Puzzles and More Continued....

Awhile back I wrote an entry entitled the "Golden Tree" a small tree made from a cigarette package by a young teen at the local rehabilitation center where we visited.  He gave it to me as we were getting ready to leave.  In that brief encounter I was touched by their stories and wrote about their need for things to do while using up the hours of their day.  

In a more recent post, I wrote that my aunt Margie was able to collect a substantial number of puzzles, games, coloring books, and other things for these kids to do and these were delivered by one of the delegations coming over.  We got instructions translated and Olya, Ember and I had the privilege of delivering these items a few weeks ago.  

We walked into a room where 5 boys were talking with one another.  We showed them the different games we brought and Ember got a great photo as one of them showed us the puzzles he completed.  Another young man showed us some of the pictures he had sketched and it was obvious that he was particularly gifted at faces.  

The three of us sat down with a deck of Uno cards and taught them how to play.  Who would have guessed that a simple game most of us have played since childhood would bring them such enjoyment.  Although we were only able to stay about an hour, it was one of the highlights of the week.  As additional items arrive we will deliver them as well and hopefully be able to pass along some sports equipment as well.  For us, we were blessed by the opportunity to give and their smiling faces and inquisitive questions certainly made the time enjoyable for all.