Does it really count as a surprise when you know something is going to happen?  It just wouldn't be a complete visit if there weren't unexpected changes that come out of nowhere.

The leader of the team from Mt Carmel sent me an e-mail from the hospital earlier this week.  (I bet you can see where this is going.)  Alan will have surgery next week- the week he and the team were to be here with me.  They are re-scheduling for next spring.

Since I would have to change three different tickets to get home earlier, I'm just going to hang around here.  Actually, I am enjoying spending full days with the national staff.  I get to watch what really happens, not just what they do when I pop in for a couple of hours.  This is an amazing, dedicated group.  They love Jesus, they love these kids and they share Him with everyone who comes through the door.  Lives are being changed.

I'll try to get some more photos on Facebook this weekend.  That is the easiest way for me to upload.

Don't grow weary.
Charles

The boy on the left just got about 40 years added to his life expectancy.  Maxim was living with a homeless group in downtown Simferopol.  He had run away from his home and from his abusive step-father.  Denis convinced him to come to Pilgrim for food.  He also got a second chance at life.  The staff contacted his mother and made arrangements for Maxim to return home and live with his grandmother.  Plus, he got an up-close, personal look at God's love in action.

Lira, on the right, also went back to her home this week.  She and her cousin, Kostya, had run away from an orphanage.  Lira's mother placed her there because she couldn't care for her.  Kostya was placed there by the police.  Both went home this week.  They will probably be returned to the orphanage.  If they run away again, they know where to find us.