Tokmok Kids Say Good-bye and Thank You To the Wrights in a Big Way

Friday Night July 18th - We Thank you

Saying "good-bye" is never easy, but the kids at the Tokmok orphanage wanted to say it in a big way to John, Julie, Emma and Bekah. They also wanted to thank them for a wonderful six months of being together. This incredible family, who has invested months of time, money and energy into these beautiful kids, leaves Kyrgyzstan on July 28. The kids have been planning this evening for two weeks - with everything from cards and small gifts, to learning how to say thank you in English to the Wright family.

Over and over again, we heard sweet, small voices in broken English say:

"John, Julie, Emma, Bekah, thank for you for spending so much time with us. God bless you." - Nastya -12

"John, Julie, Emma, Bekah, thank you that you cooked for us. I love you and I will miss you." Dema - 8

"John, Julie, Emma, Bekah, I love you and I will miss you." Victor -7

" John, Julie, Emma, Bekah, thank you for spending so much time with us. These are beautiful weeks. I love you and I will miss you. Anya -13

Each Tuesday night for the last six months, the Wrights have gone to the Tokmok orphanage to cook dinner for them and to have an evening of games and crafts. Tuesdays became very special days for these children. Besides Tuesdays, the Wrights provided many outdoor activities such as swimming, picnics, riding in a donkey cart, shopping, fishing,...the list is endless. What this family has done is no small thing. These children have experienced the meaning of love, caring, and commitment from this family. These children know they are valuable and treasured, not only in the heart of the Wright family, but in the heart of God.

PREPARING FOR THE PARTY

Dema and Vania work on John's poster, decorating it with memories of their time with them.

Nastya and Anya had special plans for the beautiful poster they made for Julie.

Slava, Yula and Victor work together on Emma's poster. These boys love Emma and Bekah!

Sasha and Ailbeck design Bekah's poster...playing baseball and other games were a great memory for them.

Kids eagerly awaiting the Wright's arrival for the surprise party.

The kids rush to the decorated entrance to escort the guests of honor.

The staff prepared a first class dinner for the Wrights. Everything from watermelon to lamb stew to ice cream!

One by one, each child walked up to the family and shared something in English from their heart. After they were done, they all ran up for hugs.

The entire group together for one last time until.....

The Tokmok kids are not the only ones who will miss John, Julie, Emma and Bekah. They have touched the lives and brought change to the lives of hundreds in this area. We will miss them, too. We have learned much from them....like with God, you don't draw the line of whom to help.You simply look for where He is working. He does provide the resources. We saw it over and over again. We also learned the power of flexiblity. We never know from day to day exactly what will happen.....but there is much peace in responding to the need in the moment and not trying to figure it all out.

John, Julie, Emma, Bekah....like the kids said to you, we do as well...May God bless you as you return home. I know from knowing all of you, your hearts will be here. We love you and will miss you.....