Counting The Days

Hello friends and family

A bright sunny day in Torez is a blessed relief from the dreary overcast skies and bitter cold of the last several days. It doesn't offset the heaviness in my spirit. I am burdened for the orphans who will not come home with me or another family.

The Torez orphanage is drab and gray with a leaky roof. The halls are dark and mottled with water stains. They are brightened only by art work created by the children. Paint peels. Pipes leak. The musty air is cold.

The orphanage smells like cabbage.

There are several bright, colorful rooms that offer respite from the dull gray, browns and greens.

The road to the orphanage is filled with what could best be described as boulder holes.

If you travel this road, you will never complain about an American pothole again. The treacherous, long drive from the city to the orphanage deters visitors.

Sundays are just another day at the orphanage. No local minister comes to bring good news. The children are not taken to church services.

I visited Christina yesterday, Sunday afternoon. We took a short walk through the snow to a small store for treats for the children. Christina doesn't ask for anything and seems grateful for the small gifts I have given her. I gave her a small stuffed cat and she named the cat "debbie".

At the store, Christina carefully counts the number of girls back at the orphanage and asks for a small treat for each one. She is very careful to give me the right head count.

We returned to the orphanage to distribute the treats and we spent our time in the one bright room with colorful walls. Several girls joined us in this activity room. The difficulty with visiting with Christina at the orphanage is that all the children know why I have come. They know that only Christina will go home with me. They all long for a family. Their eyes speak volumes. One 14 year old named Julia is especially sad. I told her that I can't promise her a home, but I can tell others about the wonderful children at the orphanage.

My goal and desire when I return is to help this orphanage. I want to send them bibles in Russian and DVDs which deliver the gospel. My translator Helen says that she will make some contacts with local pastors to ask them to visit the orphanage.

My court date is still scheduled for Thursday, February 14th. However, I've just heard about delays other Americans experienced this week at the adoption center, which is a necessary step before court. You go to the adoption center once for your referral to a child, then when you decide to adopt, you have to get their approval again. They can delay court dates due to their backlog. Please pray that the adoption center will process my approval and send it to the court on time.

I am weary, but well.

After the court date, if the ten day waiting period is not waived, I am going to return to the US for a few days. Then, another short trip to bring Christina home.



Thank you for your prayers. My love to you all.



debbie



p.s. don't get me started about the homeless dogs and cats. I carry around a packet of food for passing strays.