Shopping with the Kids

Recently Lora, Dasha and Zhenya took the kids from Hope Orphanage shopping at a local market. The girls went on Thursday morning, then the boys went on Friday. Lora was quite impressed with the way the kids looked out for one another and were so willing to be generous with each other. They were a little surprised by the prices for jeans and shoes, and were timid about making purchases but they all did a great job getting the things they needed. Lora was amazed that they did not waste their money, but rather made thoughtful purchases. The word spread around the market that kids from the orphanage were shopping and several vendors gave discounts and even free merchandise. Thanks to all our sponsors for making a difference in the lives of these children.

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Grateful Children

Today we took duffle bags loaded with flip flops, a package of underwear, a large towel (one kid said - "Wow, it's big"), a toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, and soap with a holder. All the kids will be attending summer camp somewhere and this will be a great start for their packing. The kids were so excited and could not hide their smiles. It was a little heart breaking to see them so excited about towels - my kids just kind of take towels for granted. Thanks to the sponsors who generously share each month to provide things for the children. It was humbling to see the kids so excited about these basic items and it reminded us that Jesus was right about serving "the least of these." We are looking for 25 more sponsors, so if you have a friend who may be interested in helping please share this program with them.

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Restocking the Sparrow's Hope Store

Yesterday we went to Hope Orphanage and restocked the store where the kids shop using the credits they earn from working and doing their chores. Several of the kids helped us haul the items to the store; it is on the fourth floor of the orphanage. They hung around and watched as we put items on the shelves and some of them asked to get a "preview" so they would know in advance what they might be interested in buying. It is so much fun to buy stuff for these kids and then to watch them purchase items from the store. Thanks to all our donors who make it all possible.

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Birthday Box for Tanya

Those who are sponsoring children know that we are asking sponsors to send boxes to their children for their birthdays. Today I was given our first set of pictures of Tanya who received her box a couple of weeks ago. This is a good example of what we have in mind for sponsors to send their kids. Tanya received a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, sandals, an MP4 player (knock off I touch, because we said do not buy expensive players), candy, a hairband, lip gloss and several other small things. Tanya was so excited when she received her box from a family in America who cares about her. Tanya wrote a thank you note that is being translated and will be sent to her sponsors. Hope you enjoy the pictures as it gives you an idea of how your generosity is blessing your sponsored child.

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Hope Orphanage Spring Tea Party

Lora and the older teen girls in our church family hosted the teen girls from Hope Orphanage for a Spring Tea Party. Lora and our girls decorated the worship room and prepared good food and crafts. The girls were so excited to attend the tea party. They worked very hard on their crafts and loved the gift bag filled with cosmetics and toiletries. The girls enjoyed trying new foods and making new friends. Everyone agreed that another get together would be great.

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Kids Working at Orphanage

The kids at Hope Orphanage were out of school today for Easter holiday and were hard at work cleaning up the grounds at the orphanage. Yesterday they were able to shop at the store for the first time and now they know that their work will be rewarded! Every time we visit at Hope the kids warm up to us more. We can't wait for more opportunities to get to know these kids better.

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Shopping at the Store

The Sparrow's Hope Store at Hope Orphanage opened yesterday for the first time. Not surprisingly, a lot of snacks and drinks were purchased. Kids also purchased art supplies, shirts, balls, toiletries, and school supplies. There were a couple of kids who were dreaming of some of the "big ticket" items and were told "work hard and save your money!"

The kids must do their chores to earn money and the opprotunity to shop at the store. They can also do extra work to increase their purchasing power. If they refuse to do their chores, or if they break other rules, they are fined and their purchasing power reduces. It was sad this morning to see a little boy who misbehaved repeatedly being told that his account was -11 grivna. We will see if his sorrow over not being able to shop today turns into better behavior tomorrow. This is going to be a great opportunity for the children to learn important life skills.

Thanks to all our sponsors and donors who make this project possible.

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