This evening, David and I took our first walk in the city. We walked down a beautiful sidewalk, trees on both sides and centered in the middle of a major street. We love to walk there. And tonight it was so very special. As we walked, we ran into people we know. All of the people have been touched by the work of LAMb and a partnering organization. What a joy!
We were met by a young 19 year old whose just two short years ago was living in an orphanage with her brothers and sisters. Now through the touch of others, she is a student studying at a trade school in our city.
Just a few steps down the sidewalk, two children came running. We call them "Jessica's family" because a young social worker named Jessica, who visited here last March was deeply touched by their needs, which are overwhelming. We made plans to visit them on Monday.
About ten minutes later, a young couple with a baby came into view and it was a young couple that we knew before marriage, attended their wedding and now met their beautiful baby girl. What a joy it was to see them and connect.
As we were completing our walk, we met another 13 year old young man whose life has been deeply touched and changed. Once in the orphanage with his brothers and sisters, he and his entire family have been restored.
When we left him, we were impacted the fact the course of many of these young people is now changed...what appeared to be helpless situations have become hopeful because of the love and support of so many people back home. Thank you...
Tomorrow night...pictures from a very moving evening we just returned from....
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Arrived Safely
It is Saturday late afternoon and we arrived safely about 7:30 am this morning. After resting today, we will connect with our special friend and partner, John Wright for dinner tonight to catch up on all the news....tomorrow we plan to visit the Chinese Church, stop in to visit our special young friends at the orphanage and begin our time here in earnest on Monday morning.
I do feel in many ways that I am home - at least in my second home. It feels good to be here and we are anticipating great things.
Circumstances are changing here, so we will be doing alot of humanitarian work and social work...much more specific work involving David's focus is taking a different and uncertain path.
Thank you for your interest and support...our next chapter begins....
I do feel in many ways that I am home - at least in my second home. It feels good to be here and we are anticipating great things.
Circumstances are changing here, so we will be doing alot of humanitarian work and social work...much more specific work involving David's focus is taking a different and uncertain path.
Thank you for your interest and support...our next chapter begins....
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The National Media Day
Before I show you pictures of the events of this day, I want to say that I am extremely humbled by this awesome opportunity – not only to have a book translated into another language, but to have the privilege in participating in the release of it on a national level in Ukraine. The publication of the book was a joint project of the Institute for Human Services in Columbus, Ohio and Holt International of Ukraine.
National Adoption Day
September 30 is National Adoption Day and in honor of that day, Holt International Services hosted a national media event to recognize the day. The purpose of the day was to introduce adoptive families, to recognize the national government and non-government officials working in adoption and to announce the release of Telling the Truth to Your Adopted Child, the Field Guide to Child Welfare by Ron Hughes and Judy Rycus and the Step by Step Parenting Series by Lynn and Ruby Johnston and others.
Let the pictures tell the story….
Highlighting the joys of adoptive parenting and the need for adoptive families brought these two families to the event to share their beautiful stories.
This mom shared a poem she wrote to her new daughter.
This couple, having already raised biologial children, felt called to increase their family. What a awesome sight!
We arrived to the rush of setting up TV cameras for this national event.
Participanting in this event were left to right, Alonya, Director of Holt International of Ukraine, Lydmilla, Director of the National Adoption Program for Ukraine and Uri, the head of the Ministry Department of Family, Youth and Sports, like our cabinet positions.
We all shared in the excitement. Betsy Smalley, on the far right is my co-author.
Signing books after the event.
Again, we are so apprecitive to those who arranged this incredible event. Our next blog will be from Tokmok, Krygyzstan.
National Adoption Day
September 30 is National Adoption Day and in honor of that day, Holt International Services hosted a national media event to recognize the day. The purpose of the day was to introduce adoptive families, to recognize the national government and non-government officials working in adoption and to announce the release of Telling the Truth to Your Adopted Child, the Field Guide to Child Welfare by Ron Hughes and Judy Rycus and the Step by Step Parenting Series by Lynn and Ruby Johnston and others.
Let the pictures tell the story….
Highlighting the joys of adoptive parenting and the need for adoptive families brought these two families to the event to share their beautiful stories.
This mom shared a poem she wrote to her new daughter. This couple, having already raised biologial children, felt called to increase their family. What a awesome sight! We arrived to the rush of setting up TV cameras for this national event. Participanting in this event were left to right, Alonya, Director of Holt International of Ukraine, Lydmilla, Director of the National Adoption Program for Ukraine and Uri, the head of the Ministry Department of Family, Youth and Sports, like our cabinet positions. Rulsan, in the center, is the Vice President of Father's House in Kiev, one of the most effective organizations in Urkaine, finding homes for children in need of a permanent family.
Ruby shares ILDC's publications which have been in Ukraine, Russia and Kgyzstan - the Field Guide for Children Welfare and....
the Step by Step Parenting Series.
Ruby announces the release of Telling the Truth.
We all shared in the excitement. Betsy Smalley, on the far right is my co-author.
Signing books after the event.
Again, we are so apprecitive to those who arranged this incredible event. Our next blog will be from Tokmok, Krygyzstan.
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Wonderful Day of Opportunity
It was almost a year ago that this day way planned – the release of our newly Russian translated book in Kiev Ukraine– Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child. The actual work of translation took many, many months…and all that hard work paid off today. We trust it will make a contribution to the child welfare literature in this country.
Over 40 participants from some of the top nationally respected non governmental agencies and governmental agencies took part in our all day training, much of which was centered on the focus of the book. My co-author, Betsy Keefer Smalley and I are deeply indebted to the Institute for Human Services in Columbus, Ohio, the International Leadership and Development Center of Ukraine and Holt International for guiding the translation of the book and for hosting this awesome event today.
Let the pictures tell the rest of the story….
Getting ready for the crowd - our faithful helpers at the registration table - Larisa, Luba and Vera.
Oleg, the executive director of ILDC and Ruby distribute Field Guides, Step by Step Parenting bookslets and much more.
Oleg and Ruby display the newest Field Guide to Child Welfare release.
Opening of the training day.
Betsy prepares to present.
We had the opportunity to do simultaneous translation, which means we didn't have to wait for translation - it happened as we are speaking.
The participants expressed enthusiasm over the day and were so appreciative.
These two young ladies shared in a very creative way. They are part of the growing team of national trainers being prepared by the International Leadership and Development Center.
Following the training, many asked us to sign books..we were honored to do so.
Today is Tuesday and we are preparing for a press conference related to the release of our book and other tremendous resources.
Over 40 participants from some of the top nationally respected non governmental agencies and governmental agencies took part in our all day training, much of which was centered on the focus of the book. My co-author, Betsy Keefer Smalley and I are deeply indebted to the Institute for Human Services in Columbus, Ohio, the International Leadership and Development Center of Ukraine and Holt International for guiding the translation of the book and for hosting this awesome event today.
Let the pictures tell the rest of the story….
Getting ready for the crowd - our faithful helpers at the registration table - Larisa, Luba and Vera.
Oleg, the executive director of ILDC and Ruby distribute Field Guides, Step by Step Parenting bookslets and much more.
Oleg and Ruby display the newest Field Guide to Child Welfare release.
Opening of the training day.
Betsy prepares to present.
We had the opportunity to do simultaneous translation, which means we didn't have to wait for translation - it happened as we are speaking. 
The participants expressed enthusiasm over the day and were so appreciative.
These two young ladies shared in a very creative way. They are part of the growing team of national trainers being prepared by the International Leadership and Development Center.
Following the training, many asked us to sign books..we were honored to do so.
Today is Tuesday and we are preparing for a press conference related to the release of our book and other tremendous resources.
I am excited, also, because David leaves the US today to join us. We leave for Krygyzstan on Friday morning.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Because of You
Last year, David and I had the opportunity to meet a fine young man with a dream. We have talked about him in past blogs. He is entering his second year at the Professional Institute..studying business. He also has a heart for ministry.
Vitaliy and his mother pictured on the evening he received the gift of a guitar last April. He plays every Sunday in church and used a borrowed one.
A number of our friends have given us resources to help Vitaliy and others pursue their dreams. We thought it would be wonderful to share a note from him to let all of you know how much he appreciates your support. He is just learning English and we knew you would enjoy his letter.
From Vitality...
Hallo, dear Jane and David.
How are you? What are you doing? Excuse me if I have wrongs. This is Vitaliy, from Tokmok's institute Yraiym. I hope you remember me:). I remember you and I thank you very - very much. I study because of you, I asked Natasha about you mail and decided write you. If you write me I'll happy. You know, now much more students, I met many new friends, it is so good!I hope see you soon. Write me something please:).
Good bye! Vitaliy.
P.S. Every day I pray for you!
Vitaliy and his mother pictured on the evening he received the gift of a guitar last April. He plays every Sunday in church and used a borrowed one.A number of our friends have given us resources to help Vitaliy and others pursue their dreams. We thought it would be wonderful to share a note from him to let all of you know how much he appreciates your support. He is just learning English and we knew you would enjoy his letter.
From Vitality...
Hallo, dear Jane and David.
How are you? What are you doing? Excuse me if I have wrongs. This is Vitaliy, from Tokmok's institute Yraiym. I hope you remember me:). I remember you and I thank you very - very much. I study because of you, I asked Natasha about you mail and decided write you. If you write me I'll happy. You know, now much more students, I met many new friends, it is so good!I hope see you soon. Write me something please:).
Good bye! Vitaliy.
P.S. Every day I pray for you!
David and I arrive in Kyrgyzstan on October 3. We are so looking forward to reconnecting with Vitaliy and others our friends support....thank you as the journey continues...
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Fall Journey Begins
It is now Wednesday afternoon - it is a beautiful afternoon in Kiev, Ukraine - sunny and warm. This afternoon we finished two days of training with social workers from around the area and as usual, the joy of doing the work bubbles up for me. I simply could live over here and return home for visits.
What has been great fun for me is the encouragement I get from my new friends here as I continue to develop the language. I tell them it is my hobby and they really encourage me to keep at it. I have spoken more language here in conversation at lunch, etc then in months at home...of course. :)
Earlier this week we had the opportunity to meet with the President of CBN Ukraine and his staff as our team planned a national Ukrainan adoption conference for next spring. What struck me, as it usually does, is the incredible humble servant's heart I see in the folks working here. Steve Weber, the President said something that really impacted me.
"It is time for those of us at home to take the orphan's picture off the refrigerator and let the orphan eat from our refrigerator."
HOW POWERFUL...what a call to us in the Church to step up to meet those needs....not only when we think of orphans internationally, but of the thousands of children in foster care awaiting permanent homes in our own country.
David will join me next week on Wednesday as we prepare to fly to Kyrgyzstan and return to a people and place we greatly love.
What's coming the rest of the time here:
On Monday - training
On Tuesday - a national media event to release our book Telling the Truth to Your Adopted Child, now translated in Russian. What also will be highlighted is the work of the Institute of Human Services - Field Guide to Children Welfare and the incredible Step by Step Series on Parenting written primarily by Lynn and Ruby Johnston.
On Tuesday evening - we leave for Kivy Rog, a 12 hour train ride to visits the many projects LAMb has been involved in
On Friday - to Kyrgyzstan
Thank you for your incredible interest and support...we are a blessed people
What has been great fun for me is the encouragement I get from my new friends here as I continue to develop the language. I tell them it is my hobby and they really encourage me to keep at it. I have spoken more language here in conversation at lunch, etc then in months at home...of course. :)
Earlier this week we had the opportunity to meet with the President of CBN Ukraine and his staff as our team planned a national Ukrainan adoption conference for next spring. What struck me, as it usually does, is the incredible humble servant's heart I see in the folks working here. Steve Weber, the President said something that really impacted me.
"It is time for those of us at home to take the orphan's picture off the refrigerator and let the orphan eat from our refrigerator."
HOW POWERFUL...what a call to us in the Church to step up to meet those needs....not only when we think of orphans internationally, but of the thousands of children in foster care awaiting permanent homes in our own country.
David will join me next week on Wednesday as we prepare to fly to Kyrgyzstan and return to a people and place we greatly love.
What's coming the rest of the time here:
On Monday - training
On Tuesday - a national media event to release our book Telling the Truth to Your Adopted Child, now translated in Russian. What also will be highlighted is the work of the Institute of Human Services - Field Guide to Children Welfare and the incredible Step by Step Series on Parenting written primarily by Lynn and Ruby Johnston.
On Tuesday evening - we leave for Kivy Rog, a 12 hour train ride to visits the many projects LAMb has been involved in
On Friday - to Kyrgyzstan
Thank you for your incredible interest and support...we are a blessed people
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Why we are eager to return
David and I are eager to return to Krygyzstan in a few short weeks....There are many reasons why....
There is our friend, Pastor Elenya - whom we love and deeply respect...whose journey of healing from cancer we chronicled last year. We have just a glimpse of the incredible needs of this adoptive mom, her children and her church.
There are excited, committed students , Vitali and Tedros, who start back to the new university this fall - whose scholarships come from dear friends here.
There are the village kids....beautiful, precious children... it is such a joy to simply love them
There are the precious seniors living in a shelter who simply asked us all - will you come back? For our entire team, the answer was yes.
Thank you for all of your support. We will be in Krygyzstan for the month of October.
There is our friend, Pastor Elenya - whom we love and deeply respect...whose journey of healing from cancer we chronicled last year. We have just a glimpse of the incredible needs of this adoptive mom, her children and her church.
There is a single mom, her beautiful daughter, her mom and sister - doing all they can to make it...waiting for words of support. Galina, holding her daughter, will help us with translation this trip
There is Valera and Luba - a family where a lot of healing has happened...waiting for words of encouragement...
There is an awesome group of kids at the orphanage waiting for lots of hugs.... and maybe an English lesson or two...
There are excited, committed students , Vitali and Tedros, who start back to the new university this fall - whose scholarships come from dear friends here.
There are the village kids....beautiful, precious children... it is such a joy to simply love them
There are the precious seniors living in a shelter who simply asked us all - will you come back? For our entire team, the answer was yes.
Thank you for all of your support. We will be in Krygyzstan for the month of October.
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