For Real, Day 3

Got the journal, woohoo!

Got to Volshky late AM. When we pulled up there were kids in the snow covered school yard rolling snow to make snow men (Imagine Ralphie's brother from Christmas Story and you're with me). As soon as our interpreter, Dema, stepped out of the car their voices, high pitched and loud, screamed, "Deeeema, Deeeeeeeema!!!" It was hilarious. Turns out they were the orphanage's pre-schoolers. When we got in, one took Kelly's hand right away and led her upstairs with the rest of the gang to get changed out of their snow clothes. They then took us into the pre-school room and we played a few songs for them. They were so inspired they asked if they could share a song with us. Three of the little guys got up, shirts tucked in, standing (as) tall (as they could for pre-schoolers), and proceeded to belt out their best rendition of a Russian folk song about a soldier returing from war to his honey. Get these kids a recording contract! Then it was time for lunch so the kids ate and made their way to the other room for naps.

Kelly, Scott, Dema and I hung out for a few minutes waiting for the Jr. High kids to get back from school (they live at the orph but go to public school). Had some good time to talk about connecting a little deeper with the Coffee House idea and the scenarios in Kostroma.

Jr. High kids got there and we played some for them before Dema handed out their (late) Christmas, New Years and Valentine's letters from their sponsoring church in the States. Turns out they are in Ft. Worth. This was the place that I began to realize the impact that sponsorship has on the kids. The looks on their faces when they heard that Dema had letters was amazing. I began to realize that the letters, not all the cash and presents, is what gave the kids a sense of worth, a sense of belonging. For them to know that someone (especially someone in America) cares about them enough to, in one respect, include them in their family, simply put, blows wind up their skirt and rocks their world. You know, its the "little" things in life... But are they really that little if they mean so much?

Following Volshky we made our way to dinner at Fly's and Sty's to enjoy more delectable (sp?) Russian fuud. Afterwards to Boris' place to watch (for my first time) the Big Lebowski (Duude) and enjoy a few fine Russian beverages.

Then, back to the Ministry Center for rest. Tomorrow, Golich, where Kelly and I sponsor two kids (also the place Kelly went last year with Interstate Batteries).

Dosvedonya!