Open Arms Ukraine
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
Sunday, June 5, 2011
It has been 2 weeks since we went and got S.P. out of the juvenile colony. So often it still seems surreal. He will be sitting playing video games or watching t.v. and we will look at each other and say, "I cannot believe he is here with us." When you wait for something for so long and then it becomes reality it almost doesn't feel real. He is doing well. Sometimes you can tell he is overwhelmed with life but he is so so happy. He would not sleep for the first week because he was so happy just to be home. We are trying to help him take it slow but today he is already working with Roman. He is so grateful for everything and he tells us he doesn't want to take any money from us. He says we have done so much already. I think the hardest part of being out for him is his friends. Most of them are not doing well and haven't even made the time to come and see him. Roman and him have formed a fast friendship and it is actually really cool to see God's timing in it. Roman is in one of the best places we have ever seen him and him and S.P. are good for each other. We were talking today about how they treat each other. They are kind and considerate which is pretty unheard of for our kids.We have just been soaking up the goodness.
S.P. was sick when we got him and since I think we had all decided to do everything together we all got sick. But even that was a fun bonding time. We rarely have a lull in a storm, so I have just decided to not take it for granted and cherish every moment.
A week ago friday was my kids graduation. I CANNOT believe that they graduated. It was not the way I always dreamed it would be since we are not allowed at the orphanage. But God is good and the director said we could come and even stay for the after party. I had such a good time with my kids. For so many of them we were the only people there for them. I remember meeting them when they were practically babies and now they are going out into the world. It is scary for most of them, I can see it when I talk to them about it. But I am excited to somehow help them with the transition. I have walked through a lot of life with them and I so want to help with this part too.
Yesterday was Roman's birthday. Sometimes we still get shocked that they choose to spend it with us. That we have truly become family to them. We did not do much as he was feeling pretty sad from losing a very close friend just a few days ago. But what we did do, we all did together and just thoroughly enjoyed being together.
Life is soon going to get crazy busy as we have a team coming and are preparing for summer camp. But I know you can never repeat time or get moments back. So for right now I am just basking in the love for the family that God has given me in Ukraine knowing that life always changes and I don't know what is right around the corner. But for this moment I am so blessed by these kids.
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thanks for sharing your heart Melissa. I am so blessed just hearing what the Lord is doing in Ukraine. Will continue to pray!! Love you, Mom
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