So today was our last day with the kids and teens from the orphanage. It’s hard to pinpoint exact feelings but all we can say is that it has been an amazing experience. Over these past few weeks, we have grown closer as a team, as well as with the kids we have been working with. From playing games with the young ones and teaching them valuable lessons, to having in-depth discussions with the teens about grace and the meaning of life.
As we had our final lesson with the kids and continued in discussion with the teens, it was evident that God had done and is doing something in all of our lives. One of the kids told us that they have learned how to be kind to others because of how evident our kindness and love was to them. Even the teens, who at first were very opposed to us being there opened up completely to us and asked to exchange emails so as to keep in touch when we get back home. One of them said goodbye with these words: “We’ve had people come to us before and all they did was try to force their faith on us without even getting to know us, however, you all came and actually cared about us as people, listened to our stories and we appreciated that.” With all of this, God opened doors that only He could and we were able to share the gospel to kids and teens in an orphanage that at first prohibited us to do so.
Although we were sad to leave everyone and everything, it was a day full of hugs and smiles. The kids were so appreciative of everything. They sang and performed songs for us as we had tea and desserts with them. We took pictures galore. As we left the building and turned the corner, the kids all ran to us to say goodbye once more. It was hard to let them go but we know that God accomplished His will and what He had planned for us all. Keep this orphanage, the kids and teens, in your prayers and that God would continue to open doors for SunErgos and for teams to come. We are excited to return home and share with you all, in more depth, all that God has done in Russia.
-Russia A Team (written by Danny)