I had the pleasure of taking a run on a beautiful spring evening today. Shortly into my run I went by a little league soccer practice. I immediately became nostalgic for the football pitch behind Sovietsk Orphanage. I've had a lot of fun there playing pick up games, losing at banana, or watching others play. I was reminded of one young man in particular we've mentioned before on this blog who has shown a lot of promise as a soccer player, but hasn't been particularly open with us. When we visited last September he, along with the orphanage director and some other kids from the orphanage, were invited to an athletic competition. They left the same day that we left for home, but we were able to see them off. As they were driving away we waved goodbye to them. Some of the kids waved enthusiastically back to us but he remained indifferent. But as they drove around to the other side of the building on their way out we took a shortcut to the other side so that we could wave goodbye to them again. The second time he actually cracked a smile and waved back. A small gesture I realize, but it was a good reminder for us that you just have to keep trying. Sometimes you won't get a response for a while, or at all. But it's worth it to keep trying.
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