Pray that they would apply themselves in school

On this recent trip we got a glimpse of the day to day life of the children we've been working with for two years.  We got to see with our own eyes where they call home, and where they go to school (its the same place).  For the most part we were encouraged by the condition of the facilities at both orphanages we visited.  They seemed to be in very good shape.

However, its just another example that for these kids, their physical needs are met, but there is still a huge void in regard to their emotional and spiritual needs.

That's why this week we're asking you to pray that they would apply themselves when it comes to their school. I've spoken before about the difficulties that will face these children once they leave the orphanage, but such difficulties are only made worse if they leave uneducated.

Now, imagine being back in middle school and high school, without parents encouraging you to do your homework or to pay attention in class. I know most of us would not have freely chosen to give our best without such encouragement. But for these children, learning is crucial. Please pray that they would supernaturally find the spirit to study, learn, and develop!

Trip Recap - Betsy Trent

Here's a great recap of our recent trip from Midtowner Betsy Trent. Betsy was only introduced to this mission back in November when we asked you all to begin to pray for these kids. She was able to go with us and meet the boy she committed to pray for. Here's what she had to say:

"Going to Ukraine and spending a few days with the kids in the orphanages was an amazing way to start the year. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had no clue what the group of people from Midtown would be like, nor did I know anything about the Radooga team in Ukraine, and more than anything I had no idea what to expect from the orphanages upon our arrival. We had been told it might take a while for the kids to warm up to us, to trust us, and to realize we were there for them, not out to get them. On top of that we had the language barrier, new city, and different culture- it felt as if anything could happen. One of my prayers before going, and even while we were there, was to be in the moment. What a blessing that turned out to be.

The first orphanage we were able to visit, Nova Vadalaga, was absolutely amazing. For the most part, the kids were so excited to see us. They would run up and hug us or hold our hands, without even knowing our names. Within a few minutes of being there, it was painfully obvious how much love and affection these children need. I had prepared myself to get the cold shoulder from them, but in fact it was the opposite. There were times when it became difficult to divide my attention evenly, as I'm sure many others felt, but what a beautiful thing. Knowing these orphans, because of their trust built with Radooga's ministry, felt comfortable enough to come up to strangers (like me) and become vulnerable. Those moments will not be forgotten.

The second orphanage, Zeleny Gai, was a similar mixture of emotions. The kids were ecstatic to have visitors and activities for the day, even though some of them might have been a little stand-offish in the beginning. At first they were a little more skeptical of some of our activities- especially making icing and putting it on some cookies- but they ended up loving the icing and going to get extra spoons so they could eat it straight from the bowl. And yes, they did double...quadruple dip. What a wonderful thing, though, to see them engage in something together, and especially with us. Trusting us, warming up to us, and becoming more and more vulnerable as the day went on

I still cannot believe how fast the week flew by. The Radooga staff was so helpful; from the translating every minute of the day to making sure we had blankets on the bus, snacks when we were hungry, and chocolate to spoil us after almost every meal. We were given far more than we needed to be comfortable, but more than anything, I am so grateful to have met the individuals who were with us that week. I am so thankful and I feel so blessed to have been a part of the trip, and I thank the Radooga staff and everyone from Midtown for being a part of it as well. It is truly amazing how sharing a week like that with everyone can bond us all together in the hope that our common goal, as Jesus is our Savior, will be reflected through our own words and actions. I pray those moments will not so quickly be forgotten."

Pray for their past

Here is how I would ask you all to pray this week:

Pray for how they deal with their past

One of the greatest things about this trip was that we were able to converse with these kids in ways we never could have imagined possible two years ago.  At one point we broke them up into discussion groups to talk about some serious topics, and we were blown away by how willing they were to open up and speak in front of their peers.

As great as that was, some of the stories they told us were equally devastating.  We all knew that these children have experienced abuse in the past, but it is another thing to hear about the specifics.

The most troubling of all is to learn about how this past abuse has shaped their current worldview.  We all have heard that abuse is cyclical, and that's because, for these kids, they don't know a world any different.  Their past informs how they treat their own bodies and the bodies of others in terrible, terrible ways

That's why I am asking you to pray for how they deal with their past. Pray that they would see abuse for what it is, abuse, and not how normal life is or should be.  Pray that they would strive for better in their own lives and relationships, and that they would regain respect for themselves and for others around them.  Pray that the truth of Christ would be a part of that.  Pray that our time spent with them, and the interactions they witnessed between us, would better shape how they think about themselves and other people.

I can tell you with renewed confidence that your prayers for these children and this mission are effective.  We have witnessed it first hand this past week.  Thank you for being a part of this mission.

Christmas Gifts - Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who helped us deliver sweatshirts and candy to these children!  They LOVED it.  Merry Christmas!

Here are a few of them from Zeleny Gai orphanage.

Stuck in transit

just a short note from charles de gaulle airport in paris.  apparently you folks in nashville will be getting some weather, and that has meant a redirection to new york city for us.  we are not booked on a flight back to nash until tomorrow the tenth.  please pray we dont get further delayed!

Day Three

We're running out of time here at McDonald's in Poltava (wireless, yay!) so you'll have to wait for a more thorough recap of an epic third day. We were able to visit the kids at Nova Vadalaga for a second day on Friday, January 7, their Christmas. The program put together by Radooga's staff on the fly went unbelievably well. We engaged the kids in skits they created representing how Christmas is celebrated in other countries. In the afternoon we had discussion groups where the kids really opened up about interesting topics like sex (we were shocked to learn that NO ONE had ever talked to them about it before), real love, and pop culture. We ended the night with a party. In all my time with these kids I've never felt as comfortable and that they were as at ease with us. More on this to come, bring on the photo:

Day Two

From Lori Martin:

This entire trip has been amazing. I have made many new friends amongst the children and God has also used this time to deepen relationships with kids I met this summer.

Day two was particularly special to me because we visited Zeleny Gai orphanage which houses the children I spent the most time with at camp (Go Lions!) I love them so supernaturally and am so thankful to God for allowing me to spend time with them again.

They were excited to see us again and equally eager to engage in discussion and participate in activities. Despite their learning disabilities, fears, and lack of nurture, they display so much affection and kindness.

I pray that we can all trust God's work in this place and that these kids could fully know they are recipients of His love. My heart breaks for them. I hope their Christmas was a little brighter this year.

Day One

So in all honesty it is day five, but Internet has been hard to come by, so we will be posting most of them today. Here is a recap from our first day at Nova Vadalaga orphanage from Angel Bachuss:

What an amazing day!

Today was the first day with the kids at Nova Vodolaga orphanage. We've known these kids for two summers at Radooga camp. So walking into their orphanage and seeing all the familiar faces was exciting and very welcoming. The children were excited to see us also! It's unbelievable to see how much they've grown in the 6 months since we last saw them.

Introductions were made with new midtown team members and kids that weren't at camp this summer. Then we quickly jumped into a full day of activities.  Of course we had an opening program with music and silly games. The kids were full of energy for craft time and rec games. We made crafts with ornaments, Christmas cards, jewelery making, and paper football.  But by far the craziest and messiest craft was decorating Christmas cookies. The kids had never seen colored icing before and enjoyed piling a mountain of sprinkles on each cookie.  We then played relay races, board games, cards and Wii. It's funny how kids can play simple games like keep away with a balloon for hours and not get tired.  But they crave the atention and need some way to get rid of their energy in the winter. (way to go Lori, Barbara, and Betsy for playing balloon hot potato for over an hour! It looked intense!). Later in the day there were fireworks, gifts, evening program and hang out time.

It was such a wonderfully blessed day!

When we met these kids 2 years ago it took several days to get them to participate in our activities. Today the kids met us with smiles and hugs, eager to see what we had planned. Each kid has something so special about him/her and it's such a blessing to get to see their individual talents and encourage them.

But probably the best moment of the day was having the "older" boys help push the bus out of the snow and halfway down the road! Tomorrow we head to Zelenyi Gai orphanage. Pray that tomorrow is also an amazing day with the kids.

Ukraine Team Arrives in Kiev!

Hello Ukraine Team supporters! I am David Swan, Torrey's husband. Although I am not traveling to Ukraine with the team, Russ has asked me to update the blog when they are unable.

I just wanted to let you all know that I just talked to Torrey (only for about 30 seconds) and the team has safely arrived in Kiev. They are going to get some much needed sleep and depart in the morning via 8 hr bus ride to their final destination. That's all I have for now. Please keep praying for them!