Last full day in Zaparozhye

Sibling group

Waiting...

Waiting....

Waiting...

Today, we drove about an hour outside of town. Mile after mile we saw nothing but flat farming land. It was very, very rural. This orphanage was located in a small village. There were about 65 kids that have returned from summer camp. The other half of kids will stream in during the next few days. When we drove up, we were not greeted like the days before. The director ushered us inside and explained the history and condition of the orphanage. There are lots of needs. The building is very, very old and needs lots of renovation. Because this orphanage is located in the middle of nowhere...they get very little visitors and/or support. The kids gave us a tour, and they were very proud to show us their home. Each bedroom held 16 beds. The floors are wide planks with several layers of paint.

Next, we went outside and they all gathered around us and asked us lots of questions. We couldn't help but chuckle when they asked us if we liked President Obama. They wanted to know if America was really beautiful and how we treated our children. They asked us how much each piece of clothing cost that we were wearing. They asked about our jobs and how much we made...and even if we had "rappers" on the street??? One little boy wanted to know how long it would take him to ride his bicycle to Alabama. We told him he needed to know how to swim really, really good. The kids laughed and told him he would never make it because sharks would gobble him alive.

Most of the children asked nothing about adoption. They were clueless. Its just not a common thing for them to witness. They have accepted their life as an orphan. There was ONE exception. A beautiful nine year old girl came up and asked us directly, "Are you here to adopt me?" Ugh. We told her no. Its hard to say that, but its more cruel to give them false hope that we are coming back. They asked us to pray for them. We told them that we do and that we will continue to do so. We were able to share the Gospel with all the children. They really listened intently and soaked it up. We gave all the children a yellow sheet which tells them plainly, and simply why God loves them.

Leaving today was easy. (for them) The children just walked away. It's heartbreaking to see kids like this. They have lost hope. They are certain that nobody will rescue them.

"Vindicate the weak and fatherless, Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4

Tomorrow, our plan is to go to market and purchase some shoes and clothing for the children in the 1st orphanage. Their physical needs were greatest. After we deliver these items, we are going to visit our last orphanage.

I am very excited about this stop. This is really where my heart is! We will be visiting a special needs orphanage on the way back to Kiev. The children here are mostly Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. We asked that you pray that we are given access to visit the children. It has not been approved as of tonight (Thursday).

Thank you for you prayers,

Aimee and Jami