Mission Memories - 2/25
“Journey Of The Heart”
Memories of Our Trip
January 3-11, 2009
By Dianne Powell
(In the coming weeks, each member of the 2009 Russian Ministry Team will write about some of their experiences. They will also share photos of the time shared with our Russian children. This is the first one.)
From time to time, I am asked “why” I would go to Russia six times AND even think of going, again.
The photos below are of one of the two boys Ken and I sponsor in Russia. His name is Denis Lulin and he is 17. He lives in our sponsored orphanage and, like so many of the others, was abandoned by his parents. He got lucky, however. Father Andrey found him and took him to live with the other boys in Kovoylova where he has learned about God, family and friends.
The first photo is the first time I met him. For us – it was love at first sight. The disciplers tease that when we talk with each other, it’s almost as though they weren’t there. In other words, we never take our eyes off each other. We never seemed to be able to send “enough” letters back and forth. He knew when anything happened with our family – Ken’s new job, new grandchildren, travels and more. He even knew when I got sick because I didn’t write as much.
Denis finally got to meet Ken and our circle of love got bigger. It now includes all of our children, grandchildren and yes, even our “puppies.” He will graduate this spring and we would love to be there for him. Unfortunately, that can’t happen. We are talking about the possibility of bringing him to the U.S. for a couple of weeks this summer before he starts his Military school which will be in Southern Russia. (He was accepted on a scholarship and we are very proud of him.) We are making arrangements to keep on writing to each other and we both know that God will help us to make that happen.
This relationship and experience has been a blessing. We love Denis and he loves us. There is no doubt. (Thank you Susan for taking the photo of the two of us on Christmas Morning).
And, we’re not alone. I know Shawn and Cathy can share a similar story with their boy, Artem. Mark Dunham with Leva. Martha Williams with Oksana. Ann Kelsey with Sasha. The list goes on and on.
Thank you CHC, Anna, Garber, Mary, Anne (who started it all), family, friends, all the team members that I have traveled with and, most of all, God.
Just wanted you all to know how grateful we are AND to share photos of how this young man has grown!
Love and blessings.
Dianne
