My two week visit to Sakhalin in January 2009 was both inspirational and challenging. It was challenging to go into a new orphanage and not know how many children would be there from the orphanage that I visited two years ago. Meeting up with Stas, Lilii, Nena and a few others was wonderful. The look on their faces when they saw us again will remain in my mind for a long time. It was great to see how much they had grown, how well they looked and that they where really happy.
Spending time with Peter and Tracy at the House was inspirational. Seeing them in action with the diverse personalities of the young people that live at or drop into the House was amazing. Young people are accepted the way they are and guided through the situations that they have to deal with. Tracy, Peter and their children (Luke, Jake, Bekky) all give out love, friendship and acceptance of all the young people as family members. It was good to see Kartya and Roma moving on from dislike of their mothers to showing forgiveness. Both are preparing personal packages for their mothers who are in jail.
I thank God for the Harrison family and for the work that they do and pray for continual guidance from God for them. I look forward to continued contact with the Harrisons and my next visit to Sakhalin.
