Week One with the Ukraine Orphan Outreach kiddos

Natasha-Age 11

Vitalii-Age 12 (brother to Zshenia)

Zshenia-Age 10

Ilona-Age 11

Just hanging out

Brothers: Vanya-age 12 and Vova-age 10

Clarke, Jim & Ilona at the speedway

Vasya-Age 11 at the birthday party

Bowling fun

Vanya

Sasha-Age 10

It's hard to put into words how the last week has gone. We have fallen in love with all eight of the kids from Ukraine. They are really great kids. Our family will never be the same after this experience. They are here for two more weeks, and there are many opportunities to come meet them. Please pray that they will find forever families.


They have experienced a lot of firsts this week like: riding in a boat, bowling, pancakes with syrup, jumping on a trampoline, learning to ride a bike, getting brand new shoes, waking up and going to bed with hugs every day, Colorado National Speedway, a rodeo, celebrating their birthdays, etc....



A few things I (Kari) will never forget:

When I was tucking in Vanya one night, he laid his head on his pillow, pulled up his quilt and said, "This is like a fairy tale."



Four kids and one chaperone can eat a couple bowls of cereal, 2 huge peaches, 5 plums and 8 bananas for breakfast-wow!



The amazing generosity of our family, friends and community towards these children.

At the eye doctor I asked Vova and Natasha when their birthday was. Natasha gave us the wrong date AND month, and Vova had no idea when his was. There is no celebration for birthdays at the orphanage.

Sasha quietly crying last night. We were packing for camping, he thought we were packing for him to return to Ukraine.

On another note, Friday I fly to and from New York to pick up Olga & Vova-yes, they received their visas on Monday-praise God! They will be here through Labor Day weekend!