On June 24 our team said our goodbyes to the Orphanage Two children. I am so thankful we were able to spend a second week with them. These children have been one of the biggest blessings in my life.

Vika is one of the spunkiest children we have met. This 8-year-old is brilliant, so full of joy and life and is able to stand up for herself. But when we first arrived to the camp that morning, Vika was beside the bushes crying.

This was not normal for her; we could always count on her being one of the first to greet us with her bright, dimpled smile and her fist held up anxiously waiting for me to “pound it.” This morning was different.

When we asked her what was wrong, she said she was upset because her parents couldn’t come the next day to celebrate her birthday with her. We couldn’t even imagine how terrible that feels. She quickly cheered up once we all gave her our birthday cards. It was great to see that bright smile again. Our team prays that one day she will be able to celebrate with her parents.

Another little girl named Nadia came to us and wanted us to help her write a letter to her mother. We didn’t know what to do. After a few minutes of debating, we sat down and she told us what to write. She wrote that she loved her mother very much, missed her and was ready to come home. We almost started crying as we wrote down her precious words. Nadia has forever changed our definition of homesickness.

After these two experiences (and many others throughout the past three weeks), a huge part of me wanted to take all my anger and frustration out on their parents, but honestly I’m not sure if this is completely their fault.

It is so hard to make money here. A teacher’s yearly salary in Russia is $4,500. These children’s parents could very well have a college education and a job, but it’s almost impossible to support a family in this country if you don’t come from a wealthy background.

We know a majority of these orphans come from terrible situations, but in some cases parents have no other choice. They know the orphanage can offer a better life than what they could provide. Our hearts absolutely break for the country of Russia. Nevertheless, God’s light will shine when all else fades.

Sarah Anne Edwards was a Session One Project Go volunteer in Russia.

To keep up with what our long- and short-term volunteers are doing with Buckner around the world, check out our missions blog.

Prayers of the Week:
-God, be with the children of Orphanage Two in Russia who are lonely, sad or afraid, especially Vika and Nadia, whose hearts long for the love of their parents.
 -God, continue to watch over the Buckner missions volunteers and missions teams as they travel. Keep them healthy and safe, and help them bring glory to your name.