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As I started to prepare for another trip to the Ukraine this time I was headed to the Crimea, for the very first time. I was blessed with a great interpreter, Vyacheslav Zadidiuron (Slava). He made sure that I was very well taken care. Always making sure that I had everything that I needed from going to the local market to just showing all of the sights in Simferopol, along with providing me with a great apartment and pick up at the local airport. He was a great interpreter and always took the time to make a phone call to ask me if I needed anything. On the latest trip he provided me with help to go to orphanage. When I arrived in my apartment we arranged the details to go to the Orphanage, Gagariiski.

As we arrived at the orphanage I met 2 of his friends who were very helpful in getting us to see some of the children. As we were standing waiting I was getting kind of serious but I just did a silent prayer and just asking God to work everything out. As we first walked into the Orphanage there were about 10 kids from the ages of 6 years to about 10 years old. So while standing there the children came up to say hello, of course in Russian. Then, I asked the caretaker if I could give the children some things and she said yes. So we sat down and I introduced myself with the help of my friend Slava. They asked me what I did for living and I said I work at a lawyer’s office as a file clerk. Then, when I pulled the Plasticine or Playdoh they got so excited and they ran over to the table. Then, we started to make objects; well the children did because all I could make is flat objects. But they made stars, little houses, and a bunch of other stuff. Then we played a couple games of dominoes and that was really fun. It was kind of funny because one of the kids was cheating and it took is a little while to figure it out. Well one of the other kids figured out. Of course she denied that she cheating just like any kid would.

After a being there for a couple of hours we left. As I was standing there waiting for my interpreter one of the kids came up to me and pulled on my back pack. So I turned around, not knowing if it would be okay to I pick up Angelina and gave her a hug and said good bye. At that point I felt very blessed that God has given me this great opportunity to serve her in the Ukraine at an orphanage. As we left I shared with my friend Slava, how I was very grateful to him for being very close friend of mine. It was also a very touching experience. One of the most special moments was giving the children some candy and to see how their precious eyes just light up. It was amazing on how happy they got just with some candy. On our second visit we started our day by arriving at the Orphanage mid-morning and we starting playing some games, helping the children build some puzzles. It was such an amazing time. Special thanks to everyone that helped out with prayers. For the people who donated items, Liz thank you for the yarn and knitting needle, the children loved them and Kit thanks for all of your suggestions as well too. Special thanks goes two special friends from work, Susan and Melissa, they always take the time to listen to my trip adventures and for everyone who is always very supported of my trips to Ukraine.