We're home!!!

Ben, Katherine, Jen, and I have returned home from this year's visit to Sovietsk Orphanage. We had a full 10 days, visiting museums and historical sites, connecting with the local school and church, making friends in the community, and trying new Russian customs. We painted little faces, braided hair, painted nails, kicked soccer balls, and did yoga. We played outside, hunting mushrooms and rosehips, visiting special sites, and crossing rivers and hiking in Dolbiylova. We made paper airplanes, bracelets, photo albums, balloon animals, and smores. We shared master classes in cooking, music, traditional crafts, and village life. We delivered letters, photos, craft supplies, warm clothes, and a gift for each child. We left provisions for 2 nebulizers, medical equipement, sports equipment, and school support. We shared joys and sorrows, important conversations, successes, and tears. We hugged old friends and made new ones. We came home tired (and I came home sick), but we are energized and full of new ideas. We'll be sharing stories in the coming weeks and working hard to find sponsors for all 35 of the children. Until then, from us and from the children, THANK YOU for your support! The beautiful children of Sovietsk felt your love.