From the October Newsletter

The following is from the October edition of the monthly newsletter we receive from our friends in Sovietsk. The note below was written by one of the young ladies who was relatively new to the orphanage. Over the course of our time there she developed a close bond with two of our travelers in particular.

Dear American friends,

Today it’s me who will send you all our love and I will tell you what’s new in our orphanage. So it’s already October and we all study hard. I had some very bad marks but I’ve managed to improve them. By the way, thanks to your visit my English has become better, even my teachers admit this fact.

We had much fun in September. We had a Disco. Now I also have many friends here in Grehovo and in Sovietsk. I feel at home. Though of course there were some hard things and feelings and so on…but now everything is great!!! Soon I will have my 15th birthday. I nearly can’t wait!!!!

I miss Sarah and Ben, Steve and Barb, and especially Katherine and Jennifer. We all miss you here and want you to return next year!!!

Kisses, hugs and much love from us all and me especially,
Sasha

Stay tuned for more excerpts from the October newsletter...

Bummed.

Well, we just learned that four of our kids lost their sponsors. Big bummer. We certainly understand when things get tight, especially in these times. But it's hard to think about our sweet kids losing out on these great relationships and resources.

Can you help us out? This is what we're asking:

1) Please send me an email or comment here about what could improve the sponsor program for you. I know it can get tough when you haven't met the kids and haven't heard from them, and we'd like to find some ways to make up for that.

(When I get over the homework hump this semester, I'll be blogging a lot more and sending individual info to sponsors, which I think you will enjoy.)

2) Please help us spread the word about these kids. If you know of anyone who would like to be a pen pal or a sponsor, send them our way! Or, maybe ask for it as a gift . . . I know I couldn't get a better gift this Christmas than to see all these kiddos sponsored. The pics you see are some of our kids waiting for sponsors.

3) Please keep our kids in your thoughts and prayers as the holidays approach. Send an extra note, an extra contribution, something that communicates your love and care for these sweet kids as they face the holidays with us as their family.

THANK YOU for all you do!