Christmas Sunday

We had a wonderful celebration today of the rebirth of Ira Gnatenko, a second-year student we have known since she came to the UEC two years ago to receive a new Bible. She has been a part of our Soup Group outreach, student nights, and came to our June 2005 Conference. We also had a joint assembly of evening and morning assemblies. About 50 came which was a surprise to us all since many have left for the holidays. After the service, we had a "sladkiy stol," finger foods I guess, or maybe it should be translated desserts. Anyway, it was a pleasure to see so many together worshipping the Lord. After the service, we went downtown to eat. Lena's mother was with us. The first place we went closed early since it was a holiday though as much as we know Ukrainian doesn't observe Dec. 25 as a holiday. Anyway, there was some kind of rock concert going on downtown sponsored by some political party so it threw me out of the Christmas spirit. We've been packing tonight, trying to get ready for the big flight across the big pond. This afternoon, I bought a calling card in order to call home with about 30 of my relatives gathered for the big Christmas party. As I was trying to dial, I realized the person in the kiosk had given me an internet card instead of a calling card. They are made by the same company, so I guess UkrTelekom is going to make some money off us. Mostly, we are just happy we now have water. I was earlier today reading a blog of a missionary in Benin, West Africa and they too had had their water turned off yesterday. I hope there is not a connection. Here are some more pictures from the Christmas party: