Ukraine Tuesday - September 30th

Kiev - Chernivtsi

We arrived safely and without any problems. We got to Eugene and Lena’s 20 hours after we left home. We had a three hour layover in Detroit and Amsterdam. Thankfully, we had a vacant seat between us which certainly allows us a little room to move and also makes it easier to get a limited amount of rest.

We spent several hours in the evening visiting with Eugene and Lena, spent time repacking our bags for the train trip today. We had to be at the train station at 6:00 this morning and made the five hour trip and were met by Oksana and a gentlemen who drove his car to pick us up. Had a quick lunch and left for the three hour drive to Chernivtsi.

The drive brought back many memories of our early ministry here in Ukraine. We would drive those same roads to visit different Churches in the surrounding area. One big change is the number of vehicles on the road as well as the many places to buy gasoline. Also, there is lots of construction with developments of homes outsides the cities and villages.

As in the United States, the prices of properties has greatly increased beyond the means of the average person. There has been a increase in the price of goods as well. Oksana and Tolig are wanting to buy a car and a 20 year old car would cost $4,000 - $5,000. Something 10 years old would be closer to $10,000.

Chernivtsi is where we started our ministry in Ukraine. We have many friends here and will see several different groups, minister and encourage them. In fact, we just received a call and a young Pastor and his wife are coming tomorrow afternoon to talk with us.

Continue to pray for every facet of our trip – including our health as the young man in the home where we are staying has been sick for several days. Five of us are staying in this 500 square foot flat so there isn’t much opportunity to stay clear of the sick one.

Marilyn