Today was extra special as we got to take the girls out to lunch again with our facilitator Galya. We decided to try a different restaurant and found one with beautiful aquariums where we could watch the fish as we ate. We appreciated that there was no competition from the TV and the food was good but it was a more upscale dining experience than last week that ended up being a very long wait for a very little amount of food! The girls were patient but still hungry after we had finished. This seemed like a poor showing as parents so we negotiated a little more time with Galya and headed to McDonald's for some fast food back-up sustenance. Both girls decided on french fries and handily ate a large serving each, though they generously offered to share their bounty with Mama and Papa.
Then we went back to the orphanage where Galya had organized a fantastic art project experience for the children, including instruction from a practicing professional artist. The project included very careful work with a paint that gave a 3D effect and when dry could be peeled off the paper and adhered to a window for a stained-glass look. A group of about 12 children, ranging in age from about 6 to 16, worked for almost 2hrs on the project and were enthralled through it all with great concentration. We really enjoyed interacting with other children at the orphanage but it also tugged deeply at our hearts as we wondered if any of them would find a family to take them home. We know from statistics that the younger children have the most chance to be adopted and it will be harder for the older ones to find homes, yet we see that they all need one.
Galya has created a non-profit organization to help families in Sevastopol who are in need, and this includes the children in the orphanage. These weekly art projects are one of the great things she has brought to the children and she works tirelessly as she plans such events, collects donations, and makes decisions where to allocate resources. We've said it before, but as you can see, she is an amazing person!!!
We have our fingers crossed and are looking forward to going to court tomorrow with the girls!! Thanks for thinking of us:)
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