I started this blog Sunday.....Sorry I didn't get to officially finish it on their one year anniversary but a day of flying, waiting and getting in late with no luggage with do that to you!
One year ago today we started out early. We first had to go and get the girls money out of the bank near the orphanage. We had gotten their large amount out the day before in the regional city and now they each had a small amount in Torez. Well the bank did not know what to do, so it was very complicated. The large amount we were giving to the orphanage and the smaller amounts we had also planned on giving but the director said for us to use it to buy stuff for the other children. So as our facilitator waited in line, Jon and I got to walk around the area near the orphanage. It was like a small village. That is the part that got my heart. I was so drawn to the people in that area. There was no church at all....BUT there was a Jehovah Witness building....that just broke my heart that the people of that area had NO witness of Jesus.
It was a Saturday...Market day
slaughtered hogs on cars....yep...
this is pork...on a car...with flies
Sweet rolls
Getting fresh water from the water truck. Torez only has water a few hours a day. This little village outside of Torez may not have it even daily.
Water truck
I had Jon take these pictures because I had to run away. I was GAGGING at the smell!!
this was Sam's old wheelchair...it stayed behind for the other children
After we walked around the area for awhile, we still had about an hour before the bank could give us the money so we asked to go see our girls!
In a couple of hours we'd be back for them!!!!
George shopping with me~
this is a stall I had bought Selah and Sarah's shoes at
So shopping was done, the van was filled with toys and we were on our way to get the girls....BUT then Jon wanted to stop at this monument. Let me tell you the story. During WWII this was a hospital for wounded Russian/Ukraine soldiers. When the Nazis pushed forward, they over ran the hospital and killed every man there..... Stalin (know for his great love -roll my eyes) was quoted as saying the soldiers deserved their fate, since they should have fought to the death.... Anyhow the spot is only a mile or two from the institution. So much history and sadness in Ukraine
it was eerie there....
Our George
Jon dropped off the toys, some of the older residents helped to unload
I went in and got to change Sarah out of that outfit that she wore for weeks! I was bawling! So thankful I was able to do that symbolic act!
Jon went to change Selah but obviously they thought it was odd for a dad to change a child. Selah was upset with the wardrobe change
Here we are!
With our beloved George
Going down the stairs!!!!!
They are out!!!!!!! This picture gives me a lump in my throat every time I see it!
All of these ladies are residents at the institution...The girl in the green pants is the one who took care of the kittens
several of them were crying....
In the Van!
leaving!
We went back to our apartment, gave the girls' baths and changed them.
Then the director Alexander of the institution drove us to Doneskt in his own van to catch the train. We were just blown away by his kindnesses to us. We forged a friendship with him and he gave us some beautiful gifts, a picture book of the region and the cutest antique statues of a man and woman. I was so afraid they'd get broke before we got home but I wrapped them in layers and now they are on our kitchen cabinet and watches over us daily:)
Saying good bye
out by the train station
On the Hell train!!!
poor skinny Sarah
After the ALL night train ride...Selah stayed awake all night so I did too. I was afraid she'd get out of our compartment. She was so tired she fell asleep in the driver's van. We had a hard time getting into an apartment We were happy when we finally got there!
Sam and Selah
Sarah
-------------------------------------------------
It was like a dream to have them and be in Kiev
So we got there on Sunday morning and on Monday we had our first appointment at the US Embassy and the girls medical appointments. They had to be tested for TB and various things before they could get their visa to come to the US
oh HAPPY Day TGIF!!!!!
This was a good mile walk from our apartment...downhill...BUT remember you have to walk back UPhill to get back LOL
Looking UP from TGIF towards our apartment
Our apt building...8th floor, sometimes the tiny elevator did NOT work!
Steve thought this was funny
sleeping girls
Selah
This picture was taken a year ago today....it means alot to me...
Little did we know what was ahead for Sam, Jon and Selah....but this picture just shows LOVE....Trust...and Family....
