SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

The past few months have been amazing here in Ukraine - ministry has kept our hands so full that we have been waiting for a moment to share some of the big highlights that took place! From orphanage programming to weekly grad meetings, orphanage graduation to summer camp, God has been working in a big way!

GRAD CAMP

Summer camp is a highlight of the year for everyone involved! This year's grad camp marked our 8th camp with kids who have already graduated out of the orphanage system. God has been so utterly gracious bringing us to this point and our 6 days in the woods were a beautiful time once again! 

Most days consist of Bible lessons, swimming, games, and fellowship. This year's bonfire turned into a sing-off while some nights turned into a dance party after meetings and games were done. There was an amazing freedom among the group that cultivated a really special time for all of us involved. 

In the midst of the usual activities, we brought in some new features including the addition of a film festival. A few hours each day were designated to scripting, creating, filming and editing each team's movies that would be presented the final night of camp at a "film festival" which included popcorn, cookies, and an award ceremony. The kids (and leaders) took to the idea more than we even anticipated and turned out two amazing films! Check them out here:

From Sunrise to Sunset

Coming Home

ORPHANAGE CAMP

And... we are BACK! That is how it felt to receive this amazing gift to be back in the orphanage running a full summer camp. 3 years ago the plans were made, the program ready, and a team on the way to spend 14 days with the kids at the Pravdinska orphanage when the orphanage director pulled out last minute. Shortly after, she pushed us out of running ministry at the orphanage altogether. We may never understand the reasoning behind all of it, but God kept those children on our hearts over the years and our relationships with them strong through meetings on the sport's field and cheering them on at events in the city. 

With time, we were able to build a good relationship once again, but were blown away at the opportunity to bring God's love in such a real way this summer. The kid's excitement was contagious as we arrived. Bible lessons, games, bonfires, a birthday party, swimming - the days were packed and we are thrilled to be back in the place where this ministry began!

GRADUATION - From the Heart of Annie Carbonaro

Eight years ago, I met a group of first graders who were some of the cutest kids I'd ever seen. Never did I  

anticipate to walk with them over the years through their time at the orphanage. I watched some find families and others be taken away from theirs. After we were no longer working with the orphanage, these were the kids that would sit for hours outside in the cold just to spend time with us when we came to visit. Through so many circumstances, events, birthdays, and moments, this class of kids stole my heart completely. Having the opportunity to be back in the orphanage on their graduation day is a gift I will never forget! We arrived early to help the girls get ready, clapped and cheered as they danced and sang, and then finished off the night with so much food accompanied by a dance party that will go down in the history books. I have loved watching these kids grow up and still can't believe they are heading out of the orphanage come September 1st. It makes me all the more thankful for the heart of vision of Open Arms to continue in ministry with these kids beyond the orphanage walls. As for now, I will continue to relive that beautiful day and thank God for 8 years will some of the most amazing kids on the planet.

HIGHLIGHT: IVAN

Ivan has been attending our weekly meetings in Sumy through a connection with one of our Pravda grads. We were so excited to get the solid time with him at summer camp and it has provided the foundation to come alongside Ivan in a much bigger way as he just finished his time at trade school. He grew up in an orphanage and suffers from some developmental issues that make him an easy target for others. We were so thankful to deepen our connection with Ivan and provide a safe environment for him to be his joyful, loving self!

THANK YOU

With each event and connection to a new kid, our gratitude grows for all the support we receive from all of you. Without the continual encouragement, prayers, and financial contributions, grad camp, orphanage camp, graduation celebrations, dresses, hygiene items, doctor visits - would never take place. So, from the bottom of our hearts: THANK YOU!