Reflecting

As I have been reflecting on the past several days, I was first saddened because I thought I hadn't served as I could have. Maybe I should have done more, or something differently. Normally I am more hands on with the kids, but this trip I wasn't. God quickly showed me that I had served how He had called me to. He allowed me, because of photographing, to watch Him working in the midst of all of us. From the moment we landed in Kiev, I was able to see how God was using each of us.

At times it was the gentlemen helping the ladies carry their luggage. I saw Melody step into the role of our team leader, where she absolutely excelled. I watched Becky form a bond with Marina (our lead translator) that will never be broken. I saw Karen was able to communicate around language barriers, to show kids the love of Christ through recreation. I listened as Josh taught God's truth from a curriculum he wrote. Larry, as he entertained and loved on kids, creating smiles and laughter. I witnessed Tim and Angela ministering together in Ukraine for the first time as an engaged couple. I got to see children's faces light up when Bill and Carolynn would play with them around the parachute. Elodie and her master craft making skills, left something tangible behind for the kids to have. Charity as she bonded with kids and experienced her first international mission trip.

There are so many more things that I can't begin to express that happened while we were there. I loved every minute of it and can't wait to go again, Lord willing. Until then, I will continue to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ on the other side of the world.

~ Amy