Help Lonya Hear!

A sweet young man at Sovietsk Orphanage named Lonya (short for Leonid) is in need of a new hearing aid. You can read more about Lonya here: sovietsksupporters.blogspot.com/2010/11/meet-lonya.html. He is 9 years old and  growing up quickly.

Lonya is currently sharing a hearing aid and can only use it part time, so he is missing out on important school work. It's impacting his speech progress as well. We have also been working to get him more financial support for therapies, which is a work in progress.

We only need $1,250 to cover the cost of the hearing aids. Fortunately we have found a local sponsor for half of Lonya's hearing aid. Will you consider chipping in to help Lonya?

If you would like to give a tax-deductible donation to the fund online, please follow the steps below:

1.       Go to www.hopechest.org
2.       Click on the orange “Give” button (on the rightside of screen)
3.       Click “Designated/Sponsorship: One Time Gift” & type the amount you would like to give in box below
4.       Enter the orphanage number in “Reference Number”: RU0506000
5.       Enter in the “Notes Field”: Medical
6.       Then have the donor complete their contact & payment information.

Thank you so much for your care and love for these precious children, including little Lonya. Any amount you can give is appreciated. We are looking forward to sharing with you when Lonya receives his new hearing aids and is back to work!

So this is Christmas . . .

A Very Merry Christmas! Orthodox Christmas is upon us. While most of us are putting away ornaments and lights, our Russian friends are getting ready for church, feasting, and family. You can read more about Russian Christmas here.
Another year over, a new one just begun. Last year was hard for a lot of people, for a lot of reasons. We lost a lot of financial support for Sovietsk in 2009, but we gained priceless enthusiasm and commitment from a new group of supporters. Yay! I have been thinking a lot about 2010 and how to make our service less about cash and more about connections. Some ideas:

-Increase frequency of communication between Russian and American friends. Fund Nadezhda/Children's HopeChest has committed to coaxing more letters out of the children--some of you experienced the joy of receiving letters for the first time! I hope each of us can recommit to sending letters more regularly. If you're interested in writing to one of our children, drop me a note.

-Increase quality of communication in those letters. Ben and I want to help our sponsors be more purposeful in the letters, using approaches known to work with children who have experienced great loss or trauma. For example, simply prompting the child to remember a funny memory can trigger the brain to release more happy hormones, resulting in a calmer mood or even a smile or a laugh. The more this happens, the healthier. So, I wrote Katya with a funny story about myself and asked her to share one with me. We are planning to share more letter-writing tips with each of you.

-Meet some additional material needs. For example, the orphanage needs a medical sterilizer. We know they could benefit from Vitamin D. The list goes on. I know there are gifts in kind out there somewhere. If you can help us out, let us know!

-Mobilize our supporters. A core group of us got together last fall to brainstorm ways to increase support and funds for Sovietsk. We are planning to get together soon, and it seems like an event may be in the works. More to come on that--we'd love to have each of you involved!

-Find a clever way to supplement traveler expenses (so we can have more travelers!).

-Find a way to continue to pay for the crucial extracurricular activities.

-Extend our support for our youth who have graduated.

-Visit again!

So how are we going to do all of this? Maximize partnership. Rely on supporters' creativity and connections. Keep an open mind. Work our tails off! Ask for feedback and suggestions. And pray a LOT.

So please, stay tuned. Tomorrow, when in celebration of Christmas in Russia we pack away our tree and our memories of 2009, our hearts will be with our children and our minds will be in full gear. We are hoping and trusting 2010 to be the best year of sponsorship yet!

Community!

This trip was different than some of our other trips. While we had too many wonderful moments to count with the children of Sovietsk, they were in school during the day. This gave us opportunity to spend time with community leaders and begin forming bonds for the benefit of the children, much like we did last year in Dolbiylova.

We observed speech pathology lessons and soccer and boxing demonstrations, seeing sponsored programs in action. We visited a tech school where two of our grads attend, studying welding. We visited 3 schools in the community, sharing tea with teachers and administrators, and even watching our teachers teach. We visited the main arts school in Sovietsk and enjoyed a special concert by the students, complete with a bayan duet, and a special presentation from a touring group. (Our girls thought the boys in the group were pretty cute!) We returned to a few stores in town and the history museum. We met the director of an orphanage for children who are hearing impaired, the Father of the largest church in Kirov, and many, many educators who contribute greatly to our children's success. Galina had us very busy, and there was definitely a purpose in her plan.

This was an excellent opportunity for us to see the children beyond the orphanage, visiting them in lessons and having them share their friends and activities with us. Little Olga was just beaming with pride as we made the rounds at her arts school. At tech school, Andrey had the perfect adolescent mix of embarassment and pride as Galina and the rest of us fussed over him in front of his friends and teachers. It was so hopeful and heartwarming to see the children embraced as a part of a community beyond the orphanage walls.

Even more amazing was the community response Galina has reported over the last year. Examples: We were prepared to buy graduation gifts for everyone this year, but we received word that wasn't necessary. Galina told us why--last year, word spread that 'the Americans' purchased gifts for all the grads. So, this year, a local group of business people decided to do the same. Last year, we purchased a guitar for the orphanage, both for Ben to use when we visit and for the children to use for lessons. When we returned, there were four guitars. And when we visited the music school, International Charitable Programme "Music of Life" made a special presentation of an additional guitar for the orphanage. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was the playground. Last year, I took photos of an open field and a few rusty swings the kids used to play, and in my wildest dreams, I would have found a way to have a playground built for the children. But, in the last year, a group of local tax collectors rallied together and built the playground, together with the children. I met Tatyana from this group, and we talked at great lengths about our hopes for the children and how we could continue to work together.
I could write volumes on each of these subjects, and in future posts, I probably will. But for now, I wanted to share just the surface of the exciting developments in the Sovietsk community. Research on youth development tells us that the more connected a child is to his or her community as he or she enters adulthood, the greater probability he or she has for success. Ben and I are only there once a year, though our hearts are there constantly. But from halfway around the world, there is only so much we can do. I am so thankful for the openness of the people of Sovietsk, and my deepest hope is that they will embrace every one of our children as their own.

Must-see TV, Russian Style

Remember last year when we posted about unexpecting the expected? Well, we expected to have a short interview with the media in Sovietsk. What we got instead was 4 days of cameras and mics, personal interviews and written statements, and candid footage by award-winning documentary filmmaker Tatyana Khalezova. What a surprise, and what an honor! We were glad for the chance to spread the word in Russia about our special kids. We're hoping this builds even more support from within Russia. We're thankful for any way to get the word out!

The link below is an excerpt from Kirov Regional news, following our outing to Dolbiylova. (While we might have looked more camera-ready when we weren't hiking through the woods, we are glad that Sovietsk Supporters Galina and Volodya were featured!) Please, follow the link below to watch our news segment. (I haven't figure out how to embed Russian video. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to watch.)

http://www.gtrk-vyatka.ru/vesti/7657-amerikanskie-volontery.html

While it loses something going from English to Russian and back to English, the translation is below. You, Sovietsk Supporters, get a major mention! Between our family and friends, Bethlehem Lutheran, KidsFirst Foundation, and Evangel PCA in Kansas, not to mention people who have found us via blog, the supporters are well over 200. So thank you!

(Also, this is just a portion of what will be featured on a "full-length docu-drama" television show about Sovietsk orphanage and our involvement there. Something along the lines of Dateline Kirov, it seems. Stay tuned for even more!)

AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS
A group of American volunteers arrived in Kirov Region. They visit orphanages. The charity help that the guests from abroad render is measured not in money equivalent only. Relations and interaction are the key for the orphans regardless of the language of this communication.
Sarah, Benjamin, Katherine, Jennifer, Steve and Barbara . They came to Sovietsk orphanage from Indiana, USA.

Sarah Clark, social worker [student] (Indiana, USA): «Today here you see only 6 Americans. But there are a lot more people that participate in this program. They are about 200, more than 200. We are happy when we can raise some money to help these children. On the other hand, I have been writing to a girl from this orphanage for three years already. We have become friends. We are very attached to one another and I hope that after she graduates we will be able to continue keeping in touch».

Sarah Clark is a social worker [student]. She works with foster care children and children from correctional facilities learning to live at home independently.

Sarah Clark, social worker [student] (Indiana, USA): «The children that I work with at home are in no way different from these children. Of course, there are only a few children's homes in the USA. Most children live in foster families. Both the systems: orphanages and foster care have positive and negative sides».

But the problems, unfortunately, are the same. When the children leave the orphanages, they are hardly able to deal with everyday life. Every child must have an adult that s\he can trust.
The charity foundation “NADEZHDA” works with volunteers from abroad and Russia and helps to find these people.

Galina Plotnikova, Principal of Sovietsk sanatorium type orphanage: «They write letters to each other, make sure to send a birthday card greeting, check on the children’s health. They can ask whether the child’s cat has become bigger, for instance. They pay attention to all the details and small things».

The orphanage was able to hire a speech pathologist and many tutors with the financial assistance. Some boys were able to get their driver’s licenses.

Galina Plotnikova, Principal of Sovietsk sanatorium type orphanage: «We were able to start a drama and guitar club. And overall, our children make better progress at school because of the tutors».

The week of personal interaction with the adults lets the children feel like they possess equal rights with other members of society. When they are together, walking hand in hand, there are things to talk about.

Funding 2009-2010

We're excited to announce that KidsFirst Foundation will continue to fund the following crucial programs for the kids at Sovietsk this school year: speech therapist, math tutor, Russian language tutors, foreign language tutor, general tutor (all subjects), massage or cosmetology school for the grads. We are grateful for and encouraged by their support, which we know will have lasting impact on the lives of the children at Sovietsk.

However, there are a number of equally important programs from last year that are still in need of funding, so it's time to get creative. We are in crunchtime since the school year starts September 1 and these programs aren't yet fully funded. We need your help!

The orphanage director has identified the following financial needs for the upcoming academic year:

Soccer coach: $636
Boxing coach: $636
Touring instructor: $636
Guitar instructor: $636
Dancing instructor: $636
Drama teacher: $636
Music School: $240
Transportation fees to and from extra curricular classes and clubs: $804

The total for these programs is $4,860.00 .

We need your help! Any one-time donation of any size will assist us in covering these programs. We need your creativity! Any suggestions for fundraising, or grants available, or any employers who match contributions could help us meet this goal.

There are 2 main reasons we are committed to meeting this goal.

First, the children have had these programs for the last 2 years, thanks to generous funding. We have seen the success bred by these programs, and it breaks our heart to remove something that has become so meaningful in the children's lives.

Second, these programs have immeasurable value. It's easy to see why tutoring is important--we all know that education is key to success all over the world. But extra-curricular activites have value far beyond fun-and fun itself is a worthy pursuit for any child! Sports and music spur brain development, physical development, coordination, confidence, problem-solving, a whole host of life skills that translate across life domains. Most children in orphanages struggle with developmental delays, and the value of music, arts, and sports in increasing developmental competency has been proven time and again. The opportunity to take tours and fieldtrips helps children see a world beyond the orphanage walls and imagine greater possibilities for themselves. And obviously, the programs are useless if we cannot transport the children to participate! :)

While we can measure the practical impact of academic programs, we can never express how deeply these supplementary programs have affected the confidence and self-esteem of the children involved. These children are often overlooked, discarded by society, and expectations for them are quite low. Challenges on a stage or in a competition lead to encouragement and success, which builds over time to help these young children begin to realize their worth and potential. Add to that the knowledge of people who care from the other side of the world (who are willing to support these programs), and the impact is immeasurable.

SO, we would love your help with this. Please spread the word. Please ask anyone who may be interested. We know so many of you have donated toward the trip activities and supplies, and we thank you for that. This is why we need to cast a wider net . . . any help or suggestions are appreciated!

(Checks can be made payable to Children's HopeChest and mailed to 9240 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, 80920-5007. Or, visit http://www.hopechest.org/, click on Give, and donate by credit card. Please be sure to mark all donations Sovietsk programming 2009-2010. and THANK YOU!)

One More Update

Director’s Notes… (slow to cross the ocean!)

Dear Friends,

I hope the New Year will continue to bring us happiness and joy. Since January we have much to do. We are preparing for coming holidays: the Shrovetide and the Women’s day. Let me tell you about the 23d of February, The Day of Country Defenders. We had a group of friends from Kirov. Seven students of the police college prepared a Zarnitza (orienteering), after it we had a tea party with presents and singing and playing the guitar. The children liked the holiday very much. I hope that the further holidays will be only better. I also want to let you know that all of us appreciate your financial support of the orphanage. This is a lot of help. We managed to buy skiis and bikes with the funds that you had provided to us. Thank you from all of us that take care of these children. God Bless you all, Anisiya Pavlovna Vachreneva

Prayer Requests… Please pray for all of the children at the orphanage and for the orphanage personnel.

It's a few little things that make a big difference. A guitar and extra funds means a special tea party with special guests--and special memories for our precious children. Bikes and skis mean exercise, fun, and transportation to town and to work for the older children.

We're getting ready to travel and planning how we can best continue to meet needs. We are hoping to be able to fund crucial programs and provide necessities as we have for the past 2 years. We are hoping to raise enough funds for English lessons in 2009-2010 (you can contribute on the right side of this blog!). Of course, we'll have a letter drive, as well as drives for little things that make a big difference (nail polish, supplies for therapeutic games, sports equipment, and the like).

All of this is thanks to donors like you! Believe us, we have no windfall of cash with which to support these children at the orphanage. Somehow, through partner organizations and individual generosity, it always comes together. We'd love for you to join us in thinking and praying, finding creative ways to care for our children and meet needs. No ideas or contributions are too small. They are so thankful!

говорите по-англииский?

Do you speak English? That's among the first questions I ask when trying to communicate in Russia.

In Russia, we would be lost without our translators--many of whom speak multiple languages. Our feeble attempts at the Russian language are met with some level of enthusiasm, simply because Americans are not known for making much effort to communicate in other languages. It's fun to ask the kids "Что это?" "What is this?" and then try to repeat back to them what they said. There is usually a lot of giggling involved, and it gives our hardworking translators a break.

The translators and disciplers become some of the biggest role models for the children in the orphanages. They are well-spoken, well-educated young adults with good jobs. They help build connections between American friends and the kids. They are young enough to still be "cool" but old enough to share some wisdom. Most importantly, the disciplers are committed to the children and spend quality time hearing their stories and offering support. Misha, here, was called "Uncle Misha" by the end of our week at Sovietsk. We are grateful for our friends who have such a direct, positive impact on these young lives.

Last visit, when I asked the children what they wanted to be when they graduate, among the most common answers was "a translator." Of course, it makes perfect sense. What a wonderful goal. But, there are no English lessons at the orphanage.

So, we looked into it. We discovered that hiring English teachers for the next school year is a feasible option. Galina suggested 18 hours a week would cover lessons and extra tutoring for all 29 children, and that would only cost us $43 a week. To cover the whole school year, we would need about $1720.

It's no small number, but it really is doable. We've funded recreational activities, arts, tutors for necessities like math and grammar, and important enhancements like university preparation and driving. Imagine the opportunities that would come from English lessons--increased language skills in general, better prospects for university, maybe even a career working where most orphaned children can hardly dream of. Galina feels strongly that English lessons would help the children, and she said that there is a lot of motivation to study English, especially among the older children.

A few children from HopeChest programs have grown up to become translators and help children just like themselves. Not every child will, but one of our children might. Just imagine the possibilities for Lena, Katya, Sergey, Andrey, all of our boys and girls, if met with this opportunity.

SO, we have a new project going. We are attempting to collect $1720 in $43 increments before August 2009, so the funds can be used for the coming school year. Could you help us out? Donating is easy--click on the badge to the right. Or, could you please consider posting the badge on your blog, Facebook, etc? Just email me and I'll send you the code. Any suggestions about finding funds are welcome!

And Большое спасибо, big thanks, to all of you who care for the children of Sovietsk.

Meet doma

After months of planning and preparing, the website for doma launched this week!

doma is a new organization founded my my sister-in-law Julie. Through years of visiting orphanages and studying children, she dreamed about finding ways to intervene earlier in young, vulnerable lives. If we can be sure the youngest children have the right developmental building blocks, their futures are infinitely brighter. If we can support orphaned children who become parents at a young age, they are more likely to be successful parents and less likely to abandon their own children. If we can find a way for these children to experience the blessing of home, they will be able to build a safe and healthy home for themselves and their families.

So, slowly but surely, doma is building programs around the world. They are traveling to Uganda next month to provide medical services, visit a school for orphaned children (which they are already supporting), and assess the need and potential for a prenatal care center. They are working toward young mother support centers in Russia, and they are bringing developmentally appropriate toys and supplies to babyhouses in Ukraine. In the dreams of the future, doma is looking at expanding programs in India, in other African countries, and even in the United States.

Ben and I have been working on all kinds of projects for doma--cultural trainings, programming, brainstorming, research, writing, travel support, basically anything we can. The more of us who bond together to bring peace, joy, and stability to those who need it most, the closer the world becomes to what it was intended to be.