Reflecting on the past month

Hello all! I’m happy to be able to say that my first month here has been amazing! I have been so blessed by all the people God has put in my life here! I am looking forward to the rest of my time and seeing how God will continue to work in my life and in the lives of those I have met here!

It has been a fun-filled week and a half with the kids. Last Tuesday, I was able to accompany the TB Center kids to a carnival! As my translator was not able to attend, I had my first experience with the kids and no translator. There was a lot I didn’t understand, but still I was able to get by on my own! The kids and I were able to go on some carnival rides and we all had a lot of fun! I love these kids so very much! The more I get to know these kids the more my heart breaks for them! When kids are sick, they usually just want their mother to be with them and take care of them. However, for some of these kids the opposite happened. They got sick, came to the center, and their parents rarely come to see them. Two of the girls I have been working with have been at the center for a year and only had family come twice. However, I am thankful that this is not the case for all of the kids there! Some of the kids’ parents pick them up and take them home for the weekend or visit regularly. As I said in my last update, I have started doing crafts and Bible stories with the kids! They have loved it! Many of the kids already knew the stories, which is very exciting! I pray that talking about these stories with them will make them curious to know more!

At the school camp, I have been able to spend time with some different kids than I had been and have gotten to know them better. One day, when the kids had free time some of the girls and I ended up dancing around and having a good time! Many of the girls also love to dance and take classes, so it is a great way for us to bond. This Monday, I was able to teach some of the kids to make friendship bracelets and they seemed to enjoy that. I have had opportunities to talk a little with some of the kids. They asked about why I go to church and what I want to do with my life. They were very short conversations, but hopefully it has planted seeds and made them curious to know more!

Next week, will be another time of transition for me. I will finish up my time with the kids at school and say goodbye to them. I will also be moving out of the house I’m in now, to live in a different part of Novgorod. Goodbyes are very hard for me, so I know next week will be challenging. This week please continue praying for opportunities to talk to the kids one-on-one. Please also pray that they will continue asking me more and more questions about why I am here and what I believe! Their questions are a great way to start deeper conversations! Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support! I am so thankful for you all!

Love,

Amanda