2011 Fall Trip - part three

After the fabulously successful visit to the invalid home, the Project TLC ladies regrouped for the next leg of the trip: the baby house. This is what the Ukrainians call the baby orphanage. According to one adoption facilitator, "it sounds nicer that way."

From Stephanie, "It is difficult to express my feelings about going back to this place. On one hand, this is the place where Theo suffered neglect and starvation. On the other, I fell in love with the children there and promised them that I would not forget them. How could I not go back?"

First stop, the director's office. We brought many updated photos of children adopted from this place over the past few years and hoped to be well received. We asked for permission to visit with the caregivers in our children's old grouppas and show them our photos.

Unfortunately, some of the workers that we had hoped to see were not around. However, we were able to visit and snuggle with some familiar children. This was a sweet opportunity for us and a big eye opener for our interpreter. We make a quick decision to ignore the leaky, wet diapers and the smell of spit-up and make the most of this opportunity to show love and care. We were disappointed, but not surprised, to find untreated medical conditions such as hydrocephalus and very little interaction between caregivers and children.

On a brighter note, we were happy to do some shopping for this facility. Thanks to a designated contribution by another adoptive family, we were able to purchase some medicine and supplies for the neediest of the grouppas and a basic digital camera for the music director.

Project TLC is hopeful that we can do more for these children in the future and is exploring various ways to make that happen. Of course, we will keep you informed of our progress. Will you pray for God to open heavy doors for the sake of His precious children?