Cristina is an 11-year old girl with long blonde hair and the most beautiful blue eyes you've ever seen.  The first day of camp our group was getting to know each other a little.  So we played a little discussion game where everyone stood in a circle and one person got to ask a question of the person next to them.  The questions would be something like "Tell me about your room," "Do you have any pets?" "Tell me about your favorite teacher," etc.  Once answered, that person got to ask a question of the next person.  We kept it simple for a bit, then opened up the questions a little more.  Our American teacher asked Cristina, "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?"  Cristina's eyes lit up as she gazed up and to the right thinking about the answer.  Her mouth crept into a smile as her jaw dropped a little bit - and we could see the hope and wonder in her thoughts. 

Then, as if on cue, she dropped it all and glanced to her elder orphan for approval, who was standing in defiance of this whole process.  Cristina immediately followed suit, and replied in Russian, "I don't know."  The lost opportunity was so painful in our hearts, and we began praying for her to open up to friendships and love.

You see, there is not much hope for a near-teen in a Russian orphanage.  Statistically, their future is littered with hopelessness that is fulfilled through alcohol, drugs, crime, homelessness, and suicide.  This is not an acceptible destiny for any child.

After a few days of diligent prayer, and continued reaching out, Cristina opened her life to us.  She began participating in group discussions, eagerly coming to team meetings and activities, and talking to us about her life.  After camp, we visited her orphanage, and were greeted with huge smiles and warm hugs. 

She will always have a special place in our hearts.  We pray that one day, she will be a part of a warm and welcoming family that serves the Lord.  For now, we leave her in the hands of God and will enjoy every opportunity that we have to visit and continue to share Jesus' love.