Saturday - Return to Sumy

Twister at 95 degrees

It is so fun to be back at the orphanage where every simple thing in life is new, fun and appreciated. Anndraea (my daughter) for a personal progress project, helped organize a neighborhood/ward event to raise money for toys to buy for the orphanage. She and all the girls and leaders collected over $400.00 so her and Rebecca could buy "fun things" to do in the orphanage. It was Christmas in August and the air was full of laughter and smiles. The day started with Twister and let me tell you the level of difficulty goes up when it is over 95 degrees and humid. Most kids had never seen or heard of this game, but loved to get tangled up. When I started offering prize money for first, second and third, it really got crazy and funny.

Another Cute Girl That Needs A Home!

She has an older sister and a younger brother here at the orphanage and always just hangs around when we are at the orphanage. Siblings cannot be split up, so it will take a special family to adopt 3, but they are nice cute kids. Looking at the picture again.... how can she be an orphan?

Nerf Gun Wars Invade Sumy

They liked all the toys but the 4 Nerf guns with velcro body targets ruled the day. It was non-stop even with the girls. They were all so hot and sweaty from running and shooting at each other but no one cared. They all just played and wore the "Terminator" safety glasses after my safety lesson. I love obedient kids! This went on for hours....

They love to be loved and have their picture taken!

More Nerf Wars!

Notice they run on the asphalt in bare feet like it was a beach in Maui. They just don't wear shoes and their feet are leather. (Yes, they look like you would think they would look close up) Rebecca already talked to the kids about a pedicure. This makes me think of the pedicure scene from the movie "dumb and dumber". It will be fun!

Lena and one of the many Puppies

She is the puppy care giver at the orphanage. All the dogs love her and follow her around.

Christmas

Notice the girls are playing Nerf (velcro target vest) and you can see Lena and Pasha with the new roller blades. Part of the toys included 4 sets of new roller blades. These were being used the entire day and changing between kids every 30 minutes.

Pasha is Mr Roller Blade

No idea how, but he can jump, go backwards etc... Crazy on blades.

A First Timer on the new Roller Blades

Lena and new clothes for going home

First thing today, "Dad, do you bring me clothes". Well sounds like she will fit in well with the neighborhood girls. Anndraea, perfect on your selections for Lena. She was so excited and wanted to wear them today but she will have to wait so she has clothes to travel home with. When she leaves the orphanage, she has to leave her clothes there for the other girls. Amazing!

Pasha Trying to win!

The prize money was very motivating

Lena with a new game

Pasha and Dima (gangsters for a day)

"I want a Mom and a Dad"

Jzania was pretty shy and quiet last time I was here, but now that we played Nerf and twister he opened up quite a bit. At the end of the day he asked the faciltator to help him talk to me. He told me that his Dad is dead and his Mom has never come to see him and asked if I will help him find a home. He is a skateboarder and really a handsome nice boy. He looks like he belongs in the ......?...... family with that shaggy hair.

A Big Thank You: Great day. All those people who contributed to the toy funds ... it was a huge success. The teachers could not believe all the toys and the kids were so happy to not be sitting around, like they do most summer days. Before today, the orphanage only had a soccer ball, 1 pair of old roller blades and a few old games. What you did was huge and I wish you were all here to see, hear and feel the big day of Christmas at Sumy! A big thank you to all, you have made a difference.

Our Schedule: We finished all the passport work this morning and now we are waiting to meet with the US embassy. We still plan on being on a plane next saturday the 14th to arrive about 10:45 PM. Will update as the week goes on. It's so hot here!