May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord. -Psalm 104:34

I think I'm nesting. I didn't realize it until Robert asked me why I was a whirlwind of activity in the two days I have had off since school let out. Yesterday I worked in the yard weeding, mowing, and pruning. No big deal; we're so busy during the school year that I don't get time to keep up with the yard. It was time our house didn't look deserted! But this morning I popped out of bed and went straight to the boys' room. I pulled everything out of their closets. Everything. Every toy, book, shoe, and article of clothing. It was a major purging (or exorcism). Three hours later we had four large bags of outgrown clothes and toys for the Bible Thrift Center. It felt good to do some spring cleaning. Then Hannah and I started on her room. As we went through her things, we unconsciously left a drawer empty here, some extra hangers and a closet shelf vacant there. Hannah came across a box of hair clips and bows that no longer work in her cropped summer haircut; but she tucked them away knowing Kristina's hair is a little longer.

So I started to make a list today of the things we can do with Kristina this summer. While we want to lavish her with all the experience her American summer allows, we also want to be practical. Staying in our home and riding in the SUV are going to a major change of scenery. While we plan to take some outings to the zoo, bowling, camping, swimming, 4th of July, etc., I also want her to become familiar with the day in and day out of the Landrum household. It will be fun to see things for the first time through her eyes. So what's your advice? Anything Kristina needs to see or do while she's here?

He has caused waters to burst forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert -Isaiah 35:6

Even through we have prayed for a child for some time, we truely didn't anticipate things unfolding in the manner in which they have. And now that God has set things in motion, I feel myself thinking "Whoa!". Everything has moved so quickly. It's all I can do to stand out of the way and watch Him bring things to pass. I have witnessed my students' faith in action. Complete strangers have offered assistance and ministered to a littel girl they have never met (thanks, Steve). People have given sacrificially to provide financially. I need to make it clear to anyone who has kept up with this story from the beginning that nothing has been accomplished through my strength. At every point, God has beat me to providing, devising, and bringing to pass the things necessary for this child to travel 12000 miles. Against all odds, she is coming. Today I testify that it is all due to God and His goodness.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. -Matthew 25:35

Several of you have approached us with concerns and questions about our intention to have Kristina in our home. I thought I should address your concerns as I know you care for us and only want to insure our family's well being. You should know that adoption is not a new concept for our family. Robert and I have talked and prayed about this for years. Almost two years ago we included the children in our plan and they began praying as well. Its a topic of open discourse in our household. My trip to Ukraine was not the beginning spark, but the fanning of a small flame.

As exciting as this summer promises to be, we are aware of the challenges that lay ahead of us. We are inviting a seventh sinner into our already adept brood of sinners. And while she is a charming and sweet little girl, she is also a child that has felt hunger, fear, and abandonment in her young life. She will have issues due to the institutionalized life of the orphanage. She will take a plane ride for the first time in her life and spend 10 weeks in a foreign place with people who speak a foreign language. She is by far, the bravest person I know. There will be ups and downs as we adjust to each other. Pray for Kristina that her adjustment will be as painless as possible. Pray that God opens her heart to trust us and to understand that we love her.

This summer will be an extended experiment in pure religion. I can't look at Kristina and not think of God's redemptive plan for mankind. There is nothing this little girl has to offer us. And yet, I think that at one time I stood before God in the same way. Knowing that I had nothing to offer, He embraced me as His own daughter and made me an heir to His kingdom. Pray that she is a slightly less rebellious daughter than I have been to my Father. Pray that we will have the wisdom to "mother" and "father" her. Pray that the children will have an extra portion of graciousness and patience. Pray for this stranger.

Kristina's Angels


When my freshmen girls said they wanted to help bring Kristina here, I was thankful for their enthusiasm. But to be honest, I knew it would take quite some time and I was afraid they would become discouraged. They baked cookies and brownies, they emplored their fellow students, they made "Kristina's Angels" t-shirts, they organized a football fundraiser, and they prayed. And in one week, these girls have managed to rally the community, their families, and friends to raise $2300.00! I am humbled as God reminds me of Matthew 18:1-4
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, 3and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4"Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
God continues to teach me through this experience . . .

Today was my first day back helping with Sunday School; I work with the 3-5 year olds. I sat watching as Kitty taught the lesson and thought about the sweet children seated before her. This is the age range that I was sure I would adopt from. But seven days later, my mind returns to an eleven year old girl somewhere in Ukraine. People have asked me, "Why her?" And I must admit that I don't know why. Why her rather than the other hundreds of children who crossed my path? I did not choose her. I only know that God knitted my heart to hers in that short period of time. On Mother's Day I refect on the the mysterious nature of the bond between mother and child. I always thought it was the result of nine months of intimate contact. Most mothers feel an immediate connection because there are nine months of getting attached to the soul that is linked to you and dependant on you every moment of every day. But now that I have met Kristina, I understand what I think most adoptive parents know: a child does not have to grow under your heart in order to grow in your heart. I have lost track of the number of people that have said to me, "You have to adopt her!" Don't think I haven't tried to work through that in my mind. I am just trying to find a way to get her here this summer. Thank you for your encouaging words and your unfailing belief that she will come. Your faith gives me hope.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. -James 1:27

I am amazed at watching the hand of God move. I thought that I would come home and Ukraine would be a bittersweet dream. I thought that hopefully the hearts of my students would be moved and maybe we could plan a trip together. But in the three days since I arrived home, God has not waited for me to move. He is moving despite me.

Christina has been on my heart at every moment. I stand in Hannah's doorway and watch her sleep and I can see Christina sharing her room. I look in the rearview mirror of the car and I can see her sitting between the boys. We sit down to dinner and I can see her in the empty chair at our table. And so I did a very foolish thing. I sent an e-mail to the Ukriane and told them to petition for her visa. I asked them to let her come and be with us for the three weeks this summer. How will this work? How will we do this? I have no idea.

This morning I checked my e-mail and there was a message from the Ukraine. The message said that Christina could come for the entire summer. Not three weeks, but the entire summer. I can hardly wrap my brain around it. My mind races as I imagine being with her as she experiences so many things for the first time: church, riding a bicycle, fireworks, family.

Yet, in the midst of my celebrating, God has brought me low. He has humbled me. I am a prideful person and I don't like to ask for help; to ask for help would be to admit weakness. But I am asking for help now. I am asking for Christina. Please pray. Please pray fervently. The cost of having Christina come for the entier summer will be $4000.00. That is no small sum of money. But I know we serve a God who holds all things in His hands. Pray.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. -Hebrews 10:23

It has taken me a few days to get the pics down loaded, but here is a link to the pictures:
Ukraine Orphans
I have seperated them by orphanage. For those of you just visiting, the story of this journey really begins in April. If you scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Archives April, you will find yourself at the beginning. Thank you for all of your encouragement and kind words since I returned. The transition has been difficult emotionally, but God has been faithful to surround me with lots of support. I will keep this blog updated as I watch God's plan for Christina's future.

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. -Psalm 55:17

I apologize for posting so late in the day. It has indeed been a long day and I needed some time to gather my thoughts before I sat down to write. It is the weekend anyway and most of you won't think to check in. This morning was appropriately gray. All week it has been spectacular. The Ukrainian flag is blue and yellow and I have thought that if you held the flag up to the sky, the blue would melt into it. It is the exact same color. But today, there was only grayness and rain. Larisa met me early and we walked down to the square to look at the souvenir stands. Maxim loaded my suitcases into the car, but I was careful to separate some things for Christina's group for orphanage #4. I knew they would be cooped up all day in that little playroom. I pulled out some wind up cars, coloring books, a jump rope, a few stuffed animals, and the bubble maker.

Indeed the children were all cooped up in their room when I arrived. When Larisa told their teacher that I have some gifts for the class, a hush fell over the children. She passed out the treasures from the bags I had brought in and the children ooh'ed and ahh'ed at the items. It was interesting to note that even if a child reached out for a toy, he or she did not "claim" it. It was eventually passed from child to child and all the child held ownership over the gifts. They were so excited and I was covered in a flurry of kisses and "Thank you"'s in broken English. We stayed for awhile to watch the children giggle and play. I took lots of pictures for you to see the joy that your gifts have brought to this handfull of kids.

Larissa suggested that we go have lunch with Christina since it was my last day. I asked her if she would like to invite a friend and she thought for a moment and said "Roman". Sweet and quiet Roman lit up momentarily at the invitation and then there was a rush of activity as they both found shoes and coats. I was so happy that Christina chose Roman to go with us. Roman is a head taller than everyone in Christina's 3rd grade class. This is because he is 13 years old. Roman has a just as incredible of a story as all of these children. The children are ready to go and Larissa asks Roman where his jacket is. He replies that he doesn't have one. The best he can do is layer the few shirts he has in his locker. I tell Larissa that we will shop for Roman today and find him a jacket.

We decide to go back to the TTT and take the kids ice skating. The rink is so odd. There is some material on the ground that has the same effect as ice, but it is not cold. I pay at the counter ($5 for 2 kids) and they find skates that fit. I laugh as I watch them whirl around the rink. Its as if they have done this every day of their lives. I ask if they have been before and they say maybe, they don't remember. I ask if they are hungry and they say "nyet". I look surprised as it is almost lunch time and I ask again. This time Roman bows his head and says "da". So we return to the cafe on the top floor. I tell them to choose whatever they want, they can bring the leftovers to the orphanage for later. Christina is concerned about me spending money, but Larisa tells her it is okay. They load up their plates and choose two desserts. We sit down and I watch the two of them smile, and laugh, and eat. I reflect on the joy of giving and am reminded that today I am feeding and clothing Christ because I have done this "for the least of these".

Time passes more quickly that we anticipate and I realize that we need to head out to the airport. I leave money for Roman to pick out a jacket, pants, and a shirt (things he finally confessed to needing after much interrogation). Oh and Kim, I gave him the backpack from your office and he was so happy! He kept saying in broken English, "Thank you. I am so grateful." On the way out I see a stand of slippers and I think how cold the halls were this morning. I tell Christina to pick out a pair. In true Patti Shivers' style, she chooses a pink pair with feathered fur on the toes. I took a picture for you, Diva.

Roman, Christina, and I squish into the backseat of Maxim's car and I purposely try to distract myself from the direction that we are heading. Christina and I practice saying the colors in English and Ukrainian. She looks up and asks Larisa, "where are we going?". Larisa replies and she places her head against my shoulder. I can tell that she is trying to be as brave as I am in this moment. She says that she would like to sing a song that she learned at Christmas. She sings the words in English about Mary, Joseph, and the baby and I am brought to tears. When she looks up and asks why I am crying, I lie and tell her it is because her singing is so beautiful. She knows better though and a tear rolls down her check as she wraps her arm through mine. We ride the final distance to the airport and I try to think of things that will take my mind off things: passport control, customs, transferring planes. I am determined not to cry so as not to upset her.

We arrive at the airport and Dr R and Oksana are waiting for us. He tries to give me the run down on what to expect when I get to the Austrian International Airport for my layover, but his words wash over me and I cannot focus on what he is saying. The time has come and I must pass through a set of frosted glass doors to pass through customs and on to the ticket counter. I say my goodbyes ungracefully as hot tears flow over my burning cheeks. I hug and thank everyone and stoop to tell Christina that I will write to her and not to be sad. She whispers in English, "I will miss you, Leslie. I love you." She is composed like a little soldier as only a few tears stream down her face. It is more than I can take and I sob at the thought of leaving her behind. I fear that she thinks I am abandoning her as others in her life have. I tell her to practice her English and to be a good girl. I promise her that we will see each other again although I don't know when or how. I take the first heavy steps away from her and pass through the frosted glass doors. Larisa holds the door open so that she can watch me for a few moments longer. I am loading my suitcase through the x-ray machine blindly and I hear her little voice. She has followed me through the doors and is freely crying now. Her arms wrap around my waist and I kiss her over and over again on her head. I make her more promises of reunion and try to smile. Dr R is shocked that the guards have not stopped her but allow her to say a final goodbye. The group heads back through the doors and I walk ahead. It is like a death to me now. I think of what a fool I must look like to the other passengers standing in line. I try my best to not look behind me for fear that I will see her peering through the doors again. I manage to make it to the ticket counter, another security point, and onto plane. I take out a book in hopes of taking my mind off of things, but the words only blur through my tears and I find myself re-reading the same paragraph over and over. I am my father's daughter and this is not behavior I am accustomed to. I try to rationalize my emotions in order to regain order. As the plane's engine starts and we taxi down the runway, I am thankful to be the only one in my row. I turn my head towards the window and we begin our sprint down the runway. As the plane leaves the ground, the force pushes me into my seat and I feel a tearing sensation as we lose contact with the ground. A last great sigh leaved my heart and I feel a strange and numb peace that I can only explain as the presence of God. I force myself not to think of things for the one hour flight into Vienna, Austria.

We arrive in Vienna safely and I hurry to be one of the first off the Ukrainian Airlines plane that is my last physical contact with Odessa. I go through immigration and search for the counter that will have my hotel voucher for the night. I am in a great city celebrating its 250th birthday of Mozart, yet I know I will not have the energy to explore beyond my room. I find the counter and the man says there is no reservation for me. The thought of spending the night in the airport is unappealing, but I am thankful for the issue at hand that has diverted my attentions. The agent e-mails the States to search for the reservation and finds it a short while later. He hands me my voucher and apologizes profusely for the delay. He says he has upgraded me to the hotel across the street for my troubles. I am grateful that I will not need to find the tram and then bus that will take me to my original hotel some miles away from the airport. I walk outside and a sprawling hotel is right across the street. I walk through the sliding glass doors and step onto marble floors. There is a grand piano and crystal chandelier in the great foyer. He has put me in a four star hotel. The receptionist processes my info and I am given my key. The room is a suite with French provincial furniture and a huge bathroom. I settle onto the bed and flip the television on hoping for something in English that can distract me. It looks like MTV is my only option. I text message Robert to let him know that I have arrived safely and he tells me that he is at Gatorland with the children. I have sent him a picture of Christina and ask if he received it. He says he has and that she looks nice. He says he has spoken to a dear friend of ours that has shared that he and his wife are adopting. The news makes me happy and I wrap myself in the down comforter at the foot of the bed and fall into a deep sleep. I woke a little while ago and knew that I would need to come downstairs to the computers and write a little something to capture my thoughts. The tears have returned as I reflect on the day. I hope that Christina is distracted by the teddy bear I have left with her (I hope it's okay, Kara). I hope that she finds I have written in the cover of her coloring book that she is loved by me and God and that it brings her some comfort.

What a journey this has been. I have never traveled alone in my life and I know that you all have been with me for the past 7 days. At every step you have encouraged me and made me laugh with you comments. I can not tell you how incredibly blessed I am to have you in my life. Thank you for allowing me to go. In many ways you were here in Ukraine this week, holding the babies as I held them and whispering blessings over the children with me. Your faith has been a testimony to me of the goodness of our Lord.

Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. -Proverbs 14:22

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. -Psalm 20:7

Last night as Christina ate her ice cream, her little face would pinch together periodically. Dr R looked in her mouth and found she had two back teeth that were badly decayed. So when Larisa showed up this morning, Christina was in tow and on her way to her first ever dentist appointment. She is wearing the very proper black and white uniform required by the state. We drove to this old building and climbed the stairs to find an old and very cranky Ukrainian nurse waiting for us. Christina wasn't nervous until this woman tried to shove the film into her mouth for x-rays. It would have helped to explain things to her first! She wimpered quietly not knowing what to expect. From there we went to the dentist who said he would extract the two teeth. My knees went weak immediately. He tells Christina what he's going to do and she is so scared. As he's washing his hands, she asks him a slew of questions that send the interpreter Larisa into uncontrollable giggles. "May I see your tools?" "What will you do?" "How long will it take?" "Are those all the tools?" The very thought of teeth being extracted meant that I would need to lean against the cold tile wall to keep from showing my fear for her. The doctor fills a syringe with numbing stuff and her eyes get HUGE. Although he has washed his hands, he does not wear gloves. She is very brave as he makes the injection and fights the tears. To get her mind off things, I kiss her on the head and give her my Sidekick. She finds the bowling game and is instantly distracted. The dentist gives the shot a few minutes to take effect and grabs a pair of forcepts for the job. Its all over very quickly, but I thought I would die watching the scene play out. She doesn't cry once.

She is told that she cannot eat for two hours and we are on our way. She is puzzled by her numb lip. For the next five hours, she doesn't let loose of the Sidekick. She is more intrigued by the camera than the games. She takes pictures of stray dogs, her friends, the plants, passing cars, and of Sasha our driver.




We ran a few errands and return to orphange #4 for her to change out of her school uniform. We walked into their playroom and wouldn't you know, there's a clown standing there. You know how much I love clowns. Christina's class wants their picture taken with this demonic creature and of course I obliged.

Two hours have passed and I ask if she is hungry and she nods. I tell her to grab a friend and we will go have lunch. She takes sweet Karina this time. We have lunch in the cafe of this huge store that's a lot like Wal-Mart. The girls eat more than I have ever seen kids their size put away. In the middle of eating, Christina sit up straight and says in Ukrainian, "Leslie, will you leave tomorrow?" I say, "Da." She says, "You will come back?" I say, "I hope so, Christina."

On the way out I see them eyeing a stand with stickers and I tell them to pick out a few. We go to buy some tylenol for later and I tell the girls they can each pick out one toy. After looking through shelves, they both confess that they want shoes. Shoes, people. Christina picks out a pair of red ones and Karina chooses a blue pair. With happy hearts and full bellies, we load up the car and head back to the orphanage. We chat on the way and I ask Christina, "What will you do if you go to America this summer?" She says, "I will like to read a book and clean the house and eat."

When we return to orphanage #4 I meet her teacher and caregiver who sit me down and give me Christina's back ground. Its not something that I can bear to publish on the internet. It is without doubt, the saddest thing I have ever heard. He teacher calls her a "golden child". She shows me her school work. Her handwriting is elegant and neat. She makes A's and B's and is a hard worker according to her teacher. I walk down to her playroom with her and meet an American woman named Lela. Lela was a missionary in Ukraine for years and has retired and is living here now. She has "adopted" Christina's class and comes to see them regularly. She hugs me as if we have known each other our whole lives. We chat and I find out she is from Ocala. Ocala! She tells me what she knows about Christina and we cry together. I walk her out and she clings to my arm and asks me "You will tell her about Jesus?" I nod and she gives me her e-mail so that we can keep in touch.

It has been a draining day. Larisa and I take a walk through Old Odessa and along the shore just chatting. Dr R calls and says that it is the Doctor at Orphanage #4's birthday and we need to make a showing at her birthday party. Larisa and I head over to the flower market and choose something for her. The resturant is just a block away. Dr R, Larisa, Maxim our driver, and I open the door of this resturant and are greeted with blaring Russian club music. I'm sure we must be in the wrong place, but soon the Doctor (Natasha) emerges from the crowd of people dancing. God knew that I needed to laugh. She leads us to the banquet table and sets us at the head of a table overflowing with food, vodka, cognac, wine, and champagne.

I am so tickled by how surreal the scene is, but I fight the urge to laugh for fear of offending anyone. I am almost the youngest person there and people are dancing and toasting vodka shots to Natasha. Dr R gets dragged onto the dance floor and Larisa and I sit back and laugh at him. We snapped a few pictures too for blackmail purposes. We stay as long as is polite and then give our regards to Natasha and head back to the hotel. I laughed until I cried!

So tomorrow is my last day in Odessa. I will go to orphanage #4 in the morning and visit with the children one last time. I will not think about what happens after tomorrow. I will trust that God will use me in some way to help these children. I will trust Him to make this the beginning rather than the end.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. -Philippians 3:7

Things I miss:

Floor Friday's
Hearing Sara say "awww, Mrs Landrum"
My daughter's singing
Kara's random dancing
Rachel G. asking me to adopt her
Bob time
Garrett and his sweatshirt
Everybody Carly Brown!
Fussing with the boys about Fast Forword
My smelly classroom
Matching outfits with Patti
Eric's "street credit"
Creeping and commonness
The Bear
The people I work with
The Council of Doob
Talking to Mom & Dad on the phone
Survivor
My geeky tech friends (you're one now, K)
My boyfriend
Orangewood Chrisitan School
Sasha & Starbuck's
all of you . . .

My help comes form the Lord, who made heaven and earth. -Psalms 121:2





We started today at the infant hospital. This is the first stop for babies entering the orphan system. Sometimes they are born here and abandoned, sometimes they are brought here and left, sometimes they are left on the street. Each baby has a unique and heart breaking story. The director of this hospital was so gracious and happy that we had come. She gave each of us doctors' coats to wear and we began our tour of the facility. The first room we entered had four babies. The sweetheart at the top (Alex) didn't stop smiling or cooing the entire time we were there. In the next room we met a Ukrainian woman that Dr R pays to come a few times a week as a volunteer to hold the babies. As we look at each precious child, we can see little patches on the side and back of their heads where hair does not grow. This happens when they are left in one position for an extended period of time. The nurses here are really wonderful women; its just there are more babies than they can tend to. In this second room are a handful of sick children. I am holding Elena above. Mom, she is going to have red hair! Elena was born in prison and stayed only a short period of time before being turned over to the hospital. There are two Christian American women from Nebraska here who have volunteered to come for 9 days and help the nurses. The baby below is Jenga. Doesn't he have the biggest brown eyes??? Jenga has AIDS and can be treated so that his body will reject the virus. But there is no money here for the medication and it is unlikely that anyone will adopt him because of his condition. Its hard to believe it. The nurse tells me that he love music and is such a good baby. In the crib next to Jenga is a baby that was born with a spinal abnormality that has caused him to have water on his brain and in his spine. He turns his head when he hears us speaking and stretches to watch us. He has an infection and he will die here in this place. I know what Olya was talking about now.


After the Infant Hospital we headed over to Orphange #3 which is where babies go once they are well. This place is spotless like Orphange #9. There has been an outbreak of measles and many of the children are quarantined. We are able to visit several rooms though. This cutie pie couldn't stop smiling!

When we visited the three year old class, they wanted to show us their beds. Rachel, this one's for you dear.

It has been eye opening for me to see the drastic difference in the conditions at orphanges. The baby houses like #3 and #9 are cheery and have rugs on the floor. There is a plethera of toys and supplies available. But here is an example of the drastic difference. This is a bedroom from #4:

The beds and mattresses are over 40 years old and are sagging and falling apart. The fact is that children who aren't adopted before they are 4 will likely never have a family. Something like 80% of adoptions here are for children 4 and under. Potential parents come to places like #3 and #9 and give lots of money and continue to sponser the orphanage long after they have adopted. Let's face it, babies are cute. But the children in #4, #5, #34, #88, and so on are forgotten. There are no doting potential parents thinking, "Boy, this floor is too cold for children to be sitting on. I'll get them a rug." That kind of thing happens at the baby houses where people are coming to adopt.

I was exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally I came straight back to the hotel. I found an internet cafe thathad cheap international calling and called home. It felt so good to hear my sweet husband's voice and his reasurrance that all things work for good. I am thankful that I have a husband who levels me when I am emotional or unclear. I have felt that way all week and wish he would have been with me the whole time.

Dr. R, our driver Maxim, Oksana, Larissa, and two orphans from #4 (Alex and Christina {the one I took to McDonald's}) went to dinner and closed the day out. It was joyful to watch the kids eat. As Christina sat next to me, I reached over to pat her on the back and could feel her bony spine through her little shirt. It made my heart ache. She is wearing the same outfit that I saw her in all week. She eats until she can't eat anymore. When Dr. R offers ice cream, she manages to find a little space and savors each little bite.

So I need your help with one last thing. I was told that Christina can come to America for 2 weeks this summer with Frontier Horizon (www.frontierhorizon.org) if we can find a host family. Help me pray for her. I want very much to be the family that she stays with, but it costs a lot of money. Pray that God will open doors and she will stay with a Christian family and experience family, church, and all the blessings that we take for granted. Pray for Christina!

Now the God of hope and peace fill you with all joy and peace in believing." -Romans 15:13

I just wanted to wish you AP girls well on the exam tomorrow. All will go well, just do your best. Get a good night's sleep and know that I will pray for you from across the world throughout your test. Love you!

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." - I Peter 4:10Today was our great adventure to the farm. Olya takes a group of 10 special needs kids to a farm WAAAAAYYYYY outside the city limits where there is a farmer that has agreed to allow her to use a mare one a week. We visited orphanage #34 to pick the children up this morning. They were such sweet kids, and Olya was right about the orphange conditions. It doesn't seem so terrible on a clear May morning, but imagine the place in Ukrainian winter and you'll understand what these kids endure. There is no heat in the outer buildings where they have PE and assembly. Olya says she has seen ice hanging inside the building when she has been there. Because these kids are special needs, they don't receive traditional education; instead they are taught a skill. The girls learn sewing and the boys learn carpentry. I visited both of their classrooms. There was no foundation built under the floors when the building was constructed over 100 years ago, so the floors are cracked and sagging. The ceiling is split and is starting to fall in. The girls work on outdated antique machines. No exaggeration, these are literally antiques - no electricity to many. The boys don't have enough tools and supplies. They often run out of wood. How can you have carpentry class without wood??? Craziness.

Olya has to hire a van driver to transport the kids each week and ours gets in a wreak on the way to pick us up. So we are stuck standing around, but it gives us time to explore the grounds and meet more kids. By the time a replacement driver gets there, the director is concerned about the kids going because they will miss their lunch. Okay guys, when you're going to be gone for awhile you just grab lunch out, right? Not so easy for these darlings who never get that priviledge. Of course, my American sensibilities says, "Olya, we could catch lunch on the way back. I'll treat!" She makes me go to ask the orphanage director who makes sure that I really want to do this. Are you kidding? Of course!!! I find out on the way back that Olya has to find some place that will even serve them. Olya knows the security guard at a cafeteria and they agree to serve us. The kids have to dine away from the crowd on the lower floor. Total cost for lunch for 10 kids and 2 adults? $25

So we get to this primitive farm and it so pitiful. And this wonderful old Ukrainian man named Nicoli welcomes all the children. It is amazing to watch the transformation on the faces of these kids who are nervous around this giant horse. By the end of our time, they are smiling and laughing.

After depositing the children back at the orphanage, we meet up with Dr. R at orphanage #88. This is another special needs facility. The place is clean but soooo dreary. I swear it must have an affect of the kids after awhile. We walk into one dark room where 3 boys are huddled around an old black and white television attempting to watch a show through the lines and snow. Dr. R asks the teacher what he can get for her classroom. She says the children could use some games and she could use a tape recorder for class activities. So what do we do? We hop back in the car and head to a local store where Santa Claus purchases 5 color televisions, VCR's, and a stock of childrens' movies (along with other stuff she asked for). I am helping Olya pick out the movies and I feel like a kid myself. "Ooohhh! Here's Finding Nemo! They have to see that! Ooohhh! Here's Monster's Inc.!" Want to guess the first movies I choose? Yeah, you guessed it: Peter Pan!!! You've got to have Peter Pan! I also picked out Chronicles of Narnia and a slew of others. As we're leaving the store I say, "Dr. R! What are we gonna buy next?!?" Its pathetic how happy it makes me! The televisions and other goodies will be delivered tomorrow. I wish I could be there to see their faces. I think the majority of supplies you guys sent will go to orphanages #34 and #88. These kids have so little.

So tomorrow we are going to two more orphanges: Baby House #3 and the Infant Hospital. I'm a little nervous about the last one. Olya says it traumaizes her when she goes. The Infant Hospital is where the abondoned little ones are sent. Yeah, people abandom 1 and 2 year olds. Then I am hoping we can go back to orphange #4 and reconnect with the kids there again. I missed seeing them today. As I missed seeing all of you! I love you and will talk to you again soon!

Okay, okay, let me answer a few of you.

Rachel, I know it wasn't just Emily in the orphanage. But I have to make up for all the Anne Frank jokes! I miss you, dear heart! Tell Anne its only 12000 miles, I'll wait for her!

Sara, one of the girls here 16 year old Oksana says to tell you that Ukrainian boys are handsome and you should come see. Ha!

Gabby, I was purposely out of the country on May Day. I planned my whole trip around it!

Jordan, feel free to link to me blog buddy.

Stephanie G. - you, me, Ukraine. Sound like a plan? I woke up this morning wondering how and when I could come back. We'll put our heads together and think of something.

Ulyses, I don't think I can go back to the point and shoot camera after this. But I still don't have $1000! And hey, don't go holding any elections before I get back! President Kim? She may have the new toys, but can she make them work???

Patti & Kim, you sister friends give me strength. Thanks for remembering me in my absence. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the encouragment of both of you. I am representing for all three of us.

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - I Corinthians 10:31

Today I feel the weight of this experience emotionally. It was one thing to be the American behind the camera. It is another thing to hear the children remember your name and call out for you.

Our plan was to visit Orphanage #88 this morning, but that did not work out. Instead Dima gets a call from two pastors who need a ride to check on a location for the summer Bible camp they run each year. He asks me what I think and hey, I'm game so we go and pick them up at the McDonald's in front of the Odessa train station. Oh Whitney, its the same McDonald's where they filmed Everything is Illuminated with Elijah Woods that we rented last time you were home. How cool! I met Pastor John from Maryland who runs Camp Victoria each summer in Odessa and Heinrich from Sweden who moved to Odessa to do church planting. We drove down to the camp that is on a cliff over looking the Black Sea. The camp was once a Soviet indoctrination camp. The irony that it is now used to lead youth to Christ is not lost on any of us. Pastor John gets the same reception that Dr. R got. The kids are happy to see him and hug him as he walks the property.

We head back over to Orphanage #9 (the little children) for another visit. They remember me from yesterday and say, "Preveyeet, Eslie!" ("Hello, Leslie" - they can't seem to pronounce the L in my name!) They are happy that we have come back and we spend countless time pointing at each other and repeating each others names. "Vika, Anya, Gayla, Eric, Eslie!" Lots more pictures too! Ulyses, I found a future geek here in Ukraine. One little boy (maybe 5) pulls on my jacket and sputters off a long conversation in Ukrainian. When I shrug and smile, he holds up his hands like he's holding something and pretends to turn something with his thumbs. By George, he's mimicing my Sidekick!!! I laughed so hard at him and I pointed to the locked car where I had left it. He was so disappointed. As we were leaving, the children chased the car to the gates.



We had one of the older orphans with us from Orpahange #5 all day. Yenga is 14 and is particularly close to Pastor John. Pastor John had him along for the ride so that he could take him to see his 4 siblings at another orphanage. Bless his heart! He wasn't accustomed to riding in the car and looked green the whole day, but he never complained once. His story is so sweet and heartbreaking. I will have to tell it to you when I get home. I feel like I have 100 stories to tell. These kids' history is unbelievable. Pastor John was telling me about how he took Yenga and his siblings to get some clothes and necessities on his last visit to Ukraine. Keep in mind that the average monthly income in Ukraine is $50/month. They all went into this store and Pastor John was picking out enough to get them through until he saw them again. He said there were like 4 sales clerks waiting on them beacuse the clerks were so shocked to see someone spending like $450. One of the clerks asked who they were and Pastor John explained they were orphans from the area. The clerk asked, "Why would you spend so much money on rats(that's what orphans are called here)?". Pastor John replies, "Because I love them." I have to believe that John's witness was worth more to those kids than any amount of material goods he would have purchased them. God has sent a small army of faithful here to minister in word and deed. And they are changing the lives of the kids they touch.

After lunch we went back to Orphanage #4 to visit with the children again. Dr. R says to all the adults, "Choose someone to take to town." Yeah, right. I'm supposed to look at this countless number of kids and choose ONE to take to go out to eat and visit with. Kill me now. And that's literally what I said to him. An 11 year old named Christina recognized me and had come over to see me when I got out of the car. So I tell her, "Get a friend and let's go out." Mind you, we don't have a bus or any way to mass transport the kids. We can only take what will fit. Surprisingly, the kids don't begrudge the other kids who get to go out. They are happy for them. So Christina (on the left in pink) comes running back with her two best friends.



She gives me a big kiss and we climb in the car and go. We went to another amusement park and the girls had a ball. And of course we wrapped things up at McDonald's with Happy Meals and ice cream.




Christina was waiting patiently for her food and she said to one of the guardians, "Can we give some coins to her? I don't want to eat if she doesn't have anything." And she is referring to an old lady in an orange head shawl that is in need of a meal. Can you imagine? Here's a kid who is hungry on a regular basis and she wants to make sure this total stranger gets food first. I am blow away by the fact that "God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty." (I Corinthians 1:27)


God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. -I Corinthians 1:27)


Tomorrow Olya and I are going to Orphange #34 in the morning. This is an orphanage for handicap kids. She prepares me and tells me it is in really bad shape. No one visits and no one adopts from this orphanage. Olya has arranged to take 10 children to a local barn where she has them interact with the animals and ride a horse. Its therapy for the kids. Is Olya a physical therapist? No, she's just a Christian that sees a need and knows that this will help. Can we talk about that for a minute. I came over here all by myself, yet God has not left me alone for one minute. He has provided people with the same heart to go with me at every step. And although I have met two pastors, the majority of people I have been with are just Christians who lead ordinary lives and "inconvience" themselves in order to be the hands and feet of Christ. I feel like (in my life), I have worn the badges of "Leslie the Chrisitan. Leslie the Sunday School teacher. Leslie the Christian school teacher." And I have rested, or better yet hid behind, those titles many times. But if I have learned anything in this short time here, it is that ordinary people with faults and flaws fight the routine of the ordinary life to give themselves over to the living Gospel. "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." - I Peter 2:21> I am determined to cry out to God and ask Him to use me in some way, to help me be something that I am not already. I love my family, I love my church, I love my school, but those things are not my faith. Does this make sense to ANYONE other than me? Well, its no matter. It was really a conversation between me and Him anyway.
"To be spiritually minded is life and peace -Romans 8:6

Let's Hear it for the Boy

Say hello to Dima. He is one of three guys sweet enough to drag me from
orphanage to orphanage. His English is pretty good, so hopefully he can
do a little interpreting this morning. He is not a speed demon like
Dmitri & Sergei, so I think this will be a smoother ride. Talk to you
soon!
Leslie

"Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." - Ephesians 5:2
Good Morning!

I thought you could use a smiling face from across the world today. Its 1:40 in the morning where you are, so I doubt any of you are reading this yet. I am heading out in a few minutes to meet Dmitri. I am on my own today as Olya and Dr. R have some business to tend to in the city. Orphanage #88 is on the outskirts of Odessa, so it should be quite the ride. Driving here in the Ukraine is . . .well. . .an adventure. Everyone drives 80-100 mph on the city streets and there are no designated lanes, just one wide street. I find it best to just look out the window and not focus on what's going on in front of me. Oh, there's the phone! My ride is early, I will chat with you soon!

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering." - II Timothy 4:6

For a tech dependant chick, this trip has been a real stretch. Dial-up internet, computers that are in Russian or Ukrainian, no ability to download photos - I'm really stressing here. But back to the subject, I was so afraid that my alarm wouldn't go off and that I would miss my ride this morning I must have woken up 3 or 4 times. But I was up and ready right on time and found out when I went downstairs that today is another Ukrainian Holiday. Today is Communist Day. No joking. I look down to the corner of the strret and there is a crowd gathered carrying red flags and singing. I asked my driver Dmitri what party is going on so early in the morning. He smiles and says, "Communist party!". We walked down and of course I took pictures. One lady was carrying a large sign with a picture of Stalin. Yeah, Stalin! It was surreal.

So we spent the day at orpahange #9 and #5 and I have tons of pics to show you. Its amazing the access we have to these children. That is due in no small part to the relationship Dr. R has established with the directors.

Could you imagine a foreigner walking up to a child care facility in America and knocking on the door? Not only have they let me in the door, they have been gracious enough to show me around, let me snap all the pictures my little heart desires, and sit and play with the children. God has truly made the rough places smooth.

This afternoon, we went back to orphanage #4 and spent some time with the children. Our day wrapped up with a traditional Ukrainian dinner of Borsch soup and a bunch of other things that I'm not even going to try and spell. It was all really good. We walked back to the hotel and it was getting late (9:30ish). From down the street we hear a little voice cry out Dr. R's name. The child runs up and hugs him and soon a few other children follow. I ask what he was doing out so late and I find out that these are street children. They were 13 and they literally lived on the streets. Most are run aways. Dr. R takes a little time to visit with the boys and singles out one in particular. He says he's been working on this particular kid for some time to go back to the orphange. I ask if I could take his picture and he says "Nyet! Nyet!" (no, no). He has learned not to trust people and doesn't understand why I would want a picture of him. One of his fellow runaways gets my attention and points to hiimself and says "Click? Click?" I say "Da!" (yes) and he poses and makes the funniest face. I am struck at that moment beacuse I remember that he is silly because he is just a child. By the end of our visit, Dr. R has convinced the first boy to return to the orphange on Wednesday.

So the game plan tomorrow is to leave early and visit orphanage #88 which is made up of children who are developmentally delayed. Their home is supposedly in real disrepair; worse than #4 or #5.

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings." - Psalms 36:7

This One's for you Emily Yero




I promised that I would send it so here it is. This is from Orphange #9. It is by far the nicest orphanage in all of Odessa. The director here has managed to maintain several donors who make sure that things are updated. It is bright and cheerful compared to the other orphanges. The only thing missing? Mom and Dad.

McDonald's is still McDonald's No Matter Where you are in the World

Hey, all! I have about 15 min before I am on the run again and I will try and post a bit ofwhat we have done in that short time (pardon the typos). So we spent several hours at orphange #9 this morning and had a ball. I can't wait to show you the pictures of these precious children. Then we took the children from Orphange #5 to a local park that had bumper cars and bounce houses and such and just let them play. Then we took then to McDonald's for lunch. Compared to teh gruel they were picking at last night when we were at their home, this was Del Frisco's! It was so much fun to watch these little kids wolf down Big Mac meals! After lunch we took them to the movies. Dr. R does this everytime he comes here (about 3-4 times a year). It was utter bliss for them. I swear Dr. R is Santa Claus in disguise. The kids see him walk in the orphange and they shout his name in their thick Ukrainian accents. He is truely one individual that has changed the lives of hundreds of orphan children, and I'm not talking about the lunch and outing. But more on that later. So I just wanted to say hi and thank you for your notes. Hearing from home truely makes a difference. Mandie-keep those guys in line for me. Tell them I am counting on them this week. I love you all!

Meet Vika

We are at orphange #9 this morning (3-7 yr olds). There are about 75
children here. Liz, your camera has been the great equalizer! The
children are fascinated and say in Russian, "Mama, Mama, take my
picture!" I have a hundred pics at this orphanage alone. Uploading them
may be impossible while I am here so be patient! U, the Sidekick is a
real hit. The teenagers ohh and ahh and say "Cool phone!" I will post
from a computer at the end of the day and update you more.
Leslie