Ukraine Update- 12/31/05

Well, my bag is packed, and I'm almost ready to go. Notice, "bag" is singular : ) I'm taking three... oh well, It will get done!
God has been so good to me. He has taken away my fear and given me peace. I'm okay with not knowing what i'm doing in Ukraine, who the other team is, or even which orphanages we're going to!
Last night, we had a prayer meeting at my house. It was great to have so many warriors under our roof! God showed up in a powerful way and many words were spoken over me, my team, and our trip. I'm so excited to see what miracles God will perform this time! He has been so faithful, and I can count on Him to continue being the same : )
Once more, thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I wouldn't be able to do this without the body of Christ behind me. You all have been ministers of God's loving kindness towards me- thank you for that.
Right now, I basically only know my flights... so here they are:
12.31.05 - leave Centralia at 7:45
- flight leaves at 12:00 from Sea-tac airport
12.31.05 to 01.01.06 Looong flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands
01.01.06 - 2 hour layover in Amst. airport (Jane says we'll have to run across the humungo airport to get to our gate in time... but we'll see... I myself would rather skip : )
01.01.06 - flight to Borispol, Ukraine (about 20 minutes from Kiev)
after that, I'm clueless! (Thanks for your peace God!)
All I know after that is that we leave Ukraine for Amsterdam on the 13th or 14th.
We'll spend the night in Amsterdam (I'm pushing for a night taxi-tour), and then leave for Seattle in the morning.

So that's what I know for now! Hopefully, I will have internet access in Vinnitsa (our #2 base). So, if that happens I can give an update.
May God's grace and peace go ahead of you and rest upon you. I love you all and am praying for you too. I look forward to seeing you all when I get back!

Ukraine Update- 12/27/05

Just FOUR days to go and....
I am all paid!! By far, my best Christmas present was finding out that my leaders’ had more money for the trip than they needed, and that I could use it! Praise Abba! So now, I am totally free from any worry or stress about it! God has been so good to me- please pray that I can be faithful with what I have. Thank you all so much for your prayers and financial support- I truly couldn’t do this without you!
There’s a concept that I want to get across, but I’m not exactly sure how. Here goes…
When someone gives me money to go to Ukraine, I see it as them sending a part of themselves with it… but I have to be faithful to get that blessing across to the people that I minister to. It’s almost like my accountability when I’m there. I hope this doesn’t sound strange or perfectionistic (maybe it is). When others bless me, I want to be able to bless others in the same amount. I hope this encourages those of you who have blessed me with finances.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
I leave from Sea-Tac (Seattle) airport this Saturday, the 31st, at noon.
I still haven’t packed
I’m not sure of what God is calling me to do this trip.
My sister, DeLynn is coming home the 1st.
I am nervous about leaving my family for that long… especially my Mom.
I still don’t know much about the youth puppeteer team coming from Virginia. I most likely won’t know anything more until I get there.
Connections
That God would speak to me about my life’s direction and the long-term purposes He has for me.
Please also pray that I would be open to whatever God would have me to do. It’s hard for me to not have a “main focus”

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I covet your prayers (I think that’s okay) and I am excited to bring the blessings you’ve bestowed on me to the children and families of Ukraine.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
This Christmas was a lot smoother than last year. Probably because it was a lot less complicated- Dad let us come home late Christmas eve instead of sleeping there.
Overall, we had a fun time- and, in Mom’s words her and I “spent more time together than when [I] was five!” That was one of my favorite parts J
Grandma came over and we started a puzzle that didn’t get finished until very late that night- it was fun, but frustrating!
I am thankful for my family, friends, and all the blessings I have in my life.

Ukraine Update

Hi Everybody!
Thank you for your prayers and financial support! Recently, I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, but I know that somehow I will get order soon.

Prayer Requests:
>> I currently teach an English/Writing class, and I will be gone over two school weeks. During my time away, my Mom will be subing for me. However, I still have to make lesson plans, class schedules, quizzes, and all the other things needed. Please pray that I can focus and make it as clear and concise for Mom as I can.
>> On Wednesday, I found out that I have to have all my money in to Ukraine Children's Project by next week. Please pray that I can get the rest of the needed finances.

Financial Update (as of Wed, Dec 14):
Raised: $1,330.87
Needed: about $870
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Current Financial Standing

Wow~ I can't believe I leave for Ukraine in 19 days! I guess I should start thinking about packing! lol. Life has been crazy, so I'm sorry If I haven't gotten your "thank-yous" out yet. Today was my last English class (as teaching goes) until I leave, so I should have some free time. We'll see I guess!

Current Donation Count:$1,120.00
PRAISE GOD!! HE is so faithful!

Ukraine Update- 12/06/05

Ukraine Update: As it stands today, I have received $500 towards my Ukraine Trip!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! God is working on me in the area of faith. He is my Abba and my faithful provider! Please continue to keep me in your prayers- Thank you again!
~LeAnna~

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27
×èñòîå è íåïîðî÷íîå áëàãî÷åñòèå ïðåä Áîãîì è Îòöåì åñòü òî, ÷òîáû ïðèçèðàòü ñèðîò è âäîâ â èõ ñêîðáÿõ è õðàíèòü ñåáÿ íåîñêâåðíåííûì îò ìèðà. - James 1:27 Russian Translation

Dear Friends and Family,
This past January, I went on my second missions trip to Ukraine. My trip was amazing and life changing. God gave me a new way of thinking, and impressed his faithfulness upon my heart and mind. Eventually, it came time for me to leave Ukraine and the friends I had made there. I cried; knowing that I might never go back. Last January, God gave me a deep love for Ukraine and its people. That love still remains in my heart.
Sometimes God does or says something that is so big, it blows away our boxed-in mindsets. For me, this happened just a few days ago- when God gave me a push in the direction of Ukraine. On December 31st, I will embark on my third trip to Ukraine with Ukraine Children’s Project – an organization geared towards helping the hundreds of thousands of orphans and street children of Ukraine.
Since my first trip three years ago, my love for the children and people of Ukraine has grown immensely. This year, I will help to distribute medical supplies, clothes, blankets, Bibles, and lots of love to the children at five orphanages. I am looking forward to ministering to some of the same children and some new ones as well!
Our team will be led by Dr. Jim and Jane Miller (who I have accompanied my previous two times). While they are seeing the sick children, I will be ministering with a youth puppeteer group from Virginia.
I am already ecstatic about what God has planned for my trip. Each time He has sent me, His purpose for my life has become clearer and clearer. Please pray for and with me that He would give me clear direction as to His purpose for my life. Also, please keep my leaders in prayer. They think that this will be their last trip to Ukraine (this is their eleventh trip), but are praying for guidance.
I also need prayer that I can raise the needed $2,500 in time. God has done it for me in the past, so I am totally trusting in His power. If you feel led to support me financially, you can mail me your check made out to “The Ukraine Children’s Project” so that you can get a tax-deductible receipt. Also, please don’t write my name anywhere on the check. Instead, attach a post-it note with my name on it.
I am excited about this trip and about what God has planned. Please join with me in prayer during the preparation and duration of my trip (Dec. 31-Jan 15). Thank you for your support!

Woohoo! I'm going I'm going I'm going!!!

Today I got my plane ticket in the mail... yes I am going out of the country again. This time, I get to go back to Ukraine for the third time. I am so excited! God is really doing a big work in me- I got the confirmation I was praying for and the next day I bought my ticket. The day after that, I wrote my support letter and sent out one hundred copies to my friends and family! I have never done anything this spur-the-moment that involved hundreds of dollars! This is totally a God thing- only He could do something this spectacular! I hope to give updates as I go along... maybe someone will actually see them on here! That would be a first!

I'm Going to Ukraine Again!

Dear Friends and Family,
This past January, I went on my second missions trip to Ukraine. My trip was amazing and life changing. God gave me a new way of thinking, and impressed his faithfulness upon my heart and mind. Eventually, it came time for me to leave Ukraine and the friends I had made there. I cried; knowing that I might never go back. Last January, God gave me a deep love for Ukraine and its people. That love still remains in my heart.
Sometimes God does or says something that is so big, it blows away our boxed-in mindsets. For me, this happened just a few days ago- when God gave me a push in the direction of Ukraine. On December 31st, I will embark on my third trip to Ukraine with Ukraine Children’s Project – an organization geared towards helping the hundreds of thousands of orphans and street children of Ukraine.
Since my first trip three years ago, my love for the children and people of Ukraine has grown immensely. This year, I will help to distribute medical supplies, clothes, blankets, Bibles, and lots of love to the children at five orphanages. I am looking forward to ministering to some of the same children and some new ones as well!
Our team will be led by Dr. Jim and Jane Miller (who I have accompanied my previous two times). While they are seeing the sick children, I will be ministering with a youth puppeteer group from Virginia.
I am already ecstatic about what God has planned for my trip. Each time He has sent me, His purpose for my life has become clearer and clearer. Please pray for and with me that He would give me clear direction as to His purpose for my life. Also, please keep my leaders in prayer. They think that this will be their last trip to Ukraine (this is their eleventh trip), but are praying for guidance.
I also need prayer that I can raise the needed $2,500 in time. God has done it for me in the past, so I am totally trusting in His power. If you feel led to support me financially, you can mail me your check made out to “The Ukraine Children’s Project” so that you can get a tax-deductible receipt. Also, please don’t write my name anywhere on the check. Instead, attach a post-it note with my name on it.
I am excited about this trip and about what God has planned. Please join with me in prayer during the preparation and duration of my trip (Dec. 31-Jan 15). Thank you for your support!

Sad, sad, sad

Wow! I can hardly imagine that it has been so long since I last wrote. I have started school (both taking classes and teaching them), so I am constantly busy.
My english class is going well, but the fact that two of my siblings are in it make it very difficult. : ) I am hoping that they will learn and not let the teacher get in the way of knowledge...
Anyways, new business in my life... I got elected as student body president, so that is a big responsibility. When me and the other Presidential candidates gave our speeches, one of the other candidates stood up and basically told everyone to vote for me! It was a total surprise and kind of embarassing. We had a 30 minute break before we voted, and I still didn't think I would get elected. But, I did! I was so excited- it didn't seem real! It's funny how a lot of other people were so sure that I was going to win, but I wasn't. : )
I get to go back to Shiloh today (see past posting)! I am expecially excited because my little brother (who is now taller than me) is going. It should be fun and a great time of learning. My best friend, Kaeli gets to go again, too!
I think those are the main two things happening right now, but I'm sure I will have more to say later.

Missions trip- Everyone else

Recently, it seems like everyone except me is going on a missions trip. My older sister, DeLynn is in South Africa on a DTS with YWAM. Kaeli, my best friend is going to Eastern Washington to put on a VBS for Migrant workers' children. Her older sister is in South Africa, too. My friend Laci is in Mexico on a trip with her church. My friend Brenda just left for a performing arts DTS. She might be gone for a few years! Another of my friends, Corrie, just got back from a missions trip in Africa with her family.
So, what I want to know is- why not me? I know that God's timing is a whole lot different (and better) than mine. Maybe I am supposed to go on a missions trip this summer, but don't know about it yet : ) God works in mysterious ways : )
Whatever the reason, I am trying not to be jealous and to pray for all of them. Maybe that's my summer mission- prayer. I know that God has placed the prayer-warrior calling on my life. Sometimes,though, it is hard to pray and not go out and do something. I know, though, that when I pray, more could happen through others than if I were there trying to help.
God, whatever your will is, please show me how to join you in your work. I love you. Thank you.

OPI

Awhile ago, I went on a Environmental Science field trip to OPI... Olympic Parks Institute. It was tons of fun, and I learned a lot. Hopefully I can post some pictures soon. Oh, and this happens to be my first post from home. All my other ones were made else where.

Correction

Sorry, but thank you to the person who posted a comment on my last post. I made a small error. Here in the USA, we don't have two words, but in other countries they do.

Oranges

Random Thought of the day: why do we have two different words for the orange fruit and the orange color? Who decided that? I just recently found out that other languages have two words and it sparked my noggin's wonderings on this positively abstract conundrum.

Annual Signing

Yearbook signing is a strange an foreign thing. Truthfully, I have only done it for the past two years, so as to it being foreign, to most, this is easily explained. However, my belief in it being foreign is that when it is required for everyone to sign an annual, those who have nothing to say are forced to say something lame like, "have a great summer" or "class has been fun". Oh, brother! On top of this, when the person really means for you to have the best summer of your life, they aren't taken seriously because everyone else is wishing them the exact same thing. The people who know you best are always the ones who can't think of anything to say. That is one of the most frustrating things. And, when you finally think of something to say, it is years later at an obscure gathering of equestrian thesbians, and it doesn't matter anymore. Everyone who you would like to write and list all the wonderful things that you just realized about them is dead, have combovers and have become unrecognizable due to too many years in jail, too many plastic surgeries, or haven't changed at all and, as a result, you wouldn't dream of corresponding with them!! Anyways, I find myself a sceptic in the area of yearbook signing, and yet, I love reading whatever intelligent (or inteligible) things people care to tell me.

Teacher's Assistant

I'm a Teacher's Assistant for Academy Northwest. Sometimes it's hard to balance the thoughts of a student with the thoughts of a teacher, but I enjoy the challenge. Right now I'm at the office, but my teachers (LK1 and LK2) are out of the office at a meeting. I know that my teachers trust me and that means a lot to me. I've had times in my lfe when it was hard to find someone who would trust me, so I value their trust even more. Aside from teaching me how to be a teacher (my profession of choice), they have taught me life lessons on marriage, faith, love, trust, and friendship. I would consider them mentors instead of just teachers. I feel so priveleged to be a TA and to have their trust.

Shiloh Bible Camp

Yesterday I got home from a Study Retreat at Shiloh Bible Camp in Cosmopolis, WA. The main theme of the weekend was choices. However, choices wasn't really the main focus. We talked about the principles of sowing and reaping. Galatians 6:7-10 was our main text. It was interesting to me that sometimes, no matter how long you've talked about a scripture and not gotten it, you hear it once and really understand it. Having time to mull over the concepts contained in these three verses (and others on the same topic) really helped me understand how imporant one decision can be. A decision is not the end. Instead, It is the means to an end.
The Seven laws of The Harvest Are:
1. We reap only what has been sown
2. We reap the same in kind as has been sown
3. We reap in a different season than we sow
4. We reap more than has been sown
5. We reap in proportion to what has been sown
6. We reap the full harvest of the good only if we persevere; the evil comes to harvest on its own
7. We can't do much about last year's harvest, but we can about this year's
These principles can be found in everyday life. No matter where we go, it's incredible that, because they are God's laws, they reach everywhere and everything.