We came to the realization today that we have only three days remaining with the kids at the children’s center. The time here in Novgorod has been flying by. We started out our first week of ministry anxious about how the kids would receive us, but soon found that they were as excited to get to know us as we were to get to know them.
There are about 50 kids currently at the TB children’s center we are working with. The kids vary in ages from toddlers to teens. It is inspiring to see the people who work at the center because each of them works hard to make it a nice place for the kids to be while they are being treated, and they put their whole hearts into working for the kids each day.
Each day we spend at the center we begin with a skit that is a part of the theme for the week, and which has a message that relates to the lesson for the day. Our first week we began with a jungle theme and this week we are doing a beach theme. Following the skit, we split into two groups with the kids based upon ages, younger and older. The lesson is the same for both groups, but splitting up allows us to go deeper with the older kids and discuss life issues related to the lesson. It has been amazing to hear the kids open up and get involved in discussion more and more as the days go on. We finish out the first part of each day with a craft, which also gives us more time to talk with the kids and get to know them.
Outside of the skits, lessons, and crafts, we have had the opportunity the rest of each day to simply play with the kids and show them love. We are in awe of how God is constantly using us to reach these kids, most that either are orphans, or come from rough backgrounds at home. We have been building relationships with the kids and hearing their stories. Each day we walk to the children’s center and see them eagerly awaiting us at the edge of the yard. It is wonderful to know that we are able to show these kids so much love. But it also amazing to see how much love they express to us.
On the weekend we saw more of the city, which is over a thousand years old. And, on Saturday we went to the “Banya”, a Russia sauna, which was amazing!
Thank you for all the prayers and words of encouragement!
Vanguard Team (written by Sean)