December Monthly Update 2006 THE NOT SO SILLY SEASON

Back in Australia, this is often referred to as the ‘silly season’.

There is the pressure of Christmas shopping (so much money spent it’s got to be sinful!).

There is an end of year break up for every imaginable group.

A BBQ to attend, the beach to visit, long days, balmy evenings, test matches, carol services, holidays to organise, family coming to stay, far too much food to be bought, prepared and consumed.

Although there are some traditions which I miss, I’m glad for the easy pace of life here at this time of year. New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a big way, but the winter helps keep the surrounding weeks rather low key. The days are very short. The sun is rising after 7:30am and setting before 4pm.

DOLLS

You may find yourself in the middle of your ‘silly season’ and not knowing what to buy for Christmas presents. Consider Ukrainian dolls. Click here to see photos and prices and email me today so your dolls can arrive before Christmas.

PLANS

Because Ukraine misses the silly season – I’ve created one for myself – and then extended it (well sort of).

• December 13 I’m going to a performance of Handel’s Messiah in Kyiv
• December 19 I’m going to a history of Ukraine presentation in English by some University students
• December 21 Jon and Ruth arrive from London for two weeks
• December 27 Josh and Bec and Thomas arrive from Brisbane for three weeks
• January 27 Gaven and I leave here and head to London for a month

So I have just two more language lessons, then a long break until after I get back from London. Also there will be no monthly update in January. I will keep photos and snippets coming onto the website. There is also be a virtual tour of my house on my website Click Here To Take Tour. You can see around the house and learn about Ukrainian life and how you can best pray.

Also watch your inbox for a DIY Christmas card – coming your way soon!

THANKS

I have a huge thanks to give to my big brother Tim, his wife Judith and their kids Miranda, Jadeen, Erin and Mercedes. Every week Tim makes and sends out RPDs or Monthly Updates. He manages and maintains my website. He is a busy bloke with a wife and four kids, software development, and financial businesses to run, accounts for church, LAN parties, plus plus plus. So a huge thanks Tim for all you do for me. Because of him you are well informed and able to pray for what God is doing here. And thanks for being a good mate too Tim. Email him here tim@jethromanagement.biz to say thanks.

A big thanks to all of you who read these. Thanks for you prayers. Thanks for your interest in what God is doing in, through and around me here in Rzhyshchiv. Thanks for your emails, your letters and parcels and your financial gifts. Thanks for your support in what has been a difficult and yet most rewarding year of pain and growth.

JONO’S TAXI

Recently I have realised the privilege of owning a vehicle comes at a price. I regularly am asked to help transport people or things to various places. This is a great way to meet and help people, but sometimes very time consuming. Last week my neighbour came and caught me out with the “what are you doing on Saturday?” question. I replied “not much” and suddenly I was agreeing to take some ‘things’ to a neighbouring town. Well the town was twice as far away as I thought, the ‘things’ were a huge lighting and sound system, and then I was staying for the concert so I could bring them all home again. It was actually a pretty good Ukrainian concert. One of the girls participating had hair so long it reached to her knees!! Amazing.

Tomorrow I’m carting half a ton of wheat and other grains for one of Sergei’s neighbours.

WHAT YA READIN’?

I have started reading a series of novels called “Mark of the Lion”. I’ve read “A Voice in the Wind” and “An Echo in the Darkness” and I’m currently reading “As Sure as the Dawn”. I have been impressed with the quality of writing, enjoyed the plots, and have found some inspiring and challenging moments. 4/5

PRAYER AND PRAISE

For God’s faithfulness in 2006

Safety in driving

Christmas visitors

God would pour out His blessings upon the church here as we open our hearts to Him

THANKS

Dawna for the Tim Tams. I think I just received the most travelled packet of Tim Tams. Made in Australia, exported to Israel. Bought in Israel and taken to Arizona, then posted to Ukraine. They taste better ‘travelled’. Thanks Dawna.

Love Jono
Keep Looking Up

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200612 monthly December 06.pdf	29/12/07 10:36 am	268.72 KB