Boxing

Today during our visit we got the opportunity to see Dima at his best.  He showed us the boxing room in the orphanage.  He was a little timid to show it to us at first, but once he found out we approved, he could not have been prouder.  We got meet the boxing coach, whose first question to Dusty was "Can Dima box in America?".  Coach and Dima were both thrilled when Dusty answered "Da, da, da!!!" which is yes in Ukraine.  From what I understand, he is a wonderful gentleman and volunteers his time with the kids.  The kids seem to really respect this guy, and he them.  The coach was very proud of Dima from the few words we understood.  He showed us group pictures with Dima in them.  He then asked Dima to spar with another much larger kid for us.  As soon as we figure it out, we will post a video on YouTube.  Dima seemed proud to show us his skills.

Dima wrapping his hands before he spars.

Dima and his coach.  Both were very proud to pose for this picture.

After we watched him spar, he and Eddick ran to their room to get his awards and medals he has won over the years.  All the awards were in a 12x18 envelope, it's hard to believe that all the kid really owns was enclosed in this one envelope. After some coaxing from Eddick, he explained them to us. 10 were from boxing, 3 were from soccer, and 1 was from academics.  He then said he would like to put them on his bedroom wall. I don't know who was more proud, Eddick, Dima, or Dusty and I. We are excited to put them up in his bedroom when he gets home. 

We didn't get to see any of the girls today, as Russ and Lori took Lena and the art teacher out to buy some needed art supplies.  I am sure tomorrow we will get to spend time with them.

As we were leaving the boxing room, we briefly ran into Andre, Denis, and the little Dema.  All were excited to see us and said "Hi" in English.  Dema skipped down the hall in happiness after he saw us.  All those sweet little boys will be doing a lot of skipping in the months to come!