We began Day 14 with a great day at the Sumy branch. Here we are with a couple of the sisters in the branch who interpreted for us... next to me is Natasha, then Katia, then Becky. Katia is leaving in one week for Logan, Utah where she is getting married and settling down. We told her that if she needs anything in Utah, even just girl friends in a new place, to call us!
After church the kids were allowed to be with us outside of the orphanage again, so they came to our home and we had these two missionaries come over. The one on the left, Elder Stirling, is unique to our circumstance as he, too, was in an orphanage in Russia (Siberia) until he was 15, then was adopted to the US to an LDS family in Gilbert, Arizona. He is now on a mission, and we wanted him to talk to the kids. Not so much about joining the church as much as simply relating to them that he, too, had to adjust to 3-hour church, and family life, and school, etc. And he told them that he did not understand when he was first adopted the level of sacrifice that his parents had made to get him, and the opportunities they had afforded him. He says he understands it now, and he helped them prepare for the months and early years in America that are just before them. It was wonderful. The other missionary is also from Russia. He's a convert to the church and his name is Elder Dem'yanov. The kids related well, had some questions and comments, and we were happy that they were paying attention, looking them in the eyes and listening. The elders are so good with the kids - had them laughing and were on their level. They get transferred this week, so we're lucky to have had this time with them!
Outside of our apartment building (any apartment building really) are not only the Babushkas, but also cats (and sometimes dogs). Here is one of our residents... with Pasha and Masha
Natasha and Dad, swimming as usual.
We wanted to get a picture of the lake/park where the kids love to go. This is where they can go down a big bouncy slide for 2 grivna (like 25 cents) and jump on the trampoline for 3 grivna, and then play in the water all they'd like.
We began Day 14 with a great day at the Sumy branch. Here we are with a couple of the sisters in the branch who interpreted for us... next to me is Natasha, then Katia, then Becky. Katia is leaving in one week for Logan, Utah where she is getting married and settling down. We told her that if she needs anything in Utah, even just girl friends in a new place, to call us!
After church the kids were allowed to be with us outside of the orphanage again, so they came to our home and we had these two missionaries come over. The one on the left, Elder Stirling, is unique to our circumstance as he, too, was in an orphanage in Russia (Siberia) until he was 15, then was adopted to the US to an LDS family in Gilbert, Arizona. He is now on a mission, and we wanted him to talk to the kids. Not so much about joining the church as much as simply relating to them that he, too, had to adjust to 3-hour church, and family life, and school, etc. And he told them that he did not understand when he was first adopted the level of sacrifice that his parents had made to get him, and the opportunities they had afforded him. He says he understands it now, and he helped them prepare for the months and early years in America that are just before them. It was wonderful. The other missionary is also from Russia. He's a convert to the church and his name is Elder Dem'yanov. The kids related well, had some questions and comments, and we were happy that they were paying attention, looking them in the eyes and listening. The elders are so good with the kids - had them laughing and were on their level. They get transferred this week, so we're lucky to have had this time with them!
Outside of our apartment building (any apartment building really) are not only the Babushkas, but also cats (and sometimes dogs). Here is one of our residents... with Pasha and Masha
Natasha and Dad, swimming as usual.
We wanted to get a picture of the lake/park where the kids love to go. This is where they can go down a big bouncy slide for 2 grivna (like 25 cents) and jump on the trampoline for 3 grivna, and then play in the water all they'd like. 
4 comments:
Tell Matt he looks good in Nylons :) Also tell Masha the Rast family says hello. She was our translator as well and we sure had lots of laughs together. She is great.
All right Stockwells....you've been sort of quiet. Hope all is well. Just wanted to let you know I check on you about five times a day!
I hope things are going well. Do you have a court date yet! I am so feeling for you being pregnant in Ukraine. One or the other is hard enough but you are facing both. What awesome people you are!
All the Best
The Hinksons
Cherstyn! I love reading these updates!! I've been thinking so much about you and it sound like an amazing experience. You look super cute with your tummy, btw. SUPER cute. I mean it!
Post a Comment