Tuesday, August 17

Today was the first day of VBS!  God's Word Is True!

We arrived at 9 AM for breakfast and afterwards we practiced our songs in preparation of the children that would be arriving.

We had about 11 show up at 10 AM and we got started with Elya welcoming them and explaining a little of what to do.  We had such a small group we decided not to break out into teams so we all stayed together.

Apparently the kids in the nearby towns were trying to catch up on their sleep before school starts because shortly after craft and right before the Bible lesson (around 10:45 AM) more kids had arrived.  We were very excited to see the kids actually participate but they jumped right in.  The boy in the orange shirt sitting in the back, Andre, was a little quiet in the beginning but he ended up being the loudest when a response was required. :)  After singing we began craft and decorated the hats; the kids are very talented.  They took pride in their work and loved wearing them.

In our Bible lesson we talked about Peter and how he was in jail but the angel of the Lord appeared and freed him.  At one point in the lesson, the children are told to hide when the "guards" were banging on the door and when the blankets were tossed on the children, one of the littler girls began to cry.  The other children thought it was fun.  When Peter arrived at the home where Rhoda was a servant, and knocked, she went and told the others but they did not believe it was him, they said "it can't be true." But it was true.  The children were taught today that "true is true, and it doesn't change just because people may not believe it".  We need to help people believe in Jesus.

After our Bible lesson, we played games inside because it had begun to rain.  The children learned a new game to play, 4 Corners.  They had a great time playing and so did the team.  We enjoyed a snack of cookies and apple juice and while the kids were eating, Amber set up the face painting table and just about every child had something painted on their face or arm...some even twice! :)  Please pray a special blessing over the rehabilitation center because they have been so gracious to allow us to use their facilities.  From eating in the dining room to using their shower.  Some of the men even joined us and were a great help with the children, as they too acted like kids. :)

After lunch, were weren't able to work at the orphanage because an inspector came and were could not be there until after he left.  Meredith and Stef left with Olga, Leo and Pastor Valari and went back to Novgorod to pick up Meredith's suitcases, get some supplies and pick up our visas and more playground equipment.  PRAISE REPORT:  We had no problems registering in Soltsi - God is so great!!  We had a good time visiting with Pastor Valari.  When we returned we were told that the team was able to do some work after the inspector left.

We haven't quite figured out all the bugs in the photo posting area, but we're working on it.

Thanks for your continued prayers; we are feeling them!  Its late so we'll post more later (sorry for any typo's ).

Spakoynie Nochi (good night),
The Soltsi Team