Making a Wish

A WISH OF A CHILD FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

The New Year's Eve preparations in Ukraine are not about picking the right Christmas present or the right size Christmas tree. For months a regular Ukrainian is preoccupied with picking the right company for his New Year's Eve party. My wife says that Ukrainians secretly believe the people from the New Year's Eve party will be around you for the next year. For this reason everybody traditionally celebrates with the family and close friends. Tania's high school friend met her future husband at a New Year's Eve party and many people would agree that it just confirms the funny belief.

Tania and I had plans for a quiet New Year's Eve dinner at home, just the three of us. After weeks of Christmas projects with the children and close friends we really needed some time alone. Tania was fixing Olivier salad and golubtsi (stuffed cabbage) in the kitchen when the telephone rang. It was Olesia Vladimirovna, the main supervisor in the 5th grade at the orphanage. She said that all the children except for Andrew and Aliona left for Christmas break. Every child at the orphanage hopes to spend New Year's Eve with a grandmother or an aunt, or a godmother. Nobody came for Andrew or Aliona. Andrew's grandfather was doing remodeling in his apartment and did not want Andrew around. Aliona tried to call her godmother but there was no answer. The two children felt very sad and deserted.

For a few seconds everybody at the orphanage heard a scream of joy. Andrew and Aliona were very excited about coming to our house. At some point Andrew hesitated and then asked the supervisor if we could invite Tolik, too. Tolik is Andrew's old friend who was moved to the 6th grade this year. Andrew could not think about having a good time and leaving his friend behind. What a good friend! The children could not hide their happy spirit when they entered our house. Before Andrew had a thought of taking off his boots, he yelled, "Tatiana Michaelovna, tell me what I can do to help!"

Since it was Sunday evening we all went for the evening service which was being held at our friends home. Following the service, we then had a walk to Primorsky boulevard to enjoy the street celebrations and came back home to finish preparing and enjoying our New Years Eve dinner. We were all very happy and thankful to God for the opportunity to share love.

The children eagerly waited for midnight to make a wish for the upcoming year. They all grew silent as a serious look came over their young faces. I, in my heart made a wish for each of these sweet kids, too. I know that "the Lord hears the desires of the hearts of those that fear Him...and watches over all who love Him." ( Ps145:19) This is what we try to teach the children. As the children were leaving for the orphanage the next afternoon, we assured them that the Lord heard their wishes.

On January 3 Aliona gave us a call. She was happy to let us know that she was with her godmother for the rest of the week. I think I know what Aliona's wish was and I am happy it came true very quickly. Everybody needs to feel loved and cared for. The children should not beg for this basic right.

According to the Ukrainian belief this is going to be another year with our 40 wonderful children and 12 people on the staff. We hope that the Lord will provide enough funds and resources for us to be able to make these children happier. We pray it is God's will and He keeps encouraging us that everything is in His hands.

From Tania, Aby and all of the children, our hope is that the Lord fulfills the desires of your hearts and that you have a wonderful New Year.

Love,
Paul, Tania and Aby

mailto:beck@real.ua

or mail to our

alternative address:

paul_becker49@yahoo.com