Visiting the Orphanage

What an eventful and blessed day we had. We packed a backpack for each child - filled with the donated items from our small group and neighbors. Over breakfast we worked to translate the notes to each child into Russian - Max was a godsend! I(Tim) got to write two cards in English and, just to give Max a workout with his translation, made sure to include "matriculated" and "endeavor to persevere" ;-) When we arrived at the orphanage, Olha and many of the kids from Sophie and Katya's class were waiting. They loved the backpacks and all sat for several hours quizzing the girls about life in America. Later in the afternoon, after the girls visited their old stomping grounds, Olha's husband Anatol and their daughter Sophie arrived. We had a great afternoon. Many funny and poignant moments - one funny one, Sophie challenged the boys - if they could do 50 pushups, she would buy them ice cream. After convincing them that she had enough money to pay up, they each pumped out the pushups and then walked to the store for ice cream. Charlene & I are thankful that the girls' had a caregiver like Olha, who loved them. Please pray for the rest of the kids in the class. They put on a brave face today when we asked about their future, but they really don't have much hope. Through it all God was very gracious today.

Tim