Day 15 marked our last full day in Ukraine. It's a bittersweet day because we can't imagine saying good bye to the kids but we were also looking forward to the Talent night that will be coming up in the evening. We started the morning in the town center...As we passed by a giant map of the region on a wall Vasya gave us a overview of some of the places the children came from as well as various highlights of the region...
At the center of the square there was a large selection of children electric cars for rent...
Beside the square there was a bridge that span over the river that runs through the town...
As we tour the bridge we notice all these locks on the rails. Turns out couples in love would put that names on the lock, chain it to the rail and throw the keys into the river...
This specific lock was made by all the boys at the church in appreciation for the girls at the church. Quite sweet in deed!
As we passed by the Adidas store we bought HOM a EURO 2012 football, we know how much all of them loved football!!
We stopped off to enjoy a cup of cappuccino....
And take in a bit of the daily lives in this city...
In the afternoon we did a quick practice for the our Talent night presentation...
And spend as much time as we can with the kids!!
We started off the Talent night with some songs!
And off we go!!! We had singing presentations...
Sample of Oksana's hair braiding!!
Lillian played a piece by Yanni...
Vasyas' mom presented us with 2 amazing cakes! 2 country, 1 heart!!
Our team ate the Ukrainian cake that night, we left the Canadian one for them to eat!
Skits! Guess which Bible story this is...
Acrobatic!
... They still remember the recorder lesson taught by previous team!!!
And arts! Josef presented each of us with one!!
And then it was our team's turn...
Yes it is the Cupid shuffle :)
After our presentation we announced the People's choice for the bookmaking class and then we gave gifts to the staff and the children of HOM! Yup these are the gifts many of you have helped made during fellowship!!
After dinner all the kids went off with their gifts!! Some gave them away to younger kids because they wanted to "Give Happily to God" (one of the lesson taught in week 1's VBS camp!!!!)
Grace helping Vasya build one of the toys...
Timothy with a giant balloon!!
As the sun began to set we took more photos with the kids as some will have to go home soon...
... things go flying on to the roof...
Photos with Andrew and Mark!!
But before the night ended they made a nice camp fire for some songs and game!!!
It was a great worship time!!
And then we played this tunnel game, going around and around the campfire!!
Then the night ended. We hugged each of the children saying our good byes 'cause we weren't sure if we will see them in the morning. We were leaving the next day at 9:30AM and it was hard to say Good bye...
Throughout the past 2 weeks in Ukraine we witness how God has not only provided in terms of conditions and weathers but He was constantly at work in the lives of the Ukrainian. Through HOM, Norwegians, Americans, Canadians, and many more God was using every willing workers to fulfil His purpose in this country. His love, grace, and mercy can and do break through social, economical, and racial barriers. It's a huge reminder for myself that sometimes it's not about putting ourselves in the most favourable conditions in order to grow. On contrary a lot of times it is through challenging conditions that we find the all powerful God at work.