Coming here, I can’t say I really knew what I was getting myself into. I expected to come to Russia and spread God’s love to his children. It’s not that I haven’t done what I planned to do, but God had something so much better in store. In my time here, I have been so blessed. It began with the instant bond with the awesome people on this team and I have felt God’s arms wrap around me. He never fails to use the children to teach me about His incredible love.
Every morning, the most precious mass of adorable, squealing children run into our arms. Arms reached out and faces glowing in the thrill of the moment. 
The reunion never ends there, as the children proceed to cling to us, all wanting a big dose of our love and attention. If it doesn’t melt your heart, then you should really see a specialist.
It’s easy to assume that we will have tomorrow to share God’s love. It’s easier to stay in our comfort zones and keep Jesus to ourselves, but what if today is your last? Would you look back on your life and feel that you did everything in your power to spread God’s love? These are the questions that have heavily resided with the team this week. Everyday we come to the orphanage knowing full well that any of the kids could have been relocated to an orphanage closer to their hometown. Today we said goodbye to a 
teenager that was being relocated. Tomorrow we’ll have the joy of meeting six new teenagers and four new children. Knowing that any day could be a child’s last, we’ve learned that every day has to count.
Never in my life have I felt such an urgent need to show God’s love in every single thing I do. Without knowing the details of their past or future, it’s difficult to find hope in the moment. How can it be right to plant a seed of faith and then just walk away? In these trying times, we must remember that God sees the big picture. With every investment of love, we place our faith in God’s hands, knowing that He has a perfect plan for each child.
Written by Alana Watkins, Team Member
Thanks Alana..You have captured the meaning of the trip. From your comments I am sure that each of you are reaping a wealth of love from these children. Moments and days like this will forever shape the future of each team member. Priorities and values take on a new meaning. All of you are so lucky to have this opportunity. May GOD be with each and every one of you and keep you safe. Love pop.
Well said, Alana. I can feel the way that these kids tug at your (and the rest of team’s) heartstrings. May God continue to bless each of you with renewed strength and an overabundance of love for these kids. You each are a powerful witness to God’s love for each and every one of His children.
“How can it be right to plant a seed of faith and then just walk away?” Because it is our job to plant and water….God will give the increase. My now 16yo son adopted from a Russian orphanage at age 7 tells of a man coming to his orphanage and sharing the love of God with them. He clung to those stories, despite not really understanding their theological meaning. He just believed there was a good God out there somewhere who loved him and prayed he would send a mommy and a daddy. Keep planting the seed. Let God do what He will with it!
Ah, Alana! Said the way only you could! I know that God’s presence through you even for just a day, will make such a difference. When you plant a seed of faith, God will help it grow even if you are not there.
@Barbara what a beautiful story!
How tearfully beautiful. Thank you for wiping away even the smallest doubt; you/the team/your work is priceless. I have never had such an experience….but I can almost feel your words in my eyes and heart…even just a glimmer. Your work/play/voice/time/teachings/kindness/love and so much more is there with them….every moment….love melitta xo
Matthew 18 (NIV)
(1)At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (2) He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. (3) And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (4) Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Oh what a joy it is to see the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven through the eyes of one’s own child. Though the world wears at the edges of our humanity the Lord seeks to sustain our ability to see the world through the wonder of a child’s eyes, one moment at a time, deeply present and open to his promise.
Thank you Alana – Love Dad
Oh Alana…..you guys are doing an amazing thing there! And it wont stop…what a special message 🙂 May God continue to bless each of you, each child, and fill all of you with endless love 🙂
love you!
Hol