Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Ukraine is Awesome!

It has been a great 1st week here so far. We have had lots of snow, so that's been great for the girls. We were so worried they wouldn't get to see any. Daniel has been with us since Thursday and we've had lots of fun. I think he enjoys not having a set schedule like at the orphanage. He can pretty much do whatever he wants whenever he wants. He is having to get used to us telling him he can't do certain things, though. At the orphanage he could just say "I'm going out for a walk & I'll be back in a little while," but the orphanage is in a small village where everyone knows everybody. Here in Kiev it's a little different. He wanted to step outside the restaurant after dinner tonight and I had to tell him no. We were visiting with a friend, it was running a little long, & he was getting bored. He said no one would steal him, but I had to say no. It would be like letting your kid stand out on the streets of New York City because Kiev is that large, plus sex-trafficking is one of their biggest problems here. No way I'm letting my son go stand outside on a busy street here by himself. He was a little outdone, but he obeyed & I'm glad.

Our friend, Katya, leaves going back to Odessa tomorrow. She has been such a help to us, we will miss her so much! Thank goodness she is moving to Alabama and we'll be able to see her when we get home. Daniel is worried about her leaving. She has helped so much with communication and I know he's worried about being here alone with no one else speaking Ukrainian. We'll make it through and we'll have some good family bonding time.

He has been breaking the girls in good the last few days on what it's like to have a brother. He has hit them with snow balls, tonight he locked Hayden in the bathroom & shut off the lights, and just basically annoying the mess out them! Lots of laughing, though, and I love hearing that.

We went to a small village today near Brovary to visit Lynn & Patricia Joy. They moved here from England about 8 years ago. They felt God calling them to serve orphans here in Ukraine, so they sold all their belongings and moved here. They currently are fostering 4 children in their home, 3 girls & 1 boy. The youngest girl has severe fetal alcohol syndrome. Her parents would spend their money on vodka rather than milk. Not only did her mother drink during her pregnancy, but she also gave her vodka in her bottle as a baby. She is 9yo, but looks to be more around 5 or 6. She is precious! She is doing wonderfully living with the Joy's. It is truly an awesome thing they are doing for orphans in Ukraine.








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