Again, we were joined by more of our friends, another Lena and her daughter, Nadia. Nadia was a little girl when we first met her. Now, she is a stunningly beautiful college student. This Lena went with Donna and me on our first home visit in, ‘99.

We presented the hospital with the third IV pump for the premature babies, and are purchasing a fourth for the kids on chemo. We, also, brought in a suitcase full of tubing and Albuterol. Can you imagine how we felt, when the new director told us they pray for Treasures throughout the year? See how easy it is to be humbled.

Onward and upward (as in stairs), as we donned our stylish blue footies, and headed for the wards of sick kids. We stopped at each nurses’ station, were we opened our “ugly bags” full of toys. Each ambulatory child came to make their very own selection. Typically, they aren’t going to get toys, much less be allowed to make their own choice. Illustrated children’s Bibles for the kids, and full versions for the parent, were handed out.

We visited each room with a gift and candy for those children confined to their bed. We prayed for them in groups and at bedsides, as parents joined in. There will always be one or two faces we cannot forget. The tiny baby with the feeding tube, and her smiling mom, touched our hearts.

Once again, we received much more than we gave. Our Russian friends made contact with moms, and we pray relationships will develop. The staff was so happy to help us move from floor to floor, as they grabbed bags and headed up and down the stairs.

Sidebar: How do you tell the difference in Russians and Americans, other than we stand out like Martians with antennae growing out of our heads? The people walking (multiple) flights of stairs are Russians. The people on the elevator (going up or down one flight) are Americans.

Click here to view the slide show of our hospital visit.

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