We had visited a number of times in a small village during our time here in 2008, but we never saw him. It wasn't until a visit to that village in the spring of 2009, that we met Arafat, a toddler with a severe cleft palette. He had been kept hidden from the outside world because of his problem. One afternoon, his parents cautiously brought him out for us to see...and the rest is history. We posted the need for his surgery on our blog. Within a few hours, finances came into cover his first surgery and the aftercare. First surgery was completed successfully.
Now this fall, our young friend is having his second surgery, which will begin the work on closing the pallete. On Wednesday, the day before his procedure, we stopped in the hospital to see him and his beautiful young mom. Dad planned to come for the day of the surgery as he was home with a younger brother.
Here is our Krgyz Moment Today - Visiting Arafat
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Making a Lasting Impact
For the last two weeks, a medical team from Hope Community Services in Alaska has visited Krygyzstan – Dr. William Browner, Dr. Eileen Lally (social worker) and Joanne Sullivan, a nurse. Their mission was to explore future work opportunities in the area of working with children with developmental disabilities. Every day was a new adventure for them – visiting in and teaching at a parent’s group for disabled children, a Children’s Hospital, the home for invalid men, a school for disabled children, a mental hospital and more. It is amazing what can be packed into two weeks.
Today was their last day as they leave early in the morning. They had the opportunity to teach a packed room of social workers and psychology students at the Humanitarian University in Bishkek, sharing with them on various issues around developmental disabilities.
Dr. Browner, Eileen and Joanne wholeheartedly gave of themselves these past two weeks and will leave a lasting impact. We have been told that the head doctor at the largest Children’s Hospital here has directed that their work, specifically, their developmental assessment work, be immediately implemented at his hospital. Translation of materials the team left began immediately.
Following a farewell lunch at a Russian restaurant this afternoon, we said good-bye to our very special friends. It was just a reminder to us that in just one week, we will be saying good-bye here, as well.
Dr Lally, (in pink) and Joanne share with three of the preschool teachers from the school for disabled children.
Joanne speaks to the Humanitarian University students.
Dr. Lally shares about their program in Alaska for student volunteers.
The room was packed for this presentation.
Today was their last day as they leave early in the morning. They had the opportunity to teach a packed room of social workers and psychology students at the Humanitarian University in Bishkek, sharing with them on various issues around developmental disabilities.
Dr. Browner, Eileen and Joanne wholeheartedly gave of themselves these past two weeks and will leave a lasting impact. We have been told that the head doctor at the largest Children’s Hospital here has directed that their work, specifically, their developmental assessment work, be immediately implemented at his hospital. Translation of materials the team left began immediately.
Following a farewell lunch at a Russian restaurant this afternoon, we said good-bye to our very special friends. It was just a reminder to us that in just one week, we will be saying good-bye here, as well.
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Krgyz Moment Today - Thank You
Late last week, we were notified of a significant gift to the work here. It was anonymous, so we do not know who to thank for this incredible outpouring to the ministry. We wanted to let our unknown friend know just a couple of things that were done with the gift and money left over to share with whomever God brings onto our path. We also wanted to let Lori, our afghan maker, know that they are in place in the Dayspring home.
Here is a Krgyz Moment Today - Thank you
Our journey here continues for two more weeks..
Here is a Krgyz Moment Today - Thank you
Our journey here continues for two more weeks..
Friday, October 22, 2010
A Krygz Moment Today- Speaking into Their Young Lives
A snowy morning greeted us last Thursday as we drove to the capital city. David had the rich opportunity to speak to a class of third and fourth year students at the Humanitarian University. Everywhere we go, we encounter the beautiful young people of this country.
David's topic for the morning was the the power of toxic emotions. We were extremely impressed with how responsive these young adults were to us. After the class, a number of students stayed to talk with us, many of them asking for help. That is the hard part about this work is that the needs are so many and the time is so limited. We will be seeing this group again next week as we will visit the class with another colleague.
Here is A Krygz Moment Today - The Humanitarian Class
David's topic for the morning was the the power of toxic emotions. We were extremely impressed with how responsive these young adults were to us. After the class, a number of students stayed to talk with us, many of them asking for help. That is the hard part about this work is that the needs are so many and the time is so limited. We will be seeing this group again next week as we will visit the class with another colleague.
Here is A Krygz Moment Today - The Humanitarian Class
Our days are usually very full, leaving early in the morning and getting home late. The experiences are so varied. Just yesterday, we had an early morning meeting with our Dayspring foster mom, helped complete a grant that if received, will provide an English program for a group of teens at the orphanage, had a meeting with the univeristy president on a summer work program overseas, met with the journalism staff for planning, We ended the day with a quiet dinner with our Alaskan friends.
It is Saturday morning and we woke up to realize that we only have this Saturday and next before heading to Ukraine, Poland and then home. We are asking God to clearly direct our steps in these last few days here as we want to be doing His work to the best of our abilility.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Coal Has Arrived
Due to the sacrificial giving of a number of friends of ours in Lebanon, Ohio, coal has been provided for the seniors' home, Dayspring Foster Family Home and a local pastor and family. Exciting news over the weekend was that additional funds were given to put pipes in on the second floor of the seniors' home so that the men who sleep up there will be warm throughout the night.
We can express our appreciation enough for the many of you who have picked up this need and responded.
Thank you....
Our journey here continues....
Friday, October 15, 2010
getting the whole picture
Our schedules are often busy from early morning until late in the evening, we don't always have time to do the blogging and video creation we would like to.
Soon coming will be a video of the beginning of the historic partnership between the Institute of Human Services, Tomsk University in Russia, the Humanitarian University here and our organization, ILDC (International Learning and Development Center).
Also, we plan some delightful videos of the student initiation at IUCA, the 10 year celebration of the first Christian school and finally, and extremely important, a video of the blessing gathering at Dayspring.
I mentioned all that to say this: Please visit the blogs of our partners to get the whole picture as we all are involved in a variety of ministry.
Stay tuned for more....the journey continues
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
What Can a Ham and Bean Dinner and Auction Do?
We are so privileged to have friends at home sharing in the ministry with us here in Krygyzstan. Last weekend was a very special event, that in reality, will have life-sustaining results.
Hope you enjoy this thank you video to our friends at the Countryside Community Church in Lebanon, Ohio.
Here is the link to the video:
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