New Years in Russia

Here is Lena's description of the winter holidays in Russia. Look for her information about Christmas in a later post.

Winter holiday season is one of the most exciting times for everyone in Russia. With the first snow comes first excitement. And as it gets colder and the snow piles grow bigger so does people’s joy and anticipation for winter and everything it brings.

Winter (“zima”) in Russia is a beautiful time and even minus 22 degree Fahrenheit weather can’t take away the feeling of awe when looking at the ice patterns on the windows and snow covered tree branches.

Winter is the time to get skis and sleds out of the closets, go outside, play snowballs and make snowmen.

And, of course, winter is the time to celebrate New Years and Christmas. The tradition for celebrating Christmas is coming back to life, yet New Year’s still remains the biggest winter celebration. The kids in the orphanages, schools and kindergartens start getting ready for New Year’s celebrations a long time in advance. They make New Year’s cards, learn poems about Grandfather Frost and winter and rehearse dances and songs for the big New Year’s performance. From December 30th till January 10th there are winter vacations at school (“kanikuli”). During this time the kids have a lot of parties and celebrations (called “Yolka” - “New Year’s tree”). New Years tree/Christmas tree is the center piece of a lot of places during this season: town squares, shops, work places, homes, school and orphanage auditoriums. Very often it is decorated with the things the kids make themselves: snow flakes, stars, snowman figures etc. The top of the tree is usually decorated with a big star. The New Year’s trees are put up at the end of December and put down in the middle of January.

The two main characters that make their appearance during the New Years season are Grandfather Frost (“Ded Moroz”) and Snow Girl (“Snegurochka”). The Grandfather Frost has replaced in Russia the European Saint Nicolas and American Santa Clause. It is a tall old man with a long white beard in a red fur coat, special mittens, felt boots, with a magic staff and bag of gifts for children. He isn’t carried by reindeer, but rides a big Russian sled with three horses and a little bell under an arch. His usual place of stay is winter snow forest, where he is responsible for blizzards and snow storms.

Snow Girl is his charming granddaughter. She is dressed in a light-blue coat and a hat with white fur and she is also wearing white boots. She has a long blond braid. She is a mistress for birds and animals of a winter forest: hares, squirrels and birds.

Both Grandfather Frost and Snow Girl are the main characters of every “Yolka” celebration. They come to every school, kindergarten, orphanage to give the kids gifts and celebrate with them (very often the characters are played by the orphanage/school staff). During the play malicious Baba Yaga and Forest Man (“Leshiy”) steal the bag with gifts from Ded Moroz. In course of the play the kids help to look for it. Once the bag is found Ded Moroz lights up the New Years tree and does a dance (“horovod”) around it with all the kids and other characters. Many kids are dressed up as fairy tale or winter characters on this day as well: snowflakes, hares, snowmen…

New Years is a family holiday in Russia when all the family gets together at a table for a big New Year’s meal. This happens on the night of the 31st of December. By doing this people say good-bye to the Old Year and welcome the New. The classical attributes for a New Years table are: champagne for adults (though Russians have come up with what’s called “Champagne for Children”--a non alcoholic beverage), tangerines and a meat salad. There are a lot of special programs and shows on TV that night and so the family usually enjoys a big dinner watching TV most of the night. Minutes before midnight the President appears on TV with his New Year’s speech and then the count down begins. Once the Kremlin clock starts to strike midnight people clink their glasses, tell each other “S Novim Godom!” (Happy New Years!) and drink champagne. Another famous New Years tradition is watching the movie called “Irony of Fate” (or “Have a Nice Bath”). It is a hilarious New Year’s movie and it gives a good insight into Russian culture. Directed by Eldar Ryazanov and originally released in 1975, it’s been a tradition to watch the movie on New Year’s or around that time (if you are interested in Russian culture it is a great movie to watch and every Russian would know what you are talking about). Some people who are not into a quiet dinner have New Years parties with dancing, jumping into the snow and sliding down snowy hills at night.

It is customary to exchange gifts on New Years and not on Christmas. People put the gifts under the New Year’s tree and open them right after midnight or in the morning. January 1st is the day of rest, finishing food from last night and quiet family time.

The kids at the orphanages have a big “Yolka” celebration somewhere at the very end of December (29th, 30th) and then usually have a nice dinner and dancing for the actual New Years. But both New Years and Christmas are family holidays so in spite of all the joy and excitement of this season the kids still long for the family touch. Please, send your children a special greeting this Christmas and New Years and let them know that the are loved and remembered.

To say “Happy New Years” you say “S Novim Godom!”

Three Wishes

Here are the last few updates from the caregivers and directors at Sovietsk. They contain three wishes that we will do our best to grant, with your help.

First, for letters:

First of all let me thank you for all your care for our children. They are really happy when they receive letters and presents from you. It would be very nice if you continue writing to them, and if possible to them all, as some of them are a bit envious that to some children come 3 or 4 letters in a month. It is really interesting for them to receive letters especially from children, with whom they can share their interests and so on.
We are also looking forward to your visiting us because these are unforgettable memories for the children. From Caregiver Irina Nikolaevna

SO, we also request that you continue writing. It appears that we have some dedicated writers from our last big letter drive, so thank you! However, there are a number of children who are new to the orphanage who do not have anyone to write to them--their names are listed to the right and below. PLEASE consider becoming a pen pal for one (or two) of them. And please pass this information on to anyone who might be interested. It is very easy! Just email me and I will give you some background information and an email address to send your letters. If you have internet access, writing letters is free!

Second, for socks and gloves:

Winter is here and there is a great need here for warm clothes, especially warm socks and warm gloves. What ever help you can provide would be wonderful blessing. Thank you again for you letters and support.
Assistant Director Anisiya Vachreneva

SO, we are holding a Sock and Glove Drive! Since it costs more to send actual socks/gloves to Russia than they are worth, we are just collecting funds for the Sovietsk general fund at HopeChest. Just $5 can help keep a kid warm! Even in this crazy world, most of us can handle that much. Please consider donating--you can donate on the right--and please designate your funds "Sovietsk Sock and Glove Drive."

And finally, for prayer, as requested by disciplers and caregivers:

Please pray for the boys and girls who need to finish this school year well, for the graduates to find their way in life, and for the director and staff who take care of the children.

Enough said there.
We are so grateful that there are so many of you who love these kids!

What are partners for?

KidsFirst Foundation has been quite generous when caring for our children at Sovietsk. They have partnered with Children's HopeChest to fund our driving teachers, sports and arts teachers, special tutors--including pre-med classes, and a psychologist and speech therapist for our kids. Now is our chance to help them! KFF has asked as many people as possible to view their video describing the work they have done and the goals they have. If they can get 1,000 people to view the video by New Year's Day, or Thursday, they will receive $1,000 from an anonymous donor to help orphaned and abandoned children. We'd love all of our Sovietsk supporters to thank them by following the link, watching the video, and sharing this with friends and family. It only takes 3 minutes, and every click counts! After they have given so much for our kids, it's a great way to say Thanks, KidsFirst Foundation!

Caregiver's Corner

Sovietsk has so many wonderful staff members, from the director and assistants to the nurses, cooks, cleaning staff, tutors, social worker, and special instructors.

From Tatiana, one of the many wonderful caregivers at Sovietsk:

I hope you and your families are doing well. On behalf of all the Sovietsk orphanage staff members I want to thank you for the job you are doing for the kids. It’s great that they can learn about the life of people who live so far away. It’s good that they know they have a person to think of them.

Galina Plotnikova, the director, was in Kirov for three days to take some advanced courses in managing the orphanage. She also managed to enjoy the kids’ performance at the contest. Moreover, at the contest we managed to see Valentina Ivanova and Tatiana Kozlochenkova, the representatives of different Children’s Funds in Kirov Region.

Due to the cold weather our kids spend a lot of time outdoors, playing in the snow. They love making snowman and snow angels!

Sincerely yours,
Tatiana Soboleva and the staff of Sovietsk orphanage

A New Discipler

Here is a letter from Ann, a new discipler at Sovietsk. Sponsorship funds allow people like Ann to share the children's lives and bring support and encouragement. We have not met her yet, but we've enjoyed reading about Sovietsk through her eyes.

Dear friends,

This is my first newsletter to you. In fact I’m a newcomer and I don’t know much but I hope that as the time passes by I’ll become more experienced. My first visit to Sovietsk was a week ago. I was really excited. First of all I was really fascinated by how cozy and homelike this orphan house was. The mistresses were very kind to me too. I think it is due to their inner qualities that this place has such a lovely atmosphere.

On the 5th of October we have a Teacher’s day, so our first meeting with children was devoted to this holiday. I told them some interesting facts from the history. They especially liked the story about teachers in ancient Greece, and then we spoke a bit about their own teachers. It was really amazing to admit how open-hearted these children are. I also made friends with new children. You know, there are 5 of them: Kate, Larisa, Kirill, Marie, Sveta and Maksim. After the lesson we just talked a little. The children eagerly shared their memories about the past summer. They told me that they rested in different camps, in different shifts; and some camps were in other towns, for example in Kirov and in Urzum. Most of all they liked to sing songs sitting by the fire. In Sovietsk they went camping on the bank of the river Vyatka. You know the nature is marvelous here especially in summertime when the trees are dressed in their green outfit and the blue skies are reflected in the streams of our a bit slow, but still powerful, river. Also they had a trip to Lejinskoe Lake in Pizanski district, they say it is very beautiful there; their eyes sparkled when they told me about it.

I also brought them a lot of letters. Some of them wrote back right away. The others promised to be ready with their letters next time.
I should say that my heart really stayed with those children. Thanks a lot for your help, your support, and your letters; the children really need them. They put the letters and the photos in their special albums and you really become a very important part of their lives.

Ann Butorova

Updates from Lena

Thank you so much for your understanding, help and support. I feel how much you care about the children who need love a lot. It is nice that the children can learn a lot about people who live so far away, whose country differs from Russia.

During this past summer, the kids as well as their caregivers participated in the contest that took place in Kirov Children’s Crafts Centre. There were participants from various orphanages in Kirov Region. The first contest “Next to the Master” involved either boys or girls (or altogether) with their caregivers who taught them different crafts (e. g., woodwork, knitting, sewing, etc.). Ilya N., Tolia N., Sergey V., Gena P. and their instructor Vadim A. introduced themselves (they sang songs and recited poems about the orphanage and the crafts it is noted for). Later on they showed how talented they are and displayed their marvelous crafts.

The girls took part in another contest called “Constellation” which means children’s singing and dancing abilities. A group of girls who are good at singing participated a lot. Among them there were Lena Z., Nastya G., Olya V., Olya P., and Lena M.. Among the children who were there were Sergey N., Oksana G., and Katya M. Some caregivers joined them for support.

God bless you!
Lena Makarova

Updates!

We recently got some updates from Sovietsk, and we'll be sharing them with you in pieces over the coming week. The updates have inspired some new ideas and projects we'll be sharing with you as well. If you have any ideas or questions, please send them our way!
Olya P. playing at the gym
From some of our kids . . .

Dear American friends,

It is really cold those days. A strong wind was blowing. We had a real housecleaning, a great bath day. We had some activities both for younger and elder kids, including sport events (soccer, swimming in the pool) and visited the museum of Local Lore and the circus. Some of our children went to Kirov to take part in the contest. They sang and showed their crafts.

Nastya G. sent her guinea-pig. She did that because she had no time to look after it. First she felt pity for it but then she put up with it.

Our puppies (Jack and Nika) are big enough. We feed them with our leftover food. Sometimes their mom feeds them but now she doesn’t have enough milk to do that.

Good-bye!
Love,
Nastya G., Olya P., Lena Z.,
Tanya M.

Lena & Tanya show their lovely fingernails :)

A Christmas Prayer

Artwork by Maria' s Children, orphaned and abandoned children in Russia who take part in an art therapy program. You can order prints and cards from them!

Merry Christmas!

We wish you all a wonderful day of love, laughter, and celebration with the people you cherish.

Our hearts are with those around the world who are separated from light and warmth this Christmas.

This prayer by Daniel Lee came from Lutheran World Relief and is based on Isaiah 9:2-7:

God of light, who illumines the night,

Come to those now in darkness.

God of plenty, who multiplies joy,

Come to those now in sorrow.

God of promise, who creates the harvest,

Come to those now who hunger.

This Christmas and always,

We trust in your light, your plenty and your promises.

Teach us again, through Word and deed,

of the Christ child made flesh among us:

Who breaks the rod of oppression,

That we might work for justice;

Who removes the yoke of burden

That our neighbor might walk with dignity;

Who sets the tools of war afire,

That all creation might live in peace.

Amen.

May peace, love, joy, and hope be with us all at Christmas time and always.

Russian Christmas

The Russian Orthodox Church, and to a degree, Russian culture itself, gets it right when it comes to the difference between Christmas and New Year. The New Year holiday comes first with a big party, complete with gifts and jumping in the snow. Christmas comes January 7 and is more solemn, and certainly less commercial, than what we're used to. For them, the holiday is about faith and family and the seriousness of the moment that the holiday represents.

Even when moving away from commercialism, it's easy to get carried away. We are the sort who want to do EVERYTHING at Christmas. We shop for the Sharing Place, where people who are struggling financially can come and 'shop' for presents for their family. We donate special food to a local pantry so people can celebrate with a meal. You can send gifts to military men and women, pack shoeboxes for children around the world, visit nursing homes and hospitals with smiles and songs. There is really no end to the need for love and joy for those who are especially lonely this time of year.

(For more ideas, visit Sojourner's Peace and Justice Christmas at
http://go.sojo.net/campaign/peace_justice_christmas. There is so much more to Christmas than bargains and cookies!)

While I would do everything if I could, I am trying to prioritize wisely because despite my denial, I can't do everything. I'm trying to prioritize what only I can do. While I can (and will) share some gifts and food and Christmas smiles with others this holiday, others can do that as well (and I hope they do!). But I'm the only wife to my husband and the only daughter to my parents, the only aunt Sarah and sister Sarah and daughter-in-law Sarah and granddaughter Sarah, the only one who can continue the relationships I've started at Sovietsk, with Katya, Sergey, Galina, and the rest.

I am going to continue to do as much as I can, but I've learned to start with what only I can do first.

We encourage you to use the whole time up to Orthodox Christmas (January 7th) to focus on sharing love and light, peace and justice with the world around you--in the spirit of the baby we celebrate. And we encourage you to do what only you can do--enjoy and invest in the relationships you have been given. And please remember to let that special child know you are STILL thinking of him, or start that letter just from you especially to her.

(photo credit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7174794.stm)

Sergey the Carpenter

About a year ago I undertook a house project that was probably over my head from the beginning. I decided that I was going to build a bed for Sarah and me. Surprisingly enough, though, the bed turned out fine. (I was as shocked as you are). That's it in the photo to the left, complete with a sleeping cat.

One of the methods that the orphanage uses to help the children learn life skills and other important lessons is a wood shop program. The kids learn basic carpentry as well as fine woodworking skills. Over the course of my early correspondences with Sergey, I learned that he enjoyed wood shop. Even though he lives a million miles away, I decided that I should enlist his help in building this bed. I asked him in a letter if he had any advice for a novice like me who is trying to venture into furniture building. He responded with painstakingly drawn diagrams of how to construct a bed and the simple encouragement that "building a bed is not a difficult thing to do."

Truthfully, I had already built the bed by the time I heard back from him, but I was very happy to have engaged him in such a way that let him know that I didn't think of our relationship as being so one-sided. As a sponsor, as an American, as an adult, etc. it's easy to think that the kids at the orphanage have everything to learn and nothing to offer. That's simply not true. They're as interesting and complicated and intelligent as anyone. And if you listen closely, they can teach you a thing or two.

The List is Shrinking!

I am pleased to report that we now have sponsors for over half of the kids at Sovietsk!

This good news means the list of kids in need of sponsors (look to the right and down) is shrinking. We would love to eliminate it completely!

Who/what are sponsors?

Sponsors commit to send $34 a month, or $408 a year, to Children's HopeChest. This money provides for physical care for the child, additional education

opportunities, medical or other issues that may arise for the particular child. It also, very importantly, contributes toward resources for the orphanage in general. It provides for tutors, supplies, and a few fun events for all the kids. It pays for Lena, our discipler, to visit Sovietsk regularly and invest in the kids there. Lena is kind of a mix between a mentor and a youth pastor, for lack of better description. As Galina put it, Lena knows everything about Sovietsk. We'll share more about her later.

And, Sponsors write letters. The kids know who their Sponsors are. While we went to visit ALL the kids at Sovietsk, everyone knew we were Sergey & Katya's Sponsors, and that relationship carries significance to them. (Another reason we'd love to have some travelers join us next time!) Sponsors invest in one specific child for at least a year, and they can maintain that relationship as long as the child has access to HopeChest programs (whether at Sovietsk or after graduation). Sponsors can become like family.

Here's a cool sponsor story: On our 2007 trip, we met a woman who had been sponsoring the same girl for 10 years. After 10 years of letters, visits, prayer and encouragement, this girl had become a young woman who was graduating university and engaged to a kind young man with a wonderful family who accepted her fully. Her sponsor was invited to dinner with the family, and I believe she returned for the wedding. In a society where 'orphanage kids' are severely threatened and stigmatized, this is a WONDERFUL story. I wonder where my Katya will be in 10 years.

So, if you are interested or have more questions, contact me. I can send you everything you need to get started.

A good Christmas gift, maybe?

:)

Wistful for the Future

It's Advent. It's the beginning of my favorite time of year.

It's just like whenever I hear the Overture from Messiah--I get so excited about what's coming next. The moment I hear the opening chords, I'm drawn in, simultaneously relishing each musical moment and anticipating the music to come.

(Messiah essentially fits the whole liturgical year into one setting, with beautifully expressive music and brilliantly chosen texts. I am pretty sure they sing Messiah in heaven.)

So, while my favorite time of year is Lent culminating in Easter Sunday, I love Advent. It signifies so much more to come. As Pastor Felde put it, during advent, we are "wistful for the future." We await the baby who comes to bring light, who lives a lifetime of human joy and pain, who brings ultimate triumph when darkness is defeated and Love wins.

Pastor mentioned that wistful is an odd word in discussing the future, as it often focuses on the past. But, during Advent and the holiday season, I feel it. I feel wistful for the coming joys of the holidays--seeing family and making memories.

I feel wistful for my kids at Sovietsk--for their futures, knowing this hopeful story is theirs and praying they can own it. Their pasts are burdensome, it's true. But there are so many beautiful possibilities in their futures, if they are able to find the right path. That's why we go.

Many times, their eyes for the future are clouded by debilitating pain, paralyzing self-doubt, and no true knowledge of how to find the way. They have trudged through valleys on confusing, winding, rough paths, young and alone. Their experiences tell them that darkness is inevitable, that they don't deserve joy, that they mean nothing. Those lies are so difficult to drown out--impossible if there is nothing else to hear.

But the story of hope brings the music of hope. Advent reminds us that out of darkness comes light. As in Isaiah, "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight, and the rough places plain." We're called to prepare the way for hope, to build a highway in the desert. The more caring people who bring comfort, encouragement, and guidance, the better chance these little ones have.

We often get asked "Why Russia?" So there's another answer.

Ben and I are wistful to see our children again. The good news is, it is almost time to plan our next trip! Stay posted, more information to come soon.