Our team had the privilege of going to Ukraine again this year......our TENTH trip!
It was filled with building more life long relationships and nurturing those that we've made in the past.
What a privilege to go to make a difference through each smile, each hug, and even each cookie.....spreading love as far as we can.

There were 204 small cookies in my checked bag that I had the joy of sharing with many people. The smiles in response were worth all the time and effort made throughout the year to raise the funds to go and to shower the people with physical and spiritual gifts.

This year we held the SEVENTH ladies camp......and it was the biggest and the best. We heard multiple comments about it being the best one the ladies had attended so far.
There were 94 women present, and the classes and activities offered were a huge blessing to all.

Here's a photo carousel of many sights at the women's camp:

Next we went back to Borislov and spent several days encouraging believers and doing all we could to share love and kindness to as many as possible.

Each year it becomes abundantly clear that THEY give us so much more than we give them!

The visit I had with this family was probably the most significant moment for me during our 2017 trip.

This family of eight is from Eastern Ukraine and had to flee their home when the war began more than three years ago. They live in a tiny home (for 8 people!) that is not in the best part of town. But you would never know their circumstances by just being around them. They are one of the most loving and content families I've ever seen in my life. And they blessed my heart so much. Say a prayer for them......they have a ton of obstacles they must work through. But God is at the forefront of everything they are doing, and I'm honored that I got to spend time with them while I was in Ukraine.

And finally, I thought it would be essential for me to share with you how powerful a cookie is.
Each year that I go to Ukraine, I take cookies to share with all the dear ones that we visit or come in contact with.

A few of the widows have received nearly one of every cookie I've brought.
During this year's visit, two of the ladies showed me their "stashed treasures". These are cookies that are years old....probably not even edible, but they treat them with love and care.
 

Cookies really do make a difference. 

Cookies express love and bring joy.

Thank you to all of you who have supported me over these last ten years.
It is making a difference in a small little town on the other side of the world.

I am forever grateful that God has given me this privilege.

❤️❤️❤️