LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

Grace and peace to you from God!

I cannot stop giving thanks to the Lord for His mission in my life — the ministry to orphaned children. This month I spent much time visiting the children in Smilovichi, and the first thing I must say is: they are truly wonderful! All month long they amazed me with their openness, quick minds, and genuine hearts. We began November with cartoons and tea. Since it was school holiday time, we decided to keep the lesson light: meaningful cartoons and some treats to help the children relax. Yet I was astonished when I asked, “Would you like to watch one more cartoon, or spend more time talking with us?” They unanimously chose conversation.

That moment touched me deeply, because children usually love cartoons so much that it’s hard to pull them away from the screen. Instead, we had a warm and thoughtful discussion — each child shared impressions about the stories, the characters, and the lessons they had learned. The following visits were less unusual in format, but no less inspiring. The lessons were a joy! Katya’s teaching on obedience stirred strong emotions, especially as the children shared their own difficult experiences. Violetta, for example, told us how her parents used to send her to buy cigarettes — echoing Katya’s story of her own childhood struggles. She explained that she couldn’t refuse, because they were her parents whom she valued so much. Together we prayed for wisdom, that the children would learn to discern between those who truly wish them good and those who bring harm.

Sasha’s lesson on friendship was equally moving. The children showed remarkable sensitivity. When asked to describe a good friend, they named the simplest yet most profound things: kindness, respect, and the absence of bullying. The games were lively and full of joy. Many were reaction-based, and we noticed that some children showed a little slowness. It reminded us how valuable such games are for their development. What impressed me most was their ability to encourage and support one another. Truly, they are incredible! I pray that we will continue visiting these children, planting the Word of God in their hearts, and teaching them to rejoice in life’s smallest blessings. Blessings to all!