Kiev STM Trip Day 10 - Pictures

It is hard to believe the time has come for us to leave! We have loved our work since Day 1 and, if we didn't miss our families so much (we have already forgotten our real jobs), we might be tempted to stay on longer. 

It was a very busy day for all of us. The tireless Dental Team of Tammy Davenport, Dr. Rob Cisneros, and Leslie Huey left early for the clinic. Today they were visited by parishioners of Reverend Philip Barnett's church, the pastor who is hosting Rob, Tammy and Erik. It was through him that arrangements were made to rent the dental clinic and make all this work possible. The team saw over 20 patients today. Leslie set everyone to laughter when the translator's brought in a young boy and she responded, "I've already seen that one!" As it turns out, he happened to be a twin! Leana, her tireless translator, has been thoroughly trained and worked her way into the hall to give flossing lessons and even tried her hand at the polishing tool! 

The Medical Team of Dr. Erik Davenport, Sally Marsh, and Sally Edwards spent the morning working at Open Heart Shelter, but returned home to have a quick lunch and then join the Children's Ministry Team on their last trek to Hydro Park. And it was a good thing that they did! We had nearly twenty-five children with various complaints that their translator, Olya, described for them. While Dr. D and the Sallies treated open wounds, back pain, sore throats, bronchitis, you name it...the team went to work with the growing group of children. Susan Kammerer, Allison Lees Clark, and Anne Fish measured twine and beads for bracelets and necklaces while Sally Lawler, with the help of our faithful translator, Svyeta, described the significance of each color bead. The wordless bracelet consists of gold (heaven), black (sin), red (blood), white (purity), and green (everlasting life). Each child made at least one bracelet or necklace and we felt good that they would have this keepsake of God's promise to them to remind them of this last visit. We had a few new children today, including two young boys whose grandmother brought them because they had insisted they come having heard from their friends that they should meet the American team. While we were working and playing with the children, she patiently watched from afar. We were so touched when she delivered a beautiful poem to us describing the love and guidance the children were receiving from these visitors from afar.  

It was difficult to say good-bye to our new friends. The bonds of the past ten days would be difficult to break and lasting memories have been formed for all. We feel we have had the privilege to live Matthew 18:5: "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." 

The Team