If you are anything like me, you are looking at the calendar and trying to figure out how it’s already mid-August and shocked at how summer has flown by. Our summer has consisted of trips, family outings, soaking up the sun, swimming, playing lots of volleyball and most recently, orphan hosting. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting Andriyko, our 9 year old Ukrainian smarty-pants for two weeks now. I was extremely stressed out the week prior to Andriy’s arrival as there had been several changes to flights, delayed visas and unexpected costs that we were not prepared for. Like most women, I don't do well with unexpected changes. Andriy arrived several days late, exhausted, hungry and terrified, but we were grateful he arrived safely. It’s been a busy time for us in the Kravchuk household, with lots of laughing and some crying (mostly on my part, as I wasn’t prepared for how much sympathy I’d feel towards this little guy). Here are a few of the most memorable Andriy moments thus far:
- Andriy would not take a shower the first night he arrived (mostly nerves) and explained that he could only shower if it was Wednesday. (They shower once a week at his orphanage).
- The first morning we woke up, Andriy was sitting on the edge of the bed with his clothes folded and his bed perfectly made. He is very helpful and tries to help around the house any chance he gets.
- Andriy’s amazement the first time he saw sliding doors at Target. He said “Is this Abra kadabra?”
- When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said “Dvornikom” which is janitor in Russian, because his favorite activity is washing the floor. We quietly chuckled.
- Andriy takes pictures of everything (every toy, kitchen cabinet, painting, etc.) so he can show his friends at the orphanage. He recently asked for our photo album and proceeded taking pictures of every photo in it.
- Andriy has a bit of a cursing problem. He is improving quite a bit, but it’s still a work in progress. At one point we were waiting at the DMV and he yelled some Russian profanities when his patience ran out (I couldn’t blame him), most adults can’t even handle the DMV.
- Andriy lined up his few toys and called us into his room and very proudly said, “Look at my wealth.”
- After attending church this Sunday, Andriy said, “Wow, I am very popular! Everyone in America knows my name, and one person even said they have been praying for me. Actually, I think the entire galaxy knows who I am.”
- Every night before bed, we tell Andriy a Bible story, memorize a new verse and pray for him and his vision specifically (we found out he has some major vision problems and is considered legally blind). One evening we prayed earlier than usual and when we were tucking him in, he said we had forgotten to pray. We weren’t going to discourage another prayer, so we all got down on our knees and Andriy said he wanted to thank God for healing his eyes and giving him better vision. Now Andriy told us he had never heard about God or Jesus before his visit, so the fact that he was grasping this concept was beautiful.
The last two weeks have been both challenging and rewarding, but most of all, have been life-changing. Over the last few days, several people have mentioned how great it is that we are changing this little boy’s life and making such an impact, but I can honestly say he is changing our lives more than he’ll ever know! If you have never considered orphan hosting, please do, it’ll change your life! It may seem overwhelming, but I would be more than happy to walk you through the steps and help you through the paperwork. If you have interest in participating in this ministry, but don’t have the finances, believe me if God guides, he provides! We’ve seen this in our lives over and over again.
Please say a prayer for Andriy, so he will enjoy his last few weeks in the US and so he may grasp God's unconditional love.
