Cherry Pie

Today is Saturday, the day before Easter and I find myself in the kitchen preparing food for tomorrow's Dinner. I have just put a cherry pie together and in the oven to bake. Tomorrow we celebrate our Savior's victory over death. Living here in Eastern Orthodox countries , we have the opportunity to celebrate Easter and Christmas twice. In the Eastern countries, Christmas is always celebrated on January 7th, and Easter, by the Orthodox calendar almost always falls on a date different than in the West. I like having 2 different days to remember each of these life changing days. This year we Westerners celebrate Easter on April 11; in the East, we will celebrate Easter again next week.

All week long, we have wanted to blog with good news about Ivan but we are still praying and waiting to hear a good report. We have learned that he has a rare blood type. But even so there is a law in Ukraine that says that as foreigners we can't donate blood. (Who knows what that's about?) So, we are still in the same spot as last week, all we can do is pray!

A few days ago, Ivan had a blood transfusion. The doctors are waiting to see how he responds. We don't understand what is wrong with him, would you please continue to pray for him? and for Pasha. Pray that the doctors have wisdom in their decisions as they care for Ivan.


We have been enjoying our time with Parker while he is home for Spring Break. He has come to several English classes with us. The students have enjoyed talking with a real American teenager and asking him questions.
Parker was in track until he came home. He told of continuing pain in his knee- continuing since last Spring. An MRI revealed a 'completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament'. Yeoch! When Jerry escorts Parker back to BFA next week we hope that he will be able to get Parker into see a specialist to find out what to do next.
Parker's birthday is April 21st but we've been celebrating his birthday for several days. He will be 17!


The cherry pie is finished cooking, and smells like it will taste delicious as tomorrow's dessert. May you have a blessed Easter day as you remember how Jesus took our sin as His, was crucified and rose victorious over death so that we can be forgiven.