| Zhanna & Andrey
It was a
transformation beyond our wildest dreams. When we entered Zhanna and
Andrey’s apartment, it took our breath away. Vitaly's brother, Dima, a
carpenter/remodeler, had performed a miracle.
Just a short
explanation, Zhanna, 18, is one of the kids at Barskoe who graduated
this year. She is an excellent student and is going to university in
the fall. Her younger brother, Andrey, 16, is a math whiz and has
received a scholarship at a special school in Vladimir.
Their father died
last winter and left his apartment to them. We pledged to help them,
but when the
photos of the apartment
came, we were shocked. The place was not suitable for human
habitation. We had to do something, so work began. We had hoped it
would be ready on our visit, but the kitchen was too far gone.
To complicate
matters further, there is no bathroom. In fact, at first, it was not
even a certainty that money could remedy the situation. Serious
evaluation of the plumbing of the whole structure was required to
determine if it was even possible. Currently, we are trying to get
the permits. When that is accomplished, funds are available for a
shower and toilet.
It is a fearsome
thing to put your children, even responsible achievers like these two,
in an apartment without supervision. We had been praying for someone
in the other apartments to take the kids under their wing and watch
out for them. Our prayer was answered when the babushka living above
the apartment leaned out her kitchen window and called down to us,
"Privet" (Hi), she said, with smile.
We visited with her
and she came down to see the apartment. She is like any grandmother,
sees and hears ALL! We were so grateful, we asked what she needed.
"Nothing, take care of the kids." So, we went shopping and filled her
pantry.
|
