Another newsletter update

Here's an update from the wonderful discipler at Sovietsk Orphanage, Anya:

Dear Friends,

The fall is over. It was the first several months of studies and of course it's difficult for children to get used to studies after a long summer break. But they are doing their best. This year one of the schools is under repair. That is why many children study in different schools.... Practically all children are healthy now, though some of them have a runny nose and cough. The weather has changed dramatically. It is cold and windy now. That is why it is also a bit cold in the orphanage. But very soon the windows will be replaced with new double-glazed windows.

As you know, two of the graduates, both named Lena, will stay in the orphanage for two more years, as they decided to continue their education in high school. The new children have accommodated themselves very well. There is one boy with hearing problem, Lonya. He can't write or speak, but he can communicate well. He can express his ideas, desires and wishes. But I can't explain to him the purpose of writing letters. If someone can write to him and send pictures, please do! He will be grateful and we'll write back or at least draw a picture.

Please write! The children are waiting!

Anya


If anyone is interested in writing letters to any of the children, please e-mail me and we can get you started. Thanks!

Grandfather Frost!

While we've been focusing on stepping up sponsorship for our kids, we understand that $408 is a big commitment for many people. But because sponsorship funds are low, New Years funds are low for our kids this year. In Russia, New Years brings a party, gifts, and Grandfather Frost with Sneguruchka, his granddaughter snow princess. (Christmas is reserved for religious festivities.)

Would you please consider contributing towards New Years celebrations this year? You can donate either through the tab on the right, or at www.hopechest.org. (Click Give, then enter RU0506 Grandfather Frost in the notes.) Or, you can give Ben or I a check payable to Children's HopeChest. Remember, letters are always welcome!

Please remember the sting of winter is even colder for children who have been abandoned by their families. We want them to feel our warmth and love. We want to remind them that they are not alone, but they have friends around the world who think of them and care for them. Will you consider helping? Blessings to all of you!

Below are some updates from the kids at Sovietsk Orphanage taken from the latest sponsorship newsletter. Stay tuned for more.

"I think I can speak on behalf of all children here in Sovietsk by saying we are so happy to receive your letters. Thank you very much for your kind words and interesting stories. Sometimes when it feels lonely or sad, your letters make it easier to overcome the difficulties and being in a bad mood."

--Nadia

"I would like to tell you about our summer. It was really hot. We planted potatoes in the garden and then we were watering in the entire summer, as there was no rain. The flowers were really beautiful this summer. Our cat was pregnant. We were alright: healthy and cheerful. Many of us went to different summer camps."

--Larisa

It Ain't Workin'!

On our recent trip to Sovietsk I had the opportunity to sit down and play guitar with some of the boys. (The girls play, too, but this was intended to be male bonding time.) One of the young fellas asked me to show him how to play a C chord. I put his fingers in the right spot and told him to press down and then strum. He did okay at first but before long his fingers got tired and the chord started to break down. Soon it was just an atonal plunking sound. He then looked up at me and said in Russian, "IT AIN'T WORKIN'!" Before I knew it I was laughing so hard I could hardly breathe, and then our interpreter started laughing, and soon the aspiring guitarist was laughing. I couldn't explain then or now why it was so funny, but it was positively hilarious. There's not really much of a point to this story other than it was good to share a moment of levity with a kid who really needed one. My young friend had some traumatic experiences that led him to living in the orphanage and it was good to share that moment of laughter with him.

Introducing Toma

Remember Lonya? The sweet little guy with hearing impairment? We haven't found his sponsor yet, sad to say. We haven't given up, but with December here, we’d love to introduce you to his sister, Tamara.

Tamara is 6 years old and came to the orphanage this year with her 16 year old brother Sasha, her 11 year old brother Armik, and of course, her 7 year old brother Lonya. Tamara, or Toma, hid for hours when we first arrived, but we eventually saw her sweet and playful nature. Toma would run up to the group, then run away. She would peek around the corner, giggle, and hide. By the time we broke out the face painting fun, she was a part of the group. She loves to make funny faces and has the sweetest smile.

Toma has been essentially raised by her brother Sasha for a few years now, and she is starting to make up for lost time. Sponsorship can help her gain medical and educational assistance and show her that she is loved and cherished by a special someone half a world away.

Will you be Toma’s sponsor? Through sponsorsehip, American friends connect one-on-one with children at the orphanage through letters, prayer, and financial support. For $34 a month (that’s $408 a year), the children receive financial assistance for educational and medical needs, regular visits from mentor Anya, and birthday and Christmas parties. While ideally sponsors stay connected to the children through their entire time at the orphanage, a minimum one-year sponsorship is encouraged.

Sponsorship payments may be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly by check, credit card, or EFT. Sponsors are encouraged to write one letter, one page long, once a month. It’s a simple task with a HUGE impact!

If you are interested in sponsoring Tamara or any of the other children at Sovietsk Orphanage in Kirov, Russia, please drop us a note or leave a comment. We know you'll be glad you did!