Category: Bruce Posts (Page 118 of 211)

We visited a Ukrainian ‘spa’ on Sunday – not how pretty the lake looks from afar.

Today we found out that our Gas documents have returned back (for 3rd time) to Kiev.  We have limited information but the regional office that was handling our documents I guess has been closed down by the new government – I’m not sure yet if that is good or bad news – but something tells me our year long wait is not over.

We were told last Monday that ‘any day’ we would have health inspection, which upon completion would allow us to finally open the cafe legally.  We are cleaned, ready and waiting, but every day they say ‘not today’.  The most recent excuse is that their workers are on vacation for August – it could be weeks before we can get someone to visit (even if we go and pick them up) and get this remaining stamp.  Then, once they come, who knows what they will require or problems they might want to cause.

Was a lot of fun swimming with the four boys and Abbey – in the chlorine filled pool!

Maybe when all this is finished, and our Cafe is finally open, we’ll be approached to do a case study on the road blocks to private business in Ukraine.  Surely our experience is common, and highlights some major problems towards this country growing on it’s own.

Enough about the Cafe.  We entrust it to the Lord, He is good and we have plenty of other things to remain productive.  We delivered 12 school uniforms to the kids at Kuzmenci.  They have 2 new little kids from Donetsk area, both didn’t take long to warm up with some play.

But when you get up close, it looks radio-active. Ready to dive into that!?

I am preparing class for Sept 15 in Vladivostock Russia.  Simeon Ewing, fellow missionary expressed interest in joining a few months ago, and it’s turned out to be a great blessing – it’s a lot of material and we’re going to tag team teach.

I have Russian Visa interview this coming Thursday.  Please pray for that would you?  I’m uncertain the realities of US citizens at present getting visas, but so far things look like it should work.   After this, if visa received, I will need to purchase a plane ticket – and I have no idea at the moment where the funds will come from for this.  It’s been a faith step from the start, and looks like it will be a faith step right on the plane!  It feels good to trust Him however in this capacity again.  The Lord knows our needs before we ask.. but sure doesn’t stop me from asking Him to provide.

Heart goes out to those suffering in Iraq and wherever ISIS radicals are spreading evil.  I met some really nice Muslim guys in egypt last month. What blows my mind is the general apathy of millions of Muslims who privately condemn jihad-ist groups like ISIS, but thru their silence force the west to stand up and make more enemies. Shame on Islam for enabling, through passivity, the growth of evil. You are either for or against Islamic terror, no matter your religious tribe.

It feels that everywhere we turn there is war, political tension, evil.  We’re reminded that the spiritual battle is waging, in times of peace or difficulty.  Just a matter of whether we are willing to recognize it, and embrace our enlisting in it as soldiers.  May our lamps be readied, hearts filled with Him in these final hours.

Bruce

Over the past few weeks our garage has become a crime scene.  Earlier this month Broderic and Cheryl both had their scooter stolen in the night.   Then a few nights ago Bronwyn had her bicycle stolen.

Some will say it’s been a long time coming, as we don’t have a garage door and we’re overly trusting with the many kids and folks that wander around.  However, we’ve enjoyed the past 3-4 yrs of relative theft free living.  I don’t know if this is just one particular thief, or pattern of things to come.  I heard from a friend last night that their family car was stolen last week.

In any case.  We need to be more aggressive about putting things away, and I’m considering installing some home security cameras that capture movement and see in the dark.  I have one for the Cafe I’m playing with.  Discouraging to be stolen from – pray their hearts come to a place of conviction and repentance!

PS – No Cafe inspection today.  For 3rd straight day there were more excuses.  Dema and I ended up driving to their offices 30 minutes north – we were ‘just in the neighborhood’ and were told tomorrow ‘could’ work.  We have to get a ton of documents on each and every menu item (specifically for pizza).. now I know why menus here all have stamps on them.

Bruce

1950’s Radiation Machine aka. X-Ray

Today I needed an x-ray to prove that I don’t have Tuberculosis.  I usually go to Kiev for such medical requirements as our local hospital is something you try to avoid.  But, I went for it!  Amazingly, I was registered and standing in this bad boy in less than 10 minutes.  The x-ray technician was a warm elderly lady, and she found my hesitation quite amusing.

“We’re not part of the EU yet” she joked as I asked if I could take a photo of the time machine I had to step into.  She told me to strip down.  I asked if I could wear a led coat or something.. she smiled, “It’s over quickly, you’ll be fine.”  Door shuts, and I hear Dema laughing out loud as I peek thru the little window.  “Be sure to hold your breath until it’s over!”

I took courage knowing her plants she had spread around the room were growing fine – albeit in rather odd shapes.

Natasha Yevtoshenko has been helping shop for the clothing purchases at the school. She’s a big blessing!

We took measurements of the kids at Kuzmensi today, to supply them with each a set of dress clothes for school.  Unlike the west, they take very seriously looking sharp on certain days of the year.  The kids lost everything in the fire, so we were happy to be able to help with remaining funds raised.

We also were able to hire Vova our friend to install these wardrobe/closet things in their foyer.

We have begun talking to the director of region for orphanage/foster care.  She is in Khargalyk and we are hoping to get permission to take some of the kids away for the weekend – I’ve had on my heart for a few weeks one boy in particular names Yura.  His only living family is his mother, who lost her ‘parental rights’.  No father, no grandparents or aunts, uncles.  He’s a boy I entrust to take care of things when we visit – and is a classmate of Tuckers.  Pray we are able to invest more into his life, if the Lord sees this as wise.

Today’s Cafe inspection was postponed until tomorrow – hopefully we are ready!

Natasha (who’s husband is in army as cook) has been working hard to prepare documents and has to routinely take public buses to various towns.  It doesn’t sound that bad, but these buses have no air conditioning and they are VERY hot and often over crowded.  Everyone is paying a price to see this Cafe thru to opening!

Bruce & Deb

We are cleaning and preparing for tomorrow’s final inspection – it will release us, if we pass, to open officially.  We have all other legal permissions!  Please pray for us as it’s a bit strange.  We have to drive to the inspectors town (3 of them), and pick them up and bring them here – they don’t have cars.  Then, after the inspection drop them back off.  I figure if they fail us, we’ll make them walk!  🙂

Also, we have a live webcam for anyone that would like to snoop, and offer any cleaning advice!  I hope to get some more and place around the property for security – you can help us guard the place!

Dema holding our famous gas project documents – they’ve been to Gondor and back.

Thankful we are almost there, but it’s not over yet.   In Ukraine you learn not to assume the best – we could get hit with a number of unexpected ‘legal requirements’.  When the inspectors come we also have to cook them ‘something’.  We don’t have gas still so not able to supply pizza, but they said it didn’t matter.. we could ‘cook them some eggs’.  Strange indeed!

Thank you to Bronwyn, Marie and Jememah for helping us clean today.

This week we are also measuring up and purchasing school clothes/shoes for the kids at Kuzmentsi foster/orphanage.   We have heard they are receiving more kids from the war zones of eastern Ukraine.  However I haven’t yet been out to verify, hope to tomorrow.

This was the eye chart I had to read last week – I passed.. was more of a test of my Russian alphabet haha.

Please continue to keep Alyosha in prayer as he serves in the army.  We know he’d love to be home with his family, and preparing with us to finally open.  People feel that the war with the separatists could be coming to a finish in the next 1-2 weeks – however people are still very nervous.

I’m meeting with Vlad today and hope to film a bit of a testimony that we can translate and share to the many churches and individuals that followed his ordeal.  We have some funds remaining we plan to supply his family and offer opportunity for anyone else to contribute towards a general blessing to help them get back on their feet.

Bruce & Deb