eye opening, it's been - a time in which the Lord has really spoken and moved in our lives. Going back to Colorado, we feel confident of the Lord's will, and we finally know what the next step is for our lives (which is something we've been praying about for the past 2 years).

As we were saying goodbye to certain friends in Kiev this week, we all promised each other that there would be no tears, because we'd all be seeing each other again soon. But I have to confess, I broke my promise. As Byron and I sat on the metro train today, I couldn't keep my tears at bay. I only had a few roll down my cheeks, but as I felt their warmth on my face, I had to ask myself, "why am I crying?"

It was then that I realized the truth... At some point in the last month, I don't know when, I don't know where, but at some point, Ukraine became my home. And I feel like by getting on the plane tomorrow means I'm leaving my home. I'm leaving the place that God is so clearly calling me to.

My grandma used to love this old song called "I left my heart in San Fransisco." As I write this last post while I'm in Ukraine, I can't help but think, "I left my heart in Ukraine." And if the Lord allows, in just a few short months, I'll be back to reclaim it.

Я обожаю эту страну и народ здесь.

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass."
-Joshua 21:45

Next stop, KBP airport.

P.S.
Next time we're here, we'll be bringing Swedish fish for one friend who recently discovers she loves them!