Christmas time

As the years continue to pass, the warmth of Christmas season spent with family becomes ever-greater. The overwhelming nostalgic traditions furnishes an affectionate love and restful peace I like to refer to as "Home, Sweet Home".

Theology

What is theology, but for man's comfort? An antidote purposed for the implementation of morality or emotional stability? In our desire to know the God of the universe, it is inevitable that we conform Him to our liking. We try to fit the infinite being God is into our own box of consolation. Sooner of later that box of comfort is subject to affliction and then blown up with a new posed thought or idea. This process then repeats itself again and again. We can't fit God into a box.

Aside from this question, I adamantly profess ones theology of God is important to refine. That is, in the approach of an informative biblical matter. Even though we lack the capacity to fully understand the way God works, it is important to keep an open mind with critical and good judgement. We may be right or wrong in our comprehension of God's character; understand that and be okay with it. Perhaps, we were never meant to grasp the full knowledge of the omnipotent being God was, is, and will always be. Doesn't mean we shouldn't make the attempt.

What's next?

With one more year of college around the corner, one question frequently seems to be asked. "What are you going to do with your life?" A question I don't know if I will ever be able to answer my whole life. Taking a dive into the "real world" is rapidly approaching. Up until this point it seems as though  there weren't many choices to be made on my part except for Vanguard University, my school of choice. What's next... more school? get a job?  look into starting a family? move to another state or country for that matter? Is the perfect answer waiting right in front of me only by fate to fall under my footsteps? I believe God has a will and a purpose for my life. It can really be aggravating at times left to ponder what my next step may be. It seems almost selfish in a sense to plan where I will be in the future. Who is to say I may have another breathe? Life is such a precious gift, yet we tend to waste what little we do have. As created beings of the Almighty God, we are to honor and glorify Him with our lives. So which ever be my last... may every breathe seek to glorify the One of whom all worth is due. Though I compile my own plans, they are but little to where God may lead me. I think the song writer says it best "Take my life and let it be all for you and for your glory". So... it is okay that the question "What are you going to do with your life?" remains a list of questions and maybes. The only legitimate answer I hope and strive for is to glorify my God wherever I may find myself. Amen.

Matthew 6:33- "But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness"

First Stop: In-N-Out

After nearly 24 hours of travel time, finally I am home. In-N-Out of course was the only appropriate first stop being back in Southern California. The trip was most successful and inspirational. Thank you to all those who supported me on this trip and in my life. I truly am blessed to have the people in my life I am surrounded with. Keep checking my blog for more stories of my travels and pics should be on facebook. Thanks again to all and May God bless you

Two more days...

The last few days have been kinda slow for myself. I picked up a fever, I believe from playing with children non-stop for over a week. They sure know how to drain all your energy.Today I am feeling much better after a good nights sleep. Almost all of us have undertaken some type of sickness. Please pray for our health.

Yesterday we went to the orphanage outside of Borodyanka that we had gone to the previous year. This orphanage only houses about 12 kids total. We just brought some fruit and cookies for the kids, then played some games. Yesterday was also what they call in Ukraine the "Last Bell". Every school ends on this day and it is a big celebration. We went to one of the schools and got to partake in the festivities. After so much action today we have a day off. A day of rest much needed. Only a couple days until we return to the states. Thank you so much for all your support. GOD bless!

Borodyanka

With a long safe journey and pizza along the way, we have made it to our final destination Borodyanka. The Orphanage in Bila Tszerkov was time well spent. We had the opportunity to share Bible stories from creation all the way up to the death of Jesus on the Cross. We had differenet crafts everyday for the kids that they seemed to enjoy to do with us.These orphans have once again take a piece of my heart. If anyone has the thought of adopting let me know! I have encountered so many truly amazing children that have never been a part of a family.Keep these little ones in your prayers, that they may encounter the abounding love of Christ in their life, and that He surpasses all treasure here on this earth.

Today we are heading to the nearby school to talk to a 3rd and 5th grade class that are studying english. I am excited this is something we got to do last year and it was a blast. Then tonight we are going to church for a Bible study. I am looking forward to have a lot of relaxing time here in Borodyanka. Nearly 80 children sure know how to drain every ounce of energy from you. Thank you so much for your prayers! May GOD bless you all

Alive and Well

It is now our fourth day in Chernigov. We had to stay an extra day because one of Amanda's luggage was lost at the airport. The good news is we got it today and tomorrow morning we are leaving to the orphanage in Bila Tszerkov. The last couple days we spent at an orphanage and a mental hospital for young children. Our time here has been truly amazing. I am staying with an American family who is the pastor of a church plant here. There kids keep me going even with the jet lag which is slowly dissapating. I loved the town and culture so much, I hope to return to Chernigov sometime in the future. Thanks for your prayers and please continue as we travel to Bila Tszerkov. There I will not have access to internet, so this might be the last for a week. GOD bless

(Paul) Your shirts are well worn and many pictures were taken. Thank you!

Made It!

Made it through the Russian flight safe to our first destination in Chernigov. Getting ready to take off for our first day into the city on about four hours of sleep. Breakfast was delicious along with some wonderful portuguese coffee. It is so amazing, yet surreal to be back in Ukraine. I hope to blog as often as possible to keep everyone updated on my travels. It will be hard when I am at the orphanage with no internet though. Thanks for everyones prayer and support!

GOD bless
Пуст Бог Благославит Тебя