1 John 3:18: "Let us love with sincere action in truth, and not with words or empty speech."
We wanted to send along a short update on Ukraine photos we recently received. The first pictures show the 5 children presently living in Brenna's Home with the house mother, Vala.
Vala writes that they are getting ready to go back to school. Yulia and Pavlina have "graduated from kindergarten" and will now be going to regular school. Ivan and Lilia will be starting at the regular school after being tutored for the past few months.
Yulia has lost two teeth (notice, she is not smiling with her mouth open!) Here is a photo of Pavlina, the youngest of all (7 years old). She has adjusted well. Vala writes, "Pavlina is learning how to read and is learning how to speak simple words in English."
The five children are photographed here with the other house mother, Oxsana. They are enjoying the rest of the nice summer weather.
Once a year in Ukraine, they hold a Baptism Ceremony. This is a big, day long event. Baptism occurs at a lake out in the country and includes a church service with communion, music and lots of flowers. Those being baptized prepare for several months ahead of time for this very special ceremony. Afterwards they celebrate with a meal and fellowship.
