Children's Clothes and goodies

Lora and Dasha recently took bags of clothes for the children under age twelve who did not get to go on the shopping trips. The kids were so excited to get their bag of clothes and goodies. The boys got jeans, shirts, underwear, pajamas, socks, Spider Man comic books with collectors cards. The girls got jeans, shirts, underwear, PJ's, socks, and Hello Kitty trinkets. Thanks to our sponsors for making it possible to bless these kids in this way.

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Sparrow's Hope Store Restock!

We spent the past four days shopping for items, pricing and packaging them and then stocking them in the Sparrow's Hope Store at the Hope Orphanage in Gorlovka. After a couple of months of inactivity with the kids at the orphanage (while they were away at summer camp) we have been busy with them and working for them for the past week. It has been a family affair as Lora and I did the shopping, Lexi and Leanna got involved with the pricing, and Dima got to help haul stuff to the house then back to the car. It is all a labor of love and it is so exciting to see the faces of the kids who benefit from all the work. Thanks to all the sponsors who make it all possible.

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Shopping with Younger Kids

On Sunday we took the younger children (11-13) shopping at the market. They were fun to shop with although they were quite excited and full of energy!

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Hope Orphanage Kids

Last weekend we took three groups of kids from Hope Orphanage shopping at the Andrevski Market in Gorlovka. We divided them into groups and spent a couple of hours per group shopping for the things they needed and wanted. It was my first time going with the kids and I have to admit it was an amazing experience. The kids were so thankful for the opportunity to shop for themselves, and they were amazingly patient and generous with each other. It was fun to be with them and see their excitement about their purchases. Thanks to all our sponsors for making it possible for these kids to have this experience and the things they need.

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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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