Today we went to the Romaniv Boys Orphanage. I blogged about it last year because it impacted me so deeply. It is one of those places that pierces your heart. It was raining today so the boys were inside but it was still awesome to be there. When we walked in the boys had lined up on both sides of the walkway just reaching out to us, so excited. I saw Alosha and Sasha that were in my group last year. It melted my heart to see them light up when I called their names. They looked so happy! I pray that they will continue to be joyful despite the conditions in the orphanage.
After we left the orphanage we to "the village" to pastor Peter's church and had lunch. We had borsh and pork! It was delicious and we were so blessed to be fed so well by our brothers and sisters in Christ. We then went to a house to chop wood. A grandmother, a pregnant mother and 5 children all live in the same one bedroom house. We chopped wood so they could keep warm for a whole year. It was a lot of wood! Haha! They were so thankful for us and it was an amazing experience.
We then went back to camp for dinner and a session. At session my group did a skit about honoring your father and mother. It was absolutely hysterical! It was so incredible to watch my campers get up there and have fun. It made me so proud.
After the session we went to the banya! It is a really really hot sauna with an ice cold pool and you go back and forth. we also hit each other with branches. It sounds unpleasant but it is very relaxing! Haha!
The best part of my day was not an activity though... today I got close to one of our adult leaders, Jamie. I look up to her so much and today we realized that we are thinking very similarly. We have also been through some of the same situations which makes our connection stronger. I am so happy that I have this new relationship and I know that it will continue to grow!
Today was very awesome! Please continue to pray for our team. Pray that God would strengthen us and give us patience.
Love you all!
Ashley
5 comments:
oh that sounds so amazing!! so glad you are having all these awesome experiences :) praying for you and the team!!
Thank you for the updates Ashley- I am encouraged and challenged at the same time! Stay the course...blessings to the whole camp!
Love,
The Myers Tribe
what a day!! sounds like a wonderful time and im so happy you had the chance to connect. I remember the day we chopped wood last year was the day i connected with Brooke. I so wish i could be there this year. Love you and hope you found a good branch hitter to replace me hah! praying for ya! keep shining God's light!
Love the image of the boys lined up, reaching out and you calling their names! You are showing God's love!
sounds like youre having a truly amazing time over there! i love to hear how god is working in your heart, as well as the ukrainians! continuing to pray. thanks for your posts :)
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