07.31.09
Day 3 of VBS, Friday July 31th
Youth Perspectives:
I didn’t know how much I would really enjoy this. I expected it to be fun, but it’s more than just fun. It’s deeper than that. Some people get a lot out of singing or listening to people speak. I get the most of serving people and making people smile. I think that’s what it’s all about anyway in following Jesus…actually getting out there and doing things. It’s been cool to get close to some of these kids and show them love when you can tell a lot of other people haven’t before. It’s hard to give them all up at the end of the day because you will miss them, but also because they won’t let go of you. Ukraine seems to be a peaceful place. Everybody has been very respectful and humble toward us, and that’s very nice to see. I’ll be sad to leave but hope to return next year. – Daniel F.
This trip to Ukraine is sort of what I expected and sort of not what I expected. I really like the older kids because I can talk to them more. They understand me. It feels like these kids are like the kids back home. They are not different. They like the same things and need the same things. The difference is they don’t have people they can go to like the kids I work with at home. So, it means a lot when we come to play with them. They want the attention, so it’s easier to actually go up to them and play with them and talk to them. I will remember everything about this trip. - Jessica K.
Yesterday, we went to the Pahinets Center to play with the kids with disabilities. Before we went, I was a little worried about what the parents would think and if they would be too overprotective. When we got there, it was neat to see how the parents actually weren’t that nervous and to see their faces light up when we started playing with the kids. The kids themselves were great! They were playful and just wonderful kids. They are really funny the way they would play with you and throw the toys to you and smack you in the face with them. The atmosphere in the whole building was fantastic… It was everyone’s feelings. I was with several children… mostly three who had Down syndrome. They were responsive. They came up to you and showed you what they wanted to do. They showed me what they wanted to do, and I took the lead. We were told that people here don’t respond well to these children, and it was great to see them realize that we care about them. -Kyle D.
This is my third year coming to Ukraine to work in the Children’s Home and the Intake Center. I came back this year because every year the kids just touch my heart and make me want to come back. These kids are different from the kids back home because they want your attention all the time and they don’t get that attention. I feel I’m used here by just giving them attention and spreading God’s Word and showing them someone really does care. There’s one child who was here last year at the Children’s Home and is still there. His name is Igor, and he’s seven year’s old, so this will probably be his last year at the home. He’ll go to a boarding school next year. He’s a very sweet kid…very outgoing. He loves to laugh, and it feels really good. It makes me really happy to see him laugh and enjoy himself. Not having parents has got to not be fun. I don’t feel I’d have as much joy as they do in the same situation. They are always so happy when we are here. When I leave this place, it is touching to me. When I leave, I just them to all know God and what He did for them. -Kendall H.
Thoughts from Katherine:
Today is Friday and for several of us who will be going with Vera to meet her family tomorrow, this is our last day with the children. The children are really starting to remember us, and we’ve already connected with them even in these three days. So far today, we’ve been to the children’s home and are visiting the “baby house.” The children here are well cared for, and we took a tour of the facility. To protect the children from foreign germs, we were unable to touch these little ones, but we saw many of the preschoolers and a few babies. From here, we’re off to lunch and then the intake facility for more games and stories. Everyone is healthy and well, and morale and stamina are both good. We are grateful for the comments we’ve been reading on the blog and, most importantly, for your continued prayers. I would be so grateful for anyone who would be interested in keeping a log of what you’re praying each day so I can let you know how God is answering those specific requests. Paka! -Katherine
In their own words ~ Intake Facility
Some of the children at the Intake Facility shared a bit of their stories with us:
My name is Sasha, and I’m seventeen years old. I’ve been at the Intake Facility for three years now in the summer because I didn’t obey the law. Instead of putting me in prison, they put me here. I grew up in an orphanage. I love to play soccer with your guys. That’s one of my highlights. I like Josh and the ants story. It was very funny. I was laughing. (A tough guy laughing like a child.) I want to become a military man. I had some times when I have seen God helping me. Some Christians come here, and I go to their church meetings sometimes. Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, I go to their meetings at a Pentecostal Church. I think it would be good for you to come back again and tell young kids about God and pray with kids…and to play games. I wish when you come back, that you would bring your children, and they should speak Ukrainian, so we could speak freely and have more fellowship.
My name is Tanya, and I am ten years old. I have been at the Intake Facility three or four months. I am here because my father is drinking. He is pretty aggressive, and he batters the whole family. My brother is here and my sister is with my mother. I haven’t seen them for six years. More than anything in the world, I like to sing. I love to sing in concerts here in the Intake. My favorite song is “In the Morning, the Sun Will Smile.” When I grow up, I would like to be a singer. I feel like God is caring for me. I love to talk with everyone this week and communicate with people.
My name is Diana, and I am ten years old. I have been at the Intake Facility for eight months. I have three brothers here with me and one sister in the orphanage. She is half a year old. On the 27th of July, I went to the court and saw my mother and stepfather. I am here because my mother is consuming alcohol and is very violent to me and my brothers and sister. I feel safer here than at home. My brothers and I have enough food, and I don’t feel any danger here. I like to sing. I feel God is close to me. When I grow up, I want to be a singer. I will sing for you this week.
My name is Tasha, and sometimes people call me Tanya. I am sixteen years old. I have been in the Intake for six months. I am here because my parents have died, and I don’t see my other family members. I love the children here like younger siblings. I feel these people are my family. More than anything, I like to paint and do different types of crafts. Later, will be demonstrated all the crafts we do, and I will show you mine. I want to be a medical nurse when I grow up, because I want to help other people. I would like to work in the hospital or a facility like the Intake Facility. I put my hope in God. God is my friend and father and mother. I go to the local church. They let me go and visit the meetings at the church. Tonight at 7 I will go to the meeting. When I go to the meetings, I love to hear about the life of Jesus and what He was doing here. This week, I have enjoyed the crafts…especially the bracelets we made today.
In their own words ~ Interpreter Sasha
From Sasha A., one of our interpreters from Kiev:
First of all, I was glad to meet your group…people who were filled with love and compassion here. I was glad to see that besides bringing Gospel, you brought some practical ways to help families, orphans, and children with special needs. One of the things I noticed in the Children’s Home is that you don’t only influence children here, but you also influence staff (teachers, workers, administration). When they see your care, your smiles, presents, it encourages them also to love children more, to have more patience with children, and to have hope and be more optimistic. If you didn’t believe things could change, you wouldn’t come back here. They understand that.
My pastor always told me, if you see the Holy Spirit working somewhere, then stick around there. I hope and I pray that when you come back, I would love to help you as a translator, a social worker, serve you coffee, or clean your shoes.
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Update on Camp Ministry – Dee and Bill A.
Hello from Ukraine.
We have been busy, busy. It has been good doing the Lords business!! The children at the camp are a joy. They lack affection and the amenities we take for granted in the States. The camp staff are doing their best. We see many smiles on their faces which puts many smiles on our hearts.
Couple days back, we went to the local meeting place and began to street witness to the Ukraine youth. They were friendly and kind. They are thirsty for the gospel. It is truly needed in these parts. The Lords Holy Spirit is needed in these parts. Many of the adults walk stoney faced, lifeless. They are in need of hope. The translators have been great. The country is beautiful, much like the States. It is farm country with large cities here and there. - Bill.
Do-bry-den All,
I guess I don’t really know where to start so, here I go. So much takes place here in a days time. So many emotions rise that I don’t know if I’m on a hi or a low. There are children here so starved for love, that they move from person to person to be hugged and held, and only stop long enough to participate for a few minutes. I hold back tears and pray. Then today, two small groups of children gave their lives to Chirst. I held back tears (for a while) and rejoiced. I miss you all so much, yet know that I could stay longer if asked. Love You, Dee
P.S. ali, get mom to take you over to love on the little girls and Dewrok. Hug yourself, Adi, and James for me. I’ll be home soon. Love, Grandee
p.p.s. Dewrok, tell Miss Shewa that we appreciate her very much. Also, tell Izzy and Joy that Shewa told on them and Mama will be home soon so, they better behave themselves.
