On Thursday we said good-bye to little Visilli. He has been declared an orphan and left the Transit Center for an orphanage. We were able to give him a gift before he departed and to share with him that he is never alone, that God is with Him and will protect him. Our gift and card brought him, as he so beautifully shared, “tears of joy”. Having this experience blessed Visilli and our team immensely in that while our hearts were breaking, God in his loving-tenderness reminded us that he is fully in control of all of our lives; that he loves all of His children and it is His peace that surpasses all understanding.
For this we are truly thankful because it allows us to continue on without sorrow but persistence in making Him known to these children.
Friday was a new and refreshing experience for a few of us. Krystal, Shannon and I (Carley), had the privilege of going to “tea time” with the older boys. It was a special treat for them to get out of the Transit Center and go on a field trip with each other and a couple teachers. We met them at the Transit Center and walked along the beautiful canal for about 40 minutes to a Chinese influenced tea shop.
Getting to talk with the young men and learn more about them over tea was a great way to start the day. We made the journey back to the center through the metro. Normally the young men are always ahead of us and doing their own thing, but traveling through the metro system they became very protective of us girls. They would hold our doors open for us, carry our bags, let us sit if there was a seat open and were very gentlemen-like. It was very refreshing to see and experience them being men instead of being the competitive boys they usually are.
Please be praying for the children as we continue to share with them. They have a variety of beliefs such as reincarnation, Buddhism, and many are steeped in traditional Russian superstitions. For the team that we sleep well as from time to time we are having nightmares and tummy issues. It also takes a lot of physical stamina so pray for that as well. Pray that all we do in the short time that remains will be for His kingdom and glory! That we will be BOLD, moving out of our comfort zone, stretched and molded by His hand.
To all of our fathers we praise the Lord for you and that you are created in His loving image. We are not physically present with you but you are in our hearts!
For His Kingdom, CBU Team, written by Beth & Carley