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BELARUS UPDATES

I WILL SING..."Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings" Psalm 63:7 THE GIFT

Using the Gift...

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I grew up in the church and have always found my greatest musical joy there.Because all musical sounds are created by, and belong to God, I believe all music should be performed to bring praise and honor to the Creator - whether the music is secular or sacred. I also believe God created music to draw people to Him, and as a gift to us as well - to comfort us, to give us joy and to open our hearts.For eight years, one of the most rewarding blessings of my life has been my job at Mayo Clinic Hospital. I sing two days per week in a private acapella program for the seriously ill and find great fulfillment in sharing God's gift of music with the patients there.Another great joy is CHIRP!, a vocal trio that offers me the pleasure of singing with my dear friends, Ann Kelley, and LuAnn Roberson. We perform both sacred and secular music in diverse settings for the glory of God. [Learn more about CHIRP]Most of my recent adventures are happening with Servant Song at Music Serving The Word Ministries, an organization dedicated to using music and art forms to serve Gods Word. I am joined there by amazing artists and ministers (Bob Ravenscroft, Dwight Kilian, Rob Moore, and Richard Parrish) as we strive to find new and innovative ways to worship and share God's love with a hungry world.[Learn more about Servant Song]I spend my time between secular and sacred venues singing at festivals, resorts, conferences and churches throughout the southwest. Why I sing and why you should too!!!!"Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 63:7All musical sounds were created by God for the purpose of praising Him.All nature sings His praise. From the crashing waves, wind in the trees, to the song of a cricket or a bird. It's natural for Gods creation to praise the creator. Every living thing, and everything that has breath is to praise the Lord Psalm 150, Rev 5:13In Luke 19 when Jesus enters Jerusalem before He is to be crucified, the people are singing praises to Him. The Pharisees told Him to rebuke them. His response was that if they were to stop the rocks would cry out in their place. All creation must acknowledge the Creator.Over and over again scripture commands us to sing and play praises to GodIn Deut 31:19-22 when the Israelites are ready to enter the promised land, God commands Moses to write a song about the things He has done. God knows the children of Israel will become complacent and turn from Him when they are introduced to false gods in their new home. He knows they will break covenant with Him, and He knows the songs will bring them back to their one true God.God knows we have a short memory, but that we remember what we sing. Singing attaches emotion to the theology. It engages the head with the heart. That's why we remember songs and thats why God calls us to sing to Him.

Vicki McDermitt Servant Vocalist

Singing attaches emotion to the theology. It engages the head with the heart.

That’s why we remember songs and that’s why God calls us to sing to Him.

CHIRP

We are... Three singers from three different musical backgrounds who possess many years of professional and ministry experience.Three women who walk with God through the ups and downs of life and have experienced God's faithfulness, firsthand. Three women whose hearts love God and who love to share music coupled with lots of joy.....and laughter. CHIRP! can show up as The Church Ladies, or The Blister Sisters, when extreme fun is called for.Our mission is to praise God, where ever He takes us. We want to brighten your day, lighten your load and lift you closer to the Father who loves you relentlessly.Everything we do is designed to bring praise to our Creator.We sing both secular and sacred music, in concert venues, lead worship in church settings, provide music for womens conferences, community events and fundraisers. Contact me for booking and info!
Dirt Over

LuAnn Roberson,

Vicki McDermitt, Ann Kelley

SERVANT SONG

Servant Song

Servant Song is one of the music ministries offered through Music Serving the Word Ministries. It features the jazz and gospel infused vocal excellence of Vicki McDermitt alone, or in trio with LuAnn Roberson and Ann Kelley. Programs include church services, secular and sacred concerts, conferences, retreats and music ministry to the seriously ill. Our desire is to offer vocal excellence that radiates warmth, love, joy and enthusiasm. "My calling is to use music to remind others of the relentless love of God," Vicki says. "The opening can be as subtle as a jazz ballad, or as direct as a hymn of the church. I'm always looking for an appropriate way to plant the reminder that no matter who you are, what youve done, or where youve been, God is seeking you out for relationship. Music is the gift that breaks down walls and opens the heart to hear the words. The result is indescribable joy."Servant Song and Music Serving the Word Ministries exist to worship God through music and art forms that serve His Word!INFORMATION ON MY UPCOMING TRIP TO BELARUS ON MSW SITE.....CHECK IT OUT!!

As a member of the Music Serving the Word Ministries team, Vicki often performs with one of their ensembles, as well as offering individual jazz and/or gospel concerts, and other ministry venues such as Jazz for the Soul.

To learn more about Servant Song or Music Serving the Word Ministries, visit the MSW website: www.musicservingtheword.org

BELARUS

A Servant Song to Belarus

Vicki's Servant Song to Belarus

In October, Vicki will be traveling throughout Belarus to sing a series of sacred and secular Jazz events, both in churches and secular spaces. Belarus is an extremely difficult country, sometimes called “the last dictatorship in Europe,” and its economy is literally imploding. “Music is a gift that can lift the spirit, even when times are hard”, says McDermitt. In addition to her concert appearances, she will be involved in assisting worship leaders and jazz musicians as a representative of Music Serving The Word Ministries. One special project Vicki is really excited about is the opportunity to provide an industrial-size, commercial washing machine for an orphanage in Chehovschinskaya (near Minsk, Belarus) – home for 69 mentally, physically, and emotionally disabled children. “The washing machine they have is beyond repair, and you can only imagine how difficult it is for the staff of this orphanage to do all of the laundry by hand. When I became aware of the need, I knew we had to respond.”Together with Music Serving The Word Ministries, and the financial gifts of friends, Vicki will be presenting the orphanage with the funds to purchase a new industrial-size washing machine. Our hope and prayer is that you will help us provide this much-needed washing machine for these boys and girls. Vicki leaves on October 7th, so there is still time for you to join in this mission of compassion. To learn more about this opportunity and how you can help... CLICK HERE.
BELARUS UPDATES
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Arrived

Hello from Belarus!

Hello Friends......greetings from Belarus!!It’s hard to know where to start. So much has happened in such a short time.I left Phoenix at noon on Thursday, October 6th, headed to Boston where I spent the night with Doug and Kristina Brendel in Ipswich MA. They have an amazing old home there built in the late 1700's. Doug and Kristina are the founders of New Thing Ministries, a humanitarian organization that we are working with.Doug and I left for Frankfurt Germany about 5:00 P.M. on Friday afternoon. Much of that day had been spent trying to figure out how to get the three hundred CDs I had sent to Boston, packed in my luggage. After a 6 1/2 hour flight we arrived in Frankfurt, Germany... and killed three hours walking around a beautiful airport before our final 2 1/2 hour flight to Minsk. The time difference between Belarus and Phoenix is 10 hours so (as I’m writing this post) it's 1:00 am there it's 11:00 am here.I finally arrived in a light rain to a beautiful country. Our trip through customs wasn't so smooth. They objected to the CDs and insisted that they must be for commercial use, because there were so many. It was very interesting tosee how they wound their way around their own law to make sure they got some money from us. Doug tried his best to make the case that we would be giving CDs away, but to no avail. We had to pay a fee of about $100 dollars, then grumpily, we went on our way.Katia greeted us at the airport. She is "The Great Kosavaya's" daughter. Douggave her mother this name because of her amazing work here in Belarus. She facilitates over two hundred humanitarian operations for Belarus, and has become a good personal friend of Doug's in his work here. Her daughter speaks beautiful English, which I am certainly grateful.The flat where I am staying is on Karl Marx street and owned by New Thing Ministries; Doug &Kristina's humanitarian organization. It's a beautiful place in downtown Minsk, six flights up to the top of the building...and a corner flat. The view is amazing. You look out over buildings that are very old with the beautiful metal roofs. I will try to get some good pics for you when the light is right.When we arrived at the flat I met Olig and Luta. They live here all the time and take care of things in Doug’s absence. When visitors arrive they take care of them. Oh boy......Olig is an accomplished photographer who speaks very little English but has no trouble communicating with charm and warmth that blows you away. Luta speaks very good English, is educated as a structural engineer, but at this point... prefers interior design and writing. She has sold a screenplay and many of her stories here in Russia. Very interesting people. Luta's cooking is to die for and I'm concentrating on tasting everything but eating little so I don't gain 50 lbs! It would be very easy to do.Sunday came way too early. I really felt the time change, but we had an early service. This was a Charismatic church here in Minsk, and this was Harvest Sunday. They filled a huge table at the front of the church with every kind of food imaginable. Everyone brought something. During the service the women walked down the table filling bags for the poor to be distributed after the service. I can't describe the warmth of these people; so welcoming and open to anything you have to offer. I was able to use the tracks we are working on from the my new gospel CD. They seemed to enjoy everything.I must mention the interpreter. She is a young woman, very shy but very, very... sharp. I stick close to her at all times and things go pretty smoothly. I'm learning to speak in sound bites. After Church we had another planning meeting for the week, and I will get ready to go to the first orphanage on Monday. I will let you know all about it.Thanks for taking this journey with me. Keep watching for my next post. Hoping to provide pictures as soon as I can. Blessings from Belarus,Vicki

Oct 10

Monday, October 10th

Monday October 10Greetings from Belarus,Another fun experience today.... Doug and I met with the great Kosavaya. She is the amazing woman I mentioned who runs the humanitarian programs in Belarus. We went to her office for a regular accounting meeting she has with Doug, to share all their accomplishments using the support that has come in from New Thing donors. I was surprised to see that everything they did there was documented by hand (no computers) and in triplicate because of the government requirements. Everything they do must get government approval before they can proceed. Things are so much better than they were, but these folks are by no means free. Kosavaya turned to me and asked me to thank everyone who was involved in raising funds for the commercial-size washer and dryer. She spoke of how shocked and thrilled the workers were to receive such a gift. The gratitude is absolutely genuine. Belarus is a country in serious financial straits, and the replacement of this old washing machine and the addition of a dryer would not have been even a remote possibility, without our help.The Belarusians are somewhat formal and very careful to make sure you understand that they are good stewards of anything given to them. They opened book after book of requests from needy people and carefully told us: who had been helped, who was waiting for assistance, or where a request could not be filled at this time and why. Impressive accountability! They go to great lengths to let you know they are glad you've come.They never stop feeding you. In Kosavaya's little office there was a table set up; covered with turkey, tomatoes, cookies and chocolate. Although they have little... they gladly share everything they have.We went from there to Orphanage #3 in Minsk, which houses fifty four mentally and physically disabled children between three and eight years of age. The director is a woman who has been taking care of special needs kids since the 80's. She has taken a building built in 1945 and made it into a home for these kids by the force of her will. She is an amazing advocate for them. (If you follow Doug's blog you will know he was able to raise the funds to supply them with winter boots this year, so the director wanted him to come and see the orphanage). We arrived to a special performance celebrating the coming of fall. Each child was involved in the play. There were squirrels, bunnies, foxes, mushrooms, falling leaves, and bears, just to name a few. I have taken some video that we are editing now. Can't wait to show it to you. We came armed with the happy birthday song and a couple of others, and candy for everyone.We had a great time with the kids. This facility is probably in the best shape of all that we will visit. Thanks for going with me. Tomorrow is another exciting day.Blessings, Vicki

Oct 11

Tuesday, October 11th

Tuesday Oct 11Hi Friends, No grass is growing under our feet!Had a rehearsal today with a Belarusian Jazz pianist I will be working with on Friday. There will also be a bass player but he couldn't make the practice. Oh boy Dwight!!!! While preparing for this rehearsal, I burned up my first transformer. I now know that an adapter is not always enough. A little smoke...and poof...lights out...very exciting...No more little iPod dock for me!!!!We arrived to find a beautiful and cozy little restaurant (just the kind of place where I love to sing). I met Nicoli. He speaks a little English and has played piano in the band on a number of cruise ships. I'm hoping for great things. Ever the optimist!!!Nick was a little nervous but delightful and we ran through quite a few tunes. Looking forward to Friday night. Now here is the part you won't believe.....especially you musicians! The owner of the restaurant fed us lunch because he was happy that we were coming to play at his place!!!! When does that happen????????We went from there to a jazz party put on as an outreach for a local pastor. I was pleased to see that their theme was the origin of jazz. They played several old pieces of film talking about it. They did a great job and had an audience of over one hundred people from the community. When they were making their presentation they had a young drummer play with a track to show different styles of jazz drumming. He was quite good so I asked him if he would join me on a couple of songs. The two of us opened and closed the concert. The audience loved it.I've never seen people more excited to have an outsider come to share music.Over and over they told me "No one comes here to us, we are so happy and thankful that you would come". Such a kind response to everything. Would love to bring a serious band to them.......K guys?The organizers gave the audience time to ask questions so I was able to expose my ignorance while trying to exercise my poor Russian vocabulary. I've found that's another way to get a laugh. I'm really tired tonight...but I had a ball!!See a wonderful photo report posted by Doug Brendel - click here: http://www.dougbrendel.com/111017report.htmThanks for coming with meBlessings .......Vicki
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Oct 12

Wednesday, October 12

The big day for us!Today we went to Chekhovshinskaya! I have been waiting for this day, but was surprised at how emotional I felt when we drove onto the property. So many of these old buildings seem very imposing at first glance, but when you look again... you see that they are literally held together with bailing wire and twine. This one was built in1960 and never really was maintained properly. The government wanted to close it down but then ran across Artuom, who was familiar with the orphanage and asked for the opportunity to turn it around. He's been there with his wife, Inna, for two years now and has enormous struggles. Yet his dreams are big.We received the usual formal Belarusians introductions as we were escorted to Artuom's office. A beautiful table was set for us and we were treated to a three-course lunch. Over lunch he told us the story of the orphanage and about his dreams for it. When he went from the details of the place to his dreams, you could see a marked difference in his countenance. His eyes started to sparkle and his face lit up. This is truly a man on a mission.A great many of his children here are mentally challenged because of the alcohol abuse of their parents. His biggest goal is to create a place for them in a society that often rejects them. His statement was: "They have some mental struggles but they are not so mentally deficient that they don't realize the abuse of others. Our society is not kind to them. I believe they have so much to offer and I wish to train them to be able to deal with this lack of understanding and show everyone what they can do."We received a complete tour and were given the opportunity to see the rehearsal for their fifty-year anniversary celebration that was coming up on Friday. The kids were wonderful, and so serious about what they were doing... yet loving every minute of it. They included us in a dance, Doug spoke to them, and I sang a little jazz. Clapping on two and four is a real challenge over here...lots of fun.Now here's the part you've been waiting for... the laundry room!The building is one seriously depressing place. It's completely separated from the other structures. You walk in through a dark hallway into an open concrete room that's bright with sunlight from a large window. The only things there are an old tub where they've been washing everything by hand, the old washer, waiting to be moved and...on a prepared platform, the HUGE washer you all so graciously purchased! When I walked in, it was full of laundry and running. They wasted no time putting it to work. Across the room was the new dryer. Because they haven't had one before, some work needs to be done to vent it properly. Although they were not able to get it done in time for our visit, they will soon have the ventilation completed and be able to use the dryer! I have to admit... I shed a few tears. It was a little much for me to see this gift that so many people had sacrificed to provide. And yet, here it is... working for these dear people who struggle so hard day-to-day. Here's another good thing...The room with the folded laundry (that you all saw pictures of) was their drying room. It was full of clothe-lines. They will now – for the first time in their history – have all of that much-needed space to use for something else.I want to thank you all again for contributing to this project. This is seed well planted. The integrity of this director is impeccable and Doug and I both were completely taken with his heart for these kids. Artuom asked me to make sure I gave you his personal thanks..."You cannot know how very grateful we are!"Thanks for giving me this very very, special day that I will never forget!!Blessings.Vicki

Oct 13

Wednesday, Oct 13

Wednesday, October 13In the backyard of the church.......That's where Sasha sets up a tent to feed the homeless. The tent keeps them out of the wind as the autumn turns to winter. Until recently they were allowed to use the choir room of the church for a couple of hours but some of the choir members said they didn't like being in there after the homeless people.This is not the first church that has kicked Sasha out. Seems they just don't want to deal with what can be messy ministry. Doug does a good job trying to draw attention to the plight of the homeless in Belarus. We arrived just about noon to see people gathering for a warm lunch. Most of these people remember Doug from previous visits and he spoke to them and I sang a few songs. Sasha has asked me to come sing in the church service a week from this coming Sunday and I think the theme for the music will be how much God loves people who care for the needy....sound ok?I was really touched by Sasha's commitment to these people. It's a very worthwhile ministry to support ......if anyone is interested, let me know.From there we went to a home church that is a new church that developed out of a church that Doug has worked with for years. It is called New Creation and is pastored by Victor Katsenya. When i say we went.......understand that i mean someone came and picked us up. The car or van is usually packed full with people who don't have transportation, so there are many stops and starts, picking up and dropping off.They came together for a little concert and fellowship with me in a flat owned by one of the church members, and they were delightful. Lots of questions and interest in music in worship. So many of these folks come from rigid backgrounds and are looking for real life and joy in worship, yet deeply concerned about losing content. They are always so glad to receive the CDs as well. They are interested in all kinds of music.I'm so impressed with the faithful commitment of these people. The logistics here are so much tougher here, it's not always easy to get to the church.....if there is one. Wonder how we would do under the same conditions.We have so much to be grateful for.Thanks for coming with mePhotos: click here http://www.dougbrendel.com/111015report.htmBlessingsVicki

Oct 14

Friday, October 14

Belarus Friday Oct 14thOh boy Jazz in Belarus!!On Friday during the day I prepared for the concert at Kyxmictp, pronouncedCookmeister. Tell me you could have figured that one out!This is a beautiful little restaurant in the heart of the city, owned by Serge.Sahsa...the pastor for the homeless, is a friend of Serge's and also an accomplished artist, He helps fund his work with the poor by selling his art. Serge had him bring in quite a few pieces for the concert, so the walls were covered with his extraordinary work.Although the sound system left a lot to be desired and the tuning of piano would have made the MSW guys stroke out.....a great time was had by all.Nick and Alex accompanied me on piano and bass and we had a good time. Both of these guys have spent a lot of time playing on cruise ships, and I could really tell when we hit a familiar grove for them. The audience was very attentive and had some interesting requests. They seem to be familiar with quite a few standards and the name of Billy Holiday came up several times. Doug has even received a couple of calls since then, asking if I can do any other concerts while I am here, but our schedule is pretty full at this point.We walked back to the flat after the show and passed the Presidents residence. It's a beautiful building right in the middle of the city. The security doesn't seem heavy around it and it sits fairly close to the street. It had just rained and the lights looked so great I reached into my purse to get my camera and take a pic.I was quickly stopped by Doug who explained to me that it was off limits to photograph the building. He told me if I wanted some serious attention from the security that I didn't see, that would be the way to get it.In day to day living when you concentrate on the people, you don't really see thedifferences in our countries so much, but then every now and then something comes up that reminds you that you are not in the U.S. I'm so grateful for our freedoms.I had a fun night.....thanks for coming with me.Photos here: http://www.dougbrendel.com/111017report.htmBlessingsVicki

Links-Photo Journals

Photo Journals

Visit these links to photo pages posted by Doug Brendel (A New Thing Ministry) and Vicki McDermitt (MSW) that capture the heart of what people and nations working together can accomplish. Take a photo journey with Doug and Vicki as they minister together in the former Soviet Union.Oct 9 - How did YOU celebrate Prazdnikomzhatvi?http://www.dougbrendel.com/111009report.htmOct 10 - These shoes were made for dancin ...http://www.dougbrendel.com/111010report.htmOct 11/12 - All jazz, all day long!http://www.dougbrendel.com/111012report.htmOct 13 - All together now: Check off SHIN sky yahhttp://www.dougbrendel.com/111013report.htmOct 14 - When the church kicks you out ... what next?http://www.dougbrendel.com/111014report.htmYou've probably never seen a "church split" like this one....http://www.dougbrendel.com/111015report.htmLove letter to orphans: I really think these children will make you smile....http://www.dougbrendel.com/111016report.htmJazz on Karl Marx Street? http://www.dougbrendel.com/111017report.htmIn a place youve never heard of... Love reaches the orphans of Lidahttp://www.dougbrendel.com/111018report.htmA Servant Song to Belarus: Ushachi Children's Hospitalhttp://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150338809281227.343821.174332591226&type=1A Servant Song to Belarus #5: Uliana's Farm & Churchhttp://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150338867871227.343833.174332591226&type=1To learn more about Doug & A New Thing... http://www.NewThing.netTo learn more about MSW Ministries... http://www.musicservingtheword.org

Oct 16

Sunday, October 16

Belarus Sunday Oct. 16On the road againWe drove about 50 minutes out of town to Barisov Church. There has been a long and close relationship between Doug and this congregation. They were so excited to see him and very welcoming to me. I sang with a really nice sound system.....and great sound guys.......yaaaay.It's amazing how warm and loving these people are. They responded to all the tracks for my new CD which was very encouraging because i was kind of using them as my test audience. They asked if I would be willing to give them my tracks so I happily gave them charts and tracks for everything. They sing many of the same worship songs you hear in the U.S. and love anything new they can get.In every situation so far, people are really exited to have the CDs I brought. I robbed the MSW artists stash and have passed out all kinds of jazz to a very receptive audience.The Barisov congregation owns it's own building. To do that, they must be registered with the state and jump through a multitude of hoops including having their own KGB officer whose job it is to make sure they don't do anything deemed improper by the government. Many churches are not willing to register and that means they cannot own property, so most of them rent. I've been told this pastor, Sergei, has amazing diplomatic skills. I can't say enough about the warmth of these people.Thanks for coming with me!BlessingsVicki

Oct 17-18

Mon./Tues. October 17-18th

Belarus Mon. & Tues. Oct. 17-18I'm free.....I'm free.......First day off in beautiful Minsk. Kristina and Lydia (Doug's wife and daughter) arrived today. I slept in and then in the afternoon, walked around the city with Kristina and Doug. I can't believe how clean this place is. We visited an old Orthodox church downtown.....absolutely beautiful. I gave Kristina a list of churches we had driven by that I was hoping to see and she systematically burst by bubble by telling me that the interiors of most of the churches had been dismantled by the communists and what was left wasn't very interesting..... Very disappointing.All the buildings in downtown Minsk were built in the fifties because most weredestroyed in the war. There is one old brick one that survived and stands across thestreet from the flat. Lots of stone, large imposing structures. Lots of military statues and an occasional statue of Lenin. I don't think i've ever seen more apartments in a place.I'm told all of Russia is the same. It has a very unique charm and I completelyunderstand why Kristina and Doug love it.Tuesday we took a trip to Shklov, to see the Shklov School For The Blind.When we drove up we were shocked to find an absolutely striking facility.The building was very large and has been renovated. It looked almost new.This school houses 110 kids. Many are blind or at least legally blind. There is also group of kids there who are not blind now but will be in the future. I can't imagine a better equipped facility for these kids.Now.......here's the tricky part. Doug got to know Vladimir when he called Otklik with an emergency request for a water pump. Seems the one at the school broke and water was everywhere along with sewage. There was no help from the state or any other organizations. The kids had to be removed for their safety. The answer when he called was that he looked too good. With buildings like that you cant possibly need help.Because this tenacious director had convinced a bank to do these renovations when financial times were better in Belarus, he now was unable to get a repair done to keep the school open.Thankfully, New Thing and it's donors were willing to step up and replaced the pump. The kids returned and things got back to normal. Life hangs by a thread in so many places here.We spent lots of time with the kids and met two beautiful singers. I sang a little jazz for them and then we wandered over to the art room where they were making clay whistles.The teachers are always working on fine motor skills with the kids because "Your hands are your eyes". These kids are taught to believe that they can accomplish anything......I believe it!!To see a photo journal, click here: http://www.dougbrendel.com/POSTSVICKI/VickiBlindPost/index.htmlThanks for tagging alongBlessings....Vicki

Oct 19

Wednesday, October 19

Belarus - Wednesday October 19Zhodino......the littlest orphanage and emergency rescue for kids.They come any time, day or night in all kinds of conditions. They have been taken from their homes for many different reasons. They will stay there for six months and then the family will be reevaluated to see if the kids can go home. Of course it's a happy thing when you see a kid leave after the six month stay, but Kristina says that often they go home and within another six months, they are back. Your heart breaks for them.This visit was all about playing with the kids. We brought lots of toys and had a blast with them. Another big success for ms LuAnn's magic coloring book. One little boy got so excited about it he couldn't stop dancing. He stopped the show and had us all laughing. I can't imagine a parent giving one of these precious babies up. Ludmila, the director told us she had never had so many young children before.Lots of needs there, it's an old facility in rough shape. New Thing has helped them a lot over the years and just recently finished a new community room for them, but if you wanna buy a swing set, I know just the spot where one could go this spring.Ludmila, like so many of the other directors we have met, live for these kids and areoften the first authority figures in their lives who don't bring them pain. It's hard to leave them. You wonder what will happen to them but at least we know they are in good hands.These visits are emotionally draining. The needs are so great and the kids so helpless.I keep reminding myself that God knows....He sees.....He is always good.Thanks for coming along!To see a photo journal posted by Doug, click here: http://www.dougbrendel.com/111016report.htmBlessingsvicki

Oct 20

Thursday, Oct 20

Thursday October 20 Ushachi Hospital - Childrens Wing (SEE PHOTOS on Links Page)Usachi is located in the northern part of Belarus, near the Polish border.It is also Kosavayah and Lydias home town. These women have a long history together. They have been friends since childhood, so this trip took on a different meaning and color for me.The Usachi hospital held some very hard memories for Kosavayah as her Dad had died there. When he arrived at the hospital in trouble, they did not have the supplies and equipment necessary to save his life. Supplies like oxygen......when her Dad arrived there was no oxygen for him..........we cant imagine.She told me that she was angry at the hospital for a time but decided she must try to make it better for other people. A couple of years ago a new Director with a clear vision connected with her and she set about doing what ever she could to help change the place for the better.We started our visit with the usual formal greeting and coffee, then visited several sick kids. The rooms are small and dreary and there are three to four beds in each room. Usually you find a Mom or another family member staying with the patient, sitting on a straight chair at the end of the bed. When given permission we gave candy to each child. In this country candy is a serious luxury for them.The hospital is also used as a short term orphanage as there is facility close by for children. Can you imagine being a child in a crisis situation, being taken from your home and sent to a hospital instead of a facility with your needs in mind? Kosavaya heard about this and contacted New Thing to see if they could raise money for a play room for these children and any hospital kids healthy enough to be there with them.Our visit to the facility was to see the progress on the room. The building is very old and the project has moved slowly because of unexpected problems with load bearing walls, bad windows, etc. Some of the money had to be diverted to take care of the structural problems before the room could be finished, so the TV and Couch that had been funded has been delayed, but what we found when we arrived was amazing.The halls in this hospital are dark, depressing and old but when you enter this room you feel like youve walked into heaven. Its painted a peach color and is filled with warm light from kid safe lights that go clear to the heated floor. The windows are all new and its absolutely beautiful. When the TV and Couch are funded it will be finished. We were so excited to see that these kids who are living under such stress can have a warm and safe place to play instead of having to spend their time in hospital rooms.The director was so excited to show us this room and is still having a hard time believing he has it completed. We brought a giant dog to get the toy collection started. After the tour we shared a beautiful lunch with the director and his deputy. The Belarusian hospitality is consistently off the charts.From there we drove to Kosovias birthplace of Zvonia, just outside of Ushachi, to visit with an old family friend. Uliana is seventy two years old and lives alone in a small house without water and plumbing. She is bent over after being run over by a cow a dozen years ago. She is bright eyed and beautiful with a sense of humor and grace that is delightful. Uliana raises chickens for eggs and meat, and rabbits and pigs for meat, she has a guard dog, and a garden. She had a cow but her kids sold it because they think she works too hard. Shes been known to buy back the animals they sell. She doesnt want to go to the city to live with them. To say the least she is an independent woman. (SEE PHOTOS in post below)Her living room floor was covered with newspaper where she was drying beans that she had grown. Her living room floor, and any other floor in her home, is clean enough to eat off of. She is self sufficient and offered us coffee and tea, candy, cookies, cheese and Vodka. Ive been told she makes what we would call Moonshine. She can trade it for things like snow clearing and chores that require serious manpower. This was one of the most memorable days of the trip.From here we visited the gravesite of Kosavayas parents and grandparents. Her Grandfather was a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church. She always stops when she travels to her village. These graveyards are usually in the shadows of tall trees. Unlike our graveyards that are clear of trees, the family plots appear to be in small forests.Across the street was a big surprise. When I looked up while walking back to the car, I saw a very small church being built. Its constructed of block, awaiting the roof, and Kosovaya told me that she is personally funding its construction. There had been a church there before and her grandfather was priest, but it had been burned down by the communists. It was never rebuilt. This tiny place of worship just stole my heart. She has enlisted the help of family, friends, and students from the school of architecture at the university. Anyone, anywhere, who will donate anything can help her. It is truly a labor of love for this amazing woman.All the way home I thought about these people and all they have been through. Napoleon came through and devastated them......then Hitler.Communism destroyed their ability to worship and live as they chose and they remain hopeful and gracious beyond reason. Always ready to share and laugh, and so very kind.Quite a day........Im so grateful for this day!Thanks for comingvicki

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