Sometimes people ask me why do I do what I do in Ukraine. The answer is this -
1. Children are in need of love and care
2. I believe this is what God has called me to do for this season of life
3. Restoration of family is much needed not only in Ukraine but everywhere in the world
Here’s a video I came across and thought you might like to see it too. Although it doesn’t show the children in Ukraine it does show the huge need.
For more info about how you can invest in the next generation go to – www.KievStreetKids.org
On a very cold Friday morning I took Carol and her 2 ‘new’ children to the US Embassy to pick up their visas. As Elisabeth came running to the car, she screamed out “We won!!” She was so excited that they received their visas and the next day were headed to their new home in Florida. (Quite a temperature change was in store for them!) Actually getting the visas was the easiest and most pleasant part of the adoption process. Getting Ukrainian passports for the children was very difficult since the factory that prints them was/is on strike due to not being paid. Right now no one in Ukraine can get an international passport and no one knows when the factory will work again or when they will get paid. Everything is at a major standstill until after the 7 February Presidential run-off elections.
Nevertheless, passports were “found” for Carol’s 2 children. Thanks to the creativity of a lady who works in the passport office. They were however, the old style but who cares – they are passports, a legal document.
Actually I could write a short book about this particular adoption adventure. Adoption in Ukraine is often not for the faint of heart. The Wainwright family in my book are heroes of the faith for not giving up when so many times they had huge obstacles to overcome. So truly Elisabeth’s cry of “we won” is a great summary of this adoption! They did in fact win – they won a good, loving home, a forever family, parents who adore them, siblings who love them dearly and they won an opportunity to live a life in peace, love, joy and health. They now have a future – that’s something they definitely did not have in Ukraine – sad to say. Praying more children will too one day have a forever family! Join me will you?
Probably you noticed I posted some new photos but neglected wo blog abut them. For the past 6 years we have the tradition of making gingerbread houses on 30/31 December. The kids thoroughly enjoy “building” their houses and decorating with candy. They also enjoy eating the “glue” (egg whites and powdered sugar). It’s a challenge for some to get their houses to stay together. Nevertheless, they manage to do it! The other challenge is getting them to put the candies on the houses and not eating them all. It takes 1 day of preparation. That is making the roof, walls, and floor. The kids help with all that and love it! After everyone has finished the houses are arranged on a table with cotton balls and lights and made to look like a real village in the snow. Hope you enjoy the photos!
Recently we celebrated Maxim’s 15th birthday and it was a joyous occasion. Here at the Ark we really celebrate big time the birthdays of our children. Why? Because that’s the day God “danced when they were born”! He alone is the One who planned for each one of us to be here and we teach the children to rejoice in that fact. It’s the overwhelming love of the Father for the children – all of us! Reason enough I believe to celebrate life – celebrate birthdays!
I’ve posted some photos from Maxim’s birthday celebration. Hope you enjoy them!
If you like history and art then you will definitely want to take the time to watch the video in the link below. Ukraine definitely does have talent! Our kids at the Ark have tons of talent as well. This summer we had our own contest – “The Ark has Talent!” I have included several photos of the children displaying their various talents. It was a great time getting to see all their hidden talents. They thoroughly enjoyed sharing all the crafts they made and dances and songs. It really was a great time! And we can proudly proclaim – The Ark has talent!!
What the video depicts –
She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated.
It is replaced by a woman’s face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman’s face appears.
She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier.
This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house.
In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye.
The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine, resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million.
Recently we had a celebration of the Fall season in typical Ukrainian style. The kids were dressed in traditional Ukrainian costumes, danced, sang, and “operated” a bazaar (outdoor market). It was truly a cultural evening and they enjoyed it immensely! We try to teach them about their culture and help them experience it as well. Hope you enjoy the posted photos!!
Someone sent me this and at first I thought it was too early to post it but then decided nope it’s definitely NOT too early. So here goes…
“T’was the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas – no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a ‘ Holiday ‘.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CD’s from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa in hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas – was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas; it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your ‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!”
Unfortunately there is some truth to this version. We need to pray and take a stand!
Well, I said I was back a month ago but sad to say I didn’t quite make it. Being on vacation and then getting caught up on the happenings on the Ark were priority. Now that I am back in Kiev maybe it will be easier…we’ll see how it goes. No promises!
A week ago we celebrated Kristina’s 12th birthday. We had a great time and I know she felt loved by many. Love really is the most important thing at birthday celebrations! Celebrating the life of someone that God planned to be here on this earth for such a time as this. Kristina has many talents and gifts and I hope that as she grows older she will use those gifts to bring glory to the Father. Pray for her will you? She and her 2 brothers long for a family. One day……
Well, after a long break from blogging I have decided to return. Just had too much to do and that combined with traveling for vacation just didn’t allow time for blogging. Maybe some of you are interested in knowing what’s been going on lately. Here’s a brief update and there will be more later. Actually I am on vacation and will try.
On August 1 we had a reunion of all our kids who now live in America. It was a fabulous time and great to see them all together. What was the occasion? It was the birthday of a fine gentleman who has come over to Kiev many times. You would never believe he’s 84! He invited all the kids and Barbara and me to celebrate his birthday at Lake Gaston in Virginia. It definitely was a day to remember!! Boating, swimming, music, renewing relationships and of course food!
Just a little something to bring a smile to my face is what I was looking for tonight as I did some web surfing. I came upon this video that I believe many will thoroughly enjoy. Exactly how this was all recorded remains a mystery but I can imagine they had a great time doing it! It bridges the gap of may cultures and many people groups. So cut and paste this link into your browser and sit back and enjoy! You’ll be glad you did. Trust me!
