The Summer Begins!
Posted Jun 07 in Travel Journals by 7 Comments
Well, we made it to Ukraine! The summer interns and I have officially begun our two-month “assignment” here in Zhytomyr. After a few days of settling in, we are finally ready to begin sharing the stories of what life is really like here and what God is doing in this incredible country…
So far, the experience has been fantastic. We’ve all really connected with our Ukrainian host ministries, we had a wonderful visit to the Romaniv Disabled Boys Orphanage (more on that soon!), and there has been a steady IV drip of delicious Borscht flowing into our bodies pretty much since we arrived.
Our interns Krystallin, Lauren and Chris at the Frankfurt airport.
In the next day or two, we will begin posting articles, travel journals, photo galleries and culture guides from our time in Zhytomyr. Some will be funny, some will be heart-breaking, but all, we hope, will inspire you to take the next steps in your journey towards a life committed to social justice, care for the oppressed and a deep desire to see the kingdom of God come in this world.
The team. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this summer!
I encourage you to make it a commitment to read all of our content this summer. A few minutes over coffee in the morning or during a break at work… that is all it will take.
In return, we will open your eyes to an exciting and often surprising part of the world. We will inspire you with stories of ordinary people who are living brave and selfless lives. We will give you practical ways to get involved with the organizations we write about…
And through it all, we will give you the opportunity to watch your own life be transformed!
So what are you waiting for? Add our site to your bookmarks, subscribe to our articles via email (click here), and get ready to go on a journey into the world next door!
Barry Rodriguez
About the Author: Barry Rodriguez is the director of World Next Door. He is a writer, photographer, actor and teacher with a heart for social justice and a passion for travel. Well then. It’s a good thing he’s got this job!
Ken Ney said...
June 7th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Thanks for what you are doing to share with all of what God is doing in Ukraine through these 2 vital ministries. The staffs of MTU and Last Bell are some of the most faithfal, dedicated, and humble servants I have ever encountered and I count it a true privilege to serve alongside them in Ukraine.
Andrew Znachko said...
June 7th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I am so excited for all of you! God is doing some amazing things all around the world and its so exciting to be a part of! I’m honored to be serving Him along side of you (not according to natrual distance, but who cares?). I look so forward to following your adventures, encounters, and service this summer. There is no doubt that this will serve as encouragement for me where God has brought me for the summer and I am already thankful. Know that you are prayed for and cheered for. Praise Jesus!
Dave Rod said...
June 7th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
All right…bring it! Excited and waiting.
Jim.M said...
June 8th, 2010 at 7:38 am
……patiently waiting.
Cindy Bannon said...
June 8th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Hello Barry and Team!
I will be coming to Zhitomir in less than 3 weeks to be at the special needs camp! I can’t wait. I’ll be bring the crafts for the kids and adults. I’m sure that I will see you then.
Lisa M said...
June 8th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
We’re already hooked! Looking forward to the posts!
Darryl L said...
June 9th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
I will be in Zhytomyr at the end of July to help with the Camp at Romaniv. Very excited!