Beautiful day of reuniting

Today was bittersweet. We enjoyed our last evening praying, playing games, laughing, and dancing with the kids and woke up knowing we had just today left to spend time together until the parents came home.  We made ‘American Pancakes’ for the kids this morning which they enjoyed very much.  The moment Sofia woke up,  she started asking Marc to play baby shark on his speaker.  Even the speakers new nickname is ‘baby shark speaker’.  

Two of the children had music class early so myself and one of our interpreters walked the girls to school.  On the way back the girls were stopping at every possible tree to get ready to eat walnuts stopping on them and peeling them away and eating small berries.  Walking hand in hand and skipping was so joyful! 

When we got home all the kids were working their cleaning and cooking tasks getting ready for momma and papas arrival home while the little kids were playing outside.  God gave us a beautiful last day to enjoy with this family.  It was so warm playing futbol with a few of the older boys after chores.  

Hillary and I were in the kitchen when the parents came home and could hear the squeals and excitement ‘momma and papa….momma and papa’!!!  It was so precious to hear their excitement and also hearing them tell their parents details about the week they had.

The parents shared how this was the best rest they have had in their lives.  They were feeling blessed how much we enjoyed their children and how happy their children were with our visit. They mentioned how happy they were to hear how much we did with them instead of turning on the TV. I think we only had the TV on for an hour all week long!  We have heard how much they cannot wait for us to all come back!!!  These parents are something special and it is a gift from a God that we all had this opportunity to be in Ukraine with this family. 

The family cooked a very special traditional meal to have with us that they have only had a few times in their lives.  We have all united so well together with unconditional love and fellowship.  

Thank you to Bill and Kat for your preparation for the Thanksgiving Festival today.  We heard this was the best year yet.  Kat worked with the worship team all week to play on stage today.  It was exciting for us to see her up there as we worshipped together in Ukraine!  We are all so proud of her! 

So many special moments this whole week that is now coming to an end.  We are blessed beyond measure and our hearts are overflowing with contentment.  We will miss these children so much and are so grateful to God for the parents these children have the opportunity to learn from.  We love this family and thank God for this blessing!

– Kelly