Report on LifeNets Vinohradiv Project 2014 by Michala Lockwood
May 26, 2014
I’m Michala and I’ll be leaving for Ukraine from Denver, Colorado on June 28th. I just graduated from high school and can’t imagine a better way to start my post-high school life than serving God’s children. Around Passover I felt like I needed to go do something, and the more I prayed about it the stronger that feeling was. When I got back to the US (I spent the beginning of the Holy Day season in the Caribbean) this opportunity opened up, so I jumped on it. I love working with kids because they’re so much fun and full of love. These kids need love, but I’m positive I’ll get way more out of it than they will. One of my goals, after talking to Mr. Eugene, is to teach the kids English songs with some simple signs; that’d be pretty fun. I was told I should bring craft string to make friendship bracelets/necklaces and English grammar books. Is there anything else I should bring? Thank you, Michala Lockwood |
July 24, 2014
This trip was the experience of a lifetime! In the past two weeks I have learned so much about faith, patience, compassion, looking at life from others’ point s of views, and humility.
My trip started June 28th when I flew from Colorado to Budapest, Hungary by myself. I was super nervous, but God blessed me with smooth travels and nice people to meet. I got to Budapest and met up with Oleh and Colin, and then we drove for five hours to Vinogradov, Ukraine. The first thing I remember after getting out of the van was one of the young boys at the house running and jumping into Colin’s arms. That was my introduction to how loving they are.
Everyday we had breakfast, play time, singing, English class, play time again, Bible study, lunch, a trip to the Tissa Rriver, and then dinner. It was so much fun! The kids at camp were so full of love and joy. Many of them are hurting and need attention, and it was so exciting that God brought us there to give the attention. One of my favorite experiences had to do with my problem child. This one kid would punch himself, didn’t understand the word “no,” was mean to other kids, would try to choke me, and even gave himself a black eye by head butting another kid. We all continued to work with him and one day he asked for help making a bracelet—the first constructive thing he had talked about—so I helped him, and his attitude changed 100%! He was happy and smiling! I’d compliment him in Ukrainian and he’d thank me in English; he was having so much fun he made 5’ of bracelet and then gave me a hug. It’s stories like this that make me sit back and realize how great my God is. The kid was hurt because he missed his dad (he had died a year before) and needed attention so God brought us there to give him attention and help. It was so great.
Leaving was incredibly hard, but I know the kids are special to God, and He will take care of them. I pray that I get the opportunity to return because it was so much fun, and I already miss everyone!
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