February 24 – March 5, 2009
The purpose of the trip was three-fold:
- Encourage staff who are faithfully laboring, often under difficult circumstances
- See progress of specific Orphan’s Tree supported programs
- Capture photographs (Jeff Stoddard) of orphans to use in future publications and web site.
At the Vladimir Ministry Center we joined a large group of young people to attend a special program and then enjoyed pizza afterward. (Food is always a major draw, whether in Russia or the U.S.!) Each of us met with kids we have known from previous trips. We also purchased some art from one of the talented artists, Vova, both because it’s good art and to encourage him in his giftedness.
We drove to Ivanovo to visit staff and meet at the Ivanovo Ministry Center where we funded a new, small kitchen. A few of us went shopping for ingredients for a Mexican dinner. We had tacos, Mexican rice and guacamole. As you might expect, the guacamole was more popular with the staff than it was with the kids! But it was all gladly eaten and we could have probably prepared even more. Oh yea, we also made Ghiradelli brownies from a mix that I brought over from the U.S.
There were a number of small children as young mothers come to the Youth Center for excellent support. The coach we hired appeared to be a real encourager and a good role model for the kids. Some of the boys were impressive weight lifters! Unfortunately we had to leave sooner than we wanted.
On Saturday we were invited to Lakinsk for their 10th anniversary celebration of Family Centers. A number of young people who came through the program returned, as well as a wonderful (as expected!) program from kids who are there now. It was encouraging to hear how many of the kids are doing well following their Family Center experience. Currently there are 9 boys and 9 girls in their respective homes, really an overflow as the homes were designed for a maximum of 8 each. It was also impressive that it has been the same house-parents at the girls’ home for the entire 10 years. The boys’ home parents have only changed once, and the first house-parents are still involved as substitute weekend parents. I was especially pleased that many of the “behind the scenes” staff members were recognized for their contributions including counselors and activity organizers.
It’s really hard to go to an event like that and not be impressed with the effectiveness of the residential centers. We are delighted to be associated with a program with such a deep impact.
Sunday was perhaps the best, or at least most impressionable day, for the four Americans. We spent the day with four young families, sharing our lives together and encouraging them. Bill was acquainted with one of the young fathers just a few years ago when he was arguably one of the more challenging young people at a grad camp. Bill was thrilled to see the maturing of Slava and to see him in the role of husband of Tonya and father of Dima. We divided up into two groups and Jeff and I went to Sveta’s and Misha’s home. They live in old fashioned, Soviet style communal conditions where they have a room that is about 7 feet wide and 13 feet long where they live with their 4 year old and 5 month old baby. In addition, they share one bathroom and a kitchen with 4 other families. Although their “home” is tiny, they are doing their best to improve it.
Of all the programs we saw, the Young Families program seemed obviously one with tremendous potential. 
We are planning on starting a “Mother’s Day Out” program in September to take some of the stress off the Moms. In addition, the 4 American guys had discussions on how we might create encouragement for the young men in their unfamiliar roles as husbands and fathers. I truly believe this will become a legacy program that will impact the next generations of orphan families!!
On Monday we had a delightful time with the Nadezhda Fund staff in Vladimir. Bill led a devotional time focusing on strength – and that our strength comes from our joy in the Lord. I had an opportunity to share some of the specifics about our plans for Leadership, Young Families and Job Planning and Placement. We also had a time of encouraging the staff, both that day and other times we were together. Thanks to everyone who wrote notes of gratefulness for the staff. Those were appreciated!
I came away from this trip convinced we are moving in the right direction and that we need to continue building programs that create more and more independency for these young people in every program we develop. Thank you for your prayers while we were in Russia and for your continued love and care for the kids we are serving!