Sunday, May 3, 2009

New Life

Our taxi arrived at 11:30 AM this morning to take us to the orphanage.  The director, Larissa, had invited us for a cookout.  However, when we arrived the plans had changed due to the muddy results of two days of much needed rain.  Sasha, our adoption facilitator, drove in from Kiev all morning to join us.  Nina, our in region facilitator, as well as new friend, Larry Guilford, were in attendance.  Our in region translator, Yana, and Larry's translator, Marina, also were able to join us for lunch.  So, we enjoyed great company and fellowship with this diverse group of individuals all concerned for the needs of orphans...  

The only disappointment was the inability to play and enjoy the afternoon with our kids.  We did get to see James and Angela briefly.  Jana and Victoria were already down for their afternoon naps.  We will head to Kiev in the morning and home to be able to catch the overnight train on Tuesday night back to Zapporizhia.  Please PRAY that we will be successful on Tuesday getting 3 of our 4 birth certificates....
Our indoor picnic spread (minus the meat, coffee and tea)...
From L to R: Kimberly, Tony, Sasha, Larissa, Marina, Larry and Nina (Yana took the picture)...
James' class eating lunch...
1st and 2nd graders in cafeteria...
Some of Angela's class eating lunch...

When we retreated outside following our lunch, we were greeted by a beautiful 16 year old orphan who is graduating this month.  She takes an entrance exam this Wednesday (5/6) to try to get accepted to university.  Last year, there was a family trying to adopt her and her brother.  However, when they got to court, there was a discrepancy with the paternal name on her paperwork.  The adoption was unable to go through at the time.  A couple months later when the document was amended, the previous adoptive parents had already adopted two different children.  By that time, she turned 16 years old and was no longer available for adoption.  This was devastating to her and her brother.  Oh how my heart broke as Nina recalled her story.  So, please pray for her as she takes her exam this Wednesday.  Pray that she will pass and be able to pursue career training as a social worker.  

There are so many stories like hers.  Praise God, He is the Father of the fatherless!  May He comfort these precious ones and guide us to be His hands and feet for His Name's sake. He is the Mighty King, Master of Everything, His Name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord...
Gathered outside discussing plans and projects...
Orphanage Director, Larissa...
James and Tony...
  James wanted to take our pictures, as well as Larry with his translator, Marina...
A future project at this orphanage is to revive and restore the on campus green house.  As you can see from the pictures, there is much to be done.  Interested in being a part of this project?...


An example of the glass that covers a lot of the outskirts of the playground making it dangerous for the children to play...
I attempted to video Larry and Tony talking about the greenhouse project.  However, my camera's memory card filled up before Tony got to complete his sentences.  Please excuse...

Their discussion of new life made me think of 2 Corinthians 5:17, 
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold the new has come."  
Please join us in praying this verse over the hearts and minds of all of these young orphans in this place... that they would come to know Jesus Christ... to have new life in Him.... 
Blessings to you and yours this Lord's day! 

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