Amazing trip . . . something we would never have imagined from day one till we arrived back home. I don't think I can type all about it tonight, but will try over the next few days to take you on some of our experiences with us. We are so thankful for all your prayers and support. Unfortunately, now we need to save and prepare for a second trip back in about 4 - 6 weeks. We are going to have another yard sale, so if you are cleaning your house, give us a call.
Please pray for Kristina. She is still at the orphanage, and I am trying to just think about the day she gets to leave. It is hard to think about what life is like there, the "pecking order" of the kids, and how hard it was for her to watch other friends graduate and age out of the orphanage on the day we also left to come back home. I know she has hope and a future and a new family, so I ask that we all keep her in our prayers. I will try to post more photo's this week, but trying to readjust to the time, and not feel tired at 3:00 every day.
We were able to buy 90 pairs of shoes and the kids were so proud to show them to us the day after we delivered them. On this next trip, we hope to collect clothing from sizes 8 - 18. These children really need them. Summer shorts and shirts would be great. The other item for fun that is in great demand is glow in the dark bracelets. Sidewalk chalk was the other huge hit, and it really made the kids and teachers smile. It brightened up a very dull area. It also brought many children out of their shells, and they began to work at communicating with us through pictures they were drawing. One particular little girl was curled up in almost the fetal position, rocking back and forth by herself. I could see she was watching others with the chalk. I went over and gave her a piece. She slowly decided to come over and tried to copy a smiley face another child was drawing. Eventually she completed it, it was difficult work for her. No smiles for days, but she did join us. Then she began to follow us more and watch what we were doing. By the end, she let me take a photo of her and show it to her. She smiled. I wish you could see the smile, but here is the photo. You would never had known she was a little girl. It was moments like that we will never forget. Knowing that just spending a little time loving these kids can and will make a difference in their lives. I hope others will join us in trying to send some care boxes over to these kids. God bless and we will write more soon.
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