Friday's Footnotes

"Football"

Some Fancy Footwork



Gulya to the Rescue

I decided to join in the fun and gave the soccer ball (or "football") a hard kick. We all watched with surprise as my shoe also went flying through the air behind the ball. The kids thought it was so funny and had a great laugh. Laughing, Gulya quickly ran and returned my shoe.


Thanks, Gulya!

Gulya is a Skilled "Football" Player

(Yes, That's Laura by the Van!) Go Gulya!

Trading Shoes


If you haven't figured it out by now, "Friday's Footnotes" is usually a "fun" post that has something to do with "feet". It started when I posted "feet photos" one of the girls had taken. I thought it would be a fun way to share some of the photos from our September trip and some different aspects of life in Kazakhstan.

"Football" is a popular sport in Kazakhstan and a good activity for the children. With so many children in the orphanages, there is always the need for socks, shoes, and sports equipment, such as "footballs".

OTHER NOTES:

Several outings took place during "spring break".

Those photos will be posted soon.

A Trip to Shoptykol Orphanage

The First Sponsored Birthday Parties at Shoptykol


A Special Treat!


Natasha the Girl Who Needs Eye Surgery


Natasha is Thrilled with the Keyboard!


Other Sponsored Children Also Recieved Gifts

Lena Really Likes This!

In March, another trip was made to Shoptykol Orphanage. This is the school/orphanage in the North Kazakhstan Region that is furthest away from Petropavlovsk. Because of their location they receive very little help, and they are so very grateful for the help they do receive!

Boxes full of items for many of the children were delivered. (See last photo above.) A few of the sponsored children recieved individual gifts, and "birthday parties" were even arranged for some of the sponsored children.

Thank you Renia, Catherine, Michele, and Jeff !

Katya's Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Katya!

A Special Day for a Special Girl

Katya celebrated her 15th birthday (February) with her group thanks to her sponsors, the Cooper family.

The Boys

Here is the Boys slideshow as promised! Some of these boys have sponsors, but many do not. What kind of future awaits these young men after they "graduate" from the orphanage system.

According to statistics, not very promising ones.

Our Kaz Boys

Click on the link or photo above to see some of the many boys of Kazakhstan.

Love and Family

My husband, children, and I have just returned from out of state where we attended my parents' 50th Anniversary celebration . There I had the opportunity to see my parents, my siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and more! It was a sweet time of fellowship with laughter and memories gallore. An event that reminded me how swiftly the years go by, and of the family "support system" I have, and have been blessed with through the years. It was a time of inspiration and mutual encouragement. Part of who I am today is because some of these people cared for and about me....encouraged me through the challenges and difficulties I have faced in my life. They have also helped to make the happy times and events more joyful by rejoicing with me, and vice versa.



It is times like these, and other moments, such as when our college age daughter calls to ask for advice, or our teenage son comes to us with a problem, that I am acutely aware of the "family support" that the children in orphanages in Kazakhstan do not have. That and the lack of "real life" experiences often leaves many of these children "helpless" and "hopeless" after they "age out" of the orphanage system. There is often no one who truly cares about them, that they can call to encourage them or help them make wise choices.



I know I am being somewhat reflective today. These thoughts have also brought to mind how important the "family" that some of the children in orphanages in Kazakhstan do have is to them...how much the Sibling Reunions means to the sets of siblings who are reunited for a short time...how much siblings who live in the same orphanages cherish that bond. Another memory that came to mind was this photo. Lena, whose sponsor had sent her money for a shopping outing, could have bought almost anything she wanted for herself with her money. Do you know what she chose? Because of her love for her only sister...she chose a stuffed animal for her, and a smaller one for herself! Some of you sponsors are the only "support" and "family" some of these children have.



Thank you sponsors, for being a support system for some of these children--for reminding them that someone does care about them and their future!


Apryl

Friday's Footnotes

Children's Shoes in Kazakhstan Store

Shoura Likes Shopping!

Vika Trying On Boots

Nastya Trying Boots On Too

Nastya Fascinated by the Store Cat !


These photos were taken on a shopping outing in September. Sponsors had sent money for shoes, coats, and other needed items for their sponsored children.

Are you also wondering how long we can continue the "Friday Footnotes"?
We will see! :)

Also want to use this opportunity as a reminder that there is always the need for footwear (shoes, boots, socks) at the orphanages!



OTHER NOTES:

The "Boys" slideshow is still being worked on and will be posted soon.

Many of the sponsored children went on outings during their "Spring Break" and those photos will also be posted soon.

Laura is out of town this week and will be back next week.

Have a great weekend!

March Poludino Birthday Parties

Above are the photos from the March Poludino Birthday Parties. Aren't they sweet!!

Thank you Judy Perlstein for sponsoring the Poludino Birthday Party Project!