I have been involved with many trips to work with orphans in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. I met many of the teenagers at the House of Grace and Hope when they were quite young and still living at their orphanage.
In July 2008, I came back to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to look after the House of Grace and Hope while the Harrison family returned to Australia for a vacation.
I had some trepidation, because I knew from previous experience how noisy, impulsive and attention seeking older orphans can be. I was shocked! The same guys I knew previously were now quiet, relaxed and running the house in a manner that brought credit to themselves!
They all had a quiet disposition with a look on their faces that spoke of the love and acceptance they have experienced at the combined hands of Peter and Tracy, their children and other team members. There was contentment and a glimmer of hope that there was a future for them. There was also a loyalty to this family who had opened their hearts and home for these forgotten teenagers.
It is interesting to see too what a vitally important role Luke, Jacob and Rebekah (the Harrison’s children) play in relating to the orphans. The house would not work nearly as well without them, and they are as much team members as anyone!
There are always issues to deal with in teenagers’ lives. In youth work I always look for trends in a young person’s life rather than individual issues – where are they heading? The trend for those living at the House of Grace and Hope is surprisingly good – these young people are now going somewhere and building a life for themselves!
