DSC03497.JPGGreetings. We just returned from the Baby House. What a time.  On the one hand we were impressed with the caregivers and the attention the children were receiving. On the other hand our eyes were moist as we realized that all 103 children were there because they were there because their parents could not or would not care for them.  As we visited one room, Scott Z. put out his arms and one little boy literally ran into his arms.  What precious children they were. As I walked through some rooms and had some time to play with the children, I felt helpless in many ways but I was impressed to pray for each child - that the Lord would bless them and provide a family for them and that they would grow up and decide to follow Jesus. Our team was able to bless them with some sugar, diapers and some much needed medicines.  They thanked us over and over again especially for the diapers and medicines.  What a joy it was to be the arms of Jesus.

 

DSC03446.JPGReport from Savannah B. (Junior at MCA) from reflections on Wednesday, March 13:  Russia is so much more than I could have ever imagined it to be.  I am having such an awesome time here. This morning we went to a center for Children with disabilities.  We were given a tour of the facilities and the children sang and danced for us.  They were adorable!  They even invited us to come up and dance with them.  We split into smaller groups and Mrs. Z. shared a Bible story with the kids. They were so excited to receive their care packages and their faces lit up as they dug through their new crayons, stickers, and pencils. I am still amazed at how open and loving the children were.  They were not at all hesitant to jump up in laps, give hugs, and pose for pictures.  I can definitely understand why Christ had such a love for children. Their faces, their laughter, their hearts reflect the beauty of the Lord.

Russia is awesome and the week is going way too fast!

  

DSC03469.JPGReport from Duane regarding our visit to a village school where we hosted a basketball clinic:

One Wednesday, most of our group went to a village school about 40 minutes outside of Vladimir.  Our main purpose in going there was to host a basketball clinic for their basketball players. Several of the MCA varsity basketball players participated along with Coach Anderson.  Coach Anderson ran basketball skills for the first hour. The Americans would demonstrate the drill and then the Russian players would run the drills as the students helped coach them and guide them. It was a great spirit of cooperation.  Before the scrimmages began, Coach Anderson shared a few words with everyone about the importance of developing good basketball skills but also how there are life and character skills and qualities that equally need to be developed.  Then the games began!  We played four on four and had equal number of Russians and Americans on the teams.  The girls played first and then the guys played while trying to apply the skills they had learned.  While the guys played, Emmie Z. and Savannah B. took all the girls to a different room and had the opportunity to share with the girls.  They shared about themselves using pictures they had brought but then shared the gospel also.

At the end the Russian boys challenged the American boys to a four on four game that lasted 7 minutes.  The Russians won 6 to 4. 

The Russian coach thanked us over and over again and invited Coach Anderson and all the players to come back again to help them.  Unfortunately our time did not allow this. Maybe this can happen on a future trip.