Teen and College Age Christmas Party

We took more than 30 of our teens and college age kids bowling tonight and then back to the worship room for food and a rousing game of "Dirty Santa." Everyone had a great time - it was the first time for several of the kids to bowl! What a great way for Christmas Day to end. Enjoy the photos.

Christmas Boxes for Kids at Hope Orphanage

We currently have 21 children at Hope Orphanage who are not sponsored. We encouraged our sponsors to send Christmas boxes to their children (and many kids have already received their boxes) and we wanted ALL the kids who live at Hope to get a Christmas box. We shared our desire with our church family in Gorlovka and they really come through. During the past two weeks we shopped for the kids and this week we put the boxes together for them. Tonight we delivered them - I wish you could have been there to see the joy on the kids faces! What a great blessing for us to be able to share their joy, and to help them know that Jesus loves them and is providing for them. Thanks to all our sponsors and Merry Christmas to all of you.

Sparrow's Hope Store

Today we restocked the Sparrow's Hope Store at Hope Orphanage. It is always such a joy to make the products available to the kids - they absolutely love to shop at the store. Dima and Leanna helped Dasha and I to stock the store. Since the kids who live at the orphanage were at school this morning we had to haul all the stuff up the four flights of stairs by ourselves (normally the kids are excited to help us!), Dima called it his "work out." Thanks to all our generous donors who make it possible for us to help these kids!

Precious ABC Children

Today was Pampers, food, and supplies day at the Baby Hospital. Dasha and I bought the supplies and delievered them. It was just at the end of nap time so we were able to see some of the kids. They were ready to snuggle and did not like it when we left. Fortunately it was time for them to eat so that kept them from being too upset. Please keep these children in your prayers that they will find forever families. Thanks to our sponsors who make it possible to provide for these precious children.

Shopping WIth Kids from Hope Orphanage

We took more of the kids from Hope Orphanage shopping for winter goods last weekend. It was very cold and snowing, so we were in more of a hurry than when the weather is warm. Once again we had a few vendors who gave good discounts or free items to the children. Gloves, hats and new coats were the most popular items purchased this trip. Although Lora, Dasha and I spent about four hours in the cold, it was worth it to see the joy in the kids eyes and in their smiles as they made their purchases. Thanks to all our sponsors who make it possible to provide for these precious children.

Hope Orphanage

Recently Hope Orphanage received two flat panel televisions and a surround sound system from a generous donor, but their maintenance personnel were unwilling to install them. They asked if we could help so my friend, Igor, a great electrician, and I installed the televisions and the sound system. Last week Leanna and I visited the orphanage for me to install plastic casings to hide the wires. While working several of the boys were eagerly watching and wanting to help. I love working with and around these kids!
Leanna and I also stocked the Sparrow's Hope Store with more products - personal hygiene items, craft and art supplies, and school supplies. The kids are all excited about the restocked store and have been working hard to increase their accounts for shopping. Thanks to all our donors who make our work with Hope Orphanage possible.

Teen Halloween Party

The teens and college age party was a blast. Everyone had to wear a costume (we provided some costumes for those who came without one). We played games, had a meal, busted a pinata, bobbed for apples, and had a rousing meeting of the Mau Mau Club (if you have to ask, we cannot tell you what it is). Enjoy the photos.

Kid's Halloween Party

We had a great day of parties yesterday. The weather forcast warned of freezing cold, so we decided to split our party into two parties. The first was for the young children. There were more than 30 kids plus helpers and parents. We played games, ate hot dogs and other snacks, had a scary room, busted a pinata, and had a lot of fun. As always, the kids were grateful for the party and especially all the great prizes at the games. Enjoy the pictures.

ABC Kids...

Today was Pampers and Supplies day for the Baby Hospital. Leanna and Dasha shopped for the supplies then delivered them. They also got to take pictures of the babies and play with them a little bit. Thanks to all our sponsors who provide for these precious children.

Baby Blessing...

Sunday we had a Baby Blessing for the Farkovets family. On September 9, 2010 Kostya and Olga had twin boys, Daniel and Max. Our church family was excited and honored to host the Baby Blessing for Daniel and Max. We shared a meal, prayed for the babies and their family, gave presents to the babies, and had a wonderful time of fellowship together. Hope you enjoy the pictures.