Haircut day!

The first thing we did today when we arrived at the orphanage, was to Skype home so Vova and our other kids could see each other and say hi. It was really pretty cute to see them try to interact with each other. Of course, they couldn't say too much, but I was proud that the kids in America said 3 or 4 things in Russian to Vova! Then, some of Vova's buddies began to crowd around the computer to see what was going on, and Vova told them that those were his brother and sisters. Pretty cool.

As we were playing on Skype, one of the boys was getting a hair cut. Well, it wasn't really a hair cut, it was more like a really close buzz cut. When they were done with him, the next boy was called, and he got the exact same cut. And down the line they went...each boy came when his name was called, and quietly sat as his hair was buzzed away. The funny thing was that all the boys circled around whoever was up, and just watched each other go through this. It was great entertainment for them for over an hour!

I kept looking at Vova, wondering if they would let him skip his buzz cut this month since he was just days away from going to court to be adopted. But, finally, at the very end, they called his name. I was a little bummed because his hair was about an inch long! I wanted to tell the lady to just trim it a little over the ears, and leave it at that, but she didn't seem to care what I thought. Actually, that's not true, she DID ask me which size clippers I would like for her to use on Vova. I tried to tell her to use whatever would keep his hair the longest, but she didn't understand me, so I pointed to a boy with his hair buzzed about 1/2" long. But Vova thought I was pointing at a boy who was practically bald! His eyes got big, and he began to say, "No, no, no!!" Once I realized why he was saying no, we all started laughing. Silly boy. So, he got his hair buzzed just like everyone else. When he was done, someone said something to him which embarrassed him, so he ran off to the bathroom to look at himself. When he came out, I told him he looked handsome; which he did.

Going to the orphanage every day has become such a set part of our routine now; it's going to be odd when we stop going. Those children have made such an impression on my heart and life, I will never forget them. Not only that, but I will have to get on my knees to ask God what He would have me do to help them. How can I be an advocate for them? How can I help others realize just how wonderful these children are? And most importantly for me, I wonder when I will be able to come back again. Amanda Devore told me of three different Ukrainian orphan mission trips coming up in 2011. You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be a part of one of those! Anyone want to join me? You will be blessed beyond measure, and will be experiencing the heart of God as you help minister to and take care of these orphans. Come with me...I dare you! :)