A Kaliningrad Christmas

I got back from my trip to Russia a little over a week ago! With the New Year's craziness mixed with new job stuff I am just now getting a chance to sit down and write about it! 

First of all I can't believe it is already over and we're back! 

I feel like these trips never last long enough...and this particular trip was only 10 days, which is the shortest trip I have ever taken to Russia. :-( 

As always, I never know where to begin when talking about a trip. It is a challenge to put into words all that I want to share...hence the rambling....

Overall (and as usual) my time in Russia was wonderful! This particular trip I returned to Kaliningrad, Russia to spend Christmas with Kolosok Orphanage. This is my second time to Kolosok (the first was this past summer). 

(a view from the window at the Hall's apartment-the family we stayed with)

There are 40 kids living in this particular orphanage. We were able to meet about half of these kids this past summer, while the other half were at camp. But this trip we were finally able to meet ALL of the kids!

And goodness, each one of these kids are just amazing!

The week were were there we were able to do a lot of neat things with the kids. We talked with them about uniqueness, being hand made by God for a purpose, respecting others and communicating effectively, self-esteem and encouraging others. We shared with them the meaning of Christmas and used this awesome video and had it translated into Russian. We talked about what a relationship with Jesus really looks like on a day to day basis. 

Along with all that we played a million and one games of ninja, twister and uno, made ornaments, painted nails, had a movie night (with popcorn!), decorated journals and decorated cookies. 

(some of the kid's ornaments)

(ninja- the crowd favorite)

This trip we took special time for the older kids. 

We talked to them about suicide...not easy...seeing as this orphanage in particular has been unfortunately affected by this in recent years. It was neat because at the end of the session on suicide we offered to write "Love" on the arms of any of them who wanted....ALL of them wanted it. Writing Love is inspired by this movement. 

On another day we took the older kids out to ice skate! That was an adventure! 

We did a boy/ girl night where were did a separate time with the boys and girls. 

For the girls we had a beauty night where we painted nails and did hand massages. We read this letter to them and gave a copy to each girl. 

Finally, on our last day we held a special bonfire for those kids who will be graduating this  coming year. We introduced them to the great American food S'mores!! They went over very well! 

The intentional time was spent with these older kids because they are the hardest to reach out to, yet the ones who probably need the most support. Gaining trust with these kids can be quite a challenge. Setting aside specific time and activities for them opens up a real opportunity to build meaningful relationships. 

On Christmas weekend we were able to spend both Saturday and Sunday celebrating Christ's birth with these kids.

On Saturday, a mentor team run through Change30 came and helped us put on a big Christmas party for the kids. We had cake, skits, games, and a photo booth.

Then on Sunday we surprised the kids by hanging up the stockings they had decorated earlier in the week  filled with lots of fun goodies! 

A HUGE thanks to Spring Ridge Ladies Bible Study for providing funds for each one of these gifts for the kids AND for praying  over each one of them during our time there. 

Throughout our whole time we were graciously hosted   and helped by the Hall family! 

They allowed us to take over their whole living room and steal them away from their family during Christmas week...now that is nice. 

The Halls have now been living permanently in Kaliningrad for about 6 months now. So along with hosting us they were able to give taste of what it looks like to live in Kaliningrad. 

(Basically we had the most awesome team. Ever.)

So there you have it, a "summary" of my now 8th trip back to this wonderful country! 

I don't know why God has given me such a passion for this place, particularly these precious children but I am ok with that. 

For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek Him, you will find Him.

1 Chronicles 29:9