Artyom is a sweet young man, 28 years of age now, he was moved out of the orphanage within the first year or so after I began working with the teens full-time in 2008. He was at our very first picnic, I remeber the thrill on his face, simply enjoying being in a park, out doors, having fun. This simple pleasure has been rare in his life. When he turned 18, he was moved to Kahovka, where Oksana has also resided. This change of location was not a good one for Artyom.

He's lived in a room with 3 older men who do not appreciate Artyom, they don't even try. He desires to learn and asks questions of others, as he's rarely had an opportunity to be in classroom. He has been shunned, by them and others. When he goes to eat in the cafeteria he's been asked to sit else where. The simple relationship of friendship has only been offered to him by Oksana.

The head medical staff decided Artyome did not belong there, so he was released and put in a another institution in the village of Ushkolka.

So, on February 12, we made the trip to see our buddy. The delight on Artyom's face when he saw us through the window was worth every kilometer of bumps and potholes along the way. Seeing we had brought gifts for Artyom, the social worker there asked would we consider doing so next time for the other young men too. I can't help but believe that the Lord has given us an open door, through this gal, so when the time comes to move Artyom to a better place, Stephen's Home, she will be in favor of this decision. Artyom did share, amidst his excitement, that his roommate is older but helpful to him. He appreared to be healthier, filled out some, so we are prayerful, that until we can move him, Artyom is where God has placed him.

One important note about Artyom, he loves Jesus, reads his Bible, please pray with and for him.