Wednesday, September 23, 2009

A very special memory...

14 YEARS LATER...
This summer I was able to return to Cherkassy, Ukraine (about 12 hours north of here) for a wedding. Cherkassy is the city I came to as a 16-year-old on a missions trip. During our visit this summer, our family visited an Independent, Baptist Church. After the church services, several people came to me and asked if I was Jolene! They remembered me! When I came to Ukraine, I knew absolutely NO Russian. This time, I was able to speak freely with them, and, oh, what a precious time we had reminiscing about my 11-day trip to Ukraine!

By the time I got around to think about taking a picture, time had passed and some of my "old friends" had gone home already. However, I was able to get this picture with four young ladies who remained quite late after the services.

At the time of my trip, two of these young ladies were 11 years old; one was 14; and the other was 17.

I dedicate this picture to those who made that special trip with me in 1995: Bro. Robert A. Ross, Bro. Bill Marshall, Laura (VanManen) Consford, Molly (Nelson) Lynch, Jennifer (Jackson) Duren, and Tina Cooper. Thanks for the unforgettable memories!!!

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for letting me know about the link to this post! That would be neat to dig out our old photos and compare. Are you still in touch with the girl who looked like you?

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  2. Hi Jolene!
    We were also privileged to meet you that summer in 1995--I have the photos! So thankful that you're still serving the Lord. May He meet all of your needs and supply the vision for the future. I will be praying for the Israeli troops..what a blessing for you all to minister to them!
    God bless you all!
    Eve Williamson
    1 Thessalonians 5:24

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  3. I've really enjoyed reading your blog..will have to read more later. May the Lord continue to bless your family as you serve Him. I'm so glad that we met you that summer of 1998 in Kiev! I had no idea that you'd be coming back to Ukraine. We'll keep praying!
    May God bless those Israeli troops for serving their country!
    Love you all,
    Eve Williamson
    1 Thessalonians 5:24

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Thank you for your encouraging comments! "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25