This winter has been different than the past few for us, now that we’re back in Canada.

We’ve had lots of snow – and we have been so thankful for that! What good is winter without snow?

I have had some work doing small renovation/repair projects, although the past few weeks have been very slow. Still, it seems that things are starting to “pick up”, at least from the e-mails I have been starting to get.

Kira’s skiing is done for the season. She had a great time, and was doing very well. Kai has his final playoff Hockey game coming up on March 28th.

I have started getting more interest, e-mails, and work with our sound business as well. We have provided sound and lights for a couple of concerts in the past month, and have several more possibilities in the next few weeks. So far, the response we have had to our sound quality, lights, etc… has been very positive.

We NEED to get back to Ukraine for a short visit soon. We just have to wait until we have the money to do it!

This weekend, we went skiing as a family – all six of us – on both Saturday and Sunday. It was the first time on groomed trails for both Kira and Kiana. We live a whole 16 km (10 miles) away from Hardwood, so it doesn’t take us long to get to the ski trails.

Kiana – first time on the trails…

Kira after skiing.

I took the photo below a few weeks ago in our living room… Another reason we hope we get a LOT of snow!

So, today, Kai and I went out skiing, tried out our new skate skis… I learned a few things. First, I am seriously out of shape! Secondly, Kai has grown a lot. Third, he is a better skier than I am. Fourth, he can go up hills faster than I can. Fifth, he has more endurance (this from a kid who has suffered with serious asthma problems for years).

Fortunately, I can still go down hills faster than he can (without falling). I guess size has it’s advantages – but he’s catching up fast.

We had fun! Let it snow… the more the better.

Gradually, we’re trying to settle in to life back in Canada, trying to get enough work, and trying to figure out what’s next.

The kids are getting involved in various activities. Kai is playing hockey again after being away from it for three years (no hockey rinks in Krivoy Rog). Petra is skating… Kira will be taking ski lessons (once we get snow).

Canada is still like it was – but everything looks and feels different after our experiences. That’s something we’re still trying to process!

Anyway, there have been a few small changes in our life. We are now back in Canada (we flew back May 4th), and are currently living in Barrie, Ontario.

We still own a house in Ukraine, and our friends Roma and Natasha are living there (along with their son Andrey). They are continuing to work with the orphans…

As for us, it’s been a bit of a culture shock coming back to Canada. We brought our dog and cat back with us from Ukraine as well. They seem to like Canada!

If anybody out there is interested in knowing more about our work with the orphans, about what it’s like to live in Ukraine, or anything else, just ask!

Found this book on-line last week… Unlike other books, I didn’t have to order it and wait a few weeks before it showed up here in Ukraine. Why? Because it’s a free download.

I liked the book. It makes me think about WHY we do what we do. That’s a good thing!

Also, it is available in Russian (also as a free download) so I could easily share it with friends here.

If you have questions about church, about why we do what we do there, and aren’t afraid to have your thinking challenged, read this book…

Between trying to do things to help the kids here, trying to help some of our local friends get things up and running so they can start to help, a quick trip to Sweden in February (partly necessitated by new Ukrainian Visa rules),  and our decision to move back to Canada within the next month, it has been a busy time.

Yes, we are heading back to Canada. Fortunately, there are people here now who actually care about these kids in the orphanages, and they are doing a great job. A better job in many ways than we can do… And we know that we need to get back to Canada for the sake of our own kids (although we did seriously consider moving to Finland instead).

I will try to post some photos from the last few months when I get a chance – but realistically that might happen once we’re already back in Canada!

In December, I provided transportation for some people from our church to a village outside the city. We visited a home for handicapped women. The conditions there are unbelievable… The building in the above photo was built in 1910. Not much has changed since then. Yes, that is a current photo!
We had a party for the residents. They had a blast!

This lady loved the sparkler we gave her!

Anya helping people get their bananas.

A view of some of the property…

This is the only “washroom” they have – for approximately 70 residents plus workers.

This is one of the two “holes” that serve as toilets. And no, there is no heat in the outhouse…

It was cold, but we got it done just as the sun was setting. Hopefully, I can post a clip of the video here once we get it ready.

Our house is getting upgrades as well, with a new front door and new steps (with a roof). Roma is sure keeping himself busy here!