Yesterday we visited 3 orpanages in Volkhov, Russia. It was fast, furious, and emotionally draining. God is good!
The first home had 40 special needs precious ones. Several kids were physically handicapped. To these kids we brought candy, foam airplanes, and Russian Bibles. They were so grateful and they sang us a beautiful song about hope.
The second home was called the Rainbow Shelter. The kids housed here are primarily from families that have fallen on hard times in the Volkhov region. The shelter works with the families to try and resolve or help whatever issues are troubling the family with very little funding. Some of the kids there are orphans and one such child is Octum. He is a 6 year old beautiful boy who picked me out of the team members to play balloon volleyball. He was patient when other kids tried to play with me, but he was always concerned that I might not come back to him. Our interpreter, Olga, says that almost all of the kids look at visitors as prospective parents and want to do their best in front of us. It makes you want to cry. Especially when they call you "Mama" and look so sad when you leave.
The last orphanage of the day was the Rodnichok home. My heartbreak at this place was with the teenagers. It was at this place that we gave out 65 of our backpacks. They really were thankful, but there was a hardness inside these kids. Olga, Ron, and I spent about 2 hours with 25 teens in this home painting tee-shirts, applying tattoos (not real ones, silly!), and handing out Russian Bibles. As we were leaving, a bunch of kids, ages 10 and up, followed us outside and lit up cigarettes. WHOA! Surprise, surprise!
Very rarely are children adopted once they begin adolescence, so visitors aren't always regarded with excitement here. They were suspicious and "acting" bored. My heart was breaking because I LOVE teens, but at this home the language barrier was a huge wall. If I come back, I'll know lots more Russian.
All in all, Kiefer and I are tired, hungry for Tex-Mex, and more than a little depressed. We want to bring them all home with us. But we know we can't.
Phrase for the day: "God loves you."- Boge loobid tubear (the r is silent)
Love,
Jennifer
