[SENT VIA EMAIL FROM RUSSIA]
I thought I’d try to get this update off before I passed out during the long drive to Moscow.
Yesterday was the last day with the kids and our hearts are swelled to capacity. It feels like God has been pouring a bucket into my small glass the last week. Every time he does, my heart grows more and I’m capable of loving more. Hindsight is always so clea, and it becomes so easy to understand the trials God gives us and His intent.
Children held hands and hearts spoke a language that needs no translators.
We finished the day with an increadible soccer game that ended with a tie, which the children HATE. I think its almost worse than the Americans winning. I am electing Keith as the all star American. He scored one goal from his goal, stopped countless shots., even left his goal and charged out much to the dismay of his team. Keith truly amazed all of us.
The highlight of the day had to be the awesome party we threw for the kids. Russian karaoke, soda, balloons, streamers and dancing made for an entertaining experience. Getting the Americans around the mic for Hotel California left me crying. Decorating picture frames and breakdancing filled our hearts with joy. The “DJ” was this old Russian dude who killed it at the accordian. If you have been keeping up with the quotation marks, you may notice that “DJ” a while back. He kept up with the classics, but I started to doubt his “training” when he unplugged the mic because it was feeding back. Then he smelled the mic cord. Questionable tactics I might say.
Today we all jumped into the bus and headed to the orphanage for the last time. It was bittersweet. Galina and Svieta, our amazing caretakers and hosts at the orphanage, presented is with gifts and kind words, and chocolate. I think there was vodka too. There’s always vodka. It feels more and more like family there. The weird family you only see once a year that does everything different, but family nonetheless.
Then came the goodbyes. It was so hard to finally say those words. I found it appropriate that it then began to rain. Even the sky is sad that we have to leave. I’ve come to a grand understanding of God’s love. God sent us to Russia to bless us. Jesus stretched our hearts to the way God loves us. We got a glimpse of His unconditiallity.
Anyway, we’ll be home soon to tell you all about it. Part of your duty as our friends and family is to help us tell of God’s love. Ask us to praise Him with you through stories of these children. If you do that, God will show you His heart.
Talk to you soon,
Ian
