Today was such an awesome day . One of the dreams that we heard over and over when we got to town is that some of the men that Larisa has been working with wanted to go swimming ... You would think that it would not be a problem, but it is difficult to find people that want to help with this . I guess there is still a bit of a stigma attached to invalid men... So we decided to help make this dream come true.
There were 10 men at first that wanted to go, but by the time Isar arrived with a van load of them , we had 20 men, I guess some came to just watch ..... David spoke to them first to make sure that they all were ready for this experience....
He explained to them that every one is valuable and that everyone regardless of there situation should have an opportunity to go swimming if they are so inclined, 
and that we are thrilled to help them with this..
.. We then went inside , Sergey had these cool paint outfits for the men to where as they did not have bathing suits.... We took them one at a time, and had a time helping them safely into the pool as they are disabled..
. they even lowered the level of the pool for us so that it was not to deep... They all got a turn, even a couple that came to watched decided that they wanted to go swimming as well, so we ended up with 17 ... after they came out of the pool, they were given a new outfit... then we took them all to a restaurant for a wonderful feast.... 
. It was such an incredible day... the realization by these men that they ARE special ... it was more then a quick dip in a pool for them... it was a restoration of the highest level.... A day that I will never forget.....
He explained to them that every one is valuable and that everyone regardless of there situation should have an opportunity to go swimming if they are so inclined, and that we are thrilled to help them with this.... We then went inside , Sergey had these cool paint outfits for the men to where as they did not have bathing suits.... We took them one at a time, and had a time helping them safely into the pool as they are disabled... they even lowered the level of the pool for us so that it was not to deep... They all got a turn, even a couple that came to watched decided that they wanted to go swimming as well, so we ended up with 17 ... after they came out of the pool, they were given a new outfit... then we took them all to a restaurant for a wonderful feast.... . It was such an incredible day... the realization by these men that they ARE special ... it was more then a quick dip in a pool for them... it was a restoration of the highest level.... A day that I will never forget..... 
2 comments:
Did ya go in too?
Think of the countless places we have gone swimming. I love swimming. Well not so much the swimming as much as the ability to swim. I have swam in some really wild, remote, exotic places. I will cherish the memories and the ability to go to such lengths just to dip my toe.
And now I look at this. John, truly for once, I actually yearn to be there with you. The thought of that kinda scares me. Maybe some day you can take me swimming there too.....
blessings brother don
I remember the first time I went swimming--and my life has never been the same! I am thankful for you helping them take the plunge!
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