Joy, Jubilation, Jetlag

JOY---being with my sister. Seeing her life, how she lives, loves and laughs. I now can understand her struggles, her excitement, her heart. JOY--because I've learned so much about myself, my cultural dependances, my limitations. JOY--because I see God working in totally different ways than I ever thought possible AND the people I met! The ones that left everything to serve, the ones who lost everything to believe...the ones that have nothing but hope. JOY-- to see the Black Sea, and to see my son's face when he caught a jellyfish and to see the bond my first born and my best friend have although we are million miles apart. The JOY overflows having spent 11 days with my sister and my son :) (and bro-in-law).


JUBILATION--The laughter we had! We attended a traditional Ukrainian birthday celebration. The lady turned 70 and she ENTERTAINED us. The guests came prepared with a toast and we are 'instructed' to drink to the toast. If you don't it's offensive. After 15-20 'toasts' naturally, dancing is next. Please watch the video to the end---and you will also feel the jubilation Isaac felt! We had so many laughs I'm not sure what else to post!

JETLAG began on our train ride from Crimea. Tammy and Matt live on the southern most part of Ukraine, in the big penisula known as Crimea. The Capital of Ukraine--Kiev is 18 hours away by train. So we took a sleeper train all the way. Isaac loved it, but I was so worried he'd fall off the top bunk I didn't get a wink of sleep!

Then of course we had to get on a plane for 10.5 hours....when we got to NY- our plane was delayed and we had a layover for 9 more hours. We didn't get home until 4 am! after traveling for 24 hours---jetlag was a very familiar feeling! But I would do it again for the experiences we had!

A couple other major highlights: First--My time with the orphans! OMY--- I can't even describe it. I have cried a lot about it, and I feel so helpless. I just simply pray. One thing---Tammy is making an AMAZING impact on the little lives that otherwise wouldn't have anyone.


Secondly is how amazed I was at the progress Matt is doing on the house they are building. He's doing all of it from bottom to top. This picture doesn't do it justice---but I'm so excited. Especially because the people they are ministering feel so connected to them and trust them. Way to go Matt!

When Matt and Tammy dropped us off, Isaac started to cry, he said "remember a long time ago when I got hurt and I tried not to cry?" "yes, baby what is it?" "I'm trying not to cry and I can't help it" He said it all. The bittersweet goodbye, knowing I won't get to wake up and have breakfast with my sister for a very long time, knowing that she and Matt will press on doing God's work without me beside them, It was sad....but so rewarding!

There are SOOO many things we did! So many people we met! So many lessons learned! If you have a minute I'll tell you! Thanks for your prayers and financial support! It was so amazing to encourage the most amazing missionaries I know!

Ukraine Trip so Far!

We are off from DFW! In great spirits and excited about the adventures that lie ahead. We made it and actually in the past 3 days I've learned more than I can imagine!


From one plane to the other---we were in 4 different airports 3 different planes, lots of delays and hours later, we made it to Ukraine (without our luggage! Lesson 1, always carry the address and phone number of the person you are visiting. I wasn't able to tell them airlines where I was going...it was in another part of the country!The good thing about no luggage, is that we didn't have "go through customs" Since our plane was delayed 3 hours from JFK, my sister was waiting at the Kiew airport for hours, at the exit with camera in hand In Ukraine, they don't let you know when the plane is coming. So she stood there taking pictures of every 'mother and son type" until we came! It didn't take AS long because no one had to check our bags. It was a delight to see her! I actually cried!After landing in Kiev, we directly went another airport to take a plane to Simperofol. I was a little spacey at this point....ok, I still am :)

Thank God for the red bomb!  Matt picked us up at the Simperfol airport and we went home and literally crashed!  It was so good to be in Tammy's home.  Lesson 2...the roads ARE really bumpy here.  Lesson 3  I learned how to go on a squatty potty...you have to have really strong quad muscles.

The next day Tammy had a "women's tea" set up at her church.  The theme was Women of Strength, and I was the main speaker!  (I'm international now ha)  Lesson 4...I'm not really good when I actually have to pause to think about what to say.  I'm better when I can just have a my mouth run.  I had a translator, the people were great.  Lesson 5...I'm a VERY social person, and I DO NOT like the language barrier.  I Want to get to know these people.

Isaac really hadn't had any culture shock at all.  He fits right in and actually can say 2 Russian words.  He participated in the women's tea craft.  He has been so patient, and so sweet.  Doing everything we ask.  

At church Tammy and I sang a special. They had the words in Russian on the screen. Lesson 5...you can worship in any language.

Isaac made some friends with another missionaries daughters.  They REALLY liked him and wanted to be RIGHT beside him the entire time.  It made him feel like home, with his two sisters...which he misses by the way!

This is Tammy's front porch area where they live.  It cracks me up because on the outside of the gate is dusty, old, rundown roads with giant potholes, no greenery or landscape, then you walk in a big iron/brick gate to an oasis.  Cherry trees, roses, veggies, plums.  It's beautiful.  Lesson 6 Ukrainians utilize every space they have.

Our trips to the market have been few, but VERY interesting to Isaac.  He hates walking but loves the fish, meat, and random things all over the place.  LEsson 7... I take Walmart for granted!

This is what we're doing today.....Planning trips to the beach, visiting friends and on the road all next week.  Just wanted to keep you up to speed on the amazing journey so far!  God is so good.  Lesson 7...I love being with my sister!  Lesson 8... I miss my husband and girls with all my body!   More pictures and blog to come!

New Beninnings and Ends

"What Time is It? Summer Time!"

Summer is officially here at the McKee house...And surprisingly I CRIED on Isaac's last day of kindergarten. (Have no idea why?) But we have so much to look forward to this summer.
It started off with a visit from one my dearest and wisest friends! She and her kids visited for the day and we enjoyed SUMMER! Watching the kids play in the pool, getting sun ourselves, talking about what matters in life: meals, diapers, and church! (my kids and Velvet's kids)

Yes I got to visit with Velvet, Jenny and Candace at length over the past couple of days---and I now realize just how much strength I get from these women! Thank you girls for being such positive examples in my life. You all TRULY make me want to be a better person.

So- yes, although Isaac will not be rushed out of the house at 7:30---we'll be trekking all over the world visiting friends, family and soon to be friends. I love Summer!
What time is it? Summertime, it's our Vacation? What time is it? Summertime!