Friday the 16th
We had a bit of a quiet day today, trying to take it easy on Rylan who was suffering from jet lag and sleep deprivation!
We visited the one of the children's orphanage with some cleaning supplies and clothing and shoes. We were given a tour of the facility and were able to see the little ones sleeping. They have a very nice place with lots of room for the children, age 2 - 4, to play. It is brightly painted and there are many toys for the children. The director was telling us that she is very impressed with the fact that we aren't looking for publicity. She mentioned how many groups go there and donate something. They go in with their TV cameras and make a big show of their generosity. She said that when the orphanage needs something a bit later and call on this same group, the group doesn't seem to remember who they are and just never return.
Just an interesting fact about this orphanage. During the second world war, this institution hid 40 Jewish children. Years after, these same children, now adults, most of them living in Israel, had a special commemorative plaque made for the orphanage to recognize their help during the holocaust. The plaque is in Ukrainian and also in Hebrew and is on the wall beside the door for all to read.
We are to return here on May 21st for a concert that the little children will put on for us. We look forward to this as it is always a pleasure to see the small children perform.
Later on in the day we went to Andre & Lecia's for supper. Andre is related to Flo through his father. Andre's father and Flo's husband were brothers. It was a huge meal with salads and cold cuts first with some bread, followed by fish and then borsch and after that some chicken.....don't forget the desert. Flo had a nice time chatting with them. A couple of hours went by and we returned home full.