Anthony's 1st day with the girls!







Saturday, July 25, Mark stayed at the flat and we let Anthony sleep while me and the other two momma's went to pick up the kids at the camp. We we got back it was lots of giggles, smiles and hugs for their new brother!! They both fought over who was going to sit by him on the couch!! After a couple of hours at the flat we met up with the other families and went to Equator Mall for bowling and ice skating. This is one time I wish I could skate. Tanya was stuck to Anthony like glue. We bowled first and all the 'old' people were on one team and all the kids, including Anthony, was on another team. Tanya thought she was a big shot because she got to order ice cream and soda on her own! Then we ice skated....oh wait....no 'we' to it....all the kids, Linda and Bill skated while moms, Mark and Anthony watched! We all grabbed a bite to eat at Fat House in the mall then it was back to our flats with the kids.

Our family went down to the monuments to show Anthony and Linda came along to translate. There were two college age girls down at the monuments that were sketching. For 20 grivnas (about $3) each of the girls got their portraits sketched. The artists emphasized the necklaces we gave them after court that say "If Daughters Were Flowers I'd Still Pick You!" So special! Both girls were so excited to have them done!!! After they were finished Anya could not stop smiling and said thank you enthusiastically and gave us the biggest hug so far! It was a very precious moment! Then Linda took our picture and Anya put her arm around me and squeezed!

It was time to get the kids back to camp. Anthony went this time. It was his first time to experience something of this magnitude. He met Oksana, Denis, Sergey and Vicka and a couple of others that always greet us with hugs and smiles. He couldn't believe the ages of Sergey and Vicka because they are so small. He was overcome by the conditions of the camp and of some of the children. The ride back to the flat he was very quiet. Until you get our of your 'box', you just have know idea of the pain, hurt and neglect of others. I know for me the mission trips I have been on, both domestically and internationally, have changed my perspective quite a bit. Love God...Love People....plain and simple! Anthony says he wants to come back here next summer with a group to minister and love on the kids at the camp. I sure hope he gets the opportunity along with Miranda and Christen!

2 comments:

Dunham Family said...

Great news!! So happy for you and your family. Love to you all.

Anonymous said...

DEAR PHYLLIS AND FAMILY----CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU AND GIVE YOU BIG HUGS AND KISSES. IT'S FANTASTIC TO HEAR SUCH BLESSINGS POURING DOWN ON ALL OF YU.MAY GOD CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER YOU AND MAY ST. MICHAEL AND ALL YOUR GUARDIAN ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE 24/7 LOVE-THE WEBBS