LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

This month we had not that many trips to the orphanage in Belinichy than usual, as the children were sick, and at the request of the administration we had to pause our visits. On the one hand, this is disappointing but on the other hand, there are some positive aspects to it. For example, the children missed us a lot, and when the visits resumed a little later, they treated those meetings with special care. In such moments, the children always reassess their values, and they begin to cherish the time spent with us even more. Each of the kids joyfully welcomed our team, and each of them wanted to share something special that had happened during that break.

This month we still managed to talk with the kids about what faith without doubts is. I think it is very important to have such conversations with the kids, so they always have hope and don’t fall into despair or gloom in difficult moments of life. They need to remember that everything that seems hard or even impossible for humans is always possible for God! The Bible has many vivid examples of the power of faith and how people received their miracles because, in their struggles they seek help from Jesus Christ and were confident that their healing was found in Him.

A striking example of this is the story of the healing of the blind man or the woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years, and all she needed was to touch the hem of Jesus garment to receive her long-awaited miracle. At the next meeting we had sports relays. This is always a special time because during sports the children’s personalities really show, such as their desire to win, their self-esteem and their ability to work as a team. It doesn’t always go perfectly for them, but the guys from our team always try to actively participate in the relays and, at the same time teach the children about unity, patience, and how to support weaker members of the teams.

This time, the teenagers with Down syndrome, whom I especially love, participated with great enthusiasm. What touched me the most was how joyful and grateful they were to be allowed to participate alongside the other children in all the contests, and how hard they worked to bring victories to their teams! I am grateful to God for the opportunity to be with the children in these moments! And over the years I understand more and more what it means to have lived a day meaningfully! Thank God for the open doors to boarding schools and for the administration that is open to us and allows us to come to the Belinichy orphanage!