Visit to Крим (Crimea) pronounced "Cream"

Don't forget to roll the "r" (р)!

We had a nice trip to Крим, it was beautiful there. The city we visited, near the Sinitsa's, Evpatoria, dates back to 2500 BC. It is said that the Apostle Andrew preached near there. As I stood in the Black Sea, I could only imagine him arriving on shore with a fresh passion to tell others about the One he knew and walked with side by side. I pray that God will increase my passion for Himself every day until I see Hm face to face!

We met up with the Sinitsa's. It was so good to see them! We were welcomed as family. We shared tesimony of what God is doing - it was very encouraging to be there. Their home & yard is still in bad shape from all the destruction. Pray for them as they work to complete this big job.

Here is Jeffrey and "Papa" Sinitsa heating water for their outside shower. Papa really loves Jeffrey & Emilee.



Faith, Katrina, Jeff, Tonya, Emilee, Jeffrey, Nina, Alla (Mama), and Papa

This is the hotel where we stayed in Саки (pronounced Sock-ee). The people that own it are Christians and are good friends of the Sinitsa's. They lived in the US for 11 years before coming back and building this hotel.

The top circle is where the Sinitsa's live, Evpatoria is just south on the coast, and where we stayed in the hotel is the other circle.

Be Disciples.

This one's for Mom

I remember when Mom used to joke about the "honey wagon". So, when I saw this honey wagon in Crimea, I had to take a picture. Of course, this honey wagon has "real" honey!

This honey (МЕД) wagon has the hives on board and possibly a place to sleep.

Love you Mom!

Be Disciples.

Final update on Katrina

Katrina made it through the surgery ok. She needed 7 pins and a plate to repair her broken fibula. Her tibia was broken as well, but the doctors said it would heal on its own. We praise God that her flights home went smoothly and she only felt pain on the car ride to the hospital. She is home now, but will be in a wheelchair and will have a walker for the next three weeks. The doctors have said she will need to be home for 3 months - Katrina says 6 weeks:)

Be Disciples.

Update on Katrina

American doctors confirmed Katrina's leg is broken in 3 places. It is a severe injury. They are scheduled to do surgery sometime during the day today August 3rd (central time). They have removed the “missionary cast” and replaced it with a splint. She was kept overnight at the hospital (St. Johns in Joplin, MO).

Pray for protection from discouragement from the enemy. Pray for Katrina’s family and her doctors.

Be Disciples.

Pray for our friend Katrina

Katrina Randolph, our friend and fellow missionary here in Nova Odesa, broke her leg in Crimea. She and a friend, Faith, were hiking a hill near Simferopol and on the descent, she fell. Faith, who does not know how to drive a manual transmission vehicle, had to drive Katrina back to the hotel where we were staying. Katrina shifted while Faith pushed in the clutch. Our friend Nina Sinitsa and her nephew Dima drove Katrina to the hospital. X-rays were taken and they showed Katrina's leg (fibula) was broken diagonally, just above her ankle. The doctor (yes, only one doctor in the whole hospital), said she needed surgery immediately. They only put a partial cast on the back of her leg and under her foot. Because of the severity of the break, it was decided that she return to the US for proper care. The hospitals here in Ukraine are quite inadequate, and the processes are not the smoothest (or the cleanest).

We spent that night at our hotel because she needed crutches and could only get them the next day. Katrina was able to use the crutches to get around in her room and to the vehicle. The owners of the hotel helped take care of Katrina and were a huge blessing. The owners are Christians and live in the hotel. They recently moved back to Ukraine from Oregon where they lived for 11 years. So it was nice to be able to communicate in English during this time.

It was decided that I drive back to Nova Odesa. I am not legal to drive here, but only because of Katrina's medical condition I was. It was a 7 hour trip. Katrina was a good sport. We got back to Nova Odesa around 9:30pm Friday and met Jason, Jeff Appling, and Josh. They spent the night after arriving by bus from Osikovo, and would take Katrina to Osikovo and then Sunday to the Kiev airport.

Pray for Katrina and for the doctors/nurses in the US. Also pray for the needs here in Nova Odesa. With Katrina gone, there is a vacancy in the ministry. She may not return for 2 months. Faith will be returning to the US Aug. 17th.

Be Disciples.