Fall celebration at the Ark!

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. [...]

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I’m back…

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 [...]

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Summer teams

Introducing a team of summer interns – Erin, Daniel (a/k/a DJ), and Twila. Although they are from very different backgrounds and from 3 different states, they are quite the team! ACTS is an acronym for Attitude, Cooperation, Training, Service. I am amazed and blessed at how quickly they have bonded with each other and are [...]

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The torch has been extinguished – for now

It’s hard to believe that the adoption has been completed for 2 of our boys – Sergei (Will) and Valera (James). What all did it take to do that you might ask? Well, it took 1 year, 1 Divine appointment, a multitude of documents which all had to be apostilled in the USA and translated [...]

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Celebrating Victory Day in Ukraine!

What better way to celebrate Victory Day than to let the children experience some of what it’s like to be in the Army?! The kids had a fabulous time on an obstacle course and hearing “shots” fired (firecrackers) and trying to evade the “enemy.” If they by chance were “wounded” in battle the medics where [...]

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Day of decision!

Finally after 15 months, numerous documents notarized, apostilled, translated into Ukrainian, then notarized in Ukraine, submitted to government, redoing some of the documents because of some technicalities, meeting with a lawyer, paying court fees and an hour in the courtroom with the judge – the decision has been announced that Sergei and Valera are part [...]

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And the birthdays continue…

And the season continues…Nastia turned 12 yrs old this week and thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her very special day! The day was a national holiday here so we took all the children to the zoo. I wish you could have heard all the ooo’s and ahhh’s and oh wow’s. They were so amazed at the size [...]

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Birthday season has officially started

Yes, we are now in the “birthday season!” We call it that because in 30 days we celebrate 10 birthdays at the Ark. Starting us off is Alla. She turned 11 years old yesterday. She’s quite a talented young lady who really loves animals. Who knows; maybe one day she’ll be a vet! Tradition has [...]

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The Torch is lit!

Now I realize some of you may be looking at this photo of a gold candle and perhaps thinking I have lost my mind. Truth be told I have not lost it! What I am referring to is the adoption process of 2 of our boys from the Ark has begun. Hence, the torch is [...]

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Did you know?

Thought I’d list here a few things you might find interesting…maybe.
Did you know pioneer camps are in full swing in Russia? That certainly helps in understanding why Putin is so interested in Ukraine!
Did you know cadet camps are also operating? Surprised? I think not! FYI, cadet camps train orphans for war.
Did you know we had [...]

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