Reporting on 2/1/2008 by Lise’ B. from Krasnoyarsk:

Today was an incredible day. The original sight cancelled and so we were called to a different site. When we arrived, the director of this deaf school was out ill. The young man in charge was never told of our visit, but didn’t seem to miss a beat. These were deaf little kids ages 3-8. We were instructed that we could only take pictures in the main area NOT in our small groups. Heartbroken, we honored their requests. These kids were an absolute joy. The workers took great pride in their facility. We were shown their new beds, pillows, coverings, and such. Then we were taken further back and taken to a really well supplied “activity” room. Each little “cubby hole” area had a specific use; mini-kitchen to pretend cook, a well-stocked library, a sink for grooming, complete with each child having a bright colored comb hook with their names written on the handle. In yet another room, there was hearing equipment set up where student had “one on one” instruction for Russian Sign Language.

We had an absolute ball, enjoying a play that they prepared for us. It was a little bit different because we had to have the Russian interpret and then the deaf interpret the Russian. But, we all had a ball. There was much laughter and it seemed no lack of communication. In fact, while we were handing out gifts I was amazed at their ability to communicate with the hearing. It was very clear the child was interested in the sticker still in my bag NOT the one I tried to give her. She handed back the “reject” but then proceeded to only take the one gift she wanted. During their presentation, “Santa” handed each child a bag containing fruit. I noted the children running around and eating the pairs as we played.

Also, through an interpreter, a grandmother stood up and personally thanked us for our visit.

One thing that stands out in my mind from this site. I was having my own private war in my mind, struggling with whether or not I should hand out to the kids these little finger puppets. (I had taken 2 -gallon Ziplocks made by a church near the warehouse.) After all, I thought, they’ve already been given a lot; we have many more children and sites yet to visit. So my own private discussion continued. I had decided to “pack ‘r up.” Time was drawing near to the end, and I had been watching my clock and I still had aprons to deliver. At the last minute, I decided to give them to the teacher. I wish you could’ve heard and seen her face! She squealed with delight and immediately proceeded to tell me how important these finger puppets were to their work there with the kids, how important they are to the teachers. She was ecstatic! I was so glad the Lord placed that in my heart to do. From that moment on, I knew I had a new friend….a friend in which I couldn’t speak her language, but we had an understanding . How good our God is.

As I handed out aprons in the kitchen, it was nice to have a little bit of “extra” time to visit. I found out this particular facility had a sauna and a swimming pool. As I shared with the cooks, I noted they had made a bread similar to pretzels. The cook handed me one and only after she assured me this was not going to slight the children’s meal, I humbly took it. All the cooks had such big grins that we, in America would send gifts, love and prayers to them. The dough was a little sweeter than pretzel dough but quite tasty. They told Ksusha our interpreter to let those at home know of their gratitude.