This week we stayed at a large encampment that was hosting the orphanage we were working with as well as families, a Judo team, a cycling team, and other groups. We had the privilege of meeting a Christian high school group from Illinois that was doing outreach on the campground while staying there. We had fun fellowshipping with them and joining in on their Bible studies.
The children we worked with this week have behavioral problems and are labeled as having mental problems or are there with their siblings who have these problems. Most of these "problems", though, are minor like hyperactivity, and could be fixed with consistent discipline, a family environment, and love. (Discipline is very lax with this orphanage).
One of the boys, Kolya, cannot talk. He communicates through the noises he can make and by motioning, but understands Russian perfectly and is just as smart as your average 10 year old. In other circumstances he would have been taught sign language, but no one has taken the time to make an investment in him like that.
One of our team members left last night so she can get back home to work at a camp. The rest of us will be going to the hospital (children's shelter) in the mornings Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, and then everyone flies out on Thursday. Most of them have VBS and other summer activities waiting for them, and I will be starting my second adventure in France! To have gone on a foreign mission trip and actually be able to go back to the same place and work with some of the same people is very exciting.
I'll never forget my month here in Russia. I've tried to journal and take lots of pictures so that the details won't be lost by the passing of time. I've tried to soak in every minute, knowing that I may never have the opportunity to return, and that ever seeing these same kids again would take a miracle.
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