In July, we tried something new—we extended our regular visit to Znamianka into a full weekend. That weekend showed us something important: a few rushed hours just aren’t enough. What these children truly need is time—time for deep connection, real conversations, shared laughter, and quiet moments with people who genuinely care about them.

One special moment from this trip stood out: for the first time, the head of the orphanage allowed us to take the children out to the nearby park—without any staff accompanying us. That may sound small, but it was a miracle in itself.

When she first took her position, she was understandably cautious and a bit distrustful of us. So her decision to trust us with the children, even just for a short walk, marked a significant shift in our relationship. It was a blessing—and it opened the door for a kind of time with the children we’ve never had before.