Home Again, Home Again Jiggity Jig

Whenever someone says "Home again, home again" I always think of my friend Cody.  When we lived together after college she would always say that as we pulled into the driveway, "Home again, home again, jiggity jig!"  That was a bit of a side note...love you more than words Cody.  :)

So, we made it home safe and sound late Wednesday night.  Now I'm up quite early blogging and Jed already left to go exercise.  Jet lag can actually increase your productivity, you know- or it can cause you to fall asleep on the couch at 7:15....before the kids are even in bed.  Yikes.

Being with our kids again is unbelievable.  Oh my word we missed them like crazy.  I know the Lord was totally in this though because although we missed them, it was never unbearable.  We were able to focus on what God was doing where we were at because we knew our kids were loved and cared for at home.  My mother-in-law rocks the house.  Seriously, she took such amazing care of our babies.  Every time we skyped they were so happy and so excited to tell us about their adventures with Grammy.  We are so blessed by this gift she gave to us.  Love you Grammy!!!!

We are happy to be home, but already missing Ukraine.  We left a big part of our hearts there.  I don't know how God did it, but it's like He supernaturally knit our hearts with the believers there.  Some people we knew less than a week, but if felt like we were old friends.  It felt like we had history together...and we had just met.  Crazy.  I guess that's how it goes when your hearts beat for the same things.  We were so blessed by the friendships we found in Ukraine.  Honestly, that wasn't something we expected.  We were going with a heart for the orphans there and were surprised to find many kindred hearts along the way.  We miss them already.

God alone knows exactly how this story is going to play out.  We know Ukraine is in our future, we just need step-by-step instructions about how that is going to come about and what it will look like.  At the conference, on our last night there, an awesome new friend from UK Vineyard was praying for us and he felt like God wanted us to dream big, not to think the dreams God has given us are too big, basically not to hold back.  He also felt we needed to know that the resources and provision would be right there when we needed it.  We've heard those promises from God many times in the past few months along this journey. It was so great to hear it again.  Thank you Lord that you know just what we need, right when we need it.  I'm not sure if you all remember, but the first verse God gave us on this journey was in

 Isaiah, chapter 54:

“Enlarge the place of your tent,
    stretch your tent curtains wide,
    do not hold back;
lengthen your cord, strengthen your stakes.  

 For you will spread out to the right and to the left;
    your descendants will dispossess nations
    and settle in their desolate cities."

Sweet.
We'll keep you posted as this journey unfolds.

Before I go, I wanted to give an accounting for the money that we took along for orphan care.  It was given by all of you and I want to make sure you know where it went!  Thank you thank you thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity.  Really, after seeing the need firsthand, and the people God is using to be the hands and feet to meet the need, you can be assured that this money will be used wisely and 100% will be used for His children.  He's got some awesome workers out there doin' the stuff!

So, here's the accounting; if you have any questions or want any more clarification feel free to email us at johnson commune AT gmail DOT com (no spaces).

We went with $2200.

$70.00- charge at airport for extra bag carrying donated items for the children

 (craft kits, fluoride varnish, stuffed animals, exercise balls...)

$200.00- donation to Mission to Ukraine, specifically for their work in the Romaniv Orphanage

$70.00- to pay for the trip to see the Lost Boys (Praise God again for that miracle!!!)

$400.00- bought diapers and soda (a very special treat!) for the Lost Boys

$750.00- left for Slavik and Alyona to pay for 3 future visits to the Lost Boys.  When they go they normally take a large team of people, clowns, etc.. so they have to rent a van.  It costs about $250.00 a trip just to go there.

That leaves $710- this money was left for Slavik and Alyona to buy needed items for the Boys when they go on those next 3 visits.  After the visits Alyona will let us know that they went and what they bought to take along with.  When she shares that with me I'll make sure to pass it on to all of you.  They really want to be accountable and we trust them that they love the boys and will use the money in the best way possible.  We love those two and you all would too!!!  :)  

So, there you have it!  That money was given with such love, compassion, and generosity and we know that as Slavik and Alyona go they bring light and darkness is defeated.  Praise God for His workers in the fields.  Our prayers are so important...keep it up!

GOD WILL WIN THE DAY!!!