We have really gotten into a good rhythm with our group for VBS. We get off the bus each morning at the orphanage and are ready to start as soon as we get the ok from the director. Each of our 3 groups (sports, arts and crafts, story/music) spreads out. Story time and singing has been in the classroom for the past few days, however today we moved outside because of a scheduled inspection. The children were perhaps a little more distracted because it is apparently routine to stop whatever you are doing to wave your hat at whatever car, truck or van that drives by the playground area, but the children were surprisingly attentive considering the circumstances. We told the story of Noah and the animals were their favorite part. Animal hats were distributed to the children (all children both boy and girl wear hats as a traditional Ukrainian custom) so they were excited about that. Jenny has done a fabulous job organizing the VBS and she has a bag of endless tricks and treats for the children!

Our translators are so talented. we have learned so much because of them. During our visit to the Intake Center today, we were taken on a tour by the assistant director. We saw the sleeping quarters, the playroom, the classroom, the resource room and the nurses office. I was so impressed with the cleanliness, the cheerfulness and the overall atmosphere of safety and warmth. We were glad to be able to talk for several minutes with the medical staff – 2 wonderful ladies who were just as curious about American schools and group homes as we were about the intake center.  I think what we all learned is that children are children, no matter what language they speak.  Structure, routine, safety, reassurance and love are truly what the children need and want in America and Ukraine.

The care and repair team has  been working so hard on the pavilion and as an added bonus has gotten lots of visiting time with the youngest children ages birth to 2 years. (And yes, I am extremely jealous!) Jamey even danced with the children today to a song we call the Chicken Dance! Ukrainian people call it the Duck song. No matter the title of the song, the dance was enjoyed by all apparently. What a sweet moment I wish I had been able to see! Jamey says that majority of the structure of the roof is now complete and that they should be able to finish up on Thursday. The posts were also painted which was a great improvement.

I know I will not be the only one who is sad to leave the children tomorrow!