I was moving some files this week and came across these photos from January 2000, my first trip to Belarus.
Kristina had already been visiting Belarus for 8 years as a volunteer with CitiHope International.
“New Thing” wasn’t even imagined yet.
I thought it was probably the only time I would ever see the country.
Little did I know I would make 45 trips over the next 20 years.
Kristina has been there 31 times.
All 3 of our children have been there with us (Lydia Charlotte 19 times, starting when she was 7 months old).
I pray we can go back soon.
But in the meantime, the work that began so long ago is still going strong, in the form of our “Response of the Heart” team, giving their lives every day to offering help and hope to people in need all over Belarus.
Orphans, abused and abandoned children, children and adult with disabilities, the sick, the homeless, the elderly, the poor.
Thank you for journeying with us, and helping make it all possible!
Much love,
Doug Brendel