I expect you all have heard more about the increased unrest in Ukraine. The situation there has become much more unstable since we left just a week ago. Protesters and police have died, and the government is cracking down further. There are horrible images and videos of violence, and places we visited only a month ago are now wreathed in flame and smoke. For our purposes, everything is still scheduled, although we've been told we will be staying several miles from the city center this time, whereas last month we stayed within 2 blocks of Maidan Square. We've been advised by the State Department that venturing into central Kiev will be risky, but we will have to do so in order to complete our business at the United States Embassy. To anyone wanting up to date coverage of what is happening in country, I recommend the following this link, provided by a friend who is there:
We intend to be careful, but not timid; cautious, but unafraid. God has cleared our way thus far in the process and we believe He will faithfully do so again. We appreciate your prayers, and ask also that you pray for the people of Ukraine during this sad episode. Liberty is rare and precious in this fallen world.
Here are a few more pictures of our recent trip:
Friends in the Groupa room.
Same picture, but I was making faces at them.
Julie giving Angela the necklace we bought for her. It features the state of Tennessee placed within the borders of Ukraine.
The necklace close up.
Dressed and ready to go to court. Angela is receiving a hug from beautiful, happy, A, one of her best friends. She needs a family.
Very interested in our wedding rings.
Julie and Angela at the window working on Valentines.
More Valentines.
My turn.
More tomorrow.
Love,
The Walls
that necklace is such a beautiful, sweet gift.
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