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Its been almost 3 weeks
where have we been? Let me tell you.While we were in Sweden (one month ago), we were informed that we would be moving out of the classroom weve been in we just didnt know where. The move has been in the works since around Christmas, but in the middle of April all the pieces converged. So the last two weeks have been full of moving. Did you know I hate moving? Anyway, we only knew where we were moving to a couple days before we hauled everything over.
As well, since we just started a new semester, weve been doing lots of the planning for the whole 3 months. Coordinating hospitality for guest speakers, a special seminar before starting to study the prophets, important staff meetings, etc.
Anyway, the city cancelled YWMs docking contract, along with many other boats on the riverfront, so we actually have to move the boat. But where? Well, it has been for sale for a little while, but no takers, especially now that we cant stay docked where we were. So what will happen? Who knows. But one thing is for sure. The place isnt as important as the work we do and so though it takes lots of time and energy, we will persevere. Ever feel like youre battling on every side? We do to sometimes. Perseverance isnt easy, but it sure is important!
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Jay, youre such a wonderful little guy! You just started signing back to us when you want more, if you want milk or when youre done. Youre walking everywhere, have been for 2 months now. Were really proud of you! Hope you really enjoy the soccer ball, well play lots this summer!Happy Birthday!
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The last two weeks have been full of activity (we just posted some new pictures). We travelled to Sweden to teach in the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) there. That is where we were for nearly 3 months last year for Titus Project. It was really kind of them to invite us back to teach and reconnect with friends.And both of those we did. Before leaving, we were schedule for 4 days teaching in the SBS, as well as preaching at the community meeting (like a service). Then, Angela did a seminar on fundraising for some of the new missionary staff. And out of the blue, Ben was asked to teach on the Church in a different program, the School of Strategic Missions (SOSM). Needless to say, we spent a lot of time in preparation.
But thats not all. We have some really wonderful friends from last summer. And many of them hosted us for meals and reconnecting. We were able to share with them about how were doing, get encouraged and prayed for.
But it doesnt end there. We also got to spend time one-on-one with nearly every student in the SBS. Many of them wanted advice, to chat about their situations, talk about SBS and Titus Project. One couple is from Ukraine and we talked lots about Ukraine and the Orthodox Church.
So it was an excellent trip. We enjoyed wonderful fellowship, times of teaching and many opportunities to encourage people personally. Thank you for making this possible! Jesus reign goes forward, one heart at a time.
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Friends from Taiwan
We just finished hosting a team of Bible teachers from Taiwan. It was great, we got to see a couple of our friends and they brought some Bubble Tea too – Bubble Tea is probably one of our favourite drinks of all time (at least for Ben)!Anyway, not only did we have a great time with them, but they also got to do some great work. They taught in rehab centres, within the YWAM community here as well as a bunch of churches in the area – they even spent a whole week in a little village to the south of Kyiv. We got to hear them a few times, and they we’re great to listen to, challenging, passionate and creative! It’s no wonder we love Titus Project, we get to work with the best! :)
Last updated: 24/03/2011
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We just finished hosting a team of Bible teachers from Taiwan. It was great, we got to see a couple of our friends and they brought some Bubble Tea too – Bubble Tea is probably one of our favourite drinks of all time (at least for Ben)!Anyway, not only did we have a great time with them, but they also got to do some great work. They taught in rehab centres, within the YWAM community here as well as a bunch of churches in the area – they even spent a whole week in a little village to the south of Kyiv. We got to hear them a few times, and they we’re great to listen to, challenging, passionate and creative! It’s no wonder we love Titus Project, we get to work with the best! :)
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We will teach all 9 of them this week. 9 people who have been spending the last 6 months studying the bible verse by verse. 9 people who have fallen more and more in love with God. 9 people who are from 8 different countries. 9 people who are not just learning for themselves but desire to impact this world. Rogvi, Daniel, YeonSoo, Dima, Ester, Paivi, Sarah, Rasa,and Tamra. Like a small drop of water can have a huge ripple effect, so too will these 9 people make ripples in the lives of thousands of others. We are thrilled to be here in Sweden, get to know them, and teach them the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah. Well feature a few of their stories over the next two weeks.
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Our first experience with the orthodox church happened in late May 2009. We were visiting Kyiv while considering where we might relocate Titus Project in Europe. As part of our visit, one of our hosts by the name of Tim Huddleston, now a treasured friend, took us for a tour around Kyiv.As we learned, one of Tim’s hobbies was really understanding Kyiv’s history. It turns out to be very rich and interesting (but more on that later). Anyway, one of the landmarks on his tour was St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral. Writing this nearly two years later, I barely remember anything. I will briefly introduce two things that I do remember because they really struck me, but we will only go into depth in subsequent posts.
The first thing I remember was how different it was. Angela and the ladies put on scarves before we entered. There was the paintings and the dim light with candles and a few other things that I really hadn’t experienced, even in the old catholic churches I’ve entered in other European countries.
The second thing I remember was Tim’s comment. It was a teachable moment and he took the opportunity. He said that although worship may be very different than what I am used to, do not quickly pronounce judgment on it because there are many many positives to it and things we can learn from. It was, and remains, wise advice.
So why begin recounting our experiences with the Orthodox Church here? There are a few different reasons, but probably the most important is that the Christian church is vast, and vastly diverse in its style and character. To breathe Ukrainian air is to breathe a mixture of Christian faith. Need a picture? Consider how puppies are tied to the same pole, yet as they run around and around, they get tied together even while they run in many directions. So while we are all rooted to the same Christ, the atmosphere and experience of his worship may be very different, sometimes crossing, sometimes running in parallel. I want to explore this relationship more fully, understand these other worship experiences without prejudice and with love. And in turn, hopefully, bring my own experiences to people who might benefit from them.
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Write Us
Youth with a Mission (this must be the first line)
Ben and Angela Doerksen
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01001
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Titus Project Europe -
You wouldn’t believe how long I’ve waited to be able to use that!!! :) But its the truth, today Jay began walking… Angela texted me while I was at work, “Jay just took 10 steps”. I bet you can imagine what I was thinking at that point!
I had the camera at work, but when I got home, we made some video footage which we’ll get up as soon as possible!!! So it’s true, don’t be caught Jay-Walking!
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It is a big deal here! It is a National holiday in Ukraine and everyone makes sure to treat women especially well on this day. My morning began with Ben taking care of the kids so that I could sleep in, a cup of coffee brought to me in bed when I woke up, and then a yummy pancake breakfast that he cooked (he even shared the last of his Canadian Maple syrup with me)! Wow! Thanks Ben, you are an amazing husband!
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We have had a few people ask us what our kids are into these days because their birthdays are coming up. PLEASE don’t feel like you ever have to send us gifts or anything- seriously! Mail costs are not cheap and stuff is not a huge priority for us. However, if giving is your love language then we know it helps to have a few suggestions (and really this is for their nanna and grandma :).
Jay– Anything that lights up or makes sounds.
Cassie– Videos: Angelina Ballerina, Dora, Caillou (in French), Wonderpets. Books: Phoebe Gillman books (but we have ‘The wonderful world of Jillian Jiggs’ and ‘The wonderful pigs of Jillian Jiggs’), any French Caillou books. Basically any little toys or movies or books make her excited.Just in case you are curious here are some things we can’t really get here: Decaf coffee beans, onion soup mix, ranch dressing mix, brown sugar, vanilla, peanut butter, reeses peanut butter cups, coffee crisp, oh henry, ketchup chips (I can’t believe my wife put decaf coffee beans at the top of the list… what is this world coming to???)
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First Steps!
Today Jay took his first steps. He figured out how to balance himself while Mommy and Cassie encouraged him! Way to go Jay! It is too bad that he is so sick right now. Both Cassie and Jay have runny noses and coughs. It has been a long few days in the Doerksen household.
09.Mar.11Standing…almost walking
He stands really well now without holding on to anything. Actually he could probably walk if he tried, but he usually just sits down and crawls if he wants to go somewhere. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was walking in a few weeks. However, he hasn’t started signing yet. We are working on that one still. He’s so sweet. He is squishable and so smiley!
02.Mar.11 -
Since the video doesn’t seem to be working, click here to have a look at it on facebook.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e3Xavddhg0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0
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Not fun any more!
So today is day 7, Cassie has gotten really good at going pee in the toilet but she hasn’t gotten the other part of toilet training down yet. I have had to clean dirty underwear three days in a row and it is nasty. Here is to hoping that tomorrow she will remember to tell me “Mommy I need to go poop.”
09.Mar.11No more diapers
March 2, 2011- Mark down the date as the last day Cassie wore diapers (well at least during the day). She is officially 2 years and 9 months old. We are celebrating all day with balloons, candy and of course at the end of the day she gets a little gift from mom and dad! Who knew potty training would be so fun!
02.Mar.11
