No promises for an easy ride.

We have been home in Kiev for over a week and now are in the midst of a pastor's meeting. All of our pastors come together twice a year at our apartment for a time of prayer, fellowship and planning for our district.

But just before the meeting started today, I got some bad news: our new street children center was broken into for the second time this week. Thankfully, we had not put too much expensive things into the center, just tables, chairs and some of the humanitarian aid. Sunday, the first time they broke in, the thieves stole some humanitarian aid clothes, cleaning supplies, an electric hot water boiler, toilet paper(!) and some of the medicine we were given during our free medical clinic. The second time, though, they pulled out our washing machine, dryer and dish washer in an attempt to try to steal them, but then must have abandoned the thought. They did this time steal the stove top we had and a 10 year old microwave. Again, two electric hot water boilers were stolen (replacements for the one stolen Sunday), most of the rest of the humanitarian aid clothing, the replacement cleaning supplies and...toilet paper. Also two chairs were taken. The police investigated, but said since the most expensive thing stolen was the stove top, only around $300, they really wouldn't pursue it too much. Also sad is that a few simple portable DVD players owned by the children and stored at the center were taken. Sometimes it seems they just don't get a break.

We now have 2 guards staying at the center at night and between the two break-ins, we ordered an alarm system, though a phone has to be installed before the alarm can be put in. We have also ordered bars for our windows. Please pray for Svetlana, our daily director, as the burden of dealing with the police, etc., has been on her.