Orphanage- Day 3

Waiting....

Waiting..

Handsome little guy

Making MORE bracelets and explaining one bead at a time

Waiting...and hoping.

Explaining each bead of gospel bracelet

Older girls washing windows

Reading the Gospel in Ukrainian



Sweet boy in need of family

Entrance to orphanage

Today, we went back to the 1st orphanage. We wanted to spend some more time there and really get to the know the children. These were the children that were at “camp” on Monday and have now transferred back to the regular orphanage building. The orphanage sits way out in the country at the end of a long gravel road. There are lots of weeping willows nestled around the building which makes me think that even nature is crying. The children ran up to our car and opened the door for us to get out. They took our hands and showed us where they “live” or a better word…”survive”. We walked down the long, dark, halls which were lined with doors on either side that led to bedrooms for 12. The bathrooms were in need of repair and a serious dose of Lysol. They were so proud as they showed us all of their knitting projects. They love to do crafts that take a considerable amount of time. I guess it’s a good way to cure boredom. After lunch, we did nothing but play with the children. I must say that this has been my favorite part of the trip. No questions…no expectations…just kids, being kids. I had to push aside my strong desire for these children to find homes and enjoy them as children. We laughed with them…tickled them…sang with them…and shared God’s love with them. They all gathered around as we went through the meaning of each bead. They listened intently…hanging on to each word. They are searching for something to cling to. Hope is all they have.

“For now Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. “ Psalm 39:7

Our hearts were wrenching as we climbed back into the car. We had to pry the children off of us. The director even asked one child to come inside because she was sobbing so hard. Jami and I didn’t say too much on the car ride home. We just kinda stared out the window trying to process our emotions.

One thing that God has brought to mind is the many missionaries around the world. Folks, they need our prayers. We have done nothing but fight one spiritual battle after another. I wonder if its because we spending more time in prayer than we do at home. Probably. As we draw closer to Him, we hear Him speak to our hearts more clearly. We also see the “obstacles” that are around every bend. I am tired. We are both tired, mentally. How do missionaries do this as life-time work? We should be sure to remember these people that are on the “front line” for Christ.
Tomorrow, we are getting up early and going to one of the poorest orphanages in the region. I can’t imagine what we will encounter. It will be hard, but nothing compares to how millions of children suffer around the world. They sit waiting and wondering if a mama will ever rescue them from their endless hell. Problems in my own life are starting to look utterly meaningless. We live in a nation that is blessed with God’s grace. We live in houses that are warm and safe. We have shoes that fit our feet and clothes that smell good. We have food available to us at any time. We have health care that will treat any problem we have at any time. We have clean water that does not have to be boiled. We have churches that preach God’s word. We are blessed. Beyond measure.
We must take what God has blessed us with and use it for His glory.

Aimee and Jami