Christmas for the Kids

When we first arrived in Georgia, we made efforts to get involved with a ministry to street kids in Tbilisi. We were only able to go once before Wade went into the hospital and just got to return to help at the center a couple weeks ago. The center was started several years ago by one of Megan’s friends and other people from the Georgian Baptist church. The kids come to a small, rented apartment just one block off the main avenue in downtown Tbilisi. The center is open two afternoons each week and provides the kids with songs about God, Bible stories, lessons in Russian/Georgian, crafts/activities, and a nutritious meal. Most of the kids who come are Kurdish/Azeri and their parents force them to beg on the streets. Often times, the kids are reprimanded by their parents for going to the center instead of “working.” They do not attend school and the options for their future appear quite limited. However, every child who enters that center each week, greets every helper with a big smile, hug, and kiss. The love and respect that they express so openly is truly warm and heartfelt! Even when we have seen the kids out on the streets, they see us from afar and come to greet us with the same love they express at the center. It’s quite humbling to say the least!

Last week the leaders put together a special Christmas party for the kids. The center was decorated with a small Christmas tree, garland, and snowflakes. They sang several songs in both Georgian and Azeri, listened to the Christmas story, and played some games. And, of course, Tovlis Papa (Santa Clause) came bearing gifts for each child and sweet treats for all!

A photo slideshow by Smilebox

In the past, the leaders of this ministry had sufficient donations from a donor to cover the apartment rent, food, and other supplies. However, this donor has left Georgia and is no longer able to sustain the ministry. The leaders are continuing on in faith that God will provide for them. Currently, they have funds to pay the rent in January and February 2011. New donations are needed to cover the future costs. Please be praying for these kids and this outreach. This ministry could change (and already is changing) the kids’ future in a way no one could ever imagine!

Wade's Birthday Gift

Wade celebrated his birthday last week. Instead of buying something to sit around, we took a trip that we both could enjoy. Our friend Jack also celebrated his birthday last week, so he and his wife Diana joined us on our adventure to Sighnaghi. The small town is located in eastern Georgia in the region of Khakheti. The air was fresh and the views beautiful! We had a very relaxing and enjoyable trip! For more information about Sighnaghi, click here.

This photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

a little of this and that

Welcome to Thanksgiving folks!

We’ve had several happenings over the past few weeks. Just haven’t taken the time to tell you about them. Shortly, after our last post we celebrated Thanksgiving with several fellow Americans. Since this is an American holiday, it was just another typical day here in Tbilisi, but it was special for us. We gathered at one family’s home with about 25 people in attendance. We had many delightful traditional foods, including a Butterball turkey that an embassy family generously shared. Turkeys are hard to come by here and very expensive if you can find one. Individuals with special connections (like the US embassy) get them special ordered and shipped here for the holidays. It was quite kind of them to share! Our Thanksgiving celebration included time around the table and many games. We really enjoyed our holiday!

Megan preparing Thanksgiving mashed potatoes

The final four finishing an intense game of Phase 10

A few days later several colleagues arrived from other countries in our area. They were in transit to leadership meetings in Armenia, Georgia’s neighbor to the south. Just before their arrival, our area director realized an additional driver would be needed to transport everyone to Armenia so Wade was the obvious pick. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any extra room for Megan so she stayed with our friend Natia while Wade was gone for a few days. It was a good opportunity for Wade to get to know some of our colleagues in this part of the world. It also was his first time to Armenia. Megan got to join in and visit some old friends before everyone departed. We had a meal together at our favorite Thai restaurant in Tbilisi.

Wade on a short hike up the mountain in Armenia

More recently, we made our first trip west of Tbilisi to a town called Zestaponi. It is about a 2.5 hour drive and a good part of the trip is through the mountains. Our country coordinator, Bob, invited us to go along and visit the local Pentecostal church. Bob introduced us to the church and let Wade share a testimony. He shared briefly about his time in the hospital and the miracle God did in his life. Bob spoke about the call of God. Following the service, they served us delicious Georgian cuisine. We enjoyed the fellowship with these believers and hope we will get to return there in the future.

On the way to Zestaponi, we stopped to buy nazuki (sweet bread...it's the darker-colored bread). It is best when
purchased fresh and hot at these road-side stands in Khashuri.

Wade's mouth was watering as he waited to get to Khashuri!

Mmmmm...it was sooooo good!!!!

Lunch with Kote, Bob, and one of the pastors near Zestaponi