January 11, 2012

I promised my dear friend Karina that I would post about my New Years experience in the United States, and so here it is! =) In Ukraine, New Years is the biggest holiday of the calendar, the grand finale of the year, so to speak. It is celebrated with fireworks and dozens of courses of food, all day and all night preaching, games and fellowship at the church, pictures and sleigh rides downtown around the enormous New Years tree.
This year, I was in Oklahoma City with my sister for the holiday. I did not see any fireworks, and there was no special service at the church. I was sorely disappointed. I spent the day at work, and was so tired I crawled into bed when I got home and almost slept in the new year - but not quite. I set an alarm to make sure I was awake for the countdown. =)
The days leading up to new years, and the days following, were the real celebration. I was once again with my sister and best friend! Along with her boyfriend Jonathan and my Heartland friends, I was able to have many wonderful memories made of the holidays in the USA. We went to see the Christmas lights in Yukon's public park, as well as in the private district of Nichols Hills. We went walking around Lake Hefner, played boardgames at IHOP, ran around the mall and watched movies sipping hot chocolate. We even hung up stockings and opened them. =)
I am grateful to God that I could spend this holiday season both with my family in Ukraine, and with my sister in the United States. I am excited for this new year!!!!
I hope that everyone's holidays have been filled with such good memories. =)

January 8th, 2011

Hey everyone!!!
I miss having lots of time to think of my blog posts, but now that I'm back at school and working fulltime, they are coming in soundbite form. =) God has been very good to me, although every day has had its own share of hardships and difficulties. I am grateful for my family's enduring support and very touched by the warm welcome of my many friends here in Oklahoma City.
Since returning to Panera Bread, I have brushed up on the new celebration items on our menu and taken back my training position. Oh, the fun stories I could write about my trainees. They try my patience, my temperance, and my longsuffering. But they also make me smile and laugh. Working with people - coworkers as well as customers - is a never-ending challenge!
I'm registered at college for this semester. I posted on Facebook my one huge blessing - someone anonymously put 100$ down for my initial downpayment!! What a surprise and blessing. I am thankful to God that he knows how to give good gifts to his children, indeed. =) [Matt 7:11]
The sermons at church have been a big encouragement to me since I've returned, as God prepares my heart for every challenge that he sends my way. Amen. =)
I appreciate all the prayers sent my way... they are not taken for granted. I really, sincerely appreciate them!!!
The weather in Oklahoma has been very interesting. The temperature has swung from sunny 70's to overcast 30's... but it doesn't feel like winter in any case. I miss the snow! =/ The dorms are decorated with soft white Christmas lights all over the lobby and yet... there is no snow... it is very strange. =P
This coming week starts the Annual National Home Missions & Church Planting Conference at Heartland Baptist Bible College. I am excited to hear the preaching and see the Lord work! And hopefully, I will get to see a very dear Pastor and wife of one of my family's supporting churches. Last year they took my sister and I out to IHOP and Starbucks. =))) Haha okay... I'm happy to see them for other reasons besides great food and fellowship. =P It is so nice to have friends around the world and reunite =) God is so good and I am looking forward to the big reunion in Heaven someday!! No more time differences and mile distances and saying goodbyes. Amen!

January 6th, 2011

My new room!!! =) Got all moved in yesterday, and today is registration! =)