The perfect cherry on top.

Summer is in full swing here in Lublin and much like back home, temps are unseasonably hot, climbing into the mid-90s.  Thankfully, you’ll find a gelato or lody (Polish for ice cream) shop on just about every corner offering the perfect, sweet cool down needed on these sweltering days.

In fact, after Matt’s arrival to Lublin on Friday, we strolled the tree-lined streets to the city center and met up with our Ukrainian friends for prayer, singing, and, of course, lody!  As we chatted over our 31-flavors, Pastor Igor Buben offered to let Matt and I borrow a vehicle to drive ourselves into Ukraine!

During our trip in April, we were unable to cross the border because the car must be registered in the driver’s name, obviously a no-go in a rental car.  But, ol’ Igor has saved the day by giving us the incredible opportunity.

In between playing games and leading Ukrainian children through a yoga session (that was a lot of fun!), Igor coordinated all of the necessary legal paperwork with an attorney and had a car placed into Matt’s name.  We will pick this up tomorrow and plan to head out early Wednesday morning.

Matt and I will be driving to Lutsk to meet our TDF/Ukrainian military contact, Dima, and his incredible team of female volunteers.  These people have worked tirelessly since Day 1 of the war – no days off, separated from their families, and no compensation other than pride for their country. 

We will get to look into their eyes, hug their necks, and listen to their harrowing stories.  My hope is to record or live-stream some of our time together so stay tuned for that.

Please continue to pray for us as we ready for this final week in-country.  We head back home to the States on Sunday, July 3, and I can only smile and thank God for this opportunity to love on folks in Ukraine – the perfect cherry on top!