After the summer break, volunteers returned to the Kutaisi Center in Georgia and were welcomed with hugs, photos, selfies, and children joking about who had missed them the most. Since a few new children had joined, the day began with introduction games before moving into a lesson about food and nutrition. The children made paper apples, “baked” pizzas, decorated ice creams, and joined the activities with plenty of laughter. Even the caregivers enjoyed the exercises and saved them for later use.

For Nodo, who was volunteering with the group for the first time, the visit left a strong impression. He shared that the experience changed the way he looked at simple acts of service. Spending time with the children helped him see how much attention, encouragement, and presence can mean. He left with a deeper appreciation for this kind of work.

One of the most touching moments came from Luka, who does not speak but communicates through gestures, sounds, and expressions. When another child said he did not remember the volunteers very well, Luka quickly reacted. Asked if he remembered them, he happily nodded. When asked if he would ever forget them, Luka shook his head firmly while looking at the volunteers with a joyful expression. He did not need words to make his answer clear.

As the volunteers prepared to leave, the children asked them not to stay away for so long again. When Shota heard they hoped to return sometime in October, he asked if they could come on the first. The volunteers wondered if it might be his birthday. His answer was simple: the first would come sooner, so he would get to see them sooner. Moments like these remind us that the activities matter, but so do the relationships built along the way. We are grateful for the support that helps children in Georgia continue learning, laughing, and spending time with people who keep showing up for them.