один день!!!!!!

Ok, so I leave tomorrow for this incredible trip. I simply cannot believe this is actually happening. It really does seem like we just left camp, so to have the opportunity to see the kids again so soon...it's just amazing.

We found out yesterday that one orphanage we were going to visit is closed for the holidays, so we are actually going to the orphanage that "my" kids live for TWO days instead of ONE! I am sad that we will not visit those kids (who will most likely be staying with extended family over the holiday), but to have another 8 hours with the kids I am closest to is just...wow. I can't find the words.
One of my closest buddies, Slavik, is turning 16 on January 8th. To be there with him around (maybe on) his birthday....wow again. There are so many special details about this trip and I feel abundantly loved and blessed.

My bag is packed. My airplane outfit is set out. :) Camera is ready with extra batteries to attempt to capture the magic of this visit. There are details I'm forgetting...but none that will hinder this journey.

Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers. It means SO.MUCH. I can't wait to return and share pictures and stories of this amazing holiday adventure.

Love you all!
HH

Blessed beyond belief

Interestingly enough, tonight it felt like this was the most stressful holiday season I've ever experienced...this whole Monday-Friday job thing isn't necessarily conducive to Christmas shopping. There are some days I miss having a Tuesday morning off work to get things done. But in the moments of stress and frustration, it hit me pretty hard that I am literally surrounded by blessing. I look at all the things going on in my life and when I really think about them, they really are incredible blessings instead of sources of stress.

Let me first say that the Lord provided ALL the funds for my January trip through kind and generous donations. This is the first trip to Ukraine that I haven't had to pay for a portion. That is simply incredible! I am so thankful that raising money happened quickly and am SO grateful for those of you that supported me. I thank you so very much.

Speaking of Ukraine...(oh yeah, that's what this blog is about), I will be there in a mere 9-ish days!! That has not set in AT ALL. I think with all the craziness of work and the holidays and everything else going on, I haven't had time to really process that a week from tomorrow I'll be boarding a plane and heading to Kiev. I am unable to put into words how grateful I am for a visit to the kids. When I left this summer, I prepared myself for a year of missing them...and to have the opportunity to see them SO soon...well, it's incredible. I CANNOT wait to see them.

I hope to update a bit more frequently over the next week as our team prepares to leave. Please keep us all in your prayers. I will be traveling Dec 31st/Jan 1st so pray for safe travels. The rest of the team comes on the 3rd. Thanks to everyone praying for me and the team!!

Love you all!

HH