Jo Ann Torres, a True Hero

I would like to publicly acknowledge Jo Ann Torres, who is the true hero of this Mission Trip! Last year JoAnn and her husband Ruben adopted their three daughters, all with Down Syndrome from Vorzel. I flew to the Ukraine to assist Jo Ann bringing the girls home but delays prevented that and Jo Ann flew home alone with all three girls! These girls, joined the Torres family which already consisted of 6 daughters, one who was adopted from Russia with Down Syndrome, one biological daughter with Down syndrome and five other biological children. This year she volunteered to join me on a Mission Trip to thank the care workers at Vorzel by doing their hair. Jo Ann worked her magic and single handedly, broke down the barriers between care workers, families and volunteers!! Through the use of a translator and pantomine, she cut, colored and highlighted approximately 50 woman's hair over four days! In addition, she cut and colored the hair of the graduating students and orphans at Bucha where she is adopting Marco, a brother for her son! She did not turn anyone away!! I don't believe anywhere, anyone ever did what she did!!!!She had some assistance from Nadia at times, who was from Almaz Church and had just received her Hair certificate! Nadia is so blessed to have received on the spot training by the BEST HAIR DRESSER THAT EVER EXISTED!!!Because of Jo Ann's efforts, I was allowed access to the children and relate to the care workers! Jo Ann was gifted champagne and chocolates, coffee and chi in Groupa House 1. Other Houses offered chocolates and drinks! On her third day of her hair-a-thon, Jo Ann received a call that the Doctor was waiting for her in Groupa House 2 where, Oksana, Peaches and hopefully Marshall are! She was so surprised to be beckoned and welcomed by the Doctor who resisted the Mission workers in the pass. This allowed Pastor Sasha to begin a  relationship that had not existed to develop!!! Jo Ann cut, colored, hgh lighted and laughed with her 'clients'. In House 5 they lined up and had set up a beauty shop for her and had arranged 'appointments'. By her second day, Jo Ann suffered swollen feet and ankles and despite being very uncomfortable, she continued to work without complaining!!! Someone else would have quick but not her!! Jo Ann made such a difference in their lives and I believe it will have a ripple effect on the attitudes of the orphan workers. Despiite her exhausting experience, she is talking about a Hair Ministry, organizing hair dressers and pairing them with mission groups in orphanages and Baby Houses in the future!!!. Jo Ann is one of the greatest human beings I know, a true messenger and a SUPER MOM!! Thank you Jo Ann!!