When Grace Marlene Gonzales applied through her school to help with one of their short-term missions programs, she had no prior experience being overseas. What she did have was a love for children. So, when she saw that she could work with orphans, Grace applied with SunErgos International to work in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Prior to applying I never really thought of going to Russia because I just had never really known much about the country. But once I was told I would be going to Russia I looked up everything I could about the country and instantly became fascinated by the culture.
Before she would experience this new country though, Grace and her team would need to be trained by SunErgos International staff.
[M]y team met on weekly basis to train for our three weeks and we were told that the children would most likely be shy and quiet the first few days because one, we were strangers, and two, because the Russian culture is more reserved. However, the children were loud and boisterous from the get go, which was such a relief because it meant that we made a good impression.
The team members were not the only ones making an impression though…
One of the children who left a great impression on me was Vika. She was 14 years old and from Russia. She arrived at the transit center about a week after we got there. She was quiet but sweet and we bonded instantly, I think because we were both a bit introverted. Those of us that worked with the teenage girls had difficulty keeping their attention and sometimes they did not want to participate in the activities, but Vika showed up every day and participated in all the activities.
Teams prepare exciting games, crafts, skits and lessons for the kids. Each group also brings a variety of entertaining, educational activities to help expand and equip the minds of the children. Grace’s team worked with Vika and other young girls teaching them how to knit and crochet.
On the last day in the transit center the kids gave each of us a stuffed animal—she gave me a moose and a dog. It was incredibly difficult leaving Vika, we couldn’t stop crying, but before I left I gave her a bracelet I was wearing and she gave me a pair of hair barrettes. Later on, after we had dinner at the transit center, she went down to say goodbye once more, which led to more tears.
When Grace came home she contacted the next team headed to Russia and gave them a small care package to take to Vika including pictures of them together, and a letter sharing the Gospel.
I think about her daily and pray that she is doing well and that she has accepted Christ into her life.
The team on their last day.
That’s my baby girl Grace! What memories this brings back to me as her father. As I would read the posts while Grace’s team was in Russia. Daily I prayed for not only the team, but for those precious children, that they would ultimately come to know Jesus as their Savior.