Feature Photo: We visited a special needs orphanage where 300+ are housed. Upon arrival I was presented with a craft project that some of the children prepared for me.
This orphanage is located about 2.5 hours from Ivano-Frankivsk. It is housed on the former property of a Polish Count. The property was seized by the Bolsheviks and then went through a series of uses and was finally turned into an orphanage. It looks majestic but it is still operating with most of the structure of the early 1900s.
This is the permanent home for 300+ special needs children (although we were told that 5 of the children have been adopted by Americans!). About half of the residents are unable to get out of bed. The ages of these children are from 4-years to 46-years. After the residents turn 47, they are moved to another facility.
The most impressive factor about this visit was the instant welcome we received. As soon as Gif turned the Church bus into the parking lot, the children outside looked, pointed, smiled, waved and began making their way to greet us. This shows the children are loved!
A simple touch, a direct look into the eyes, and a smile do so much to communicate the basic needs of affection and security these children seek.
The Director is a good man (he is retired as a comptroller in a large regional administration and says he has taken this position as his “ministry” to the children). His staff reflects a devoted care and concern for the children. There was a staff and volunteer group walking outside children in strollers on this bright sunny day and as they passed us all who could speak welcomed us.
The Director says that there are several volunteer groups regularly coming and the children are attached to them. One group was able to raise enough money to install an elevator so those unable to walk the stairs are able to access the upstairs.
As the Director gave us a tour of the facility, we came to the room of a young man who loves cars. His love of cars has become widely known and he has the walls of his room filled with cars sent to him. He cannot speak but he is able to communicate with a typing device (his photo is below).
As we left, two of the young men wanted to ride in the Church Bus. One of the staff told us that they usually get in and ride to the security gate. John and I welcomed them and the young man in the pink shirt clapped his hands in pure delight when the van moved.
This was one of those “happy visits” and all enjoyed seeing the facility. They are to get a list of needs and we will see if there is anything that we can do to help.
Our request is the same as Paul’s in Colossians 4:3, “praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.”
John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
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