I think we are all looking for affirmation that we matter - having people who love and support is the greatest gift... to know we belong! For these kids, they are constantly yearning for
that place where they belong. There is this show from the states that I absolutely love for the fact that I see so much of our kids in the characters; it's called
Life Unexpected and recently one episode echoes in my mind. The main character grew up in foster care and group homes, much like these beautiful faces I see each day. While reliving some of her past she said, "what about a few years after that, when I was three and stuck in a hospital where no one visited?" I've always thought and wondered about how our kids make it through those kinds of moments...
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| Melissa and Yaroslav at the hospital |
Getting to visit children from Pravdinska staying in Sumy for various ailments has been such a gift. One, for the purpose of connecting, but even more so, for the fact that we get to be those people who visit when no one else would. So that one day, they don't have to look back and wonder. What a gift it is to be those people in these beautiful children's lives?
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| Anika and Sasha in the hospital after surgery |
Not only were we able to visit Yaroslav and Sasha this past week in hospitals here in Sumy (as well as Yaroslav, Vova, Marina, and Sergei), but we are currently getting ready to head out to Western Ukraine to visit a very special kid I like to call my little brother although most people simply know him as Sasha. On Monday we will receive our regular monthly visit as his "family" and then we will be able to return on Sunday October 3rd for Parent's Day! Who gets to do this? I seriously ask myself that question from time to time... because I get the utter privilege to be a family to these amazing kids - can't wait to get back and share all the answers to prayers!
We've recently had the privilege of reconnecting with older graduates of the Pravdinska orphanage. Two of whom are Anya (2006) and her brother Andre (2007). The two live together in a village right outside of Sumy with their 2 older brothers and older sister; not to mention Anya's twin girls who are beautiful at 9 months. It is definitely a packed little house, but it is clear that these kids are working together to make it in this life.
beautiful kids were sent to Pravdinska. It's such a gift to have known them for over 5 years now and to still be a part of their lives. We were invited into their home, shared tea, and were given a tour of their village. We are excited to see where this reconnection takes us as we have watched so many graduate girls struggle with children and Anya faces the unique challenge of twins. We hope to be an emotional support as she finds her way in this life.
We often talk about Dusya, Sergey (aka Shevchenko) and their beautiful little girl, Vala (now 3!). They are one of our favorite little families having made it through so many rough times - it is such a privilege to be considered a part of their family as well!
