When I made the decision to come on this trip I knew it would be a wonderful experience. But I never could have imaged it would be this great. My church sponsors an orphanage in Sanchursk and I have traveled there 3 times. I had a chance to see several of the children who were moved to Slobodskoy. And I have known them since 2008 and have very close relationships with them all. It was the Lords plan for me to be here on this trip with this wonderful group.
The past few days have been so full of love and laughter. I was prepared for the new friendships I would make but I was not prepared for the blessings I would experience. The children here are so optimistic about their futures. I think the time we spent with our family groups was the most amazing thing I have experience. I enjoyed talking with the kids about their dreams and hopes. I loved answering the questions they asked about what I was like at their age and what I enjoy in my life. I was glad that I could set a good example for the kids; we all have our moments as teenagers. And I talked about those times and how if you learn from your mistakes you will be a stronger adult. I have been so very impressed with the team of teachers, caretakers and the staff. They truly love and cherish these precious children.
There are so many special moments it’s hard to stop and think of just one. But this certain moment pops in to my minds when we were having a meal with a visitor named Dima. He travels around to orphanages in this region, and as Galina says my name he opens his note book and flips a few pages and I see mine and my husband’s name in Russian. Then he tells me that one of my kids at an orphanage that is not in the CHC program has made contact with him and asked him to pass on a message for us. At that very moment I knew that the Lord was here with me. I will continue to learn from this team even though we have been visiting our kids a few more years, they have done so much in such a short amount of time. I know that I have a lot to learn from them. I know why the Lord put it on my heart to come on this trip. And there is no turning back now I will forever have these people and these children in my heart. I do hope that I can continue to travel with this team and knowledge of this fantastic country and these beautiful children. As the trip comes to an end I am fully aware of the tears that will come tomorrow, but I pray the Lord with give me the strength to hold it in until we are on our way out of town. Thank you Father for all you do and the hope you bring to these children.
Mission 1:27 
Wow. It is amazing how small the world really is. That a child can give a message to someone that visits once a year and that person is visiting Slobodskoy orphanage the week you are there. That is seeing God’s work up close. Thank you so much for going with the group. I know they are enjoying you as much as you are enjoying being with them!
This reminds me of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples and all future believers the night of his arrest (John 17: 20-26), describing the amazing enfolding of God’s love in and through us, effective way beyond our understanding:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Blessings and safe travels home,
Kathy
Marri Helen:
Yes, no doubt!!! God had planned for you to be there to help our Sanchursk kids make the transition to their new home. Also, He wanted you to know that He knew what He was doing and that it was part of His plan. This has been a great lesson. Thanks for answering His call.
Love and Blessings,
Ernie
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful message. God is truly touching the hearts and lives of those children through you and the team. Oh for the joy of refreshment! I praise God for blessing your journey. Thanks be to Our Father for His assurances that you “about Your Father’s business!”
Marri Helen and the Mission 127 team – thank you for following God’s leading on your lives and making a difference in so many ways.
With love,
Sarah (and boys)