Taking Masha to the Beach

Masha is 11 years old and from Belarus. She is staying with us for 3 weeks as part of the Chernobyl Childrens Charity scheme. Her first few days with us were quiet as she settled in and got to know us a little better. She doesnt speak a word of english so things have been interesting so say the least and Google Translate has been our saviour. Although the way she communicates with Amy is amazing, already they have this way of understanding each other which is a mixture of actions and sounds - but hey it works!!

Our first trip out was to town to but Masha some new clothes. For her 3 week stay she came with one pair of PJ's ,  a flannel and the clothes she stood up in! We were told of the poverty these families live in but I was expecting her to have a little more in the way of clothing. Anyway a stint in Primark soon had that one sorted and she was one very happy little girl.

In the evening we took a stroll down to the beach with the buckets and spades and of course my camera. And I am so glad I had my camera. As we got to the edge of the sand dunes her face was an absolute picture - she has never seen the ocean or the beach before, only in books. I was not quick enough to capture her first reaction but I got some great snap shots of the kids building sandcastles and jumping the waves!

More update on Masha's visit to come later. My crafty time is going to be a bit on the short side while she stays with us so I probably wont have much to share in the way of creativity this week.

Hugs 

Dee

xxxx