Day 3

Another exhilarating, exhausting, and rewarding day has come to an end at Hope Center. It is so encouraging to see some of the previously withdrawn kids warming up, making new friends and participating in group activities. These kids are so precious and their smiles and hugs melt our hearts.Some of today's activities included a creative Bible lesson on joy, a time of recreation and swimming in the brisk water of the Black Sea, and a great game of Biffer, which is too complicated to explain fully, but just imagine kids being chased by guys with painted faces who hit them with socks filled with flour. It's not as violent as it sounds and it's one of the kids favorite games. All participants were totally exhausted at the end of the game and the kids will likely sleep well tonight.
It is such a blessing to be here and share in the lives of these kids. This is the first time some of them have had warm showers and a bed to sleep on. But, more importantly, it is the first time that they have heard about the love of Jesus and have seen it fleshed out through the lives of the people working with them here at Hope Center.