2011 Fall Trip - part two

Project TLC must thank a wonderful group called The Least of These for accompanying us to visit the invalid home in Crimea and assisting us with logistics for our November trip to Ukraine. They sat in on our discussions with the director and their Ukrainian National Director even served as our primary interpreter that first morning.

We were impressed by the open and cooperative attitude of the director. Many of our ideas were met with a "Yes, please!" We learned that there are 20 children "laying" in this facility. We expressed concern for their possible feeding and comfort issues. We hope to assess these children and their needs on a future trip. We have no experience with any sort of medical mission trip, but are trusting God to provide what we need to reach out to these bedridden children and the people who care for them.

The director of an orphanage really sets the tone for the whole facility. Though the hallways and rooms were quite dark (saving $$ on electricity?) the tone of this place was one of respect and care for the children. The atmosphere was warm and inviting enough that we didn't realize until later that many of us never removed our coats.

Inside view - 60 years old and many layers of paint.

That's right. The whole time we were inside the building, playing with children, doing crafts, blowing bubbles, many of us didn't remove our coats. It was that chilly inside the building. We arranged to meet with the director again a few days later. She gave us a better look around the building, focusing on the drafty windows which are about 60 years old. 

She claimed to be able to heat the building but that the windows let too much air move. I could feel the cold air pouring into the building with my hand. I looked around and took lots of photos of the windows. The older children didn't seem to mind the cold, but I could only wonder about the bedridden children. If we could help to keep their facility warm, we could improve their comfort and quality of life.

Transom possibly stuck open?

In the next few weeks, Project TLC will replace as many windows as possible. We have funds to replace 10-12 of the large windows with priority being given to the bedridden children and other sleeping areas. However, I counted 25 older windows needing to be updated on the front side of the building alone. 

Two newer windows pictured here. Six more need replacement.

Incidentally, there are a few newer windows in the building, you can tell by the white frame. To her credit, the director does not yet have new windows in her office.  

Next time...Christmas gifts for the children and other practical ways you can touch their lives.