Birthday Celebrations!

Oleg and Aloysha celebrated their birthdays together on October 19th. Oleg is now 15 years old and Aloysha is now 4 years old. Aren't their smiles great! It is truly delightful to share the joy and happiness surrounding them as part of this wonderful family.

21 People Around the Dinner Table

The day before we were to return to the US, Luda spent the day preparing a wonderful farewell dinner.

By the time her three adult biological daughters arrived with children, cakes, fruit and candy we had 21 people to seat around the dinner table. Needless to say it was a fun-filled, noisy celebration ending a very satisfying month-long visit in Ukraine. Tearfully we had to say goodbye to these wonderful people that we have grown to love dearly.

October 4 Worship and Fellowship in Chernigov

Sunday was a fitting end to our visit to Chernigov. Luda, Roger and Beth attended their worship service that concluded with communion. Although we did not understand the words spoken, we understood the spirit being shared.


Afterwards we enjoyed lunch with the pastor Vladimir and wife Galena, along with his family which included three daughters, Lylia, Julia, Litza and son-in-law Bogdan. This was an important time to share both fellowship and ideas regarding the partnership of their church with two churches in America. We came away encouraged and inspired to work harder to help support this church in their efforts to help orphans.