With only a few days left of camp, it is with joy and sadness that the team and interns are getting ready to say goodbye. It has been such joy to get to know the teens who are physically or mentally disabled. For them, life is bleak without any future.
In the Russia, if you are disabled then there is no hope for you. You are an outcast in society. Locked up in an orphanage or in your own small apartment. If wheelchair bound, you cannot go anywhere since there are no ramps and elevators do not always work. Most live in 10+ story apartment buildings, so outside seems like another planet to most disabled people.
This camp is a miracle to each teen. The impossibility of it, if to compare to someone who can walk, is like going to the moon! Living in tents right on the beach, swimming in the Gulf of Finland and having others who actually care, transforms each child throughout the 2 week camp!
This is what the team and interns have been a part of the last 2 weeks. Thank you for praying for safety and good weather. Everyone is doing well and has been able to enjoy some sunshine, along with the rain. 😉
Here are some pictures; more to come end of the week!
Keep on praying and leaving your encouraging comments!
We miss you, Ashley! Sounds like an amazing trip!!
I am so glad that the weather cleared up to take those kids to the beach. As I opened your pictures my eyes filled with tears knowing how much you all love those kids and how much those kids love you. Jess, I miss you so much and I cannot tell you how proud I am of you. I love you. See you on Monday.