Well, we are back and recovering from jet lag. Today we have spent a good deal of time drinking tea and eating chocolate. The Ukrainian tradition of talking over tea is one we want to incorporate more often into our own family life, taking time to reflect, to talk, to rest. Our friend Helen sent some lovely tea home with instructions about exactly how to brew it, and we picked up some tea cloths at the airport, so we are ready to start a new habit. And we didn't fail to bring home a good bit of Ukrainian chocolate, which is soooooo good!

How can I put into words how wonderful the trip was and how very, very productive? The kids at the orphanage to which we returned were so happy to see us again. We took on the task this time of presenting very intimate information about their bodies and reproductive systems, speaking to them as parents since they have none to explain. Can you imagine growing up on your own with no one to tell you what a menstrual cycle is (if you're a girl) or why you wake up wet sometimes (boys)?

It sounds strange, but these children (8-16 in age) seemed truly grateful for our time spent on these subjects. We majored on the fact that God had created us with wonderful bodies and that these physical signs were part of an incredible physiology that He has given us. They seemed to be relieved by the understanding we could provide. The girls got the full talk on how feminine products worked and the boys got the skinny on why men's bodies are as they are. We noticed a definite change, a new warmth towards us, after we had these discussions.

The Ukrainian team who worked with us was great. Svyeta, our female team member and a translator, did a good bit of the teaching and really engaged the girls. Zhennya, the leader of the team, led the boys' discussion along with Randy and began with the words, "We are men and so there will be no laughing about this!" Of course, there was some humor (how could there NOT be?), but Randy said the discussion was respectful and included all sorts of topics. One of the men on the team gave his testimony - he was recently married and was a virgin until marriage. Wonderful stuff!

Some of these children did not realize what sex was and/or did not connect sex with pregnancy. In an orphanage situation like this, that information is vital. We are praying that this information, along with our lessons that reminded them about their personal value and the importance of purity, will protect them from interaction that could bring more tragedy into their lives.

Please, if you'd like to come to the orphan camp this summer and meet these kids, we would love to give you information. Our weakest point this trip was not having enough team members to give more kids attention. They were so hungry for hugs that they stood in line. These children need our love and not just our money. Leaving was very emotional for everyone and may tears were shed.

We went from not bathing for a week to an apartment in downtown Kiev near Independence Square - a bit of a whiplash there. We could walk in one direction to the main square where the Orange Revolution took place, and in the other to St. Michael's, St. Sophia and the Great Gate of Kiev. (And in Kiev, we walk everywhere, so we saw them a lot!) On Sunday, we partnered with the Almaz church to present a purity seminar.

The church planned for 50 and 85 showed up - hungry, excited and very interactive! We talked and discussed and Q and A'ed from 11 until 7 - I was exhausted, but it was wonderful! Right after the seminar, emails started flowing into the church, thanking us for coming. It was probably the single most rewarding experience of my speaking career, sharing purity, sharing faith, making new Ukrainian friends from all walks of life - awesome!

The rest of the trip held all kinds of unexpected gifts - time with friends in beautiful downtown restaurants, simple and marvelous Ukrainian meals and tea in the homes of friends and a widow from MMK who brought us all to tears with her love for the Lord, time with conductors from the Ukrainian symphony and choir …

I am more and more convinced that all Americans who can should travel and make friends in as many foreign countries as possible. (Let me give just a short sermon here!) Yes, we have people who need help in America, but America has many ways for her own to get help. Other nations like Ukraine are in dire need and their governments and national systems are unable or unwilling to help. In these times when so much seems uncertain all over the world, we who have the bulk of money in this world should spend it to build relationships and strengthen global ties in individual ways that our governments can't or won't. Who knows but that we may make friends with someone who has the power to stop a war, or avoid nuclear conflict? It may be as simple as being willing to get out, make friends, and seek to understand.

Americans, we cannot afford the luxury of sitting at home with all our comfort and convenience, hoping that the trouble all around us will somehow disappear on its own. We have a global responsibility to our brothers and sisters, and it is easier than ever to make contact with them. If love is what the world really needs, then that love must come from us. Are we bringers of liberty that results in freedom, or just self-centered rich people?

Our good friend Helen, who is one of the conductors of the Kiev Chorus, is, in all manner of speaking, a beautiful, elegant, intelligent, talented lady. She is one of a very few Ukrainians who is beginning to be a middle class. Yet she lives in a three-room flat on the 6th floor of a run-down apartment building. Riding in the elevator is an act of faith in itself. These apartments buildings are fire traps. Whole families are crammed into these tiny places, and yet they do not complain. Some of them have visited us in America, and they do not judge us for having our roomy, plush homes.

But I do evaluate myself, and wonder what I can do to encourage these fine people who have been through war, and famine, nuclear fallout and tragedy. They continue to struggle with a corrupt government and a system left over from a Soviet regime that was cruel and selfish. Many other nations suffer similarly - good people caught in the crossfire of those hungry for power and money.

I hope you'll consider your part in these matters and listen for God's voice, directing you in how to respond. There is much many of us can do - if we just make ourselves available.

Well, I'll get off my soapbox for now. We are all looking forard to enjoying the holidays, and I hope you are, too. It is wonderful to be home. Please don't take for granted the great freedom we enjoy in this country. There really is nowhere else like it in the whole world. (-=