What a full day it has been! It has been such a treat to have Martha (Scott’s first cousin) here visiting from the Middle East. She has totally bonded with both Tanya and Viktor, being fluent in Russian, fun to be with, and easy to talk to. She has been such a blessing to our family even in the short time here, facilitating more conversations, loving on our children, and being a much-needed sounding board for Scott and me as we navigate this uncertain journey.
Martha took Viktor for an overdue hair cut while Anna, Tanya and I made some soup for lunch. Viktor came back looking adorable in his new spike do -- just in time for his class’ graduation party today at the orphanage.
It was a hot gathering in the covered area outside in the orphanage courtyard. Viktor’s class got dressed up in their best clothes (you should have seen the girls!), and a few visitors gathered together to watch the ceremony. Matvivka orphanage is known for its good education compared with the village schools in the area, so some children attend school there even though they are not orphans. We were thrilled to be there to cheer Viktor as he crossed the stage and received his medal and gifts from Larissa, the orphanage director we have come to love. Lots of smiles and pictures followed.
Pastor Nicolai spoke briefly at the graduation ceremony, and after the party we joined him and his family for a Ukrainian style meal at a nearby restaurant and a drive through the city. We stopped to enjoy the view of the scenic dam at sunset, and then their family joined us at our apartment for tea and cake. They prayed for our family, for Tanya and Viktor, asking God for wisdom and peace for us, and hearts that can be receptive to God’s love for Tanya and Viktor. Our hearts were even more connected as brothers and sisters in Christ.
It has been more than humbling to think about the impossibility of the task in front of us, and yet the way our God is making it possible through so many people -- both in practical help and in life-giving prayers that are absolutely sustaining us. We continue to ride the roller coaster of ups and downs in the day to day trials and joys. We continue to cling to our Savior as the One who can make all things possible.
Martha took Viktor for an overdue hair cut while Anna, Tanya and I made some soup for lunch. Viktor came back looking adorable in his new spike do -- just in time for his class’ graduation party today at the orphanage.
It was a hot gathering in the covered area outside in the orphanage courtyard. Viktor’s class got dressed up in their best clothes (you should have seen the girls!), and a few visitors gathered together to watch the ceremony. Matvivka orphanage is known for its good education compared with the village schools in the area, so some children attend school there even though they are not orphans. We were thrilled to be there to cheer Viktor as he crossed the stage and received his medal and gifts from Larissa, the orphanage director we have come to love. Lots of smiles and pictures followed.
Pastor Nicolai spoke briefly at the graduation ceremony, and after the party we joined him and his family for a Ukrainian style meal at a nearby restaurant and a drive through the city. We stopped to enjoy the view of the scenic dam at sunset, and then their family joined us at our apartment for tea and cake. They prayed for our family, for Tanya and Viktor, asking God for wisdom and peace for us, and hearts that can be receptive to God’s love for Tanya and Viktor. Our hearts were even more connected as brothers and sisters in Christ.
It has been more than humbling to think about the impossibility of the task in front of us, and yet the way our God is making it possible through so many people -- both in practical help and in life-giving prayers that are absolutely sustaining us. We continue to ride the roller coaster of ups and downs in the day to day trials and joys. We continue to cling to our Savior as the One who can make all things possible.