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Our Weekend with Anya


Early last month, Doug went to see the surgeon who performed Anya’s operation last March. The doctor said we could bring her on October 8th. He would look her over, do some x-rays and tests, and then set a date for her next operation.

 So, a few days before the 8th, Daniel, Meisha  and I went and picked her up from the orphanage and brought her to Smile House. We went early because we wanted to show her a little bit of Kiev and have some fun before she got stuck in a hospital. We are so glad we did! The first night we went on a walk together to see the lakes around Smile House, and then we played 13 rounds of dominoes  A few weeks ago, Daniel and I went to a conference on working with at-risk kids and transition homes. We  realized how important it was to teach kids anything and everything. Therefore, after dinner that first night, Daniel taught Anya how to wash dishes. The next morning, he taught her how to make pancakes.  Thanks Anya for breakfast—it was delicious! 

 We took Anya to church on Sunday where she met all our friends at Safe Haven. After church we took her to Krashatik Street, which is  the main drag of Kiev.  There is an underground mall located there and we went to a store called Six. It is the most girly store ever, with jewelry and accessories galore. A few weeks ago, Daniel’s parents and family friends came to visit us in Ukraine. One  twelve year old little lady named Sarah was among them, and she gave us a donation that she had earned from babysitting and walking dogs. We gave Anya a part of that ($12.50), and told her to have fun.  And fun she had!  There was a big sale rack and so she was able to get 5 pairs of earrings and 2 bracelets. Some of it was a birthday present for her friend Alona. After shopping we took her to a restaurant and had a wonderful time trying to make an indecisive girl decisive!  It was dark by the time we came out of the restaurant and the seasonal lights on Krashatik Street had come on. It was a perfect way to end the day, and a beautiful moment to remember.

The next day, Doug took her to the hospital, but the surgeon wasn’t there and Doug learned that he wouldn't be back for another ten days.  Even though it was the day the surgeon said to bring Anya, he wasn’t there. This is Ukraine. So, Doug had to take Anya back to the orphanage, and now has to start the process all over again.  

 So here we go again! Please keep this situation in your prayers. We had a rewarding time with Anya, but the system is still frustrating and she needs to have this next operation soon. We will keep you posted!

 P.S. You'll notice this blog does not have any pictures. That's because we forgot the camera.

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