Ukrainians live close to the earth. Even in the cities, those fresh fruits and vegetables being sold on the street don't travel very far. The family farm is still a way of life for many here, and we have had the honor of getting to know some real Ukrainian farmers. The Puzanovs don't actually own this farm, it belongs to the Baptist Church and exists to provide for children at the Church's private orphanage.
Apple and peach orchard
Pork is a staple of Ukrainian cooking....
But it's the strawberries that give Valeriy the biggest smile.
Not bad for a lousy growing season!
This bad boy didn't take kindly to Christian playing chase with him, as my little man has been doing with the pigeons in the park....
So, Christian learned a hard lesson (a few pecks on the leg) and our friend Slava presented him with some hard-earned feathers from his attacker!
Ludmilla and Valeriy Puzanov labor 6-7 days a week to feed the orphans. The work they have performed for decades is grueling, and they have faced severe hardship. But they are some of the most joyful, soulful, and grateful people I've ever met. I hope I never forget their example of what it means to live sacrificially.
1 comment:
Great Blog. Please keep it going. My wife and I have an appointment July 31 to adopt a teen from Uglegorsk, so reading about your experiences is helping me pass the days of having to wait.
Mike in VA
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