Who’s behind him?

He’s working on something.

But he pauses and looks over his shoulder.

Needing help?

Waiting for advice?

Wary of a scolding?

Hoping for approval?

Or maybe just annoyed by an interruption — Hey, tryin’ to work here!

The fact that he’s in school, and healthy, well fed, and wearing clean clothes, is enough to know.

He’s safe and loved in the Belarusian town of Rudensk, 30 miles southeast of Minsk, in a boarding school for children who have lost their parents.

Here, a little guy — despite his rough start in life — starts learning to navigate his future.

We have the privilege of helping, supporting the teachers and house-parents, nurses and cooks, janitors and groundskeepers...

All the people standing behind this small person.

Seeing his potential.

Giving him his best shot.

Thanks for journeying with New Thing!

Much love,

Doug Brendel

(Photo by Oleg Yarovenko)