What a privilege to go to Ukraine for the 11th time in June of this year! This marked a very different trip in many ways.

Our usual team felt God moving in different directions, and so I ended up going with a new friend, Julie, and we went for the expressed purpose of finding a vision for what our church could do for the women in the L'viv region.

This was Julie's first time going to Ukraine (and for going out of the USA, for that matter!). It was awesome to get her perspective of the country and the people from her fresh eyes.

We were honored to attend the annual women's camp as our church has had the privilege to sponsor it for the last seven years. This was the 8th camp.....and sadly, will be the final camp we finance as we move in a different direction.

There were 95 women in attendance and it was an awesome experience for all!

I asked all of the Ukrainian ladies to send a greeting to the USA and those that help support the camp. :)

One of the other activities we took part in while in Ukraine was a meeting with a bunch of the women's ministry leaders in L'viv to discuss their ministries and the needs of the people. We made it into a "cookie decorating party" to give them a fun activity to take part in. As you can see from the photos.....the ladies had a wonderful time decorating and left with lots of smiles and good memories (and cookies!)......

Speaking of decorated cookies.....we found a new cookie shop in L'viv that is loaded with beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies. When we started going to Ukraine 10 years ago, no one knew what a decorated cookie was. But obviously, the idea has stuck and they have run with the idea of selling decorated cookies!

I always take loads of small cookies with me to share with everyone I meet....and this year's trip was no exception. I went the easy route and did marbelized, dipped cookies.