Well, I missed the first week of my new commitment. Maybe I should just shoot for blogging twice a month? I think I can handle that.

Probably my top observation from the April trip is how God supports His work. Every time I visit, the staff at Project Sasha has changed. There is always a new staff member. And, at least one staff member is serving in a new position.

Lena, who had been in charge of feeding and clothing the children left last year. She was such a positive, energetic force that I knew we were losing a treasure. Faya, her replacement, was raised in a Muslim home. Her family still doesn't know about her Christianity. She brings a new enthusiam to the job and the children already love her. She greets everyone with a huge smile and laughs at having to learn to cook borscht. The beet soup is basic to every Ukrainian, but not in her Tatar home.

Bogdan has been replaced by Igor in conducting the street patrols. He already knows all the usual hiding places and is constantly looking for new lairs. The stream of new children hasn't slowed down at all.

So now I am saying that the staff I saw is the best we've ever had. And I expect to being saying the same thing after my next visit. God does provide. He loves those children so much more than we can.

Don't grow weary,
Charles

OK. I promise to do a better job of this blogging thing. I just never seem to get around to it. So, I promise weekly entries. If anyone is checking this, I ask you to hold me accountable to that promise.

You may be expecting me to review my just-completed visit now. That will have to wait. I arrived home Friday at one a.m. By nine a.m. I was on my way to admit my mother to the hospital. The doctors have determined that she is fighting two infections and she is receiving hospital strength antibiotics. One of the side effects of infections in the elderly is confusion. Last Saturday she told the nurse that she hoped to get better in time for a scheduled visit with her other son who lives in Dallas, Italy. I do have a brother living in Texas, but I have no idea where that Italy part came from. I love old people. They are just like children, except easier to catch when they try to run away.

For now, let me say that the trip was both heart-breaking and encouraging. The need seems to grow with each visit. But, the determination and dedication of the staff is growing even more. The other guys on this trip- Phil and Cody- did a good job of documenting the trip at www.ukraine2009.com. You might want to check that out.

Don't grow weary,
Charles