Privet!
Ukraine Goes well, sorry for not really updating this, but I have been sending out Mass emails as form...quicker and sometimes just easier! Anyways its good to be back in Europe and here in the Ukraine..I forgot what it was like to be back and I quite enjoy it (though will be content now I think to be at hoem for the next while!) THought I would put the plan on here for the next while that I am here. Keep in mind it is subject to change of course but here is the Plan for the next few days...tomorrow head back to campfor working...friday morning have off/sleep in/pack from stuff where I am now...head to camp by 3..meetings etc (in russian) and then spend the night, then work a bit saturdya AM and back in Sumy by 1....Then going to the final persons apartment (not sure with internet there...just as a heads up so come friday my time, might be the last internet I have!)THen next week will be back to camp each and every day yah know and then camp starts June 29 for a 10 day stretch...First camp ends July 8, second one goes 9th till 18th....then we leave camp on the 19th of July, a day (ish) in sumy...train together back to Kiev..spend a little time there...Brianne (a girl who came yesterday and is staying through now with me-also from canada) flies out early on the 22 and I am early afternoon...so that is the next whilehere at this point!
Camp work itself goes well, lots of maintence type work as that camp as quite a ways to go, but good knowing that we are helping where we can...hope to be a blessing in their ministry. THe camps themsevles run 10 day camps starting June 29. The first one goes till July 8 and the so on. So at camp itself, I will only bet her elike 20 days.
I ask now for a specific prayer request (along with the usual)
I am in a bit of dilema now...come the month of August I am not sure what I am/should do...
Initially I thought I would work at WBC for month of May, come here for 7 weeks and head back to Supreme for August...not knowing that I would take a loving to WBC...but now, I am torn at what to do..cause in my head I had told myself that come aug, if the job was still there, which as of today it still is, I would head there no qquestions asked....but now I know WBC would love to have me back (also of today)and I would love to go back....there in hence lies the delima....if you could pray for me that way, that would be great. That God would show me where he wants me...come Aug..either at camp, or back at work...cause I knwo there is ministry there as well!
please and Spaseebah! (thank you)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Privet
Privet!
How are things back where you are? Ukraine continues to go well. I am happy to report (at least on my end) that last night we had a nice thunderstorm and rain and cooler temperatures today!!!! I think some of the people here prefer the warmer tempertaures we had, but I am very thankful for not having broken a sweat at all today!! This was the first time for it since landing in the Ukraine! God is good! Even with weather!
I am doing well. LIving with another family till thursday of this week and so far it is going well. Really nice couple and 4 cute little girls! (plus a cat, kitten and puppy-so I am very content with it! :D:D).The last few days, I have gone out to a village that is just outside of sumy from 10-2:30 each day to hang out with the kids there. That first day I went out (the hotest day) we went for a hike in the bush and then had home made mac and cheese (though different but good) and had games and lessons down there. These past two days...have been up at the uilding in the village where they usally have it. Its benn good to watch how things run in a different country and am starting slowly to pick up a little russian (though Irina there is no way I could have a conv. with you yet!!! Maybe come august!) Praise the Lord for that and I pray I can continue to pick some of the language up.
I am doing well. LIving with another family till thursday of this week and so far it is going well. Really nice couple and 4 cute little girls! (plus a cat, kitten and puppy-so I am very content with it! :D:D).The last few days, I have gone out to a village that is just outside of sumy from 10-2:30 each day to hang out with the kids there. That first day I went out (the hotest day) we went for a hike in the bush and then had home made mac and cheese (though different but good) and had games and lessons down there. These past two days...have been up at the uilding in the village where they usally have it. Its benn good to watch how things run in a different country and am starting slowly to pick up a little russian (though Irina there is no way I could have a conv. with you yet!!! Maybe come august!) Praise the Lord for that and I pray I can continue to pick some of the language up.
I have already had many experiences riding their form of taxis (I know how to pronouce it, but NO idea how to spell it) and needless to say...its pretty cramped and on those hot days...well its a good thing I am not clusterphobic!!! But a good expereice none the less. Been to the market a few times already..also crampepd there as well but another good experience. Pretty much name it and they have it somewhere there..you just gotta look for it. From what I have been told and seen the Ukrainian people are very forward..they say what they mean sort of thing (sorry Natalia! its true!) Chocolate pretty sweet here too, as is the apple pop! Kbac are all over teh streets ("children's beer" is the name for it in germany but its pretty much fermented, low alcholic beverage that a lot of people here enjoy, though I do not plan on trying it at this point) Streets are SUPER busy iwth people and cars...all kinds of cars..have even seen lots of chevs and a few fords even...interesting.
All in all, its good to be back in Europe...I missed it and it feels as though I never left eitehr at the same time. THere were a few things about Europe that I forgot, but have since been reminded about since being back...its good though!!
Prayer Requests are similar to those of last email.. Praise Item would be that for the last few days, I had sort of a head cold/pug nose (due to climate change the most I think) but it seems to be over ofor the most part (PTL) but continual prayer for health and saftey would be appreciated.
God Bless where you are!
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-...
Friday, June 12, 2009
pics
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-...
Pictures
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
31 degrees celcius and counting!
Privet from 31 degrees Sumy ukraine!
Wow what a day! up just after 7 my time...so yah just as you were going to bed! Then went to a little village with one of the people through SEND just out side of Sumy and took teh kids on a hike...way to hot for one, but waas there from 10-3 all day out in the sun and all! very hot-I definately tanned thats for sure!!!!!!!!!! Out again in a little while for the evening..same thing I did yesterday...will be warm again but should be in shade so that shoudl be alright!
Today was good though, beautiful. Nice little village...old though...nothing like in canada...you should visit..worth the sights and history! Took some pics...hope to be able to upload some tomorrow or something should time premit and all.
Things are well
Prayer requests: pray as i continue to adjust to climate and culture here
Pray for the kids who attend camp and these day camps
pray for health and saftey for me (my nose is constantly plugged becasue I am not used to teh heat and humidity yet...but thats just more annoying then anytthing!)
Pray for strength and rest for me each and every day!
God Bless
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-800-736-3808
Wow what a day! up just after 7 my time...so yah just as you were going to bed! Then went to a little village with one of the people through SEND just out side of Sumy and took teh kids on a hike...way to hot for one, but waas there from 10-3 all day out in the sun and all! very hot-I definately tanned thats for sure!!!!!!!!!! Out again in a little while for the evening..same thing I did yesterday...will be warm again but should be in shade so that shoudl be alright!
Today was good though, beautiful. Nice little village...old though...nothing like in canada...you should visit..worth the sights and history! Took some pics...hope to be able to upload some tomorrow or something should time premit and all.
Things are well
Prayer requests: pray as i continue to adjust to climate and culture here
Pray for the kids who attend camp and these day camps
pray for health and saftey for me (my nose is constantly plugged becasue I am not used to teh heat and humidity yet...but thats just more annoying then anytthing!)
Pray for strength and rest for me each and every day!
God Bless
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-800-736-3808
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sweating away in Sumy....Where is the cold when you need it?
Greetings from SUMY!
WOW is it ever hot out there!! crazy! But its sweet! I miss my manitoba "cold" dare I say that? Good to be back in Europe, part feels as though I never left (think I mentioned taht.) Scenery is nice,,,lots of green trees, lake running through sumy and tall tall building! They live in an apartment building that houses 2000 people! no joke! so over half of altona in oen of these wow! pretty crazy but its good! Went to teh local market this AM that was interesting (no pics as I did not take my camera) but its a freaking 32 degrees in the shade! yah crazy! ah wellL! For last night and tonight, I am sleeping in the family rec room, whcih is good. Then its sounds like I will be staying with another couple...not sure if they have internet access...assume they do, but just as a heads up...starting tomorrow I think!!
slept well last night, bed by midnight my time (everything will be in my time from now on...just so you know) But yah market was good, lots of people market pretty much ahd everthing though, name it they have it! But yah its good. lunch soon so this willl be as long as it is. Day camps here run one in teh AM from 10-11 (which i did not go to today) and then 4 in the evening with two starting at 5 and two starting at 6 (guess its a littel cooler?)so yah then my evenings will be busy with that. As to what I will be doing...just helping out where I can sort of thing...so not sure how that will play out at this point but it will be good...
But yah things are good. Not much more to say at this point!! thanks for the thoughts and prayers! God is good, and by His Grace and will have I made it to this point
pictures will come when tehy can....though no gaureentss! more of a surprise for once I am home :P we will see thogh what I can do!
God is good! Keep holding on to him!
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-800-736-3808
WOW is it ever hot out there!! crazy! But its sweet! I miss my manitoba "cold" dare I say that? Good to be back in Europe, part feels as though I never left (think I mentioned taht.) Scenery is nice,,,lots of green trees, lake running through sumy and tall tall building! They live in an apartment building that houses 2000 people! no joke! so over half of altona in oen of these wow! pretty crazy but its good! Went to teh local market this AM that was interesting (no pics as I did not take my camera) but its a freaking 32 degrees in the shade! yah crazy! ah wellL! For last night and tonight, I am sleeping in the family rec room, whcih is good. Then its sounds like I will be staying with another couple...not sure if they have internet access...assume they do, but just as a heads up...starting tomorrow I think!!
slept well last night, bed by midnight my time (everything will be in my time from now on...just so you know) But yah market was good, lots of people market pretty much ahd everthing though, name it they have it! But yah its good. lunch soon so this willl be as long as it is. Day camps here run one in teh AM from 10-11 (which i did not go to today) and then 4 in the evening with two starting at 5 and two starting at 6 (guess its a littel cooler?)so yah then my evenings will be busy with that. As to what I will be doing...just helping out where I can sort of thing...so not sure how that will play out at this point but it will be good...
But yah things are good. Not much more to say at this point!! thanks for the thoughts and prayers! God is good, and by His Grace and will have I made it to this point
pictures will come when tehy can....though no gaureentss! more of a surprise for once I am home :P we will see thogh what I can do!
God is good! Keep holding on to him!
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-800-736-3808
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Sumy
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Nikki Friesen <nfriesen@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 9, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Subject: hey
To:
Greetings oen and all from sumy Ukraine!! 23 hours later of travel and its all good adn I am finally here
Took a 5 hour train ride to where I am now...long but good!!!! off out to day camps right away tomorrow...should be good, tired now...guess what-for those in Manitoba...its 30 degrees here when I arrived! hehehe (heidi-dont worry-will get a nice tan for you!)
but yah it goes well! Great to be back (finally) in Europe! Through kind of wierd at the same time as well!
hope things are well in Canada!!
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-800-736-3808
From: Nikki Friesen <nfriesen@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 9, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Subject: hey
To:
Greetings oen and all from sumy Ukraine!! 23 hours later of travel and its all good adn I am finally here
Took a 5 hour train ride to where I am now...long but good!!!! off out to day camps right away tomorrow...should be good, tired now...guess what-for those in Manitoba...its 30 degrees here when I arrived! hehehe (heidi-dont worry-will get a nice tan for you!)
but yah it goes well! Great to be back (finally) in Europe! Through kind of wierd at the same time as well!
hope things are well in Canada!!
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-800-736-3808
--
Nikki Friesen
http://troubled-heart.blogspot.com/
~The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."~
~Zephaniah 3:17~
Contact Information While I am in the Ukraine
SEND International: www.send.org www.sendcanada.org
SEND International Email
Canadian Office: info@sendcanada.org ph 1-888-918-5036
USA/International Office: info@send.org ph 1-800-736-3808
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Month of May
Greetings Friends and Family,
I begin this post with mixed emotions and not actaully sure how to write it, or what to say. I guess I will start with this past month. As most, if not all, of you know, this past month of may-I had the opportunity to serve on as Spring staff at a local camp. This consisted of some maintence/custodial work, along with helping with the different school groups that came and all. Going into camp...I was not expecting to "get as much out of it" as I did. I was wanting to just "go in, serve my 4 weeks and leave" not really getting attacthed or giving myself to it, because that was not my main goal for the summer, Ukraine is what I have been focused in on.
However, my meak and most often, pathetic human mind, could not comprehend how God would work and did work over the corse of those 4 weeks. I even ended up staying on a couple of extra days because I did not want to leave. God revealed Himself to me while I was there in so many ways. Simple things like meeting an old camper of mine from St. Laurent Manitoba when I went up there for VBS during high school-was really neat to see how seeds DO get planted and then grow, even when you that the kids are not listening to anything you are saying. Other things like just gaining experience at working at a camp and seeing how it runs...the committment and energy that it really does take.
God especially revealed himself to me through other people...not necessary the groups that came, but the staff-both full time and spring staff. I was lucky enough (or blessed) to work with a lot of super awesome people, all on fire for camp ministry and especially God. A lot of super awesome memories and friendships were made. A few that stick out in my mind are running activities together (chatting at climbing way, learning how to lasso at the Horses, canoeing, outdoor cooking), DQ runs, random "jamming times" outside and inside, hanging out in the dining hall anytime during the day, pictures, walks and talks and just sharing life with one another... Thank you for making camp even harder to leave guys!! You will be missed and will be in my prayers as you continue to minister where you are! Know that I will see you when I get back!!
As to Ukraine now..as the subject suggests, 4 days and counting...how am I doing? I have my moments where I am SUPER excited to just go, but also times where nervous get the best of me...so a lot of really mixed emotions...at the same time, something which has been really neat, is that through it all, I have had this overwhelming sense of peace that I know can ONLY come from God. So know that your prayers are definately felt!
Also note that I will try to update my blog once I can..although I know for the month of July when I will be at the camp, there will be no internet so updates might not come as often, but month of June I should have more access! Just as a heads up! Some of you have been asking abotu prayer requests-Here is what I have at this time
-Pray for the last few days at home, that I get things together t I need to get and that packing and all goes well, along with spending a last little time with friends and family
-Pray for my parents as I prepare to leave and am gone
-Pray for Health and saftey both as I travel down to the Ukraine and as I am there and serve
Pray for flights-that they will run on time and that I will be able to make connections hassle free and that my luggage comes with me
-Pray for open eyes-A goal of mine is that my heart will be broken for what BReaks God's heart (as a song says as well)
-Pray that I take every expereince as an opportunity to serve God-no matter where or when during this trip-whether that is at the camp, or flying, or during the time of traveling
-For those that have traveled-prayer for traveling in general and that I will be able to handle things as it comes (you know what I am talking about!!)
I begin this post with mixed emotions and not actaully sure how to write it, or what to say. I guess I will start with this past month. As most, if not all, of you know, this past month of may-I had the opportunity to serve on as Spring staff at a local camp. This consisted of some maintence/custodial work, along with helping with the different school groups that came and all. Going into camp...I was not expecting to "get as much out of it" as I did. I was wanting to just "go in, serve my 4 weeks and leave" not really getting attacthed or giving myself to it, because that was not my main goal for the summer, Ukraine is what I have been focused in on.
However, my meak and most often, pathetic human mind, could not comprehend how God would work and did work over the corse of those 4 weeks. I even ended up staying on a couple of extra days because I did not want to leave. God revealed Himself to me while I was there in so many ways. Simple things like meeting an old camper of mine from St. Laurent Manitoba when I went up there for VBS during high school-was really neat to see how seeds DO get planted and then grow, even when you that the kids are not listening to anything you are saying. Other things like just gaining experience at working at a camp and seeing how it runs...the committment and energy that it really does take.
God especially revealed himself to me through other people...not necessary the groups that came, but the staff-both full time and spring staff. I was lucky enough (or blessed) to work with a lot of super awesome people, all on fire for camp ministry and especially God. A lot of super awesome memories and friendships were made. A few that stick out in my mind are running activities together (chatting at climbing way, learning how to lasso at the Horses, canoeing, outdoor cooking), DQ runs, random "jamming times" outside and inside, hanging out in the dining hall anytime during the day, pictures, walks and talks and just sharing life with one another... Thank you for making camp even harder to leave guys!! You will be missed and will be in my prayers as you continue to minister where you are! Know that I will see you when I get back!!
As to Ukraine now..as the subject suggests, 4 days and counting...how am I doing? I have my moments where I am SUPER excited to just go, but also times where nervous get the best of me...so a lot of really mixed emotions...at the same time, something which has been really neat, is that through it all, I have had this overwhelming sense of peace that I know can ONLY come from God. So know that your prayers are definately felt!
Also note that I will try to update my blog once I can..although I know for the month of July when I will be at the camp, there will be no internet so updates might not come as often, but month of June I should have more access! Just as a heads up! Some of you have been asking abotu prayer requests-Here is what I have at this time
-Pray for the last few days at home, that I get things together t I need to get and that packing and all goes well, along with spending a last little time with friends and family
-Pray for my parents as I prepare to leave and am gone
-Pray for Health and saftey both as I travel down to the Ukraine and as I am there and serve
Pray for flights-that they will run on time and that I will be able to make connections hassle free and that my luggage comes with me
-Pray for open eyes-A goal of mine is that my heart will be broken for what BReaks God's heart (as a song says as well)
-Pray that I take every expereince as an opportunity to serve God-no matter where or when during this trip-whether that is at the camp, or flying, or during the time of traveling
-For those that have traveled-prayer for traveling in general and that I will be able to handle things as it comes (you know what I am talking about!!)
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