Pip Ivan

Here is one of the incredible parts of our wonderful retreat with young people.
In the past blog post I mentioned what the retreat does for young souls. Here I would like to tell you about one amazing day.

One day we hiked to one of the highest mountains in Ukraine, Pip Ivan. We had to walk on uncharted paths 20 km. We were morally ready for difficulties, heat or cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, when your legs do not listen you and there is no strength to go further, but the incredible charm of nature draws you farther and farther... An incredible desire to see what is going on there, gives the desire to go forward without turning back.

When we arrived in the nearest village of Dzembronya(West of Ukraine) from where we had to start our journey. We were shocked that there was not a single sign where to start the path! OK. This is Ukraine, as we always say. :) Well. How to be? Where to start the way? I rushed around the village trying to find people to ask the way. And you know what? There were no people, not a single person! This village is very small. In my heart, I began to pray that God would show us the way to begin. We knew the way forward, but it was hard to find a beginning. After a while I saw a group of foreigners and among them several Ukrainians. :) It was easy to distinguish. I approached the Ukrainians in the hope they can know the beginning. What was my surprise that they were all going to go to the same mountain at that moment! And showed the way where to start. Where there was not a single sign and I would never have guessed in my life that you need to open the gate and enter the private property where the path to the mountain begins! I ran happily to our group to share the joyful news! And so we started the journey together! I was so happy that God sent this group of people! I thanked God hundreds of times for bringing us at the right time! If we arrived a few minutes later who knows how much longer we were looking for the beginning of the road. Every minute was precious to us. We had to return home before dark.

It reminded me. Often in life at some point, in some area of ​​life, we do not know where to start, perhaps we are feel  lost and confused in life's problems and experiences and do not know the right way. Where there are no signs that would tell us where to go. But there is someone, who will always direct the right path. Jesus is the Way of Truth and Life! He will direct you to people, who know exactly and tell you the right road in life, where you walk along this road you never be lost and enjoy the beauties and delights of life that only God can give. If we are confused, lost, Jesus will definitely show the right way! If we really want to know His will, He will guide us.

When we were halfway through, a cold and piercing wind began. And here we decided who returns, and who will continue the path. Dressed warmer and the bravest and hardy, decided to continue the journey. :)

We were ready for everything but not for the snow on the path!  Honestly, it was the most terrible moment. The snow was very slippery and on a large slope of the mountain. One wrong step and you're downstairs ... It was scary.

Here is a short video of our adventures.
                                

Young people were delighted and amazed with this trip! For many of them it was the first hike! One lady was so very excited and overjoyed that after 20km on the mountains she did not feel tired at all! We did not believe our eyes! For many, it was an excellent experience to experience the cold in the mountains, fatigue, fear, courage, fun, mutual help, what they can do or test themself, inspiration, beauty of God's creation from which breathtaking and as well as for the good of their own souls.

We are so very grateful to all, who made it possible and bless young people with such amazing journey and incredible retreat! They had a blast!!! Thank you very much! Million times thank you!!!! You not only touch precious hearts but it helps in their spiritual healing and restoration!!! ♥ May God bless you!!!

P.S. Young adults often ask me when we are going to mountains again? ;) 

What a retreat does for the young souls?

This unexpected kiss was an invaluable gift! I love all our kiddies in the church and BOM community and it's such a great joy to see them growing along with loving parents warmed by tenderness and care. After all, they all could be in the baby house! But instead they are protected not abandoned by their fathers and mothers!♥♥♥

During three years of public ministry, Jesus would sometimes invite His disciples to 

" Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." (Mark6:31) These were days of retreat.

Little Edik(the older one) prayed all year that God gave the opportunity to go to the Carpathians again!It humbled my heart, when his parents let me know. We did not know, if it will be possible? What God`s plans? Will God give the opportunity again? The two brothers were so happy that God answered the prayers and they kissed me with happiness! Perhaps this trip was made possible by the prayer of this toddle?! ;)

And so, we managed to do it with God's help few months ago!Young adults along with several church members were able to go to Carpathian mountains for retreat!We all are so grateful to everyone who presented such an amazing gift for these beautiful souls!!! ♥All glory to the alive and almighty God!!!

When we first arrived on the first day everyone was tired, but everyone was delighted that it was done!

 God provided such a beautiful and perfect weather.Every day we did something new that was often very rewarding!

• For the good of the Church we got away for a few days to rekindle relationship with Christ and deepen friendship with Him.

It was such a great blessing to see the young people reading and meditating on the word of God together!How much good it does for the soul!

 We also had the opportunity to hold a church service with several unbelieving souls and even masters of the house! All of them have never seen how the church meetings take place, where the Gospel preaching sounds! God was there! This was evident when some souls shed tears while listening to the Word of God.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

•  A retreat acts as an escape to some degree. So, young people escaped from daily routine and their troubles for a few days.

Aren't they cute? Edick, Andrew and Sophia?

•  The young adults could just be themself and lose the fear! 

• Get Inspired and learn something new!Olga was so happy to catch the fish that kissed it! Ha ha! It's a little sad that we did not make a video how she was overjoyed and thrilled! :)))

•  They are motivated to make more positive change and help others.

• It was really difficult physically driving on bikes in mountains but so rewarding to see this breathtaking beauty! ;) It was healing souls and brought so much inspiration and joyful emotions!

• They could allow themself to be free!

Everyone was delighted, when we went to a small mountain with young children!

• They are inspired for anything new!

So Lovely! ♥

• By experiencing new things the young souls change for a good!

This retreat was beautiful, great and amazing! To be continued...Come back soon to find out the second part! ;) 

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Best day in the life of one "bad" guy

The young people often bored at trade schools. They do not know what do after lessons... Often they just wandering on territory of trade school or sit at dorm rooms. They are like sheeps without shepherd. Not surprised. They left orphanages at age 16 (some even 15) -17 years old. Sweet souls feel lonely and depressed... Because of this kids get in different troubles. Stealing. Alcohol. Drugs. Prostitution. Missing lessons. Running away from trade school... So, police often comes to trade schools :(  Our hearts are broken to see them in such condition... So it was made a decision to have a special retreat for the students. 

When the day came. While we waited for the arrival of students from other cities, we had a fun time in the local entertainment complex with few others. I just love to seeing them laugh! Everyone had such a wonderful time!

 When everyone gathered, we went to the zoo! Yay! Everybody were so excited!

God provided such a beautiful weather at this day! We were greatly surprised because we had chilly days earlier. We enjoyed the last warm day :) By the way we have very cold days here now and it was snowing a day before!I am not ready yet for cold, windy and frosty days!

Two Nastya quickly became friends on that day, although they are from different cities and trade schools. They still often talk on the phone. Is not it sweet? :)

 I cannot remember the name of this creature.It looks partly like rabbit for me but with short ears and eats cabbage and carrot. But it is not rabbit. It is so interesting!

The young adults were amazed by so many wonderful creatures! We could hear always. "Wow! Look at this! What it is? So beautiful!"It's like a beautiful melody for the ears to hear their enthusiasm and joy. I just love! Love it! :)

 It was lovely and precious time of fellowship!

Students often malnourished in schools. They were so happy to eat something tasty!And of course they were excited to have an ice cream! :) If you ever been in Ukraine. I bet you know we have a delicious ice cream! Ha ha! ;)

But I would like to stay on this guy, who fed almost all the animals in the zoo! Lol

Some time ago, we were told that he is a horrible and rude guy. He ran away from lessons in orphanage. He quarreled with all the teachers. Fighted with guys. No one could manage him. Rude fellow and ill-mannered. In general, everything that there is only a negative, everything has been said about him. Another word a bad guy.We understood there is some trouble. But what?..

When we held the first meeting with the graduates of orphanage, he could not wait for the end of the meeting. Always asking, how long? when the end of the meeting? He seemed to be was not interested, because playing games on his cell phone. Honestly, several times I thought he will stand up and go away...

At the next meeting, he sat in silence without asking anything.

Then again several meetings. He began to talk to us and even escort to the door.

When later we arrived at the trade school, where he enrolled, he ran to meet! "You arrived! I'm so glad to see you all!" :)

When we invited him to the zoo, his joy knew no bounds!Sasha wanted to feed all of the zoo animals. When the meal was over for the giraffe. He raked up all the branches and leaves on the ground, only to feed the giraffes. Sweet :)

"Aunt Alla, see I'm feeding giraffes!!! Did you see it?! " I don't know how many times he told it... :)))

Sweet guy was as in the Heaven! He was thrilled to seeing all animals! I only could hear always. "Aunt Alla, did you see? Aunt Alla, what is it? Wow! Aunt Alla, look at this!" :)

He ran the zoo from one cell to another faster than us. Precious boy was delighted! We were worried that would not lose sight of him as the zoo is huge. We could only scream out. Sasha, stop! Sasha wait! And where is Sasha ??? :)))

At same time we could not believe our own eyes...He was different... He was not same guy as we were told a while ago! Trust me! He was another guy! He was not rude. He respected us whenever it was possible. He behaves well enough for teen age. I  would say backward! Sasha is kind, organized and responsible guy! He is creative and smart. We have learned it giving him some affairs. He did great! We just could not believe and our hearts rejoiced.On this day, we learned about Sasha so much beauty of his soul. He's another guy... Yes, he has some difficulties in behavior. But it's little things, and all can learn. It is just need time. :)

At the end when we were leaving, all the kids certainly were grateful. Sasha thanked several times and said, It was the best day of my life! I even could not think that can be both spent so fun and a great time.

When Sasha saw a camel he was amazed! 

Oh, his fur is so soft! I even could not think.Many times he touched and stroked the camel.

And in the end of the day he said, Do you know what? It was my dream to see a camel. I`m so thankful you made my dream true.

The tears flow as I am typing these lines... How the soul is precious in His sight. How good, merciful and loving our God Father. We had one goal, but God has shown us more... We were concerned why and what? God showed us the answer. How often do people estimate could be wrong ... It is simple enough to try to understand such as Sasha and just love. Spending time together. Rejoice and have fun. He is precious in God's eyes and his soul is beautiful. He just spiritually wounded and needed healing of the soul, which can only give a loving Jesus. Praying for this sweet soul.

We thank God for the opportunity He has given us and all, who made it is possible to bless these beautiful young souls. And also that God makes the dreams of young people real. This is such a precious and warms heart. Thank you very much from bottom of our hearts! Thank you all for your big and generous hearts!♥

Renewal for the young men (part2)

Guess, where we have been?At the top of the highest mountain of Ukraine Hoverla! The young men had a blast!Awesome!

We have a saying in Ukraine. "Every Ukrainian should visit at least once Hoverla". :) When we said that we go to the highest mountain in Ukraine, guys were thrilled. 

So as I said in the previous blog post that the weather forecast showed rain and thunderstorms. We prayed and asked God for a good weather. In Carpatian mountains rapidly changing weather, when the bright sun for a few minutes, replaced by rain or chilly wind. During a thunderstorm, there is a danger of people lightning discharges. Also not recommended to climb to Hoverla those, who have heart and lung disease and physically unprepared. There were situations, when people died from a heart attack :(

And so we got up early in the morning, after praying together, reading the Bible, and a delicious breakfast, we hit the road. We had to walk about four kilometers (2,49 miles).At the beginning the trail led through the forest.We gradually gaining altitude.

Often met purling streams and rivers

A little gaining height, feel terribly thirsty. We were so happy to find on the path of the springs, where you can wash, freshen up, drink some water and continue the path. Undoubtedly, we had water with us as we know how important it is to drink water while lifting up the mountain.

Coming out of the forest seemed a mountain on which we had to climb, then next mountain, and only then was our goal, Hoverla. You can see the path and on it can see the people. This is what we had to pass.

Wow! Guys were so excited!

We are slowly and gradually gained altitude and it seems someone started visibly tired. Vadim hugged each pillar on the road. We all laughed :)))

But the higher you go...

all the more amazing and incredible view opens.

And then we saw the snow! Hooray! Snow! Among the hot sunny day, snow!The most daring and who still had strength, went down, which would touch the snow in the summer.

Kolya, was overjoyed, he jumped on the rocks, running.

Sasha and Vadim played snowballs with those, who remained on top.

Well, I went down to take a picture of flowers. :)The young people froliced fun playing snowballs. It's so unusual and fun to play in the snow in the summer!

After a few pictures on the rocks, where a magnificent view, we have gone further.

Still had a long road. It seems so close up, but to go so far...From this place it took us about 1.5 hours to climb.

And here it began...There have already come to an end strength, you feel terrible fatigue, no strength to walk any more, legs hurt, terribly thirsty and drink.It seems that you never reach the goal.

Look at the face Yaroslava!Oh, my!That's so funny! I did not pay attention recording the video. But in the evening, when we viewed all the photos and videos, we laughed out loud, and it was fun to remember all of our adventures. And look at the breathtaking view! It's amazing! :)

Someone has already begun to crawl rather than walk from powerlessness. Ha ha!

Yaroslava surrender. "I want to sleep. I will sleep here and wait for you. I will not come by there." She repeated constantly. Yaroslava come on! You can! ;)

Finally after 3 hours climbing under the scorching sun, we reached the top!Yay!I tried to memorializing the beauty from the top of the mountain to record the video. But there were so many people! It's incredible!

The beauty simply fascinating! I want to spend the whole day there and never come down :)

The smell of herbs is simply amazing!

We took thermoses with hot tea. Since all were pretty hungry. It was so great to drink hot sweet tea and eat sandwiches! Mmm. This gave much strength and inspiration. At least  it gave me the strength and energy. :)

And I went around the mountains to make pictures.This is other side of the mountain.

Spending some time, I returned and saw this picture :))) So funny!!!

All pretty tired and wanted to relax. Well, who does not want to relax after a long and grueling journey? Breathing the fresh mountain air and the heady flavor of herbs? ;) It seems only me, crazy running around and making pictures. Because I knew we had limited time. :)

We started to go down while continuing to enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

It is a natural, beautiful and the best flower carpet in the world! You fall down and not wish to stand up.  It's so soft! Just unbelievable! Our God is amazing and the greatest master in the world creating such beauty!

Having quite a distance. The mountain was already behind. Yaroslava remembered that she had forgotten the water on the mountain. "Oh no, it can not be!" we said. "Oh, no, I will not go back, I'm tired." the poorgirl said. I realized how important water is, because the sun beating down terribly and exhausting. And to go to the forest, where the streams and the rivers, it was still very far away. I still had the strength and energy. So, I decided to go back and ran up. After a short time, I gave back the water for Yaroslava. :)

I was thrilled! I was full of strength and energy! I could again go through the same path as we went on Hoverla! When I told everyone about it, I was told that I`m crazy. Ha ha! But I felt a surge of energy! I ran and jumped on the rocks. All the people looked at me like I was crazy. lol. Honestly, I do not know what helped me. Maybe because I always drink a lot of water? Maybe because I walk a lot? Or some other reason? But I was so happy and elated! I thank God for strength and health! 

Here began the most difficult steep descent. It seems someone`s feet has begun to hurt :) This is the heaviest stone slope. Because tired, aching legs and trembling with tension. It is very easy to injure the leg on the stone or break it. Come on, Sasha! You can do it! ;)

The guys continued to rejoice and enjoy the beauty.

If you look closely. On the right photo shows a waterfall, 80 meters high. Where  begins one the longest rivers in the Carpathians, the Prut.

Finally we came to the forest! It was much cooler and easier.

How we were glad to see the water! Oh, water! Water! we shouted :) Refreshed and drink plenty of cold and crystal clear water, we were able to continue our journey.

The interesting thing is that we took a raincoats in case of rain and thunderstorms. But instead, it was unbearably hot sun! We all laughed when returned home, we found that all looked like boiled crawfish, red color. Hands, neck,  face, badly sunburned. You will not believe! But the next day we could not find a cream from sunburn!  No one pharmacy! For 2 days the sun burned so that people have bought up all the cream from sunburn! 

All the young people were overjoyed and thrilled by trip! But the next day Sasha Kozak could not walk. He quickly ran forward no shore power. Everyone was laughing by his funny walk and steps :)))

We all had a wonderful and glorious time! Everyone were delighted and long shared impressions.We are so grateful to a sweet family from U.S., who blessed the young people to have such amazing and unforgettable renewal! All were so happy and no one wanted come back home :) The young adults learned alot from the Bible, we prayed and read the Word of God together. We lived together like one big family. And it was an amazing time!Our Heavenly Father was so very good to us during the journey! Our thanks never ending for this awesome and great retreat for the young men!To God be the glory!!!!