Here We Go Around Again
After seven months in States, today we fly out for our new life and ministry in Kyiv
Out of everything, we're most anxious about Justus. It was so different before. It was all he’d ever known.
But in the seven months we've been in the States, he’s found a new normal. He's gone from knowing a few words and phrases to full sentences and telling stories. He knows what it means to speak and to be understood. It’s hard to go back after that. It's hard enough jumping into another language when you know it’s coming. Today, however, we're yanking the rug out from under him.
We know he'll be fine. He'll be speaking Russian (and Ukrainian?) in no time. But it's that in-between space that makes us so nervous. What kind of influence will it have on his naturally outgoing personality? What kind of regression might there be? Will he one day blame all his life's problems on this very trip?
We'll let you know.
North Carolina
We've enjoyed some much needed down time here in the Charlotte area with Katie's mom. There hasn't been any pressing responsibilities or lists of errands to run. Justus has loved playing with Grandma Vernice, and we have appreciated the extra help. It's sad to say another goodbye, but we are looking forward to finally, after all this time, getting settled into a new home.
Here We Go
We leave Charlotte this evening. We fly Charlotte–Munich (9 hours), sit three hours, then fly Munich–Kiev (2 hours). It's a much shorter route than usual, which is refreshing. As long as there aren't any delays, we should be arriving to Ukraine around 4pm Thursday afternoon (8am CST here in the States).
We'll be staying at the apartment for visiting teachers until we find a place of our own. We are praying we'll find the right place quickly so that we can ship our things from Kharkov and get settled before class begins August 5th. It's all happening so fast, but it's been a long time coming and we are ready to get started.
Please remember us in your prayers today as we make the trip back to the country we love so much. Thank you all for your constant encouragement and support.
With love,
Brandon and Katie
When were flying to North Carolina, Justus was very interested in the safety information card. He studied it for a several minutes before finally looking up and asking, “What happens if there’s water?”