Hello Friends,
The name of my blog is The River..
Life is like a river. There are twists and turns, quiet spots and rapids, deep pools and shallow flats.
It seems our world is going down a waterfall for the last two years and continues to be tumbling down.
It is difficult to understand.
I caught myself getting wrapped up in the current events of the past week. I can find it hard to find a balance, I want to be informed but not have it take my joy.
I have to..
Keep Calm
and
Carry On.
And so that brings me to 2006.
I spent two weeks working at an orphanage in Kiev, Ukraine.
The trip changed me, it helped me grow and learn about life outside the United States.
I will share some photos of my time at the orphanage in the year of 2006.
As I read the news today, I think about those children below, who are now grown men and women. Who I was blessed to share some love with long ago in 2006.
Me.. painting the girls nails.
From America, we brought, candy, lots of candy, make up, nail polish, art supplies, lots of art supplies, glow sticks, face paint, t-shirts, socks, play-dough, balloons, chalk and so much more.
We enjoyed a big party at the end our two week stay. That is me below, painting faces.. the top request.. the Ukrainian flag.
This little girl was new to the orphanage when we arrived.
The courtyard, where we played soccer "football" and did chalk art.
It amazed me, we may not be able to speak the language.. smiles and hugs make all the difference.
I just loved seeing them smile.
Ukraine will always be dear to me.
♥ ♥
Oh my word, Carla! Sixteen years ago ... I can only try to imagine what these children, all adults now, are going through. God bless them and wow, thanks for sharing those pictures. Just precious. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared this with us. Most of us don't have first hand knowledge of this country and the citizens. But I always say extra prayers for the children. I'm so proud of you my friend!
ReplyDeleteSmiles and hugs make all the difference for sure. This probably is tearing at your heart right now. Just think these boys and girls are grown now and having to face what is happening. Prayers for Ukraine. Let's pray peace will prevail. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful experiences you gained during that trip Carla and I'm sure it does make the current situation more difficult for you than those of us who have no direct contact with Ukraine. But it is still hard to see and hear what is happening there now. I hope that the situation can be calmed quickly.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing time in your life. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with us at this time Carla. I certainly can understand how all that is going on in Ukraine is impacting on you.
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity of working with our church to group to sponsor a refugee family from Kosovo in 1999.There were 5000 refugees who came to Canada at that time. They spoke Albanian and somehow we understood each other by body language and gesture. I was their chauffeur and took the shopping, to appointments, etc and we became friends. They were very warm people. Their house had been blowned up before their eyes, all their possessions, jewelry, their car was taken away. They escaped with the cloths on their backs. These people were traumatized and had family still living in Kosovo. My heart aches for the people of Ukraine, especially for the refugees who have to escape in winter. This is so sad. I'm glad that you had this experience with these orphans. I only hope that there will be an end to this war before it escalade any further.
God bless. Hugs,
Julia
Re: Your comment on my blog today. No, I can't watch him either. For so many reasons.
ReplyDeleteI found your words... Verifying. So many say he is not fully 'right.' It is so much better, to hear someone with training and experience, saying the facts.
To say we in Our Country, and the whole world, are in deep danger, is to put it mildly.
I am glad I am old...
How we all will get through the rest of his term, is........
Again, thank you for your knowledgeable words, on his condition.
How could people have elected him???? Just because they "did not like" the other Candidate??????????? How? How? How?
💛
Awww, how special. Yes, it's understandable that Ukraine would have a special place in your heart after your time of service. Praying for peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these photos and experiences. My heart is breaking for Ukraine!
ReplyDeleteOnce in a lifetime experience. Prayers for Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteI hope you read my post today..... And I think you will enjoy the article to which my pics are linked.
ReplyDeleteThank you soooo much for your comment yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful to have a knowledgeable opinion of how our *leader* IS. Very scary, but good to know we are correct.
To see why I have Sunflowers as my Sig. Line,
please read my 3/1/22 post.
🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻
I do feel you pain. These last two years and now everything else that is going on has been hard on us. ((Hugs)) How wonderful that you got to spend time in the orphanage and what an amazing experience for you. My prayers go out to the Ukraine. It is so sad what is happening.
ReplyDeleteOh it makes me teary just thinking about it. We were out with friends this weekend and our server was young and friendly and a student at the nearby college. When we asked where she was from she got all choked up and said she could hardly say the word without crying-Ukraine. The world is big but oh so small. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes Carla. I saw lots of famous landmarks in many countries proudly lit in the Ukrainian colors and was so hoping that the US would do the same with either the Statue of Liberty or Empire Sate Building. So heartbreaking what is happening and pray this comes to an end soon. So glad you were able to bring a smile to those children at the time and lets hope they will be safe now too. Janice
ReplyDeleteOh Carla, what an experience that must have been. Those children look so happy to be with you. You brought them a lot of joy. So glad you shared these pictures and your story. You are cute as can be too.
ReplyDeleteCarla, this is wonderful that you worked in an orphanage. I didn't know that. How special that you shared moments with all the children doing thoughtful things. And I got to see You painting nails and painting faces! So good of you to bring candy, art supplies, clothes, and so much more when you visited. Thank you for sharing this post. It was interesting and I enjoyed it very much.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thank you so much for sharing this, a very special post.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
All the best Jan
Mind blowing post
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story Carla. I can see the joy you brought the children, and them to you.
ReplyDeleteTrying to stay away from current events myself tonight as I am just exhausted and need a mental break.