Field Trip to the Odessa Karavay State Bakery

I have a favorite smell when I get hungry. That day the smell stayed in the air for about an hour. The noise of the machines and shouting of an enthusiastic guide were hurting my ears. Six adults and twenty four children (5th graders from internot-orphanage #4) were watching how beautiful delicious rolls and bread get made daily at the Odessa Karavay State Bakery. We followed the dough through the process from the moment it was mixed until the oven would throw the loafs out on a big table in front of you. All the children were thrilled with the process.

Everybody except little Katia.

Katia seemed to be away in her thoughts from delicious rolls and the crowd. She smiled and whispered in my ear "I am going to be adopted". My wife Tania asked Katia to say the news again. We were very surprised to hear about the adoption as that was the first time that we had heard that information. The supervisors confirmed that an American lady came to spend time with Katia several times. We were very happy for our little "general in a skirt".

Several days later I heard that the American lady turned Katia down and adopted a girl from another grade. That was heart breaking news. Katia was told about the decision. It was just one more cruelty from an adult. I came to the internot that day just to see Katia and to be with her. I pulled her out of the playroom so that we could talk. She was smiling and climbing all over me as usual. I told her that my heart was broken for her and that she is a great child to love. Katia looked into my eyes and said "Why would I be hurt? Lena in the sixth grade got adopted and I am happy for her!"

This is the kind of person that Katia is. She got me to think about the
love of God the Father for us. It would be horrible for me to find out that He turned me down. I know that he never will. Twelve-year-old Katia knows that, too. She is going to wear an "angel" costume for the Christmas party and sing about baby Jesus that loves her so much.

We wish you to have "a Christmas joy" shine through the whole next year!

Love,
Paul and Tania Becker