God is good!!!
After our typical breakfast that may remind people of lunch or even dinner, we headed back to Mel's house to help the house parents and boys prepare for the dedication. What an amazing factory at work. Our house parents, Andrei and Alyona, and all the boys were working feverishly preparing lunch, setting up seats, and making general preperations for the dedication. We did our best to help but probably worked hardest on trying to stay out of their way. As we neared 11:00 am the guest arrived including many of the ministers from the local area and the regional bishop. It was amazing to see 55 people crammed into that small house. But throughout, there was a calming spirit even before the ceremony started.
The ceremony got started with Andrei welcoming everyone and introducing each speaker as they blessed the house, the parents, and the boys. Alex gave an inspiring talk and Nancy told of the story of how this all got started and of the people around the globe that helped to make it happen. She also included a touching story about the house's namesake, Mel. I wish Mel could have been there. I can see his tears streaming from his eyes as he saw the blessings that he helped bestow on this wonderful home. Mel, Thank you for the blessing of God's work through you. You can be extremely proud of your home and the boys that live there.
The dedication closed with a blessing and laying on of hands on Andrei and Alyona. The bishop's prayer was powerful with God's words flowing through him. My own words cannot describe the feeling everyone had as God's spirit filled the room. Many of us were in tears just from God's presence in that tiny room full of people. I will remember it for the rest of my days here on earth. Thank you Lord!
Following the dedication we helped set up tables and chairs in every corner of the house and enjoyed an amazing meal prepared primarily by our 22 year old house mother Alyona. She is truly an incredible young lady. We fellowshipped for over an hour and then all helped clean up as the guest began to leave (Thanks to Beverly and the girls for helping with the dish washing!).
At around 2:30 pm we had to say our goodbyes to this wonderful family. With big hungs all around, we headed back to the hotel. Unfortunately, later that afternoon we found out that the orphanage director did not want us to come as she stated they we too busy preparing for tests. This was sad news but we will trust in God's will.
We're getting close to the end of our journey and will start heading toward the train station at 1:30 pm tomorrw afternoon so I'm not sure how many more updates we'll have.
Thank you all for you blog comments, thoughts and prayers. We can't wait to share all the details when we gt home.
Here's a few pictures:
Front row: Alex (far left), Nancy (far right) with house parents. Back rows: Boys at Joshua's House in Kherson.
Andrei & Alyona, house parent for Mel's House in Berdyansk, standing in their newly renovated parents quarters.
Our Mel's House family!!
Joshua's House, Kherson
Mel's House!
Sounds like the dedication was very moving. Thanks for the update & the pictures!
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