Sasha has spent a lot of time filling out documents and paper work, sitting in offices, waiting in lines. 

Everything for the property ownership needs to be registered correctly so we don't run into problems in the future. I'm very grateful that Sasha is willing to go the extra mile to make sure the certification happens as needed, 

I just don't know that would have the patience he does.

I've been working closely with the architectural firm, eMi (Engineering Ministries International) here in Colorado Springs. We are close to wrapping up the design plans for Stephen's home. Once complete I'll pass these off to Sasha to submit to the architect in the Darivka region with a prayer and the intent that she will approve things rather quickly so we can get working on building the foundation an basement this fall.

The exterior entryway took a bit more work to get completed. 

It came out looking very pretty and safe for all who'll use it.

Finishing the front entry of the church

that is now handicapped accessible

Inside the church looking out at the entryway and front door

Entering the church

Finishing the insulation process, the outer layer of plaster that is applied.

From the road

The finishing work out at the church is what's been able to happen through

these cold months. The first indoor bathroom at the church is now working. 

I can say this with confidence as the outhouse is no longer standing.

BEFORE

AFTER

Much of what has been progressing out at the property lately, doesn't include pictures. It's document after document that has to be filed here or there. Sasha's spent much time going back and forth between many of the same offices as forms have to be perfect to be accepted. The good news with all of this documentation that's been submitted is a significant step in progress. 

Stephen's home property is now officially owned by PROMISE, 

our Ukrainian charitable organization

YEAH!

Sasha, project manager, & Rex, architect, with eMi

Engineering Ministries International(eMi) out of Colorado Springs, CO is partnering with us

to help in creating handicapped accessible floor plans and layouts for the rooms of Naomi's and Stephen's homes. Rex spent 3 days waiting in Istanbul for the fog to clear so he could come to Ukraine.

When Rex finally arrived we were down to less than 48 hours to do a whole lot of planning before he had to hop in his next plane. Gracious and willing to do whatever it took, we spent lots of time talking, planning, dreaming and praying the Lord would bring wisdom so we can do what will be best for 

the young men and women who will be living in these homes.

With the cold winter weather outside, progress has still been able to progress at the church addition inside. The bathroom is just about completely tiled, so the toilet hook up and sink installation are about all that's left. 

I did have to use the out house a couple times on these bitter cold days. 

Squat-potties are the norm. We take a lot for granted having indoor plumbing in 

our homes when so many still don't even think about such niceties.

This is a typical Ukrainian style bathroom, 

in the sense of walls and flooring being covered with tiles from top to bottom.

This is not the toilet that will be installed, it's for placement purposes only. 

We've talked about how the height of the seat will make a difference for those 

needing to transfer from their wheel chairs. Help bars will be installed here in the church facilities too. 

It's the holiday season here, for about another week. Ukrainian's take their holiday's very seriously. We did have a white Christmas here, I spent January 7th with the congregation in Darivka and Ingyletz, named after the river, Ingyletz, pictured here below. It was a

 great day of celebration and fellowship.

The plot we'd like for Naomi's home backs up to this river. 

It's about a mile around the bend to the left.

On the road out to the village Ingyletz, looking back at Darivka.

DARIVKA