On Monday we left for Lopuhinka (sounds just like its spelled :) ); an orphanage about an hour outside of the city and was surrounded by forest and several lakes nearby. I couldn't believe this was the last orphanage to visit. We stayed at this orphanage this week which meant we got to experience a glimpse of what life is like for these kids. All the children work together every morning (weather permitting ) to maintain a beautiful vegetable garden producing vegetables they eat! This teaches them how to work and is a wonderful representation for them of reaping what you sew. We spent our spare time in some of the girls rooms playing cards and just hanging out. The director's husband at Lopuhinka is a wonderful older man who has such a heart for the kids. He took us on a little field trip in a rickety old van with about 8 other girls to a lake where we got to spend the afternoon hanging out, talking, and eating a watermelon :) We loved getting to know these kids - they even have a room in their orphanage where sound equipment is set up. With rows of chairs lined up in back, several of the girls sang several Russian songs for us and for the other kids! They did such a good job. These kids need and crave attention and love and its heartbreaking to leave after 4 or 5 days. God has been so good by keeping us safe and giving us the opportunity to share the gospel. The kids are very intrigued by the Bible stories we share and are very meticulous with the crafts. I can only pray they take to heart what has been shared and that God will work in their lives. I have seen, experienced, and had some wonderful conversations this month. It is very bittersweet to come home on Saturday knowing what is being left here in Russia.
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