Help Us Warm Hands, Feet, and Hearts this Orthodox Christmas

11
Dec
I wanted to take time to share with you a great need. I know there is need everywhere and this time of year is hard due to all the holiday buying…

Monday we were at the orphanage and one of Griffan’s friends came in to be with us. When he came in he was instructed by the assistant director to take off his shoes. He did and was wearing NO socks. He quickly apologized to us that he didn’t have socks. We asked if he had forgotten them (telling him it was too cold); he replied that he didn’t have any. Lena had on two pairs of socks so she gave him hers, which he gladly accepted.

One day when I came to the orphanage, I noticed how cold Griffan’s hands were and asked if he had gloves or mittens. He said no and then told me that his feet were colder than his hands; he did have socks but they were very thin. Many of the children do not have hats, gloves or socks here; their clothes are ripped; and their shoes are falling apart.

There is a group of 6 children visiting December 28 through January 11; it is my hope to fill 6 large suitcases to capacity with socks, gloves, and thermal underwear to send back with the them for all the children in the orphanage (ages 5-18, the majority are older). Perhaps you can talk to your small group, church, family, or anyone to help.

In Ukraine, they celebrate the Orthodox Christmas (on or near January 7th). This year, we will be celebrating with them at a bilingual service at Walnut Grove Chapel, located at 91st and Allisonville Road, on January 10th at 2pm. What a wonderful Christmas present to give these children, returning to the orphanage the next day! Please, join us for that service or drop donations at the MLJ Adoptions office by Wednesday, January 6th.

Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.