From Our Week – Slovakia

Driving through the snow-dusted Carpathians toward the Ukrainian border almost two weeks ago, I felt the seriousness of our departure more heavily with each passing mile. We left our home, not knowing when we’ll be back. We said emotional goodbyes to special friends; many we left without having had that chance. I reflected on my years in Ukraine and felt regret at things I could have done better.

Goodbye to our dear Bohdana.

While these realities are hard, we feel them a little less as we see so many others in worse circumstances. Many families have had to separate indefinitely, saying their goodbyes at the border. Women and children are alone in foreign countries, striving to figure out a new life without their husbands. Other families are trapped in cities targeted by missiles, or deprived of food, water and heat. Of even greater weight, how many of those thousands are without the hope of the Lord Jesus Christ to sustain them in these dark times?

While all of these events are heavy, I am reminded of what God tells us to do with heavy things. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” Ps. 55:22

And that’s not all. “Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7

Don’t be anxious. Pray. Ask earnestly. Give thanks. Have peace. What a practical to-do list for times of heaviness and distraction!

This week, we have been figuring out how best to function in our new surroundings. Our yellow van is in the shop getting needed repairs, and meanwhile we’ve been putting out feelers (largely through Slovakian friends) for a new van and a more serviceable place to stay.

I never imagined I would spend time living on a horse ranch in Slovakia! Here is the view from our hilltop.
This is the backside of building where we are living. Our apartment is on the second floor.
Some beautiful photography from Abby.
On the weekend, the kids finally got to ride!
Mia takes a turn around the ring.
It has been very cold; the wind blows fiercely on this hilltop.
Playing games we brought from home to keep our spirits up!

Our family has benefitted directly from so many generous Slovakians. A lady who owns a shoe store heard about us and sent beautiful boots for all the kids! These will really be helpful in the days ahead.

Pleased with their new shoes.

Joshua has continued to help with evacuation efforts. Most recently he was searching for hospitals in safer areas where evacuation teams could transport wounded people. He has also been the spreadsheet guy, consolidating jumbled information into clear, succinct spreadsheets for the benefit of everyone on the evacuation teams.

Sometimes the work is intense, with no breaks.

I’ve stayed quite busy keeping household tasks going. We’re cooking in a camp-style facility, without our regular shopping routines and menus. Nevertheless, each day, things have come together beautifully for that particular day’s meals.

Yesterday, a friend gave us a box of beets, carrots and potatoes. So the obvious choice was borsch for lunch!
Where the cooking magic happens.
We’ve been working on some schoolwork as we are able.

Not pictured here is the Lutheran church service we attended on Sunday, another place I never imagined myself! It was a unique experience for us, with lots of standing up and sitting down, pastoral singing, and congregational responses. Organ-accompanied hymns had irregular tunes and meter, as if a child had composed them willy-nilly. I appreciated the reverent atmosphere of the building and service, even though we did not understand most of the proceedings. Our hosts, who are pastors for four Lutheran congregations, invited us to sing in Ukrainian at services both Saturday night and Sunday morning, and to share about our family’s recent journey. This church body is praying for Ukraine and actively gathering humanitarian aid and support for refugees.

While we wait for next steps to become clear, we are earnestly praying that God will direct us to a place where we can serve Ukrainians effectively. Thank you all for your prayers and overwhelming support for our family!

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Psalm 139:5

8 thoughts on “From Our Week – Slovakia”

  1. So lovely to read all those news and see those beautiful pictures🥰, and I loved the verses you wrote, so comforting, no matter the difficult situation!! xx

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  2. I have been praying for you and the family. I heard through my daughter you had left Ukraine. I am glad to be able to see where you are so I may pray more effectively. I just began reading Deuteronomy again and it struck me so deeply that just as God had a plan for Israel, He has one for all of us because He is our covenant keeping God. May He keep you safe, bless you with more of Himself in this uncertain time and strengthen you.

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  3. So wonderful to read how you have settled in for now and how God has provided for you in this difficult time. Slovakia is the land of my ancestors; all of my grandparents emigrated from there. May God protect your family and make a clear path for your steps. Sending prayers from Canada.🍁

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  4. It is so comforting to know, that you guys are well and that you are able to stay at this beautiful place, surrounded by so many kind people and horses. The Borsch dinner looks wonderful! I can only imagine how hard it must have been to leave your home in the Ukraine and your friends, in the midst of all this tragedy happening, seeing the news, the destruction. We keep praying for you all! ❤ Much love in Christ, Dannii Becker

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  5. So thankful for your safety and that your family is together. Praying God will make clear the next step in your journey. It is encouraging to hear your updates, and I pray you will be able to minister to many Ukrainians.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Hi Kelsie,
    I have never met you but I am just saying hi from a fellow Christian mum in Australia – I get your updates after Michael and Debi Pearl’s no greater joy recommending you and talking about you – just to say that we are praying for you and for ALL those who you will help over there.

    Love Jim and Debbie Rogers
    (we have 5 children – 4 boys and 1 girl and my oldest is now working, but I homeschool the others and the thing I most love to do is email and keep in touch with missionaries, so they know that they are not forgotten)… I am not a good cook, like you.. and your attitude towards your husband encourages me a lot.

    Liked by 1 person

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