Meeting up again with The Peipons...this time in America!

Do you remember the missionaries from Ukraine that we posted about several times on our blog, Dr. Jim and Marianna Peipon.....Well, they are in the states raising support for their mission work in Ukraine and we had the opportunity to spend time with them as they came to Alabama. The first night was spent at a dinner meeting that we and 2 other couples hosted for them and the second night we were able to spend time with them in our home as they spent the night. I can’t tell you how much of a blessing it was for us to spend time with them again….I was reminded why we have come to love them so much and didn’t want to see them leave! They made a point to arrive at our house in time to walk with me and Vitali to pick up Grant and Inna from school and walk them home...Inna was excited to see them and Grant was just beside himself with excitement to have them with us! Later, we all hung out at The House of Java coffee house here in Prattville. Then, papaw and nanny came over to eat dinner with us and meet The Peipons in person also. The night ended with a little Hokey Pokey and square dancing with Dr. Jim, Marianna, Grant and Inna before bedtime!
God is really using The Peipons in Ukraine in the healthcare area and in helping AIDS orphans. They are currently trying to raise money for some land and a home that they have found to house some of these AIDS orphans. The land is connected with a church where the children could plug into and continue to be loved on and encouraged in their faith. The pastor of this church has already caught the vision for these AIDS children. Please pray that they will receive all the funds and every detail will be taken care of that is needed for this project and pray for their ministry! I have sent it out before, but here is the link to their ministry website...
http://www.ukrainemedicaloutreach.org/

Pics:
House of Java...I love this one of Marianna...she is so much fun!


Bedtime singing and dancing...


All of us:

Dreaming Of A White Birthday

A beautiful birthday surprise for a Ukrainian girl in Alabama is SNOW! This was the day in between her actual birthday and party and the kids had a blast! I have never seen someone who could whip up a snowman as quick as Inna (If you have been around her in person, I am sure that you can imagine this as pretty much everything she does is in fast motion and with lots of energy). She got on her hands and knees and rolled a huge ball in the snow before we could blink our eyes :) All the kids had loads of fun in the snow!






Inna had a great time at her birthday party! We invited family and a few of her friends and she was so excited to see each of them arrive! We had pizza and cookie cake, which used to be her favorite until she tried ice cream cake :) She was very emotional when the last person was leaving and did cry off and on the rest of the night. Over all, tears of joy and of being overwhelmed at all the love shown to her in one day! You will see from all the photos that she is surounded by much family that loves her and she loved the celebration!
Friends: Anne Louise, Katy, & Ella Grace
Papaw & Nanny:
Vitali vs. his cousin, Jordan:
Aunt Theresa & Grandmama:
Grandmas Gigi, Meme, Nanny, and friend Robin:
Aunt Katie & Cousin Sydney:
Family~ Dan, Beth, Matt, Sydney, Gracie, Silas, & Grant:

The latest news is that Inna had her tonsils out this week and overall is doing good! The surgery went well with the only issue being some trouble with a bad reaction to the sedation, but after she was put completely under anesthesia, the rest went perfect. Her throat hurts as normal, but she has been able to eat and drink. She has not talked since being home from surgery and I know the doc said it was important to talk to help the healing process, so we are going to work on trying to get her to talk a little. Thanks for all of your prayers and get well wishes!!! Special thanks to my friend, Claudia who came up to the hospital and stayed the whole time. Jason had to work during surgery and stopped by afterwards and Claudia had already planned to be there while mom kept Vitali and picked up Grant, so it worked out great! Please, continue to pray for her recovery!