Reflections From Our Russia Mission Trip 2009

The next few posts are reflections from our team who traveled to Russia in June. We pray this gives you a glimpse of the people we met and what God allowed us to experience. If nothing else, may the faces of the precious children help you understand why these people are so passionate about our church's support of this Orphan Mission .

Please keep praying for the team as they have opportunity to share their stories. Consider inviting them over to your house to share with your family about their experience. Have them come to your Community Group so that people can hear the incredible work that God is doing in Russia.

Pray for our church as we discern what God would have us do in the coming months and years to continue ministry to the kids. We want to deepen our ministry to go beyond an annual trip. However, communication continues to be our biggest challenge.

And, please pray for the kids that they will know the amazing love of our Savior and find their hope in Him. Our desire is that the seeds we planted will be watered and nurtured so they not only have a fuller understanding of the Godpel, but a growing relationship with the Lord.

To learn more about this Orphan Mission and how you can PRAY, SEND or GO, please contact missions@grandparkway.org

God At Work - Before The Trip

This post is written by REBECCA DINKINS


Getting To Russia
About 9 years ago when I was 18 I traveled with a group from Grand Parkway to an event called One Day. This conference was led by the likes of Louie Giglio, Beth Moore, Chris Tomlin, Watermark and more. Basically it’s “One Day” where thousands of college students and adults from around the states and world got together to sing the name of Jesus and hear His words preached. There are many stories that each of us had from the trip, that range from – it rained the entire time, to – the ride in took forever – thousands of people on a one lane road trying to get in. . .


But my story is a little different because this is the exact point in time when God called me into missions. I remember standing up and having people pray over me and thinking to myself – really God – me? It took 9 years but it finally came to fruition. Oh sure I’d been on mission trips before but it wasn’t until summer 2009 that God really began to reveal what He had for me.

God Changing My Heart

Once it was decided that I would be able to go to Russia, and all the money was in (that was a total God thing!!!) I knew that I was going to be in for the ride of my life. God began to renew that passion in me for missions and specifically orphans that was so fervent in me 9 years prior but that I had let fade. I began praying for the kids we were going to meet and thinking about what I could do not just once a year but year round. My prayers became more specific for those babies that are placed in mental institutions their whole lives all because they do not have the physical interaction every baby needs to develop. I also began to pray for those leaving the orphanage because they are too old and for the future that awaited them. I knew the stats that stated most didn’t live past the age of 30, that they are targeted by the mafia, that many of the girls are prostitutes even before they leave the system. It was then that God started planting the seed in my heart about maybe working in a transition home, being there to help those guys and girls as they leave the small contained system and head out into the big open world.

Meeting The Kids

This post is written by Rebecca Dinkins


Language Barriers
There was nothing that could have prepared me for my time at the orphanage. For the way my heart soared when as we were stepping off the bus the kids from last year called our people by name and asked for those who were missing. For them language wasn’t an issue. Let me explain that one a bit.
When we got there we started playing with the kids – soccer, basketball, you name it they play it.



Well, there weren’t near enough translators but that didn’t stop the kids. They would point, and show, and demonstrate over and over until you knew what they were trying to say and do. Also, love has no language barrier. Some of the kids were very open and loving from the word go and would love on us, and hug us, and sit as close as possible to us. So while language was an issue for sure – it wasn’t anything that a bear hug and a game of basketball couldn’t fix.



Oksana


When I was told that I would be working with the older kids – I’m not going to lie – I was a little disappointed. Didn’t God know that I wanted to be with the younger kids? But surprise surprise God knew what He was doing. The older group was made up mainly of boys and 3 – 4 girls. However, there was one girl that was there every day – her name is Oksana. The first day it was a little awkward because while we did have a translator he was needed more in talking to and with the boys. I remember one day when the boys went out to play Oksana and I stayed inside to make paper bracelets. It was a very intricate and complicated craft and with no translator, just me and her. I showed her how to fold the paper so we sat there for about 15 minutes in silence as we both got busy folding. Then we began the hard part of putting all the pieces together. I would show her, she would try, I would show again, she would try. It went back and forth for a while until she finally got it. All the while I kept thinking – she’s gonna get bored and leave. I just kept waiting for it. But you know what – she never did. In fact one of the boys had to come in tell me that it was time to eat.

The next day I asked one of the interpreters to please come with me so that I could speak to her and she did. Vusala was amazing and as we sat at the table she helped guide the conversation. The craft for the day was painting a figurine, and as I was painting I looked over to Oksana and God clearly said – paint it to look like her!! And that’s what I did – down to the iconic white clips she always had in her hair. After she saw that all walls crumbled and she became like a little child wanting to show me every picture that she had, every album and magazine she had collected.


So What Now?
From that point on she would come sit by me or I would sit by her. No real need for a translator anymore. I knew from that point on that I wouldn’t be the same. My heart would forever be in Russia. I learned that she was leaving in August to go to trade school – that most of the kids I worked with that week were leaving and ALL were terrified. It’s like the say in the movie Shawshank Redemption – they’ve been institutionalized, and that’s when I knew that coming back to serve as a transition home for these kids is what I was going to do. To be there for them and teach them how to live on their own, how to not only survive out in the big world but to thrive. I don’t know when I’m going back but I know that I won’t be whole until I’m there.




What About You?
As I write this I think about how hard this trip was, and how much of myself I left. I think about the kids and how they arrived at the orphanage, some stories so horrible you couldn’t even fathom, and yet I can’t imagine not going back next year.
I can’t imagine not going back and hugging every one of them, laughing with them, playing Jenga over and over and over again and then having to do “wishes” when I lost , playing football, soccer, singing and sometimes just sitting in silence with them. So my question to you is – will you go. Will you risk leaving part of your heart with kids who would cherish it more than you could ever imagine capable. Will you take your hard earned vacation to travel across the world, eat some sometimes crazy food, sleep in broad daylight, and climb countless stairs? For me it’s a no brainer – my choice was made the minute I stepped off the bus and met the kids. I’m going next year – will you?

Arrival At The Orphanage

This post is written by Dee Knox




I am not proud of this, but if I am going to be honest I would have to tell you that I found the first day at the orphanage to be a difficult one in so many ways. I was overwhelmed by how beautiful the children were and how devastating their circumstances appeared to be. The language barrier was a challenge and I found using the interpreters awkward at best. That night after seeing the unsanitary conditions, the bathrooms (which by the way brings new meaning to the term “public” restroom), having my first meal at the orphanage and crawling into my squeaky bed with a blanket that wreaked of urine I thought to myself, “What have I done? What did I get myself into?” Then my conversation with God went something like this – Okay God. You brought me here. You are going to have to get me through this. I prayed that God would get me out of the way and that I wouldn’t let the hardships and inconveniences interfere with His purpose for bringing me there.

An Army of God

This post is written by Brad Snyder

I want to emphasize that God is raising an army to draw people to Him. It is amazing how just after two visits, how people are mobilizing to this effort. There are many groups involved and it is wonderful to see how God is knitting us together as one body of Christ.

The Team
I have been part of two different trips and realize that true fellowship is more like what we experience when we are on mission for God than when we have ice cream in the fellowship hall at church. There were 13 people who went last year and 4 new people that went this year.
Although we may not have a lot in common or socialize in the same groups, there is a bond that is much stronger than I would have guessed. Whenever I see my fellow team members, there is a unity and an understanding that we have participated in something that has permanently changed us.

I fully expect that this team will continue to grow and that people will return to Russia. It is not a one time event, even if you only go one time. When someone from the first trip told me to carry her heart to Russia, it meant something to me. When I see grown men wailing together for these kids during the Night of Prayer, I fully understand why. When I can just sit next to someone and say nothing after the Valentine’s Party in Loupohinka, I know there are new bonds of fellowship. I have been a part of bands, teams, work groups, men’s fellowships, Sunday school classes, and small groups, but this team stands out amongst them all.


The Interpreters
We have a special group of interpreters that are committed to the kids at Loupohinka. Not only do these interpreters translate the language, they translate the kid’s hearts.


Ismail & Jenya with Ksusha and Klava

Natasha's guitar playing and singing were so helpful in getting the kids invovled. She is pictured here with Anya and two other translators - Veronica & Vusala.





Daniel, Roma & Misha with Yan

Often there are things that we do not see culturally that they are able to explain. When I see how happy they are for the kids, I realize even more how special this time is. The 4 interpreters we had last year (Ishmael, Yan, Vusala, and Jenya) all returned this year even though they do not all still work for Buckner and one was married the day we arrived. We had two others (Natasha and Veronika) that added a lot to the team. Natasha, in particular, played guitar and brought the kids together with her music.

My prayer for these interpreters is that they continue to keep in touch. The older children who have just graduated and will soon move to the city all received Yan’s phone number. Last year, this would not have happened. This year, many of these graduates called Yan within the first 24 hours just to make sure that he has their number. The transition out of the orphanage to the city life is dangerous for these kids (due to Russian mafia, lack of rules, and no family to lean on). I also pray that they help us keep in touch. There will be a fine line of burdening them with too much to translate and wanting to communicate as much as possible with the children. We also want to keep in touch with the Lomonosov Baptist Church. Internet translation is apparently not a good way to go.


Buckner International
This has been a great relationship. Buckner makes it easy to do these trips since they handle the travel arrangements, getting local help (translators), and other paperwork. With their presence in St. Petersberg, they provide year long contact with the orphanage. Finally, their work with adoption offers a streamlined way of handling that process. I cannot imagine doing this work without them.

The economic downturn has caused Buckner to downsize in St. Petersberg. Many of the translators, for instance, that used to work for them do not any longer. Also, they are in the process of closing a transition home for kids graduating from the orphanages. I think all on the team are sad to hear of this because most of the kids will end up in some kind of trouble (jail, drinking, drugs, and worse) without some support system. Apparently, one of the transition families is a couple from Texas. It would be interesting to get contact with them.


Interns
We had a group of 5 college aged interns from Texas schools that joined us in Loupohinka this year. This provided a great help to us as the numbers of children were over double than what we experienced last year. They expressed interest in keeping in touch and possibly participating in future trips. Furthermore, some may end up doing longer term mission work in Russia.

Pictred are: Caleb, Liz, Julie, Jackie & Patrick. Please pray for them as they carry their own stories of serving for a month with Russian orphans back to their family, friends and college peers. Pray that God will continue to grow the passion He has placed in them for missions. Pray for the influence they each have at their college campus - Truett Seminary, Texas A&M, Hardin Simmons, Southwestern Oklahoma State and Mary-Hardin Baylor.


Lomonosov Baptist Church

In a town about 30 minutes from Loupohinka, there is a little Baptist “Prayer House,” which is what they call church in Russia. Apparently, it is almost 100 years old (although during some of the Communist era had moved to St. Petersberg). The church is actually an old house which they have been fixing up for several years. They have done beautiful work and it shows that they are very proud of that church.


The pastor of this church, Andre, has been a believer since 2000 and pastor for a few years. There around 55 members and it is amazing what they do. They visit Loupohinka orphanage and the baby orphanage in Lomonosov (which we visited last year notobale for the AIDS babies) each week


They also have renovated the third floor of their church as a rehabilitation woman’s home for recovering addicts. They want to get a bigger facility for this work so that they can offer training to the women as well. Today, they must send the women to another facility after two months of detox for this training. One need that the team was able to meet was to give money for 4 bunk beds so that they could replace the beds they currently have (see picture). $800 well spent.

I think many from the team believe that partnering with this church can bear much fruit in the lives of the children at the orphanage.

Care Givers
We are so very thankful for the director's openness in allowing us to come and be with the children. There is a ministry with these care givers that we are only starting to tap. With some of them, you can tell that they really care for these children. I remember Olga who told proudly of how one of the girls (Julia) was accepted to receive training to become a florist. Not only would she receive this training, but she would be paid as well. The director, Nadierjda and her husband, Slovak (pictured below) put so much time and effort into these kids and it is great to see how they flock to Slovak as a father figure. I am not sure what to do, but I think we need to focus on this group more on the next trip. If we can share the love and hope of Christ with the people who influence these children on a daily basis, that will have direct impact on the children.


Grand Parkway Baptist Church
I understand that not everyone can make the trip to Russia, but I am convinced that each of us can participate in some way. I learned last year and am continued to be humbled by the prayer support that I receive from members in the church. I know one elder’s wife has a page in her prayer journal just for me. I know of other members who purposely select my prayer cards so that they can lift me up before God. The corporate prayer the team receives before trips is also extremely encouraging.

In addition to prayer, the church helped out with sewing, purchasing, and packaging the gifts. I cannot overstate how excited the children were at the prospect that someone so far away selected a gift for them. They asked about the families in the letters and many of the older ones responded with a letter of their own. It is the responsibility of the team now to try to communicate all the stories back to our church. Going Global, testimonies, mission spotlights, and mission blog have been successful in getting the word out.

I do want to thank everyone at Grand Parkway for their support with prayer, time, and money. Although sometimes it seems like there is so much need and we are just a small part, I can testify to the fact that something great has and will continue to happen in Loupohinka. Although this is one of the things that has been the most difficult to do, it is one that gives me incredible joy.

A Family On Mission

This post is written by Vivian Dimmock - she and her husband, Chris, and their teenage son, Jeremy, have had the opportunity to go these past two years as part of the Russia Mission Team.

Well, I really did not know what to expect this year but, as we know God Blesses us ! I do get a little nervous about flying but I just keeping saying if Gods will is for us there than we will get there safely. I was so excited when we got there I was about to burst , I just wanted to see the kids!!! But God said, "Wait, I have more for ya'll."

The next morning we found out we had 5 interns to go with us,that was awsome because I knew we had more kids this year and I was a little concerned about us working with more kids. THEY were GREAT! Then we found out we would have 2 extra interpreters. That really was a blessing! Then Saturday it was a long ride to the orphanage and I could not wait! We finally get there and no one was outside but, soon as we pulled in front of the orphanage the kids were on the steps. WOW,it was GREAT to see our old friends and see some new friends . Then I heard someone say "v i v i a n" and I looked and it was little Roma . He ran and grabbed me.

Then I heard Nastia say my name by now I am really crying it was so cool they remembered us!


We then unloaded and went to work. Some times you may hit a bump in the road and everything will change, but God is in control and we were blessed some more . Monday we left the orphanage and were able to go to the town to visit the little church where Pastor Andre works. They go to the orphanage I think every week and sing with the kids and take little presents. While we were at the church we learned about there needs at the church so we prayed for them and with them we sang some too ! Then they showed us around there was 3 floors and the top floor they let women stay up there to help them walk a christian life! But, they really did not have beds to sleep, so we are helping to buy beds for them . Then we went down stairs and had tea and we talked then Susan gave all of us a Valentine card from people at our church . I started crying and Susan asked me why I was crying I didn't know but I think it was because we were there giving of ourselves and it was nice to know someone was thinking and praying for us!




It really was good to be with new kids but it was hard too because just hearing all the different stories. Some just break your hearts! Then you turn around and you are all jumping rope together.


I think you should really pray if God calling you to GO !!! It is the MOST awsome thing you ever will do ! Don't worry about the money God will send you, Just pray about , He has sent the Dimmock family twice !! God bless we have a Great church Family !!!

A Word From God

This post is written by Brad Snyder

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. I Corinthians 3:5-9

Every once in a while, when dealing with foreign languages, you are able to figure out what someone is saying before it is translated. It may be the tone, body language, or something else, but some how you just know what the speaker is trying to communicate. During our first full day at the orphanage, I had this experience with Pastor Andre from the local Baptist church in Lomonosov. Susan and I were thanking him and his church for visiting the children at Loupohinka every week because we have grown to love these kids and could only do so much. Andre responded that “some plant and some water, but God makes it grow,” and I was able to interpret before our translator did. Little did I realize that I would spend the rest of the week learning this lesson in a rather difficult way.

Last year I connected with many of the children, but one stands out most: Dasha. When the kids were going to work in the garden, they were supposed to pair up with one of us. The second morning we were going to do this, Dasha came up to me and grabbed my hand to let me know we were going to be partners. While we waited, she would not let go. When we walked to the garden, she would not let go. She looked up at me and said, “Seestra,” which I guessed at the time (and later confirmed) meant, “Sister.” When it was time for Dasha to get the tools we needed to work, she did not want to leave me as if I would not be there when she returned. I motioned as best I could that I would not move from that spot, and I kept my promise. We had many moments in the course of the next couple days until she left for camp that I remember vividly and treasure. They culminated in an exchange of drawings that would help us to remember each other.

As the team prepared for the trip back to Loupohinka, I could not help being excited about seeing Dasha again. I wanted to show this girl who was afraid I would not be there when she got back from the tool shed that I had not forgotten her. The problem was that when we got there I learned that she was on vacation with her family and would not return until the day after we got back to Houston. I was heartbroken and angry at God, but mature enough not to pray for her to show up miraculously (since that would mean that something went wrong with the family vacation). I had to come to terms that others would have to minister to this girl since I would not be able.

The next day, as we were returning from our visit to the church in Lomonsov many of the children were returning from camp. I saw the boys who were in my VBS group last year and was hugging and messing around with them. Then I heard Susan calling me over to a group and I immediately knew why. The group split and there was Dasha. We gave each other a huge hug and I told her how much I missed her. Great moment and everything was going to be as I thought it would. That night confirmed it as I saw Dasha hanging around the outside of the group during the Valentine’s Day party and I was able to draw her in a bit with the festivities. We traded cards and all was good.

However, from the next day on it was all different. Dasha would not have anything to do with me. If I would walk into a group, she would walk out. She would not come to my VBS group after the first day. During the carnival, all the kids came and try to hit me with the foam stars except Dasha. It broke my heart to see this girl pull away from me that she stopped participating in many of the events. As soon as I recognized this, I decided to give her all the space she needed.

I kept my distance (there are more than enough kids to love on) and prayed that some miracle would happen with Dasha. I was extremely happy when I saw her playing pick up sticks with Nana Margaret. I was extremely jealous when I saw her attaching to Steven. And I was joyful when I saw Dasha finally come out of her shell when Becca painted flower and whiskers on her face and arms.

As all this was going on, I kept hearing Pastor Andre say “some plant, some water, but God makes it grow.” Dasha is just one of the stories that illustrate this. I think what makes this trip so difficult for all the participants is that we connect with these beautiful children and we see a change in their spirits and life. As one child put it, “We do not have to worry when you visit.” The team members all know beyond a reasonable doubt that these kids’ lives would be better off if it were not for the Russian laws, distance, and language standing in the way. If you notice a glazed look in our eyes when we talk about Russia, this is why. We know we can make a difference, and yet we are helpless to do so.

Last year the word from God was that “My grace is sufficient for thee.” This year it is “some plant, some water, but God makes it grow.” Two different words, one message. This message is not about me becoming some kind of father figure to these kids, but rather God becoming their Father. It is not about me making some kind of difference in their lives, but about God drawing them to Him. I know for a fact that this is not the way I would have chosen to do things; it is a little too humbling and a little too painful. I also know for a fact that through this experience and the shared experience of all who have been part of this mission, that God is raising an army to draw His children to Him (whether it be orphans, care givers, missionaries, or Grand Parkway). I admit that it is probably a better plan than I had and I am truly grateful to be able to see God work.

Increasing ___________

This post is written by Margaret McBride, affectionately known by the children and our Team as "Nana"

Shortly after returning from our mission trip to Russia,I flew to Tulsa for a family reunion. It was a bittersweet trip because my brother's cancer is advancing quickly and it is heartbreaking to see him so debilitated. However, there is comfort and joy in knowing that because my brother, Wayne, belongs to Jesus, that "those who live in the Lord never have to say goodbye for the last time"!!


As I think about that quote, it comes to mind once again for me to pray that God will bring a harvest of souls from the trip we just made to Russia. Though even now I am planning to go to Russia again next year with the Grand Parkway team, the hard reality is that we may never get to see the children, caregivers, or the Christian brothers and sisters we met in Russia again here on earth. It was SO hard to leave the children at Lopukhinka, even though we had been with them such a short time.

Several people have asked me, "Why did you go? Could it really make a difference to be there such a short time?" As I continue to reflect on this mission trip, one of the most humbling things about it was to see God so visibly at work, and to be reminded that our God is the God of "INCREASE"! As a team of 11 from Grand
Parkway, it was a little daunting to think we needed to minister to 60+ children who didn't speak English. What a wonderful surprise to see that our Lord brought 5 college-aged interns from Texas to work with us!

Then, God further increased our number by adding 6 beautiful Russian Christian interpreters. Wow--the number on the team increased from 11 to 22 people who loved the Lord and wanted to share that love with everyone at Lopukhinka! The faith, enthusiasm, and energy of those 11 co-laborers added so much to all VBS activities, games, sports, and parties!

On Sunday, our third day on the trip, Pastor Andre and two woman from the small Christian church in Lomonosov (a town about 45 minutes from Lopukhinka) came to bring gifts to children who had birthdays and those who had just graduated. They were so loving and it was clear they have drawn close to the children in their ministry there.

Because government officials were to visit the orphanage on Monday, our team needed to leave, so we travelled by bus to visit Pastor Andre at his church in Lomonosov. What an inspiration that little church is!! With only 55 members, they do so much to advance the Gospel and minister to orphans and offer a live-in rehabilitation center for up to 8 woman addicted to alcohol or drugs! What a privilege to partner with this church and see God's "INCREASE" in the kingdom in a dark place.

Last fall, when I first started praying about going on one of the mission trips in 2009, I wondered if I was too old to have anything to contribute. Then as I felt drawn to go to Russia to work with orphans, I wondered if I had the stamina to make that long trip and keep up with the much younger team members and all the kids!
Early on, one of the interns told me I reminded her of her grandmother. When I told her I am "Nana" to my grandchildren, she immediately asked it they could call me that------so with pleasure, I became Nana to everyone on the team! I am so grateful I have the opportunity to serve in missions through Grand Parkway in the "mature" season of my life--what a wonderful church and leaders we have!


The blessings of participating in this trip keep multiplying: God has brought "INCREASE" in my faith as I watched Him work in miraculous ways; INCREASE in fellowship with my wonderful Grand Parkway team members; INCREASE in my compassion for the hardships our Russian Christian friends endure for the faith; INCREASE in my respect for the Buckner organization; INCREASE in my love for the children at Lopukhinka who won't know about relationship with Jesus, unless we tell them; INCREASE in thankfulness for the blessings God bestows on us in America; INCREASE in my shame that I haven't done more; and INCREASE in my desire to go next year to see how God brings INCREASE in what has been started there!!!

Where will you go???

Kids Are The Same Everywhere

This post is written by Dee Knox


As I observed and began to get to know the children, God clearly revealed to me that they were just like any other kids. They would get my attention, go flip on the mat and then look back at me for approval as I clapped and cheered. How many times had my own children done something similar on the living room floor when they were little? By then end of the second day, all of my self-absorbed thoughts I had the night before were washed away. As I began to build bridges with these kids by jumping rope,
playing pick-up sticks, tossing the ball and giving more hugs than I ever thought possible, things began to come into focus and my heart changed in such a way that it will never be the same again. Looking into their eyes and hearing of some of their heartbreaking stories made any sacrifices I had to make seem insignificant at that point.


One child in particular attached herself to me (and Margaret). Her name was Deana.
There was a sadness about her that seemed different from the rest. She had very little to do with the other children and was extremely clingy with the adults. On Tuesday, I found out why. Deana and two other boys ran away that day. What we didn’t know was that our first day at the orphanage was Deana’s first day, too. It wasn’t until the afternoon of the following day that she was found and brought back to the orphanage. With the help of a translator I was able to talk with her that evening. Deana told me that her dad was dying and that her mother drank so they could not take care of her anymore. She expressed how sad she was and how much she missed her father. At one point she just said, “Home, please.” As I talked with her I was able to tell her that she was not alone, that God loved her very much and that I believe He sent me there to the orphanage to be with her that week.



As I have been sharing my experiences with friends and family, the one question I always get asked is, would you go again? And my response is always the same, absolutely!

A Story Behind Every Face

I've asked Brad Snyder to share a little bit about some of the children we met. We hope this helps you pray for them as you hear their stories.


Victor
Victor was a young boy who was walking around one day carrying this football asking if someone would throw with him. He seemed to always ask at the wrong time and did not come when we were already playing. I guess this is where hindsight tells me that he was embarrassed how he threw the ball. I knew I only had about 15 minutes before we would be called to some meeting with the team, but I decided to go with Victor. He could not throw a football at all since this is not a skill that a typical Russian boy would develop. In fact, when we started throwing another boy that received a poor throw started yelling as he walked off. I did not have to know Russian to know that Victor was receiving a lashing for not throwing the ball well.

After one minute of showing Victor how to hold the ball when throwing, he soon began throwing as well as any of the boys. We chucked the ball back and forth for a few minutes before I got called away, but I will always remember how a few moments of time can make a big difference in a boy’s confidence.

Vitya

Vitya apparently just pierced his lower lip. A couple of times during games and activites it would get hit or slapped and he looked like he was in great pain. Typical of many of the boys in this middle group, Vitya was caught in between trying to act like one of the big kids, but not quite being there yet. He started the week off just watching us, but by the end we were joking, wrestling, and having a good time.


Nina & Klava
Nina and Klava are sisters. We did not know this last year, but it came out during this trip. Nina is a shy girl that like to poke me and run away. You can see from the picture that I had to hold onto her to stand there with me. There are a group of girls like this (I can think of Alonya and Ksusha) that shy away from contact. Klava captured my heart this year as much as any. She is very quiet. We ended up playing a lot of games and trying double-double-this-this. I remember after the Valentine’s party and it was bedtime that she came and gave me a hug. She started to walk upstairs, turned around and gave me another hug. When it was time for her to go to camp, she rushed to the van to get her seat. I thought that was it, but she came back out of the van and I could tell she was looking for me. Someone blocked her view of me and she did not find me for a second or two. She gave me a big hug and I kissed her on the head. I remember her blowing me a kiss as she left. She was just a happy girl, excited to go to camp.

It is funny what the kids remember. I did not do anything with Klava last year since most of the time I was playing basketball with the older boys or doing VBS with the younger boys. She did remember me and asked if I would come back. We are warned not to promise anything we are not certain about, but I did tell her that I will pray continuously that I will come back.

Karina
Karina is one of those remarkable people at the orphanage. First, she is truly a stunning girl. Typical of many of the girls, she is extremely guarded. Not so typical of the girls, however, she is tough as nails. None of the boys mess with her because she just handles it. I saw one boy do something and she just grabbed his hair and pulled. He did not do anything else.

A breakthrough moment with me and many of the kids (including Karina) was during the carnival. I was assigned the game where kids would toss foam stars through a hula hoop. To make it fun with one of the boys I had in my group last year, I knelt behind the hoop and made faces at them. If they would hit me, I would exaggerate a wound. Karina, in particular, loved this and made faces at me the rest of the week. I got called a clown quite a bit through that whole routine, but if it made me some friends I consider it worth it.

On the last day, Karina ministered to me. I was depressed about leaving and was having a rough moment and wondering if the work we were doing was really having a lasting impact. It was nap time so I was walking around the building and someone yelled down to me. It was Karina and Ksusha. They started hanging stuff down the window and really cheered me up.

Last year Karina had a chance to be adopted, but refused. In fact, this was happening during our last visit. She refused the adoption because apparently the woman only wanted someone to care for her as she was getting to be too old. I know she was excited about the adoption, then bitterly disappointed.

Natasha
Natasha (or Natalie) was another girl that liked my carnival routine. I did not see her at all until Carnival day (2nd day before we left). Sweet girl that looks like she made it through some of the tough years at the orphanage without loosing too much of her innocence. Struck me as an artsy person since she had done some photo editing on her computer and was attracted to the face painting.

When the children graduate 8th grade (which I do not think means the same thing as 8th in the U.S.), they split into college prep coursework if they have the grades or a technical tract if they do not. Natalie apparently has decent enough grades to prepare for university studies which means she will probably be at the orphanage another 3 years.

I did notice that Natalie spent time with the younger girls (Dasha, in particular) which always encourages me. So often these kids are on their own that it is nice to see the older ones help the younger ones out.

Zayats
Zayats is this boys last name. He has a brother, Vitya. Zayats was like a lot of boys his age that held back for the first few days. He was attracted to the games and was always looking for trouble (in a good way). The last day he managed to hit me with a water balloon, but I got him back with my water bottle when he came by to gloat. For this picture we both were acting real nice until the count of 3. Then, we both made our move as the picture was taken. I remember him asking Shaun if she would teach him how to shuffle the cards like she did when we come back next year.

Misha & Vanya
Misha is well over 6 foot, 16 years old, and acts like a big kid. He hung around me a lot and always referred to me as Brad Pitt. Understandable, if you ask me. It seems like about half the time we did this one song that involved patty cake, holding hands, and grabbing each other’s shoulders that I was partnered with Misha. It was amazing that such a big boy as this would do these motions with such joy.

Misha is enthralled by American culture, especially basketball and rap. I spent the last night listening to all the songs on his i-pod through one ear bud. Yan gave him a Bible with sports star testimonies listed throughout. He seemed interested and I pray that he reads it.

Vanya, who I found out is Misha’s brother, was one of the boys in my group last year. The thing that strikes me most about Vanya is that he always wants to give. Last year he gave me a sucker and a bracelet and this year he made me a couple Valentine’s cards and pipe cleaner bracelets. Misha seems like a good big brother to Vanya.

Roma


Roma was always hanging around. I think he made people nervous. I spent some time playing soccer with him, which basically turned into him kicking goals and me playing goalie. He is very fast. You can tell some kids need a father and some kids need a mother. Roma needs a father and he spent a lot of time looking for that.

Alonya
Alonya was talked about a lot. She apparently loved vodka and money and went to town at times to sell herself. For some reason, she stands out to me this year. She is a beautiful 14 year old girl who, despite her lifestyle, still acts like a kid. I would see her get excited playing tag, pick up sticks, and bubble gum contests. A couple different times she tried to ask me something, but there were no translators around. Those are the only times during the week when the language was a barrier. The last image I remember was her waving a few times to me as she was leaving for camp.









Lira
Lira reminds me of my daughter Ruthie – both in looks and in personality. She was a sweet girl that just wanted to play and hang around. I told her this and showed her Ruthie’s picture and she told me Ruthie was beautiful. She has a brother, Vanya, who was extremely attached to the intern Jackie. Lira would get a little jealous of the situation.






Alonya
I refer to her as Alonya, the gymnast. This girl was intense in everything she did. When we played Barnyard Mayhem (capture the flag), she was the first to cross the line. When we did double-dutch jumprope, she tried the most and did the best. When we did double-double-this-this, she stared at you intently and went as fast as she could. If you messed up, she would talk Russian trash. When I saw the children exercising and all were walking around the building, Alonya ran more than what was required.

Alonya could not take a compliment. If you said something nice, she would run away and stick out her tongue. She apparently could have gone to a special gymnastics school, but turned it down so she would not be separated from her older sister, Ksusha. Although she would not go accept any compliments or contact, she did give me a hug at the very end.





Vageef
Vageef was one of the boys in my group last year and definitely remembered me. I did a double take when I first saw him because he looked so different (especially with his hair). He was so excited when we first saw each other and kept proclaiming that “the guy who sent me the letter is here!”

Vageef apparently has a father and older brother. The older brother lives with the father, but Vageef is unable to because of a citizenship issue with the country in which his father and brother live. The skeptic in me thinks his dad did not do enough to work out the situation.















Sasha
Sasha is the same, fun boy as last year. He takes part in all the activities, always has a smile on his face and picks up English easily.

New Winter Coats

This post is written by Susan Ripley

After our return from our trip in 2008, we asked if they had any specific needs at the orphanage. We were told that new winter coats would be an incredible blessing for the children. (While the orphanages in Russia are government orphanages - they receive very little funding or support. The Director is tasked with finding donors and support for the repairs/upkeep of the campus, activities and needs of the children.) Because of your faithful giving to our church budget, we were able to send $3000 in the late fall. Representatives from Buckner assisted by purchasing 60 winter coats for the children at Lopuhinka. This year, we were able to see those coats and how much the kids appreciated your generosity.

I had hoped to have the opportunity to ask some of the kids about their coats. However, when I inquired about them we were told that they were well taken care of and that the new coats were given to a child whenever their own wore out. Now if someone had given me a new coat, I would probably toss aside my old one and wear the new one all the time. However, differences in culture makes a huge difference in how they treat material items. We did learn the coats were kept in a storage room, neatly stored in plastic - some even with the tags on them.

A great thing happened one day when the oldest kids, those who had graduated and were moving out, were taken to that storage room and were able to pick our their BRAND NEW COAT and A PAIR OF SHOES (that were supplied by Buckner). They proudly modeled their new coats for us and told us how relieved they were to not have to worry about that once they move out of the orphanage.



Thank you for being a generous church that allowed us to do that. I truly believe that God worked in that moment to remind them that He knows their every need. I ask that you pray for those 15-17 year old kids as they will soon be leaving the orphanage to attend to trade schools or university. Pray that they will find a place to live and that they will find friends who will be a good influence in their lives.