Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Blessed Are The Children








"I am filled with charity, which is everlasing love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me;
wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and
partakers of salvation." Moroni 8:17
Matthew 18:4-5 "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little
child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso receive one
such little child in my name receiveth me."


After youth conference we were faced with the dilema as to how we would transport all of our quilts, kits, and shirts to the orphanages so far from Yekaterinburg. Christine and Gary Baker and their driver Aleksai came to our rescue and stuffed everything into their car. Then we waited for the orphanages to announce the dates and times for the graduation parties. Christine asked if she could take some of the quilts and kits to an orphanage that we had not originally planned on, but had great need. We had blankets and kits for all the children in the Nizhnaya Salda and Verkhnaya Salda so I gave her the green light. It was wonderful to think that we had enough, and to spare for blessing other children. Then, the last week in August I received an email from Christine Baker telling me that our two orphanages had planned their "Graduation Parties" and we were invited to take our gifts and distribute them. Our mission driver was not available, and we live about 2 1/2 hours from one of the homes and another 1 1/2 hour from there to the next one. It is a long way! However, we really, really wanted to be there to see the children, so we made our plans, and one of our YSA's agreed to drive. The night before we were to leave, our driver backed out -- he felt it was really too far, so we had to cancel the day. We felt bad, but we're grateful the Baker's carried our love with them and shared it so generously with these wonderful young people. As Gary and Christine gave the youth their gifts Christine told them the hygiene kits would help to keep them clean on the outside, but they must make good choices to help them feel and stay clean on the inside, giving them a few examples. She continued to tell them that the sewing kit should remind them that everyone makes mistakes, but it is important to correct our mistakes. When we do this it is like mending, and everything is good as new again. The blankets, she said, represent all the good people who have helped them along the way to feel safe and comforted. They should be careful to choose friends wisely and to look for reliable people to be their support system as they go on through life. Christine and Gary showed the youth the cards that we had attached to each quilt and told them each was a gift made with love.












































The first party Christine and Gary attended, the staff did not allow the children to choose their own shirts, but made the choices for them. Christine said they were happy with the gifts, but there was a world of difference between the first and second orphanage. The caretakers in the second orphanage let the children choose -- the pictures show the fun they had, and how carefully they made their choices. Seldom do they have the opportunity to choose a new shirt of their own liking. The children take their time to select just the right one for them.











Let's see, I think I like this one -- so many choices! What fun!




















Great choices! The children were so pleased, they quickly ran off to try on their new apparel. This is Stephen -- I would like to tell you a story about one of our quilts and how it made it's way into his hands and warmed his heart. The Lord is aware of his children and I believe he is especially mindful of the innocent, helpless ones. Elena is a caregiver who loves children -- she monitors their care in different orphanages and is a good friend of Christine. Late one night she was on her way back to Nizhni Tagil from a distant city where she was visiting with an old friend. As she started to leave a young man jumped in front of her car. At first she was startled, but then she recognized the youth as one of the orphans from an orphanage that housed children with disabilities that she had visited in the past. She rolled down her window and asked him what he was doing out that time of night, alone and so far away. He told her he was starting in a trade school in Nizhni Tagil but had traveled to this city to visit his sister's sick baby who was in the hospital. She offered him a ride back to Nizhni Tagil and once he was in the car his backpack fell open revealing the only thing he had was a few kopecks (much less than a penny). Because he had not eaten she offered him fresh bread and he quickly gobbled it up. She asked him what he would have done if no one had stopped for him and he said he would have walked the 18 miles back. He told her he had been praying all day for his little nephew and had asked the Lord not to take the baby, if possible, but to take him instead. Elena's tender heart worried about what might have happened to him had she not stopped. The next day Christine, her daughter Jill and Elena went to visit Stephen in his dorm and took him one of our quilts (the one with race cars -- very bright and colorful, a hygiene kit, some convenience foods, and some plates and cultlery). He was overwhelmed with gratitude. He examined every single thing in every bag, hugged everyone, and sang "America The Beautiful" to them, which he had memorized in English when he was at school. Stephen is only about 5 feet 2 inches and looks like he is about 14 years old --and probably has the mentality of a 12 year old, however, he really is about 17 years old. Stephen hugged each item to his heart, held them there, smiled and thanked Elena and Christine, saying over and over how much he loved everything. He was truly grateful.

Addendum: Recently we held a Relief Society Enrichment activity where we met and started a new project knitting/crocheting winter items for the orphans. We were busy learning, chatting, laughing and enjoying one another's company. Such a good day! Everyone took home their items with the promise to finish their work and return with finished gifts.





































Sister Kopylov and Sister Vera proudly display the wonderful items they finished -- colorful socks, mittens, hats, and scarves. A labor of love that unites all -- the giver and the receiver. Maybe we will have another opportunity to take that love to the children of Nizhni Tagil.

2 comments:

MerileeAshton said...

Thank you for your blog posts! I just love reading about what you do there. It is so amazing to me how many children are in need and live in orphanages there! They are so blessed to have you and your talents. Have a wonderful day and know that we miss and love you and pray for your welfare.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing with us your mission. Everyone looks so pleased, Both the ones doing and the ones receiving. What an opportunity to see the true meaning of giving. You and those in your mission are in my prayers.