Kalininske Orphanage Visit near Kherson

Dec 18th

Sunday visit to Kalininske Orphanage

We had an apple oatmeal breakfast at Joshua's house with Karen & the Kiev CBN entourage. We said goodbyes to the house boys (including Sasha) and headed out for the 2 1/2 hr. van race to the orphanage in Kalininske.

We stopped to get some fruit & water for us, and some groceries for some workers at the orphanage.
We are greeted with stares as we drive through the local roads approaching the orphanage. We all piled out of the van like a bunch of Disney tourists having gone on the space ride 17 times in a row. I feel like have to get my land legs back, so I walk around briefly as the crowd of greeting children are approaching.


Our Natalie goes straight for the tiny kitten, while the welcoming hugs and greetings continue! Quite a while goes by before seeing any adults at this facility and even when we do they seem not directly involved with the developing plans. Kris and I are missing out on all of the plans and discussions, which makes for a struggle with our internal desire to seek order, and generally know what the heck is really going on. Not knowing the language might have something to do with this all.

Very few introductions occur and it is easy to feel like the fifth wheel. Soon a special young lady named Natasha (a 17 yr old who dresses like she is 40. and is developmentally delayed as an elementary student) approaches us to practice her “my name is Natasha” line. We are so happy to be exchanging our crude strasvichya and hellos with a smiling orphan.

Orphan girls finished decorating the mess hall and crafts were prepared for the kids. The girls and I are employed to help with crafts. In typical true form, the older boys cautiously watched until eventually they sat down and joined in on making snow flakes and reindeer. Ruslan is among these older boys, but is one of the first to join in. For those that remember Ruslan from UOO camp 2007 his smile is the most contagious of all!!! Many of the boys are at least 14. They are showing their crudeness, especially when not being watched. We see hitting, shoving, harsh words and a defensive stance by a few who are clearly afraid of something.

 



Karen handing out summer camp photos

There is a clear pecking order of who they are in their status among themselves. Regardless, Karen's crew is able to penetrate with smiles and affirmation, by hugging and speaking kindly to each child. It is clear that they have developed bonds already from past summer camps. What a delight it is to see the Love of God shining upon these children.

Soon it is time for the Christmas skit. The 60 kids paid close attention and seemed to soak in the lesson of Jesus’ birthday while being entertained.

We are so proud of our girls Natalie and Rhya for going with the flow, remaining willing and helpful, and flexing with all the irregular eating. Kris and I are taking it all in. We both are hoping for a true development of appreciation to set in with Natalie and Rhya. Meanwhile, the Zondervan Jesus Story Bibles were all stacked up and waiting to be given out with the big Korona (crown) chocolate bars at the end of the skit.



Ruslan with his Huge Smile!!



    

After they all received their American Christmas sugar cookies, bibles, and chocolate, the crowd started to disperse. A few of the boys grabbed the "snow in a can" window paint that was left over from the skit. They headed outside and continued the "decorating" outside. (at this point it was starting to look a lot more like graffiti on the fence which needs paint anyway). As the van packing up started, so did the long embraces, the sorrowful goodbyes, and the mobbing of the van. Soon the whole van was decorated with sayings of love smudged into the caked on road grime.


We departed the orphanage, one of two in this little community, and meandered down another muddy road to visit Olya and Oksana, orphanage workers who have prepared for our group of 17 borscht, cabbage salad, and potatoes! We all piled into this 4 room house of about 600 sq ft to share in the meal and listen to the CBN Volunteers describe how during their summer camps they all sleep in this same house at once.

After our meal we pray together for the intercession of change in these Childrens’ lives. The Holy Spirit's presence is felt with the fervent prayer that is flowing from our volunteer's hearts!



Just two weeks ago these children had suddenly lost their director to cancer. Of course this is just one tragedy in the string of losses that make up the fabric of loss and grief for these kids. We as a group thank the lord for being able to still come and do this program, and to reconnect these volunteers to the kids once again. Kris and I are thankful for being able to share this experience with the CBN crew, to see Ruslan and Katya (UOO Campers) and to witness the love of God being poured into these kids.

Soon it is after 4pm, we have finished our lunch and prayer, and we return down the puddle laiden road for the race back to Kherson to see Vika and Edik and a surprise visit from Igor before catching the train.

We know have much time to be reflecting on the day with Ukrainian music playing and the countryside fading into the night. Without the light of God it is an overwhelming reality that we could feel so helpless to change. Thank you for the hearts of these awesome volunteers!



Galina Sharing God's word