Thursday, December 06, 2007

Trip to Chernihiv

The 13th Cannon in Chernihiv
Emma, Conor, Koren, Gavin, Dominic, Joshua, Edna, and Greg at the 13th cannon in Chernihiv.

On Monday we took a trip up North to visit our friends in Chernihiv for three days. We stayed with Conor and Koren McNamee and their two little ones, Gavin and Emma. They are part of a thriving church plant there in Chernihiv. We spent most of our time just talking about all of our experiences in Ukraine. It's always a treat to be able to talk with other English speakers, especially other Americans. Conor and I have a similar sense of humor, which according to our wives, could be dangerous. It made for some late nights and a lot of laughs though.

On the second night we were there, we had dinner at the home of our friend, Tracy Groves. She made us a great dinner and gave us a bag of hats and gloves that we're going to give to the orphans at the Voloshka orphanage here in Bila Tserkva. (Thank you so much Tracy!) After dinner we all walked over to where the church holds an English club. We watched an episode of The Cosby Show and then split into three groups. Tracy and Conor each led a group while Edna and I led the third group. We had fun going through some questions about what we watched and then answering the questions the group had about us. It was really cool to be able to share about how Jesus has changed our lives and to be able to discuss the Gospel so freely with so many people that have yet to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.


Chernihiv English Club
This is one of the three groups that we led at the Chernihiv English Club.

We ended our trip to Chernihiv with a short walk through the park and a look at the Cannons of Chernihiv with the McNamee family. We had such a great time just hanging out with them and enjoying their hospitality. We left feeling refreshed and encouraged about the work we're doing here in Bila Tserkva. (Thanks Conor and Koren for making us feel so welcome in your home.) We're looking forward to our next trip up to Chernihiv around Christmas time. Chernihiv is a beautiful city with a rich history. You can read more about it by clicking HERE.


Gavin, Emma, and Joshua chillin with Shevchenko in Chernihiv
Gavin, Emma, and Joshua with Dominic sneaking into the shot.


Edna, Dominic, Conor, and Emma in Chernihiv
Edna, Dominic, Conor, and Emma in front of Savior Cathedral. It was built in the 1030's making it the oldest in Ukraine.

3 comments:

Conor and Koren said...

We had a great time with you guys too! I'm still recovering from the loss of sleep, but it was well worth it! Thanks for coming and please, come again.
Love, Koren

Greg and Edna Silva said...

Hey Koren,

We had such a great time!! I am so grateful for the time we spent with your family. Greg and I were talking about how we can't wait to see you all again when you return! You are welcome to come here. We will have to plan something in the future.

Love,
Edna
PS - Yes, we were tired as well. We slept in the Marshrutka on the way home! But it was well worth it like you said. :)

Ethan Larson said...

Hey guys! I wish I could have been with you. Tracy and the McNamees are very special to me. What a blessing to be able to fellowship together and learn from each other. God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Love, Elysia