IMG_0039.JPGThe volunteers in Ukraine divided into two bus groups to cover more ministry sites.  The Yellow Bus first went to a baby home for infants up to three years of age who have been abandoned; we saw and interacted and played with about sixty of these precious little ones including those with neurological damage, bone degeneration, and Downs Syndrome.  There were a number of curly black haired Gypsy children among the blonds.  They were a delight and difficult to leave.

IMG_0060.JPGThe Brown Bus first went to an elder care facility where one bed ridden woman broke into tears of joy because someone had come to visit her.  Much sharing and distribution of soap, shampoo, and hand cream left these senior citizens with pleasant memories.  Next the Brown Bus went to the region of Chernivsti called “Sad Gora,” which means “Gardens and Mountains.”  When the volunteers finished showing their pictures to explain our backgrounds, some of the children ran back to their bedroom to bring out pictures from their homes.  These children have been placed in this temporary shelter for a variety of reasons such as alchoholic addiction of the parents.   The children are blameless for their temporary separation from home and enjoying the clean mountain air and park like setting.

IMG_0052.JPGThe Yellow Bus arrived at a similar youth shelter in the afternoon where the gospel was explained and the children were encouraged to repeat the sinners’ prayer.  Many age appropriate games were played with the children who had been separated into four age groups ranging from 4 to 18 years.  Gifts and Bibles were given out and all had a wonderful experience.

Both buses returned within a half hour of each other, hot and tired, but inwardly rejoicing.