Sunday in Odessa

Sunday was a wonderful day in Odessa. It started with our driver and friend Slava bringing Anastasia from the orphanage to go to church with us. I wondered what she would wear because she does not have any dresses - and furthermore, she hates them. She made that abundantly clear when I (Dana) took her shopping in the states. No matter how sweet, pretty or fun the dress I showed her, she would give me a curt and emphatic "nyet" accompanied by a sour face and a determined shake of the head. Her distaste was clear. Jim and I got many laughs when we would come home from the store and pretend we had bought her a "beautiful new dress!" She would frown at first and then break into a beautiful smile when she realized we were teasing her.

So I was shocked and surprised when I opened the apartment door and saw my Anastasia in a lovely dress, complete with panty-hose, purse and matching shoes! She looked absolutely radiant and smiled large in response to our wide-eyes and effusive praise. We were touched beyond belief. This simple action by our new daughter - made at no small personal sacrifice by her - demonstrated her love for us and her desire to please us. The clothes were not her own, but were borrowed from her teacher, Tatiana. Anastasia honored us greatly with this gesture. It was a lovely nod to Jim and me because we are well aware of how much she dislikes such dress. It also showed that she is willing to make an effort to be a part of her new family. It was truly a blessed moment.

After we calmed down from the excitement, we walked over to the Presbyterian church where we attended services with Michelle Maly, a missionary from Nebraska who has devoted her life to working with the orphans at Internot #4 - the orphanage where our girls have spent the last 10 or so years of their lives. Michelle is a real blessing to the children, teaching them dance and other crafts as she demonstrates God's love to them. She is, like many others we have met here, an amazing and dedicated Christian and a true blessing to the children.

The church was full of young people, including a youth choir which performed some familiar hymns and contemporary praise songs. To hear their young voices sing familiar songs in Russian accompanied by acoustic guitar was very moving.

Headphones provided us with an excellent English translation (this church is home to many missionaries, and a favorite amongst adoptive families). Taking the Lord's supper with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters reminded us that our bond as Christians is greater and more important than any national pride or affinity.

After church we took Michelle to lunch at a traditional Ukrainian restaurant. The waitstaff was dressed in Ukrainian garb with the girls wearing flowered head wreathes and the boys wearing straw hats.

The food was excellent. In fact, one of the most pleasant surprises during our trip has been the authentic Ukrainian cuisine which is both affordable and delicious. I'm hoping that Anastasia, who likes to cook, will bring some of this tradition home with us!