Today we began with church at 10am in the Sumy branch, which was a wonderful experience. Pictured above from left to right are: Elder Dem'yanov (from Russia), Aleksei (I'll tell you his story in a minute), Matt, Cher, Elder Stirling (who was also adopted from an orphanage at age 15 and is now serving his mission!), Elder Young from California and Elder McArthur.Aleksei's story really touched us today and has been on our minds all day. Aleksei is deaf, and knows Russian Sign Language and can also read lips (in Russian) very well. He converted to the church 15 years ago, and as a result, his wife left him and forbid him to see their daughter. She was 15 the last time he saw her. As if this wasn't enough, Aleksei rides his bike 3 hours to church each Sunday, without fail, and then 3 hours back home, as the Sumy branch is the closest to his home. We just couldn't believe the sacrifice he has made for his testimony of the gospel. He has been to the temple only once (Germany is the closest) and he is so excited to go this summer to the new Kiev temple. We watched him pay his tithing, and we watched a sweet sister in the ward come sit by him to write notes on paper while the church speakers gave their prepared talks. He is the kindest man, and was so pleasant and optimistic/joyful to talk to. We look forward to seeing him each Sunday.
This is me outside the door of the church.
After church we picked up the kids and took them out for the day. They wanted McDonald's (of course), and then we spent the afternoon at a park on a lake. They quickly and without hesitation jumped into the water and played. It was a very fun day.
And these sweet ladies are our babushkas... they sit outside of our apartment building each afternoon/night and visit with each other. Oleg, our facilitator, calls them the building "alarm system" as they would make the biggest scene if anyone were to try any funny business. We asked if we could take a picture with them and they all passed around the camera afterward to look at the picture. They were so cute.
This is me outside the door of the church.
After church we picked up the kids and took them out for the day. They wanted McDonald's (of course), and then we spent the afternoon at a park on a lake. They quickly and without hesitation jumped into the water and played. It was a very fun day.
And these sweet ladies are our babushkas... they sit outside of our apartment building each afternoon/night and visit with each other. Oleg, our facilitator, calls them the building "alarm system" as they would make the biggest scene if anyone were to try any funny business. We asked if we could take a picture with them and they all passed around the camera afterward to look at the picture. They were so cute.
5 comments:
What beautiful kids! We are so happy for you all and think it's wonderful that you are able to provide such a great home for them. You are having a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'm feel blessed to be able to read about it. Enjoy your time there and know that we are so excited and thrilled for your family. You deserve all the happiness in the world. Love you lots! Bonnie
That is a touching story of dedication. I don't remember meeting him when we were there, but hope to meet him next time. Where are you guys staying (the apt.)? The babushka picture is excellent and classic Ukraine. You kids look so happy when they are with you. Have you heard anything about some of the Sumy kids going to other orphanages?
Hello,
This is the Gledhill's. We will be leaving for the Ukraine on Tuesday AM. Can you please let Pasha and Lena know we are coming. We are so excited to see them. Any advice? Email is dale@grandwayhondras.com
Your blog is great.
Congrats!! looks like so much fun.. can't wait to meet you new family!!
Our son Cort shared many stories of Alexei when he was serving in Sumy (6 months before we even hosted or knew about SAC). He is an amazing man. Unfortunately the 2 weeks we were there on Sunday he was unable to make it, so I didn't meet him personally. Tell him Elder McGinty says preveit.
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