Dominic checking out a cactus in Phoenix, Arizona
We began the month of May by traveling to Phoenix, Arizona to visit Edna's mother and brother for a week. The boys had a great time being spoiled by their grandma and uncle. (Click HERE to read more about our time in Arizona.) After leaving Arizona, we returned to Visalia where we were invited to Calvary Chapel Visalia to share about what God is doing in Ukraine. (You can read more about that by clicking HERE.) We also made one last trip to San Luis Obispo where Joshua was baptized at Avila Beach. We spent our last days in California at my parents house in Visalia. On the morning of the 29th, we said goodbye to Nana and Papa (and of course our dog Boris) and headed to the airport in Los Angeles.
Joshua getting baptized by Steve and Patrick
We arrived home in Bila Tserkva at 3:30am on May 31st. We tried to get a little sleep and then Joshua and I walked to his school for Last Bell. Last Bell signifies the official last day of school just as First Bell marks the first day. Joshua was immediately greeted by hugs and the smiling faces of the friends he had left behind. Later, Maxime would once again rejoin our household as though he were the son we had left behind.
Joshua and Maxime together again
Masha, Dasha, and Joshua at Last Bell
Edna was shocked by the excitement of the neighborhood girls when they saw her outside. It's a blessing to receive such a warm welcome and to know how much we were missed. We are excited to be home again and to dive in to all that God has planned here.
Miss Edna was missed
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23
"Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a living presence." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)
(Let God Bless Ukraine)
Praise Reports
• Thank God for smooth travels! We had no extra baggage fees and all of our luggage went through customs without any problems.
• Thank God for a fruitful and productive time back in the United States. God has truly led us and we feel blessed in how He has provided for us.
• Thank God that we feel grateful and happy to be home here in Ukraine. God has truly placed Ukraine as home in our hearts!
• Thank God for smooth travels! We had no extra baggage fees and all of our luggage went through customs without any problems.
• Thank God for a fruitful and productive time back in the United States. God has truly led us and we feel blessed in how He has provided for us.
• Thank God that we feel grateful and happy to be home here in Ukraine. God has truly placed Ukraine as home in our hearts!
Prayer Requests
• For our quick adjustment into the time difference now that we are home.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds.
• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan.
• That God would give us a new study plan for children's ministry this summer.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others to serve in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine.
• For a new translator.
• For more young women and (especially) men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava.
• That God would keep bringing us His divine appointments all summer long!
Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"
In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua
Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him
