Airing The Laundry!!

Here is what a dryer looks like in Ukraine. Oh how modern conveniences are so often taken for granted. Well, no more!!

And here is what the washing machine looked like last night. We have been unable to find and apartment yet, so we are in a hotel and the washateria was closed for a few days. But even if it was open, there are no dryers! This clothes has been hanging for 24 hours and is still very wet!

Well, on another note, we went to the Baptist Church here today and it was such a sweet time. It was awesome to worship with people in another language. Worship has no language and there truly is a unity that comes from sharing hope and salvation in Christ. Zach and I felt such a bond with these people that we couldn't talk to and could hear their hearts if not their words. It was very sincere and the music was beautiful. The girls were there along with others from the internot. Some ladies from the church go and get them in a van. So they sat with us - or sometimes on us!! Some of the boys were pretty loud and I gently told one to quiet down and he looked at me and said, "You are not my mama" - valid point....

We were standing outside afterwards and realized that no one was still there who spoke English. We didn't know how to call a cab and explain to come pick us up. So, we went up to some young girls and they spoke enough English that we could ask them to explain to the cab to come to the church. I think they thought it was pretty funny that these stupid Americans were handing them their cell phone and acting out what we needed!!! Never a dull moment! Although crazy, it is really pretty safe. We feel fine as long as we stay in normal areas - just like any city.

Later this afternoon we went to the orphanage. Nastya was gone for quite awhile - they said that she walked to the market with some other kids and an adult but no one knew who. We were mildly concerned but figured a teacher was with her. Well after about an hour it came out that they went to a market very far away(like maybe five or more miles one way) AND that there was no adult with them. NOT OKAY!!! We were so worried but what could we do? No one knew which path they took or how to look for them. The caretakers didn't seem all that concerned. It was with a great sigh of relief that we saw her returning finally. She was in trouble with the caregivers, and was a little freaked out herself. I don't think she will do that again. Just pray for their protection - not just N&K but all the children.

It is hard to decribe what this does to my heart to be here with these children. I was told what to expect, but nothing can really prepare for the heartache that comes from spending time with these children that yearn for a family. I know that there are several others I could love. I will pray for them diligently and work to find them families. I know that the Lord loves them more than I ever could and that somehow, He will not forsake them. But what does that mean? I don't know - except that I believe that there is hope for each one. Today I kept hearing the song that goes something like this: "Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a savior, the hope of nations. Everybody needs forgiveness, grace and mercy..." None of us are without need and none of us are without hope. I pray that each one of them (and myself more and more) 'tastes and sees that the Lord is good.' That they know the plans that He has for them. That they know salvation in Jesus. I thank and praise Him that at least at this orphanage they are told about Jesus and given the chance to go to church and bible clubs. I thank Him that He has sent loving people to be His hands and feet to some of these children. I praise Him that because of His work at least two are 'solitary that He is placing in a family'... It is the Lord who has done this in our lives and theirs.

Deuteronomy 10:18 "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing."

Psalm 68:5"A father to the fatherless..."

1 Samuel 2:8 "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor."