What a Joy!

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

This morning we had the joy of celebrating New Years with our younger children's groups at Saramoldaeva orhanage - about 18 children.  New Years in Kazakhstan is a huge holiday.  The staff and children created an entire production, complete with games and different New Year's characters. 

The morning started with the children entering the room and doing a dance around the tree.  Also, many of the children said New Year's poems. 

 

 

Then a cat and wolf came and tried to steal the tree, because they needed money.  Under the tree they found a golden key, so they left the tree and took the key instead.  The children were happy because their tree was not taken. 

Then Santa and his helper (a snow fairy) came.  They gave children their good wishes and played some games with them.  Santa has a broom that he flies on, so he gave all the children rides on the broom.  Santa then realized that he forgot his bag of gifts and then left to find it. 

In the meantime the winter witch came.  Usually the witch tries to do things to ruin New Years, but this time she just wanted to join the party with her four little friends.  Her four little friends did a dance for us. 

 

 

Santa came back pulling a sled with gifts.  Santa saw the witch and tried to kick her out of the party, but the children told Santa it was okay - they weren't scared.  So, the witch opened the bag of gifts only to find one of the children dressed up as a cow.  Santa was bringing in the year of the cow (2009).  Later Santa brought out another bag of gifts. 

This ended the party - except for a time for the children to dance and for us to give gifts to each child. 

Most New Year's parties have a somewhat similar story.  All of them include Santa, the snow fairy, and a witch.  I hope you enjoyed seeing what a normal children's New Year's party is like here in Kazakhstan. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Taraz staff

First Impressions

Posted by Muhan Majinov, Youth Impact

It was my first time at Savva. We received a warm greeting.  Everyone looked happy to see us and I was glad I could help.   I liked the atmosphere.  The children's rooms were cozy and warm.  I liked the orphanage administration and children.  It looked like they have good relationships.  The children are fed well.  I enjoyed playing and talking with the kids.  I learned a lot about the life of orphans and I want to help them with anything I can.

We showed the movie "Racketeer", about criminal life in Kazakhstan, to the older boys. Watching it brought back memories from my past.  I enjoyed the discussion with the older boys after the movie.  They responded the same way I would have at their age.   They are young and I understand them well enough.  However, I know that deep inside they want to be good and respected people.  The movie wasn't shown to advertise criminal life, but to show the consequences and the end result of such a life.  I think the movie was useful for them and I also got a lot out of the discussion that followed.  I'm looking forward to visiting Savva again.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

The staff in America just wanted to wish all our wonderful blog readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  So . . .

Merry Christmas
And
Happy New Year!

Playing Mailman

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

Last Saturday evening I got to play mailman at Savva orphanage.  This is a task that I dread and love at the same time.  Every first Saturday of the month we go from group to group at Savva orphanage.  As we walk in, the children eye the box that we carry our letters in.  No matter what other announcements we have for them, their eyes often stay glued to the person opening the letter box.  I liken their anticipation to the excitement of a child on Christmas morning.  On Saturday, as I read off the names of the children receiving letters, you could see their faces light up.  It was such a joy to see how important one small piece of paper or a picture of their sponsor is to them.  

It is the moment after we finish handing out letters that I dread each month.  You can visibly see the faces of those children that did not receive a letter cloud over.  It is especially hard when they have never received a letter.  Those that have received a letter before understand that it takes time for letters to get back and forth.   Those that have never received a letter often have some of their deepest fears confirmed - I am not special, no one wants to be my sponsor, no one cares.  It is hard to read these reactions on their faces and answer questions like "I have written 5 letters in the last six months to my sponsor, why haven't they written back?" 

The great thing is that children quickly forget.  On Sunday one of the girls was telling me that she thought she didn't have a sponsor because she had not received a letter.  When we told her that she did in fact have a sponsor, her face lit up and she was thrilled.  Just knowing that someone cares enough to sponsor her made a difference. 

Thank you to all of our sponsors.   Your letters and pictures mean the world to your children even if they don't do a good job expressing that to you.  Thank you for showing them that someone cares just for them. 

Improvements to the Kids Connection program- Part 3

Posted by the Kids Connection Team

Interlink Kids Connection has new contact information.  Please send letters for sponsored children either to our new address (below) or to our email address (kidsconnection@interlinkresources.org).

Interlink Kids Connection

4630 N. Broadway Ave

Muncie, IN 47303

Announcing the Interlink Gift Catalog

Posted by Jason Walke, Business and Technology Coordinator

Have you ever struggled to find the perfect gift? Now you can give gifts that changes lives.  This holiday season, Interlink is offering a selection of meaningful gifts that benefit the children of Kazakhstan. 

Here is how the program works:

• Choose items from the Interlink Gift Catalog that you would like to give to your friends and family.  

• Donate quickly and securely via Google Checkout.

• Then print out gift cards from our gift card page.  Each card explains the value of the gift that you gave in the recipient's honor. 

Visit the catalog today and start shopping for meaningful gifts.

Improvements to the Kids Connection program- Part 2

Posted by the Kids Connection Team

Kids Connection has regional coordinators who help us find and take care of our sponsors. These coordinators contribute many hours a month to help us run this program.

We thought you might like to get to know them:

Pam Brown- Richmond, Virginia Region

Family: husband, Gilpin, daughter- Karen and Dave Bosley, and son, Gordon and Marty Brown and two wonderful grandkids, Mabel and Atticus Brown

Job: wife, mom, grandma

Favorite Hobby: reading, being with kids

How did you get involved with Interlink? I was blessed to get involved in the same year I first knew of Interlink - in 2000. I was asked to be on the board that year and am getting ready for my seventh trip to visit team and friends in Kazakhstan.

Why are you involved with Kids Connection? I'm very excited about the program and have seen first hand the joy our letters and pictures bring to the children in Kazakhstan.  It's such a fun and easy way to have a big impact on kids over there and it's also a wonderful way for so many to get personally involved with our work there.

Lisa White- Lynchburg, Virginia Region

Family: husband - Jamey; children, Elizabeth, 6 and Matthew, 3

Job: Stay at home, home schooling mom.

Favorite Hobby: Reading, cooking

How did you get involved with Interlink? Through my community of friends

Why are you involved with Kids Connection? My husband and I adopted our daughter, Elizabeth, from Kazakhstan, and we have a heart burdened for the orphans of Kazakhstan.

Jim Asher- Portland, Oregon Region

Family: wife - Glenda, 3 daughters, and 2 grandchildren

Job: High school Guidance Counselor / 12th grade homeroom teacher

Favorite Hobby: Fishing and coaching girl’s basketball

How did you get involved with Interlink? I was asked to go with a group of people to do an English program in a village in Kazakhstan, which was in 2000.  I have been back every year since.  This coming June with be my 10th trip.  Kazakhstan has become a part of me because of the opportunity provided by Interlink.

Why are you involved with Kids Connection? The privilege of helping provide for the kids at the orphanage is something I really enjoy participating in.  Having met so many of the children and having built personal relationships with them has been wonderful.  Knowing that the children are being cared for in this way is very comforting for me.  The ability to actually write them and to get responses back is really great!  They have become like my own children.

Bethany Planton- Muncie, Indiana Region

Family: dad – Mike, mom – Kathy, and sister - Bailey

Job: Interlink - Coordinator of Kids Connection Sponsors and Ball State University - Computer Lab Assistant

Favorite Hobby: Scrapbooking, reading, and hanging out with friends

How did you get involved with Interlink? I went on my first delegation summer of 2006 and feel in love with the country. I have been involved ever since.

Why are you involved with Kids Connection? I am involved because I have spent time in the orphanages that Interlink works in and I have seen how the children need love. I want to help them feel loved anyway I can.

Color Me Beautiful

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

This month we had two American delegates (a teacher and an interior designer) who gave a seminar on colors in food and psychology. There were over 50 students attending the seminar at PTL and the Youth House.  Students learned about the color wheel, matching colors, how colors affect mood, what colors to choose to decorate a room, etc. Youth also learned about the food pyramid.  When they were asked how many food groups they had the day before in their meals, a majority of them said "two groups" and only two students said "three". At the end of the seminar each student received an orange or an apple.

 To read more stories like this, check out the Youth Impact Newsletters. 

Ulan Birthdays

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

 

The celebration of October birthdays at Ulan happened to fall on Halloween day.  So after helping out at the Youth Impact carnival, Ken, Kiizkhan, and I (still sporting our costumes) took cake and gifts to Ulan to celebrate birthdays.  Birthdays at Ulan have encouraged me that good things are happening here in Kazakhstan for these kids.  For Ulan birthdays the children will sing and perform for each other.  Their music teacher helps them prepare and they sing for us just as they would a huge audience.  The staff make special dishes at home and bring them in for dinner.  It's been a very neat time to connect with a smaller group of kids and staff. Those connections allow us to understand and better meet the needs of both groups. So a birthday is so much more than just cake and games!

 

 

Improvements in our Kids Connection program- Part 1:

Posted by the Kids Connection Team

    Due to the wonderful growth in our program and the fact that we would love to continue to grow, we have made many improvements to the Kids Connection program. These improvements are so that we can better help our sponsors build relationships with their sponsored child.

    First of all, there has been a new schedule set up for donating, letter writing, and newsletters. Our sponsors will now be hearing from Kids Connection about once a month. Here is the monthly schedule:

January - This is a letter-writing month. Kids Connection will send our sponsors a reminder to write to their child at the beginning of the month, and all letters should be into our office by the end of the month.

February – This month our sponsors will receive a newsletter. The newsletter will give sponsors an idea of what our team in Kazakhstan has been doing with the children at the orphanages in the past three months.

March – This is a donation month for those sponsors who donate quarterly. Kids Connection will send out a reminder for the donation at the beginning of the month, and the donation should be in our office by the end of the month.

April – This is a letter-writing month.

May – This month our sponsors will receive a newsletter.

June – This is a donation month for those sponsors who donate quarterly and bi-annually.

July – This is a letter-writing month.

August – This month our sponsors will receive a newsletter.

September – This is a donation month for those sponsors who donate quarterly.

October – This is a letter-writing month.

November – This month our sponsors will receive a newsletter.

December – This is s donation month for all sponsors. Those donating quarterly, bi-annually, and annually.

Relationships

Posted by Gilpin Brown, Delegate

Relationships!  Pam and I continue to be impressed by the fact that this life is all about relationships.  We each had serious questions as to whether we were supposed to come on this Kids Connection trip to Kazakhstan and then in the last four weeks prior to the departure date we felt the nudge to come.  Now we are more than convinced that we made the right decision and that we were supposed to be in this place at this time.  It’s never an easy trip for various reasons, but the love, caring and richness of the relationships we have witnessed as well as experienced first hand has, at times been overwhelming.  The freedom, openness and undeserved love we have both felt with “our family”, Aben, Sholpan and their children have filled us to overflowing, sometimes even literally. 

In addition to that, to see Marci and Oksana, Tom and Anna and Walter and Janet with their little girl, Lila, has shown us what a difference a caring adult can make in an orphan’s life.  There were the open tears and hugging and the quiet sitting with arms around each other type of love.

Pam and I are SO thankful for this unique, powerful and rich opportunity and blessing in our lives.

Love

Posted by Janet Varvel, Delegate

We all agreed this morning that we feel so much love for these children.  To see Tom with his Anna is enough to bring tears.  She sticks to him like glue and he does not mind.  You have heard about Marci and Oksana.  The first day Oksana tried to hide her beautiful smile because of irregular teeth, but by the second day she had just one big smile.  They just want to be touched.  Our Lilya is a petite 9 year-old, and always wants my hand or lap.  She runs to Walter just like a long lost child.  We are humbled - so humbled by this undeserved love.  Those letters mean much more than we will ever know - someone really cares!

A New Life

Posted by Tom Garnett, Delegate

Before I came with the Kids Connection delegation to Kazakhstan, I was searching my heart and mind trying to understand why I felt a “tugging” on my heart to go on this trip.  Yes, I knew in my heart I wanted to see little Anna face to face.  We have sponsored her for two years.  What I have realized since being here is that there was something else I could not identify.  What I now realize is that I have received a newness in life that has caused me to want to grow beyond the material world.  I do not yet know what this new life will be like, but I look forward to seeing where it takes me.  One of the highlights so far on this trip was seeing the love flowing from the faces of “our children” at Saramoldaeva.

A Dream Becomes Reality

Posted by Walter Varvel, Interlink Resources Board Member

This delegation trip is my 12th visit to Kazakhstan since 2001.  I have come to expect the surprises and the joys I experience every time I am here.  Friday, it was witnessing three young orphan girls named Oksana, Anna, and Lila first meet their Kids Connection sponsors and literally leap into the arms and laps of Marci Meeks, Tom Garnett, and Janet Varvel.  The room instantly filled with love, laughter, and many tears - including those of the Kazakh Director of Saramoldaeva Orphanage. 

Saturday night, we went to a nice Turkish restaurant to celebrate Marci and our Kazakh “daughter”, Tursynai’s 21st birthday.  Tursynai lived with us for one year in 2007 while she underwent corrective leg surgery.  After dinner she wanted to dance and dance and dance.  I watched with amazement at the miracle that had taken place in this beautiful young lady.  For 13 years, Tursynai could only walk with the aid of crutches.  In 2003, I asked her about her dreams.  She told me she wanted to be able to dance like the other children.  O, how that dream has come true!

While she lived with us in 2007, Tursynai told me that her big dream was to go to University and become a social worker to help other orphans.  This summer she won a full scholarship to the Kazakh National University in Almaty and is working hard to achieve that dream. 

As I watch new sponsors meet their children for the first time and see the bond of love grow between them, I can only imagine how many more of these children will begin to have hope and dreams for their future. 

A Face that Lights Up

Posted by Marci Meeks, Delegate

I have heard many stories from many friends over the years about Kazakhstan.  I have listened to their excitement wondering if I would ever share in the experience.

Well, I am here.  I have come and I found out today why I am here.  Our first day in Taraz, a visit to Saramoldaeva and meeting Oksana, the child whom we sponsor  - the purpose of this trip.  As I wandered through the rooms, I was in awe of the cheerful, colorful, light-filled rooms.

As we were entering another room, I was told that my child was inside.  As I entered the room, many people walked ahead of me, so I viewed this small face between bodies that instantly lit up.  She ran to me and jumped into my arms and we held each other so tight.  We hugged and when we leaned back to look into each other's faces, she took her hands and cupped my face.  It is so hard to explain how her touch said more than words ever could.  It was precious.  She is precious!  Our tears and smiles and the warmth of her little body next to mine ...  I did not want the moment to end.  I am so excited to spend more time with her tomorrow!

Kids Connection Delegation

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The Kids Connection Delegation arrived safely in Taraz this evening.  Yesterday they had the opportunity to visit our offices in Shymkent.  Today they drove from Shymkent to Taraz, stopping at a small orphanage that we work with in Vanofka.  They had a few hours to play with the children that were not in school.  Tomorrow they will visit Saramoldaeva Orphanage, the home of several of their sponsored children.  Stay tuned as they will be posting stories and pictures from their trip. 

Training Teachers at PTL

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

On October 1st, Sara Coggins and I provided training for the teachers of PTL (Polytechnic School) on the topic "How to Deal with Negative Behavior". The training went very well and the teachers enjoyed the examples that Sara gave from her teaching experience. At the end of the training we asked for their feedback and suggestions on topics they would be interested in for future trainings. Most of the teachers stated that they have students with different IQ levels and it is very difficult to prepare teaching material for the entire class. They expressed interest in learning more about new teaching methods and hearing more practical examples from teaching practice in the United States. Many of them suggested watching a video of an American teacher teaching a class for children with Special Needs.  They also would like to learn how to address personal problems with their students individually.

Learning to Trust

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager


This month Youth Impact started classes again with 30 students applying for the program. We decided to begin with activities focused on "Building Trust" and "Team Work" . 


Building trust
Most of the youth had a very difficult time trusting each other at the beginning, but with each activity they were able to increase their trust. Since betrayal is a theme in their lives, many of the youth are guarded, and have learned to rely on themselves.  They gave good examples of who should and should not be trusted.

Team Work
Team work was a new concept for the youth who has been told by society that they need to think of themselves to survive in life. When we did team work activities, the youth were not very successful. After a discussion on what makes a good team, we did these activities again and they worked
together better. Youth themselves came to conclusions of why it did not work the first time. One of the participants had a very good example based on her experience as a soccer player.  She said, "To win we have to work together otherwise we will lose."

My Thoughts About the Carnival

Posted by Balzhan Agibayevna, Youth Impact Participant 

The concept 'carnival' means entertainment. For a carnival you try all the stations and go through all the difficulties set in front of you. Having participated in the carnival I understand that life is not so difficult.  I helped Kiikzhan and Ken by supporting them in the sponge toss station and tried to do the job I was given.

As I watched the kids playing, I remembered my own childhood, when I lived at Ulan Orphanage. We used to have carnivals with the Americans in the evening, when we enjoyed our time without getting tired.  We were surprised that the carnival didn't take place for any special reason, but just to help us be self-confident, brave and ambitious in our lives.  Life is full of miracles, colors and surprises. There are not only bad patches in life.  You may think it over and take a different view of life, and understand that it is not the end of everything. 

Playing with the kids I thought that now they are the ones who are hurrying to play, trying to know more and doing what they are told.  On the day of the carnival the children hurried, argued with each other, and didn't get in line.   However, I understood that they just wanted to have a good time.  They also wanted to lead a varied life.  In spite of the cool weather they weren't sad and continued playing.  I had good impressions of our time.   I am very grateful for Interlink Resources and the staff for their support, understanding, and the opportunity we had of getting what we didn't have.   

Children are like bins of apples…

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

…Sometimes they need sorting. So we began our time at Ulan orphanage this year in two ways, with a carnival, but also with a visit to update our Kids Connection program. Each year we get an update of the children at the orphanage as some move back with family, graduate, or run away. Those updates are recorded and sent to their sponsors. Ulan can sometimes be especially confusing, so we got advanced lists, gave advanced notice, and ensured the kids being there as we also gave out gifts.

And it was simply AMAZING! We had such an easy time. Finally, after years of working at Ulan, the caretakers welcomed us in, the majority of the kids were there, and it was as smooth as butter. Our lists have been updated and the kids got the tee-shirts and shoulder bags the August delegation had brought for them. We were happy our lists were complete, and the kids were happy at their gifts.

At Ulan, we still have many children needing sponsorship. Sponsorship allows us to do big projects like replace floors, purchase mattresses, or update heating systems, blessing the whole orphanage. Sponsorship is also about letting each child know that they matter. Here in KZ we hold birthday parties for the children and coordinate summer camps. On the U.S. side, sponsors write letters and/or send small gifts that children will hold onto for years and years. Just knowing that someone cares individually about them can make a huge difference. If you are interested, check out our Kids Connection sponsorship program.

Here are some pictures from our day!

Ulan Carnival

Posted by Asel Orumbayeva, Receptionist

Last Sunday, on the 21 of September (my one year anniversary of working for Interlink), I went to Ulan Orphanage with the Kid’s Connection department.  The event was "Ulan Carnival". It was a wonderful and warm day.  The air was so fresh and the sun was shining. We took a lot of different games to play outside. Also we had helpers from PTL (Polytechnic College were many orphan graduates study) and the Youth House (a home for orphans between the ages of 18 and 25 that are working or studying).

We divided into groups and each group was in charge of one game. We arrived at Ulan orphanage. There is a big yard there and after everybody had found a place for their game we called the children. In my game children had to throw bean bags into a board with holes.  It was a clown and the holes were its eyes and nose. Every kid had three chances to throw the bean bag. If a child hit even one hole, he or she got a prize. 

 It wasn’t my first experience working with these children, but it was the first time I had the chance to work with them without Sara or somebody from the Kid’s Connection department.  The game began!  I am sure that children had a lot of fun!  Children were standing in long lines and everybody wanted to get a prize.  I liked so much when children got a prize.  Their faces became so happy!  Some of them sometimes came, made sad faces and asked for a gift and it was so difficult to say “no”, especially when it was a little 5-6 year old kid.  But then Sara told me that I shouldn’t worry because the youngest children were 9-10 years old!  They know that they look young and the kids sometimes try to take advantage of it.  So interesting.

These children are different, big and little, shy and self-confident, but all of them need love and care. And I am so glad that even sometimes I can contribute a little piece of my heart to this great job that our company does.  

Many Hands Make Light Work

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

As part of our Kids Connection program, we try to make each child's birthday a special day to remember. Normally, we hold one large birthday party at each orphanage every month. Our parties usually include games, cake, gifts, dancing, and fun times together. We look forward to these parties as we get to spend time with a smaller group of children and we are able to make them feel special for a day.

In order to prepare for birthdays, the Kids Connection staff has been busy purchasing gifts for the children. This year we decided to give each child a pack of school supplies. These children look forward to the start of the school each year. We think that whenever their birthday is they will be excited to have a brand new pack of school supplies of their own.

In order to prepare the gifts, the whole office came together. We set up an assembly line and were able to get about 140 packs of school supplies ready in less than 30 minutes. It was fun to have everyone working (and laughing) together.

Turning Vacations Into Donations

Posted by Theresa Knauss, Board Member

Knowing that the majority of Americans (as well as people in other countries) consider the internet their travel agency, when Interlink was presented the opportunity to have its own online travel site, we jumped at the opportunity.

Interlink's travel website is:  www.interlinktravel.com.  If you go to it you will notice that it looks very similar to other big online agencies like Orbitz or Travelocity.  The difference is that instead of commissions going to the big companies and then back into advertising, with Interlink Travel 60% of commissions go directly to Interlink to use as needed for our work in Kazakhstan.  Thus the phrase, "Turning Vacations into Donations".

One of the greatest features of this fund raising program is that the trip you book will be exactly the same booked on Interlink Travel as it would be if you booked it through one of the other online booking engines, or even with a traditional travel agent.  This means the same seat on the same plane, the same berth on the same cruise ship, the same room at the same hotel, etc!  Please understand, we are not asking you to pay more for your vacation in order for Interlink to receive a donation.  The reality is, many times you will find a lower rate on Interlink Travel than you will find elsewhere!

When you go to www.interlinktravel.com you will notice that in addition to travel there are multiple venues for supporting Interlink.  On the site you can order flowers, buy sporting or event tickets, register for your dream honeymoon (this includes a free website where the bride and groom can post pictures and stories), even buy a car!  No matter what you purchase, Interlink will automatically receive a check for commissions on everything ordered on that site.

While you are there, sign up to receive the Deals and Steals newsletter which will send you a weekly e-mail with specials for the week, which will help you remember to use Interlink Travel for all your travel needs.  Please share this site with all your friends and neighbors, too, as this is a way to increase revenue for Interlink without costing anyone a penny more than they would already be spending on their travel, and in many cases it will save them money.

Sometimes it can be difficult to even find all that is available on the site so if you need help you can e-mail Theresa at TheresaKnauss@comcast.net or call (765) 216-7206 for help.

The link to Interlink Travel is also found on Interlink's website so even if you forget to bookmark it right now, you will be able to find it again by going to our website www.interlinkresources.org.

So, when it is time to book that next business trip or family vacation please remember to check out Interlink Travel and if prices are comparable, book with us to turn your trip into a donation!

Medical Instruments

Posted by Chic Silver, Delegate 

Along with visiting several Medical facilities with Interlink in 2000, I had the privilege of meeting Dr Nurgali on my first visit to Kazakhstan. He took extra time out of his busy schedule to give me a tour of his facility and introduce me to many members of the medical staff.  Of all the wonderful medical personnel I met, Dr Nurgali seemed to have a special compassion and genuine concern for his patients and his staff.  In touring the Operating Rooms (Surgical Areas) I noted a particular need for basic surgical instruments. During the next year we were able to fund and secure several sets of instruments for major and minor surgery.

In my second visit in 2001 our delegation was able to bring these Instruments with us and we were able to meet with Dr Nurgali again for "personal delivery".  Although very busy in his hospital duties we were able to spend time together and discuss their use.

In the spring of this year (2008) we again made contact with the hospital.  Dr Nurgali is now the Chief of Staff and the hospital is now a Regional Trauma Center.  He gave several of us a personal tour and showed us the many improvements made to the facility.  We discussed needs and he indicated that he would consult his staff.  They were able to provide a new list of surgical instrument needs. These were also funded and a portion of them were recently delivered to the hospital - with more instruments to follow.

During our discussions, questions were asked as to why we were doing this.  I indicated that I believe that I  have been particularly blessed and am responsible for passing those blessings on.  I appreciate the genuine compassion and concern that Dr Nurgali has and am happy that we were able to bless him in return.

I hope to be able to continue to work with this wonderful compassionate surgeon and his staff!

Kazakh Tea in Muncie

Posted by Theresa Knauss, Board Member

This weekend, right in the middle of Indiana, we hosted a total of about 275 people from the local community over three different times serving bauersok, cookies, candy, nuts, dried apricots, salads, fruit, meat and cheese, and the oh-so-necessary cucumber and tomato slices- all served with real Kazakh tea! It was a time of fun, food, and visiting and a great opportunity to share about Interlink's work in Kazakhstan.

A host of volunteers worked to make the atmosphere inviting and the food not only lovely to look at, but also good to eat! In fact, we had a mother and her teenage son enjoy the tea so much on Saturday evening that they asked if they could come and help in any way on Sunday! It was truly wonderful of them to get up early on Sunday morning and spend more than 5 hours cutting, serving, and cleaning!

Besides the last minute volunteers mentioned, we also had a number of others who came and joined the tables to pour tea and share from their experiences while visiting Kazakhstan; many of these also stayed to help with dishes and clean up! I found that the valuable lessons on flexibility gained while visiting Kazakhstan were clearly visible with each volunteer as they adapted to the need of the moment throughout the weekend.

For example, we were hopeful that we might get 25 people to show up for tea on Saturday evening and prepared likewise. Much to our surprise, we had closer to 75 come for a sip of Kazakh culture that first evening! Despite the scramble to get food on tables and then add more tables and put dishes and food on them, every volunteer met the challenge with a smile as they rolled up their sleeves and worked extra hard! We had to do some quick planning and re-calculating (not to mention an unexpected trip to buy more food!) to be prepared for the two teas scheduled for Sunday morning and noon, but all were so excited at the number of people and the high level of interest displayed by those who came that they did all that was necessary to be prepared.

It was really interesting to go through the room catching snippets of conversation at the various tables as folks shared about their experiences in Kazakhstan with eager listeners who seemed to ask a lot of really good questions!

I think everyone had a really good time and enjoyed the Kazakh tradition of lingering over tea while enjoying the company of those who shared the table. In fact, it was such a great success we may need to do it again sometime!!

At the Dentist

Posted by Moldir Kidirbekova, Youth Impact Coordinator

On the 23rd of July Saule, her friend Aishat, and I went to the dentist. While on the way to the dentist Saule asked me several times if the operation would be painful.  I comforted her that it wouldn’t be painful and encouraged her that even if it was a little painful she should bear it with great patience knowing she was going to get rid of her toothache and have her teeth fixed. Aishat, her friend who is also from the Youth House, came with her to support her. The dentist put in a temporary filling and asked Saule to come back in two weeks. The operation went painlessly. Even though Saule was nervous before the operation she sat calmly and didn’t express her fear at all. I was proud of her great patience. The dentist liked her because of her appropriate behavior as a patient. We said goodbye and left the office. I asked her to take care of her fixed tooth and do every thing that the dentist told her. I stood at the bus stop and watched them while they were walking to their bus stop. They looked back at me several times smiling. I smiled back being happy because of seeing them happy.

Bir, Yeki, Ush

Posted by the Ulan Work Group



Bir, Yeki, Ush. One, two, three.  It is just as simple as that. We used these numbers often in our time at the CP camp. From starting wheelchair races to playing with a parachute to taking lots and lots of pictures, knowing these three numbers was very very helpful.

This camp was to help the mothers and grandmothers of these children get to know each other, give support to each other, and give them some rest. We were able to accomplish these things by all sorts of activities. One activity that was genuinely enjoyed was jewelry making. Karen brought all kinds of beads and clasps to make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The women were a bit shy at first but then transformed to giddy schoolgirls without a care in the world in a matter of minutes. Before this time, they didn’t really want to leave their children with the helpers but during this activity it almost seemed like they forgot they had children. Meanwhile, the children went on a “walk” with some of the helpers and then did a secret craft activity that we had them give their mothers and grandmothers later. This secret activity was a picture frame. Earlier in the day, we had taken a Polaroid picture of the mother/grandmother and their CP child. We put those pictures in frames and then had the children decorate the frames. Of course, the mothers and grandmothers loved it.

We also got to go swimming again at this camp. The water was much warmer in this pool but the wind was much much stronger. The children enjoyed being in the water. It was great therapy to work on their muscle control and relaxation. The pool was also nice for the mothers and the grandmothers to be able to relax. The children did not really stay in the water all that long, but we (the helpers) held them while their mothers and grandmothers swam. The pool was definitely a big hit.

These days at camp were the first days these mothers and grandmothers had had a chance to relax since their CP children had been born. They were very thankful for this time to relax and get to know other families with CP children. The mothers and grandmothers were impressed that we would love their children almost as much as they do.

Plans... what plans?

 Posted by Ila Simers, Delegate


As I prepared for my trip to Kazakhstan I tried to imagine what it would be like.  I really had no idea what to expect.  Bethany kept telling me ...be flexible! Things may change along the way.  Well, I can go with the flow, like a river…just part of the nursing profession; never know what will happen next!  Bethany said…"plans…what plans?”

I came as part of this delegation to care for the children at the orphanage, to provide them with special attention and help meet some of their needs in small ways for 3 days. 
One wrong step and I was sitting on the ground in great pain…I knew it didn’t look good! Okay, I really didn’t expect the table to be turned; where I needed others to take care of me.  My thoughts were; “thousands of miles from home, way out of my comfort zone and now I may have fractured my ankle.  What am I going to do now?”  My big lesson was…learning to ask others for help!  This is a very difficult lesson for someone who has spent her life caring for others.   

The members of this team were so wonderful to me.  They tried to make me as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.  They let me lean on them as I hobbled around during the activities…let me participate in little ways (sitting in the shade while the children played bean bag toss) since my mobility was really limited.  The compassion and willingness to help me was totally overwhelming…they knew how difficult it was for me to ask for their help, so the just kept coming to me asking if there was anything that I needed.  By the end of the 3^rd day we had developed a special technique that worked well…we are a great team!  I truly do appreciate all of the assistance that they gave to me during this very painful, trying time.

I was especially touched by the reaction of the children in the Vanofka orphanage.  They were very concerned about my well being.  They made sure that my walker was right next to me, in case I needed it.  It was fun sitting there watching them play with the walker that Zoya, their mother had gotten for me to use during my stay.  They told me that they used it as a skateboard and showed me how they did that.  The simplest things give them pleasure.  Several of them stayed close to me, so they could help me get up from my seat.  They would give me a hand when I needed it and made others move out of the path so that I could move about without dodging obstacles.  I was moved when I found 2 small stickers on the handle of my walker.  When I asked who put them there, the response was “Andrey.”  I asked him why…his reply was “to make it pretty!”  I had to save his stickers for my journal.  He has such a kind, caring heart, it is hidden behind his 8 year old behaviors most of the time.   

I am truly grateful for all the care and concern that everyone has shown me this week…this is one lesson that won’t be easily forgotten…Thank You all!

A Day of Rest

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

Yesterday we finished up our camp at Vanofka orphanage. Before we left, Daphne was able to give the children backpacks, school supplies, and pants for school from the children in Indiana. It was a good day, but saying goodbye to the children was difficult.

At five we left Vanofka. Bethany, Karen, Daphne, and I traveled on to Shymkent for a day of rest and preparation for a two day camp with children with Cerebral Palsy. We will leave tomorrow (Monday) morning for camp. There will be 11 children in attendance with one family member for each child.

On Thursday Ila twisted her ankle preparing for an activity. Due to the fact that the camp for those with Cerebral Palsy is spread out and requires a lot of walking, Ila preceded the group back to Taraz where she is staying with Beth. This was a disappointment for the entire group, but hopefully it will give her a chance to see more of what is happening in Taraz. We look forward to seeing her when we return to Taraz on Wednesday.

Sprains, stings and swimming pools

Posted by Karen Flannery, Delegate

On Thursday, we were excited to have a full day to spend with the kids.  We started setting up for some games in the morning, and Ila turned her ankle when she stepped in an uneven spot in the yard.  We had stations set up for games, coloring pages to give as awards for a fundraising race for Kids Connection (which will be held in the US), and interviews of the kids to find out more about their interests.  We set Ila up where she could keep her foot propped during the games. 

The children were very excited that we had made arrangements to take them to a pool for two hours each day.  We started to gather the kids to take them swimming, and little Roma was very upset because he thought he was going to be left behind since he was not in the first car load of kids.  The excitement on the kids faces could hardly be contained.  The water had just been added to the pool which was 4 feet deep at the shallow end and 6 feet at the deep end.  Some of the kids did not know how to swim so I was attempting to give lessons, which gets a little complicated when there is a language barrier.  The water was very cold but that did not keep the kids from enjoying this special treat.

We took a break for snack and to let the little ones stop shivering.  As I was sitting there drinking my Fanta, I was extra cautious as yellow jackets were flying around.  However, as I took a sip suddenly I heard screaming.  I must say it surprised me when I realized I was the one screaming.  I pulled the bottle of Fanta away from my lip and still connected to my lip by its stinger was a yellow jacket.  Ooh that hurt, but thankfully it was brushed away by one of my teammates, and I was offered salt to put on my lip to help take the sting out.  Ila and I have had our fair share of Ibuprofen and ice since that time.  Thankfully, I am not allergic to stings. 

           

Later in the afternoon, I was able to teach a lesson about love, which the kids seemed to enjoy. Daphne also did a time of teaching and games.  The children at this private orphanage are so well behaved, helpful, and excited to do the activities we have planned for them. The plan changes frequently, but flexibility is always a good thing when you are in a different culture.

The kids enjoyed building wood kits last night. They demonstrated for us how they used to use a walker, which they brought for Ila to use,  as a scooter.  It will be hard to leave the children tomorrow, but I am also looking forward to working with the kids with Cerebral Palsy when we go to Shymkent.  We will be doing a camp there that will include the parents of children with Cerebral Palsy.  It will also be a small group to work with so we should be able to get to know them all as well.

Ulan Work Group Update

Posted by Daphne, Delegate

The Ulan work group camp turned into the Vanofka work group camp which turned our world upside down. Schedules, agenda, and any form of a plan completely went out the window for this trip.  This change of plans allowed us more time with the children at Vanofka which excited me very much.  A group of children that I work with in Indiana have been raising money for the children of Vanofka.  One of the desires of my heart for this trip was to build a relationship between the children in Indiana and the children at Vanofka.  Last year they raised over $800, and Tony Hart was able to visit the Vanofka kids and bring them gifts purchased from the fund but left a remaining balance.  The kids goal for 2008 is to raise $1000.

To help build this relationship, the kids in Indiana made cards, sang a song in Kazakh, and wrapped gifts that were purchased with their funds to give as gifts.  All of these activities were captured on video and made into a movie for the Vanofka kids to watch.  

As plans began to change and the door was shut for us to hold the camp for Ulan kids, the doors opened at Vanofka for us to spend 3 days with them.  This has allowed us to spend much more time with them. The director is excited about the fact that we will have time to do some teaching of life lessons, rather than just playing with them, as we have done in the past.

Today was a GREAT day for our team. We arrived and unpacked our supplies and organized ourselves. The kids knew we were coming and were excited to meet us.  Sara, Bethany and Karen had all been to Vanofka in the past at some point, but this was Ila and my first time to visit.  

We first took a tour of the facility, and I was amazed at how nicely decorated and kept up it was.  It is very clean and the kids are so well behaved. We gathered the kids together in the living room space and with our translators’s help explained who had sent the gifts and cards.  We let the kids watch the video of the children from Indiana and then gave the gifts (a boy’s pair and a girl’s pair of roller blades, a skate board with helmet and pads, a basketball, a soccer ball, Barbie Dolls,  and several games including  Jenga, Yahtzee, Skipbo, and Uno).  

Paper went flying as the children unwrapped the gifts. Joy and excitement filled the room when they saw all of the toys. The kids were so excited to start playing right away.  We were able to show them how to play the games right away.  They showed us a few new domino versions as well.

Ulan Work Group

Posted by Bethany Planton, Ulan Work Group Leader

Wow! It is kind of hard to believe that I am here again. Last summer when I left Kazakhstan I did not think that I would be coming back this year, but everything just fell into place for me to come back. This year I have the great privilege of leading a delegation. This delegation consists of three wonderful women and myself. Daphne, Ila, and Karen are just amazing. I wish all of you could spend as much time with them as I get to, but to kind of make up for it I am going to write about each one of them.

Meet Daphne – Daphne lives in Muncie, Indiana. She has three young adult/ teenage boys Nick, Nathan, and Tyler. She enjoys her job working with elementary-age children and putting together short videos. Her favorite color is purple. Daphne is quite creative and very sweet. This is her second trip to Kazakhstan. Her first one was back in 2002 on the Taraz 2000 Delegation.

Meet Ila – Ila lives in Anderson, Indiana about a ½ of an hour away from Muncie. She is a registered nurse and does home care. Ila has a grown son named Allen. Her favorite color is red. Ila is always willing to help and has a great heart. This is Ila's first trip to Kazakhstan!

Meet Karen – Karen lives in Forest, Virigina. She enjoys her job as a physical therapist assistant. Karen has two cats that share her home with her. Her favorite color is purple. Karen is generous and fun. This is Karen's third trip to Kazakhstan. She has been on the Ulan Delegation for the past two years.

Now that you have met my wonderful team, I hope you enjoy reading all about we are doing while we are here in Kazakhstan.

Ulan Work Group

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The Ulan work group has had to learn the phrase "be flexible" that we encourage all our delegates to keep in mind as they prepare to travel.  Due to many different complications, they will now be working with an orphanage in Vanofka and a group of youth with Cerebral Palsy from our office in Shymkent (two different three day camps).  This group has done a great job adapting to all the changes.  On this blog, we will probably still refer to them as the Ulan work group because that is what they were referred to as they prepared for their trip over here. 

The Ulan work group arrived in Almaty yesterday (Monday) morning.  Although they were tired (especially after a long layover in Amsterdam), they didn't have any problems on their flights.  They traveled to Taraz and arrived in the early afternoon.  After lunch, a tour of the office, and an orientation meeting, they went to their host homes.  Most of our delegates stay in the home of a Kazakhstani family, so that they can experience the culture and hospitality of the people that surround us each day. Today (Tuesday) will be a day of planning, since all of the planning that has been done previously will have to be adjusted as we have had to change the focus of this group. 

We will be trying to update this post every couple days in order to let you know what they have done during their time here (although this may be challenging due to a lack of internet at two of our locations).  As a result, we may end up posting (especially pictures) for several days at a time.  

Thinking Back on a Delegation

This post shares some thoughts from one delegate that came to Taraz in July to work with Youth Impact.  As we prepare for another group of people from the States (arriving tomorrow morning), we thought it would be good to look back and see how a trip like this affects a delegate. 

Posted by Shannon Neckers, Delegate

It's been two weeks since the Youth Impact Delegation has returned to the States. I was one of the lucky ten to embark on such a wonderful journey. I've had many thoughts go through my head since we've returned. I'd sum up my experience as the best 10 days of my life! It was amazing! I, along with the team, prepared for months before leaving the U.S., but nothing can fully prepare you for the experience (and I mean this in a good way)!  I went with the intention of helping others and I came back with several stories of the people of Kazakhstan helping me!

To further explain, let me give a bit of background. Before my trip, I was a girl who had just graduated from college and due to a series of events, I felt afraid to dream about my future. During this trip, I found myself dreaming once again about my possibilities. It was as if my heart was really beating again and I was equipped with a new view of life. My hope is that how I came out of the experience was similarly felt by several of the teens from the PTL program as they journey into unknown territory of their own. Not only that, but one thing our team worried about was being able to truly help the children we would meet despite the short amount of time we had with them. We did! We made an impact! On several occasions the translators would tell us, "The kids are so happy! They're laughing and smiling!" "What you're doing is a good thing." Also, just as I'm reveling in all my experiences and processing it all, I hope that those we met are still being impacted as they remember us.                                      

Now back in the states, we’re all missing the relationships we formed with the staff, our host home families, and the children. It was great sharing cultures and ideas with one another. A special bond was formed among us. One thing I loved about the trip was that it was easy to jump into getting to know others at a deeper level. The language difference in some ways was the complete opposite of a hindrance. A boldness came in using a translator to speak our words for us and trying to communicate with the people we met. We only had a few short days or in some instances a few short hours to be with the teens and young orphans and our goal was to make it all count! What a fantastic way to live life each day! In addition, what a wonderful example we were hopefully able to leave with those who we came in contact with during our stay. This continues to inspire me greatly, knowing that I make a difference. What should have been complicated (trying to communicate with 3 different languages among the group- Kazakh, Russian, and English), turned out for me to be simple. Doing small acts of kindness were more easily perceived. Although I feel like I'm just getting started talking about my time abroad, I'll leave with a poem I wrote eight years ago after spending a few short weeks with four Kazakh children visiting the states for a diabetes camp. I feel that the poem is appropriate in explaining my time spent in Kazakhstan just two weeks ago.

 

Making All the Difference
Laughter- the universal language
No matter where you are you can understand
Smile- the lifter of someone's day
Even if you do not understand
Thank you- two simple words
Take so little time to say but mean so much
Understanding the world and the world understanding you
Starts by giving something small

The Gift of Words

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager


Lyosha is a 4 year-old boy who lives in the neighborhood surrounding Interlink and often walks near the office with his 16 year-old sister.  Originally, they would stop at our office and his sister would ask if Interlink could help her with her education. When I started exploring what she would like to study she said design. I found out about a school where she could study, but she said that she wouldn’t be able to go because she needed to care for her little brother . She said her mother works as a cleaner at the stadium and her father is an alcoholic and stays at home. As I got to know Tonya I noticed that Lyosha did not talk and hid behind his sister when he was asked a question. At first, I thought he was very shy, but his sister said that he does not talk at home.  Instead, he communicates with gestures or sounds.
 

There is a very good school in Taraz that prepares children for school but also has a speech therapist and a psychologist.  Thanks to a sponsor in the States, Lyosha has been attending this school for two months.  There are already noticeable changes that Interlink staff have even noticed as Lyosha and Tonya stop by the office quite often to talk to me about their family problems. The biggest change is that Lyosha has stopped using gestures and can now say things like “I want to drink, Good-bye, Hello, Good (when asked how he is doing),  and so on. Two months ago he could not say a word. The teacher says he is a smart boy but needs to work on his speech. She suggested putting him in preschool in September where he can communicate with other kids and learn in a group setting. His mother has also seen changes in her son and is thankful to Interlink for helping him learn to speak.