Babooskha!

My one and only grandson Aiden is now 2 years and 5 months old. He calls me (бабушка) - babooshka. However it comes out as Booka, Booga, Booska! I love to hear him say it, it is Russian for Gramma. I wanted him to call me something that everyone would know he was talking about me or wanted me. And I wanted a reminder of the little grammas in Russia who are homeless and starving. Anyway let me share with you a little about our trip to Russia and why the name Babooskha means so much to me.

When Chuck and I went to Russia on a mission trip the grammas there stole my heart. There was one in particular who was in McDonalds and she was walking from table to table begging for food. I asked what she was doing and Chuck told me she was hungry. I said then get her some food and give her some money!! I wanted to cry. So he got up and gave her money and she got herself a cup of coffee, it was real cold outside. Then she stood by the trash can and tears were streaming down her face. It was one of the saddest things I had ever seen. I then told him to give her more money, so when he did, she followed us outside and kept saying Thank you, thank you in Russian and was crying.

Then in Red Square as we make our way back to the hotel, the little babooshkas were huddled up in the doorways out of the cold, they were hungry and homeless. Late at night there were small children in the tunnels where you cross the streets playing instruments with boxes in front of them for you to put money in.

I couldn't take it. If I ever go back, I am taking all my savings and giving it away. I might even sell everything I have, because I could not go back and not give everything I have. I am so so so blessed!!!!