It's been a warm winter here, till the 27th of December when it snowed all day.

Then on the 29th of December it snowed all day.

Sasha is grateful it held off till they were able to get this portion of the 

kitchen/classroom building at the church completed.

This week has kept Sasha busy, continuing to get documents certified and to the correct office. As I shared in the last newsletter, the neighbor to the back of the property still refuses to be helpful and willing to sign the papers we need in order to change the purpose of the plot for Stephen's home from an orchard, to a residence. Therefore Sasha is taking the long road, but making sure in the process that every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted. Thankful to be working with such a man who is willing to go the extra mile, 

knowing that this project is in God's hands.

The most recent addition to the church addition

insulation

My sister Wendy is so sweet!

She explains here: "In August 2013, I visited missionaries of New Mission Systems International within the Europe Region. While there, I asked God for insight on how I might assist their ministries beyond my role as Human Resources Director. He gave me Christmas card designs that display some aspect of each ministry. I am excited to share with you the first design for this Christmas, “First Sled Ride.” Inspired by the ministry of Alys, my sister, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the cards will go toward the building of Stephen and Naomi’s homes; handicap accessible, family homes for orphans when they turn 18 and graduate from the orphanage. Cards are available for a suggested donation of $25 for 20 black and white cards with accompanying Christmas Green envelopes.

Please email wwest@nmsi.org for ordering details." Wendy West

Tis the season...

... of hope, freedom, celebration, rejoicing

To give you a better idea of the future location of Naomi and Stephen's homes, where the church in Darivka is located, in comparison with Kherson, here are a couple of images that should help clarify.

The OLD

The NEW

The only small corner of the building still remaining is the out house. 

Once this small building comes down, the way for machinery to reach the PROMISE property, for Stephen's home (in the background), will be wide and easily accessible.

below: The plan is to get the interior work completed as soon as possible, in part so the

congregation will no longer have to use an outdoor facility through these cold winter months.

These leftover bricks from bringing down the old garage (pictured above) are being used

for the interior walls of the church's new addition, the bathroom and Sunday school classroom. 

We are preserving and conserving as possible.

Very grateful for Sasha's (project manager) resourcefulness.

Windows are in & Doors are up

This week, after the thaw of ice in and around Kherson, Sasha and the crew were able to get back to work. Over the past couple weeks, they were able to get the front entry way into the church completed including the ramp at the front of the church connecting to the new front doorway. Yesterday they put on the front door along with the windows on all the new additions.

preparations made for pouring the ramp

pouring the cement

all finished