SLAVIK

...the hidden shall be found....

Today started and ended with the search for Slavik. First thing this morning we went to a home thinking it was his father's or mother's to find it was an aunt - in fact the aunt that is caring for Slavik's sister - Vika.

When we first asked about Slavik, she indicated he was with his grandmother. After discussion about the fact the grandmother had a stroke (which did not seem to surprize her) and that Slavik was no longer there - she said he was probably with his mother in Orlovka. Still somewhat resistant, we told her about the sponsor wanting to help him - a sponsor who wanted to give a significant amount of funds for his support. She came out of the gate and suggested she send Vika to Orlovka and see what she could find. And she would call Natasha later. Progress.

Then after making our rounds in Iskra and Kemin, we continued on to Orlovka to see what we could find out. We went to the address that we were told was the mothers - only to find another woman - one who knows the family well. She told us Slavik was with a family who is working in the fields - possibly in Kazakhastan or in a city outside of Bishkek. She became very helpful when she heard of the sponsor (which we have some promises of only - by the way) and then sent us to a different part of the village to find the mother. We did not find her - even after asking the village "she knows everyone person". However we are not to be discouraged - we headed back to Tokmok with a plan.

Next - we ask Sergae and Anya to return to the persons they talked to and let then know about the "sponsor"...telling them we must see Slavik in order to give the funds.

REMEMBER HIS FACE EACH MORNING AND NIGHT AND PRAY FOR HIS SAFE RETURN. He is 11!!! and at the hands of someone just wanting him for ALL THE WRONG REASONS - work OR?