It was hard just sending them to another host home. Some cried the night before. Some cried while we were packing them. Some wanted to stay at our home. After they all left we took a nap! We also began washing tons of laundry. Yes, some of us cried after they left.
Rachel and Haley had a volleyball game about 15 minutes away from where the orphans are staying. We washed some of their clothes and planned to return them last night. Everyone in my car was so excited to see them. All the kids were talking and I made a wrong turn. There was a protest that it would take another long 5 minute red light to see them. When we neared the home my children cheered at being there. We opened the doors and the hugs and laughs began. I went into the kitchen to say hello to some friends. Almost all of the orphans came to find me to hug me. Some came for more than one hug.
The were all having a good time. Some playing video games, others watching movies and some just simply enjoying playing with toys. They do no have much opportunity to play with toys in the orphanage. Simple things we take for granted for our children are rarities for them. Many of them had spent the day swimming. Several could not swim when they arrived and have learned to swim. The younger children do not have an opportunity to swim in Ukraine.
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Trying to get my crew to come home was not easy. Although they were tired they did not want to leave. As I feared we had a couple of stow aways in the car. I had tried to unlock the car after good byes and have my children by the car doors. I had to convince the extra children we would see them at bowling today and they had to stay there.
This morning the house is quiet. It will not be filled with the joyful noises of 12 orphans. My children will begin to get back to a routine of school. We will pray for the orphans. Join us in praying God's will be done in their lives. Pray for them as they enjoy a little more time in Alabama.
Bowling today at 2:00 at Lightning Strikes in Trussville. We would love for people to sponsor an orphan to bowl. Hope to see you there.
