Day 6 at the orphanage--Artur came to visit!

 Today we had a longer visit than usual and that was a good thing because the kids were hard at work decorating the halls for Christmas--the teachers didn't seem to want the kids to stop preparing.  We're guessing that it was after they were all finished they were released to find their way to our little "out of the way" play room.  It seems to us that the older kids have more freedom to roam than the younger kids.

When our visit was over, we jumped in the car and Svetta shared some great news with us--we will share it someday, but for tonight--just know that we will sleep well!   Although we can not expound on the details of what has been going on here, just know we are in the midst of some serious spiritual warfare over the soul of this little boy!  We know who will win the battle!


We had over 3 hours with the kids today, they really seem to be one big happy family!  These kids really are a close knit group--we all had tons of fun!

 Between the play dough, the snow that Vika brought to the party, and the coloring books, everyone seemed to be content just to hang out in our little room.  There is a larger art room that is normally used for visits but for now, it is being used to prepare for their holiday festivities.  Snacks, toys and a little space is all we really needed!

 Dema got his first camera!  Actually it was our broken camera, but he loves it!  Unfortunately, when we planned for fun time, we planned for a large group--but, that only happened once, so we have needed to do some shopping to find more appropriate entertainment for smaller groups.  We think weekends may be a different story...no school, later bedtimes, and more freedom for the kids, so we're hopeful we will be able to bring out the big guns that Lori left for us...a parachute, battle balls, a huge spandex "band", and some relay games!

 Sorry about the blurry picture, but I had to take it quick--this was the moment that she got to talk to her "friends" in Kiev!  That smile didn't leave her face through the entire 20 minute conversation.  Every day, we see the excitement and anticipation written all over her!    

 Here is Dan taking supper to the group!  The little girl below him is his sister Nastya, both are sweet kids and very anxious just to hang out with us!  We are hoping that we will get to know them better in the next week or so.  If you want to know more about them, we'll be glad to tell you all we know...Dan told us that he would love to live in America...hint, hint!!

 Decorating!!!

Dema and Dan

  

When we arrived today, the teacher motioned to us that Andre had been crying, we will probably never know why, but within minutes we had our hugs and he was once again bopping around smiling and happy!

Take note of the shoes--pink, baby blue and holes in the toes!

 This group of girls and their teacher motioned for us to come to their room and they went to great lengths to ask us to buy them a Christmas tree with lights. (A task that is VERY difficult without the benefit of a common language!) Fortunately, we were able to contact the orphanage director and we now have "official"approval to buy them and Dema's group each Christmas trees!  We were asked to get artificial trees so they will be easy clean up, and can be used year after year--we're guessing we will get a couple 6 foot trees with plenty of lights.  Once their teacher understood that we were wiling to do this, her eyes welled up with tears--she was so excited for the girls!  It will be our great joy to present both groups with trees tomorrow! 
 

"The girls"

 Andre "The Giant", if he poses for a picture, expect him to be either in a dancing pose, or ready to box!

Looks like these girls should be related!!!!

We are looking forward to tomorrow--it is the "Christmas" play at the orphanage and we were invited!!  Sunday is St. Nicholas day, and because there is limited staff over the weekend, the kids will be celebrating early.  The decorations we saw throughout the halls are to prepare for this big celebration.  We have no idea what to expect, but rest assured--the camera will be hard at work!

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