"Воистину воскрес!"

 We were in Donetsk again this Easter week.  There were flowers everywhere.   

Trees and grounds gave evidence of the  very first signs of spring. 

In our hotel, the holiday was delivered at the door of our room on a platform of lace. 

 The beautiful weather and this special weekend stimulate outdoor activity. . .

bicycles, skateboards, strollers . . . families, children, musicians . . . 

Our stroll through the park took us past one of the lovely large cathedrals in Donetsk.

 We watched the waiting crowd of the faithful who had brought their baskets of breads, cakes, and colored eggs to be blessed by the priest.

.--Everywhere the greeting: "Христос воскрес!" (Christ has risen!) . . .

and the reply, "Воистину воскрес!" (Truly, he has risen.)--

The best part of being back in Donetsk was being able reconnect with some of the good friends we left behind and to testify to them that "He" really Has risen, that he lives and loves us.  He knows each of our struggles and our pains and He loves us still.  We spoke of service and sacrifice,  commitment and re-commitment. 
We parted, I think, with feelings of hope, and increased understanding that all things are possible and the effort we expend will be worth it in the end.
How we love these people!!