Priceless!

Posted by Tim Brown, Delegate

Monday, Oct 12th was an incredible day. I am still processing through all that I had experienced. I was once again reminded that a smile and a laugh in any language means the same thing.

We started our day getting introduced to the staff here at Interlink and getting an overview of the various ways they work with the people of Kazakhstan. Next we took our visit to the orphanage at Saryrmoldayeva where I got to meet for the first time the 2 children that our family has sponsored since January. Sergey (boy - 6 years old) and Ayaluim (girl - 9 years old).

The orphanage director provided us with an extensive tour of her facility and I was quite impressed. My only other comparision is what Lisa and I experienced in 2000 when we adopted Mitchell from the Bobek (baby house) in Aqtobe, KZ. After our tour we had an unplanned traditional meal in a Yurt (tent) on the orphanage property. We then spent the next 1 1/2 hours with our kids at a local entertainment center (kids play area). The evening concluded with having dinner with the Miller family who have been in KZ since mid/late summer as the conclude the adoption of their 6th child. They have 2 biological, 2 adopted from Liberia, and 2 adopted from KZ (one 4 years ago and the other hopefully to be finalized next week).

Below is just a sampling of photos.


Lunch at the Interlink office with the staff


At the orphanage


With my two sponsored children


Riding the bumper cars

The People Behind Interlink- Katya Kantseva

Posted by Katya Kantseva, Receptionist

I am the new receptionist at the Taraz office of Interlink. I graduated from the university in the summer, and since October 2009 I have worked here. I’m very happy to be a part of the Interlink team and to assist in our great work helping poor people and orphans. I think it is good opportunity to have work experience in such a company! Before I started working here, I have been an intern at Interlink and a volunteer for Savva delegations several times. It was great! I like the staff and our work here in the office.

Reflections from Abby

Posted by Abby Naunheimer, Delegate

My time in Kazakhstan was a great reminder of how much need there is around the world. We, as a culture, more often recognize the physical needs, but there were countless times where my team was simply called to converse or play with the local adults and children. We were needed to be listening ears and loving arms for those who do not readily get attention. I can quickly forget how difficult it is to live in other regions of the world. It was so good to be in Kazakhstan and truly experience what life can be like in central Asia. It made me proud to know people who have lived or traveled there before me.

My experience was enhanced by a local family who allowed my husband and I to stay in their home; where they cooked meals for us, taught us bits of language and culture, and simply befriended us. They gave us a window into the life of a loving family.

Orphanage graduates going to colleges this year

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

Usually very few orphans receive full scholarships to study in colleges. One of the main reasons is that their educational levels are low; however, this year Interlink's Youth Impact program put a special emphasis on preparing orphans for national tests and teaching how to fill out applications and write essays.

Last year out of 95 orphanage graduates only 9 got accepted to colleges/universities. This year it is three times as many - 27 students will go to colleges with fully covered tuition and monthly stipend.

Most of the grants have been provided by the government but 9 of them have been granted by two private foundations in Almaty started by local businessmen and foreign embassies in Kazakhstan that give 100 scholarships to orphans and youth from low-income families in Kazakhstan.

The youth in the photo below working on their essays all got accepted to colleges/universities thanks to those foundations. Now they are required to keep their grades high and participate in volunteer activities for the good of the society. Their volunteer activities may include social service projects at NGOs like teaching children, helping at orphanages, or cleaning of local parks.

Fun with the high school delegation

Posted by Vicki Charboneau, Kids Connection

At the end of July a delegation of high school students came to Kazakhstan from Indiana. During their time here they did many things including visiting the children of Ulan at their summer camp. To say the children were excited to see the team arrive is an understatement. They literally were bouncing with joy. The delegation was only there for several hours but in that time they went swimming, colored with the children, and had a carnival.

In America youth today are at times portrayed as selfish and destructive, but I watched a group of teenagers reach out with open hearts and kindness to the orphans who were so eager to touch and see a "real" American teenager. Each one of the youth who made up the team and the young adult leaders gave 120% of themselves to the children. They hiked down to the river and spent about an hour swimming and splashing with the kids. As they walked back up the hill they were walking hand in hand. Big smiles were on everyone's faces and the chatter of excited children filled the air like music.

The carnival was a huge hit with the kids also. There were games at seven different stations, from face painting to ring toss with small prizes or candy received by each child. Even the caretakers joined in after watching the kids have so much fun. When it was time to leave no one wanted the day to end.

Each one of the youth from America were shining examples of the good that is still in our youth today. They each gave of their time and energy to come halfway around the world to give a little happiness to children they didn't even know. We thank the high school delegation for touching the hearts of the many youth that you met while here in Kazakhstan.

Youth Delegation Update

Posted by Zach Matchett, delegate

Note:  The youth delegation, consisting of 8 high school students and two leaders, arrived in Kazakhstan today.  They will be working with several different groups of youth as they learn more about the Kazakh culture.

Hello all!  Our Kazakhstan team has made it safely to Taraz.  Everyone seems to be in good spirits after long flights/layovers on the way here, getting through customs in Almaty, and a rather “eventful” and exciting bus ride here with our first exposure to the first typical bathroom J  Naturally, we are all tired but now we are at our host home for the evening getting a shower (woo hoo!) and getting ready to go to dinner at Café Istanbul and spending some time at the Square (central part of town where many Kazakhs like to hang out).  We are hoping to make it to 10:00 before going to sleep, but we’ll see how that goes for all of us…ha ha!

Our time in Amsterdam was good and the weather was perfect for some sightseeing and our canal tour of the city.  However, the tour was so relaxing and so “informative,” Lauren and Rachel saw it as a prime opportunity for a nap.  Cheater cheater, pumpkin eaters!!  I can’t blame them…we have tried to grab our rest when we can while still trying to overcome our jet lag by staying up to get used to the new time zone.  Overall, we did get some sleep on the flights (while not an ideal amount) and made them go a little bit quicker.  Now that we are here, in spite of our drowsiness, we are so excited to be here and to get started!

First impression of Kazakhstan, you ask…I’ll be honest, it was just about what I expected: plenty of European cars, suspect bathrooms, and new foods to try.  I am excited to see how plans unfold and the Kazakhs we interact with.  Beth Turnock, the director of Interlink here in Kaz, briefed us on how to stay away from some cultural faux pas.

If you’ve been worried if we made it here or not, we are all safe and well. Tomorrow we will leave for three days at the Vanofka orphanage.  Expect more updates as our trip unfolds.  

Savva Delegation Update

Posted by Victoria Charbonneau

The American delegation arrived Tuesday after an exhausting two days of travel, but all were in good spirits.  The team of 15 people is made up of folks from Oregon, Indiana and Virginia.  Most of the team members have traveled numerous times to do English Camp for local orphanages but 3 team members are here to experience it for the first time.  It is always fun to see Kazakhstan through their eyes.  

After lunch and orientation each team member went to spend the night with a host family.  This is how to really experience life in Kazakhstan.   There is always an English speaker in each of the host homes and if it is an American's first trip they are paired with another American.  Kazakh's open their home and show hospitality unlike you ever experience in America.  It is humbling to see how they value relationships and genuinely want to get to know the American who is staying in their home.  

Wednesday morning all of the Americans arrived back to the office looking refreshed and rested.  All of the supplies were loaded onto the bus that would be driving them to Savva Orphanage about 3 hours away.  This team has planned and prepared for this 9 day camp for months.  The children start looking forward to the Americans arrival the day after camp finishes the previous year.  

When I was in Texas I had the opportunity to hear from two children (ages 15 and 13 years) who participated in several of these camps.  I know sometimes people wonder what difference in a child's life a 9 or 10 day camp can have.  I got to hear first hand from these two children that were adopted two years ago.  It was a ray of sunshine coming into their lives.  Like Christmas morning with all the joy and anticipation.  They shared the hope that began to bloom in their hearts that someone cared for them and loved them.  It was hard to comprehend that strangers from so far away would come and love them, but it also touched their hearts igniting a hope that maybe they were of some value.  They shared how all the children talked about all the fun they had over and over and over again.  

Sometimes I think these short term trips are just as much for the Americans who come as they are for the children.  To get out of your comfort zone, experience something so different, and become like a little child again totally dependent on others for all of your basic needs opens your heart to learn more about what is really real.  

The Americans are now in their 3rd day of camp and we will post more pictures and adventures from their time there soon. 

Time with Savva youth

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

Once a month we go to Savva orphanage to meet with the graduates and talk about something that may help them after they leave the orphanage. Last month we talked about good manners, listening skills, bullying, and how to deal with boredom and loneliness.

This month we held a seminar about trust with graduates. We asked Tursynai, one of the orphanage graduates, to help conduct the seminar. We started with trust building activities and had a discussion. Some kids overcame their fear and showed trust, others found this more challenging- explaining that it depended on a person and situation.

Tursynay led another activity that required team work. It was a very difficult activity since it required organization, leadership and energy. One team won because they were well organized and some were really ambitious who helped those who were tired and together they reached their goal.

This activity helped youth realize that a person sometimes is not able to reach the goal alone, it requires a team effort of people who can help and support. Tursynay also shared about her life when she left the orphanage and the difficulties she went through and how she overcame them. She told about her strong and weak points, failures and successes in her study and life. She explained that anyone can reach their goal with or without parents if they work hard and believe it is possible. One child asked Tursynay, “How did you stay strong going through all the difficulties?” Tursynay replied, “What kept me from giving up is God and my persistence.”

Veterans’ Day

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

In Kazakhstan, May 9^th is Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War (war fought by the Soviet Union as part of World War II).

To honor the veterans of that war Interlink staff and some orphanage graduates who participate in Youth Impact program visited 14 veterans and brought them food packages.

It was a touching moment to see youth presenting gifts, saying good wishes with love and respect to veterans. One of the veterans, an old lady, met us with tears in her eyes. When we asked her why she was crying she said that she had fallen recently. It grieved her that she was so old and weak and could not do many things any longer. It hurt to see her crying. One of the girls began crying too. All the girls surrounded her with their hugs just to share her sadness. The old lady hugged them and didn’t want them to leave.

Another veteran showed us his portrait where he was young. What surprised us was that he was still active and cheerful. He was so hospitable and wanted us to take a photo with us.

Container Work Day

Posted by Bethany Planton, Kids Connection Stateside Coordinator

On Saturday, May 2, we had a packing day for the shipping container (more info).  Approximately 25 people came to help us organize and pack the donated items. It was a HUGE success! Thank you to all the volunteers that gave of your time and helped us. We could not have done it without you.

Some of the wonderful people who helped:

Everyone working:




Trailer with all the packed boxes:

If you would like more information about this project and how you can help, please email Bethany.

Men’s Day in Kazakhstan

Posted by Ken

One of the nice things about Kazakhstan is they celebrate Men’s Day. Not “Fathers Day” which only applies to dads.

Because there are so many orphans we support we can not do a lot in the way of gifting but try to get them something they’ll all enjoy. So this year we decided to get sunglasses. This is an adventure in and of itself as purchasing 230 sunglasses can be challenging, however Kiikzhan and I found a vendor who gave us really good prices.

The guys loved the sunglasses and had fun choosing a size that fit them. They wore them instantly, even in the evenings while in doors. They are also kind enough to lend them to the girls to wear for a time. The picture of young children are from Saramoldaeva and the older children are from the Savva orphanage in Merke.

Friday we will treat the Saramoldaeva guys to a dinner and a movie. Since we only sponsor 3 groups at Saramoldaeva we like to do something a little special with them.

Thanks again for all your support. Even a small gift like sunglasses bring a little joy in the lives of our children here and they greatly appreciate it.

Future of Orphanage Graduates

On April 8th we hosted a forum at Interlink office and invited directors of all the orphanages we’re working with, vice-director of vocational school, directors of the Department of Education and the Committee on the Protection of Children’s Rights. The goal of the meeting was to address the needs and problems of youth graduating from orphanages and how we all can work together to help make their transition easier.

After the Youth Impact program presentation we had two program participants share what they’ve gained from the program and their plans for future. They told how the program helped them when they just left the orphanage and all the difficulties they faced, and decisions they had to make on their own.

Then all the orphanage directors and directors of the Department of Education and the Committee on the Protection of Children’s Rights expressed their interest in the program and made some suggestions. Normally we start teaching life skills classes after the kids leave the orphanage and go to a vocational school but one of the orphanage directors suggested to start the program a year or two before the kids leave the orphanage. It was also suggested to have a business course for the graduates who want to start their own business.

HIV/AIDS seminar at Ulan

Youth Impact Program had a training for Ulan older youth. There were 15 boys and girls who really enjoyed the training and at the end we asked them what other topics they would be interested in. Most of them said, “dating relationships” and “preparation for college”. Next week we will talk to them about choosing the right relationships. We will also bring the books that will help kids leaving the orphanage this summer prepare for college exams.

Shipping Container

You may have heard about a new project Interlink is working on. We are filling and shipping a large freight container over to our center in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. One of Interlink’s partners on the property called Crossroads specializes in receiving these containers and distributing the items in them to those in need. Interlink is filling a container that will aid our current work in Kazakhstan, but we cannot take on this endeavor alone. We need your help.



This coming Saturday, May 2 we have a workday planned. It will be from 9:00 a.m. – noon. We will be packing the boxes to go into the container. We will be working at 4630 N. Broadway Ave, Muncie, IN in the bus barn. If you need more information about the workday, send an email to kidsconnection@interlinkresources.org or call our office at 765-213-3975.

The second way you can help is by donating items or money to go towards the container. We still have a wish list of items.

Container Wish List:

Large Playground Sets: swings/slides/forts/etc
Sports Equipment
New Shoes for Children: tennis shoes, dress shoes, sandals, slippers
New Shoes for Older Youth: tennis shoes, dress shoes
Craft Supplies
Basic English books: early reading and short chapter books, books about USA, fiction (all newer books)
Educational games/Indoor Toys
Game Room Supplies: ping-pong tables, foosball tables, board games
Camping Supplies: tents, sleeping bags, pillows, camping mats
New Computers or just a few years old (Pentium 4 or better)
Small/Large White Boards: some of the easel types
Exercise Equipment: weights, bicycles, treadmills, etc
Skills Training Supplies : video cameras for orphanage use, digital cameras, hand woodworking tools
New Children's and Youth Clothing: small and medium sizes primarily
Cerebral Palsy Supplies: playground sets for physically handicapped children, wheelchair padding, straps for wheelchairs (luggage straps work well also), large exercise balls, pool noodles, children’s walkers, nice crutches
Winter Jackets: dressy and play jackets for children and youth, primarily extra small, small and medium sizes
Backpacks: children and youth of all ages
Hair Cutting Kits
Posters: (for orphanages and youth to decorate rooms and use as teaching aids)
Toolkits: (for graduates moving out on their own)
Spiral Notebooks
Photo Albums
Paint Supplies
Purses: (or larger nice bags for older girls to carry books in)
Current Magazines : 2008 or newer
220V Tools: Drills, Sanders, Rotary Saws, etc
Multimedia items in English for the Shymkent library: videos, cassettes, CDs, DVDs (for all levels)
Folding Chairs – (for the classrooms in Shymkent
Square folding table and chairs
Coolers
Large Aluminum Extension Ladders
Lawn/Garden: garden tools, shovels
Snow Shovels

If you would prefer to contribute funds toward shipping costs (approximately $8,000 is needed), please email us for options to donate.

Here are some pictures from our first work day:

We would love to see you on Saturday if you can join us!!!

Kids Connection Letters

One of the great joys here is giving out letters written by Kids Connection sponsors. We had a shipment of letters arrive recently so we were able to deliver a lot of letters to Savva, Ulan and Saramoldaeva orphanages. These two pictures were taken at the Saramoldaeva orphanage. Most of the older boys had letters an opened them eagerly. One boy Tolik and one girl Sabina are new to Saramoldaeva so have yet to get a sponsor.

In the second picture, Katiya received with her letter some small gifts and this harmonica. Of course none of these children have ever seen a harmonica before so Kiikzhan instructed her how to play it. She did so and was a bit surprised as to how it makes your lips feel when the notes play. Fortunately it came with a pictorial instruction sheet that she can learn from.

For those of you who have children to write to over here know that letters and pictures are cherished. Some also come with small gifts, stickers and things that can fit in a small envelop. Some Americans send a computer generated letter with a number of photos of family members, animals or when they go on vacation. The children are fascinated by the lives of their American friends.

Thanks for taking time to brighten the lives of Kazakhstan’s orphan children.

Future Heavyweight Champion

We try to give our sponsored children every opportunity we can to experience as much life as possible. Sports, like back home, are good for physical development as well as learning how hard work can help you achieve your goals in life.

Boxing is quite popular here as well and in the last Olympics a Kazakh man won a Gold metal for boxing. One of the first gold metals Kazakhstan has won in these prestigious games.

Sergi loves boxing and has shown some good skills. He has already advanced beyond the first round of tournaments. The Saramoldaeva orphanage, wanting to encourage him, asked us to purchase a new set of boxing gloves. Boxing, as you can imagine, is hard on the hands as well as your head! Good boxing gloves not only protect hands but offer needed support for your wrist.

You never know where these orphans may wind up. We have a couple girls who are excelling in soccer and show promise of making a career in professional soccer. It’s a joy to work for a company who in invested in development of children who other wise would not have these opportunities.

Again, as always, such investments could not be realized if it were not for generous sponsors back home.

Not everyone can be here but everyone can play a part!

Savva March Birthday Celebration

One of the joys of working here in Kazakhstan is to visit each orphanage, once a month, to celebrate the birthdays of our sponsored children.

The Savva orphanage in Merke is about a 2 ½ hour drive so we go on a Saturday, spend the night and leave on Sunday after lunch. We celebrate birthdays, spend time with all the children during free time and also have time with the smaller children’s group on Sunday.

For the birthday celebration we all go to a designated room for snacks, cake, ice cream and soda. We also play various games i.e.: Musical chairs, 4 Corners, Hot potato or Marko-Polo. Now that it is spring, we can also play some outside games. This was the first month, after the winter season, we could do so.

We take a lot of pictures of the children playing, eating and also receiving birthday gifts from sponsors back in the US. When we return next month we give the birthday children a small photo album with their birthday pictures in them.


















We give a toast which usually incorporates asking God for long, happy and healthy life with much success. This weekend we were also able to give out a shipment of letters from their Kids Connection sponsors. The children especially love receiving these letters and share them with friends. Thanks to all of you for supporting these children and giving them love through letters, gifts and making these birthday celebrations possible.

Farewell to the Kazakhs

Posted by Tina Motley, Delegate

What I have learned from my sojourn is probably more than I know at this moment. Having never left the United States before, this was a life altering experience. The Kazakh people are a special kind.

I love my county because it is home but the Kazakhs could teach Americans a lot about hospitality. They treat their guests with the utmost care and concern. Coming from a very fast paced , practical way of thinking, it was a difficult adjustment. I have to admit that one of my weaknesses is building relationships, I am usually satisfied with a good book and the internet. A conversation is typically a means to and end, not the end itself.

While Americans value time efficiency, Kazakhs value relationships and people. They are very polite, always concerned about the comfort of their guests. At one time in their culture, all good tasting food was saved for guests, not to be eaten by them at all.

It is a beautiful country and there were moments that I was moved at the sheer beauty. But one of my main interests in the trip was to visit the orphans, as I am a social worker in the US. Although being an orphan anywhere is sad; I think the orphans in KZ may be better off than the foster children in the US. The staff seemed to h ave the right motivations and love. And there is consistency and predictability.

It is great to be home, to drive my car, relax in my own condo and listen to my favorite music. This journey taught me not to take my country for granted. I just wish more Americans could understand just how fortunate we are and more so, that those very freedoms are at stake.

Catching a Glimpse of Hope

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

During my time in Lynchburg and Richmond, I had the opportunity to meet with sponsors.  I was able to share what Kids Connection has been able to do with the funds they have given and introduce them to the Kids Connection staff.  Overall, I met with over 60 sponsors.  I especially enjoyed the opportunity I had to answer specific questions that sponsors had about their children and deliver letters.  It was also fun to watch as sponsors caught a glimpse of how they are providing hope for these children!

I am looking forward to similar meetings that I will have with sponsors in Muncie, IN next week.  Although I miss being with my friends and children in Kazakhstan, I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to connect with many sponsors and friends here in the USA.

The Wonders of Technology

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

This blog will probably only be interesting to those that enjoy technology, but I thought it would be a fun thing to share.  Last year we moved our Kids Connection database into an online format.  This allows our coordinators in Kazakhstan and the USA to have updated information at all times.  It decreases the likeliness of children or sponsors getting lost as information gets transmitted across the the ocean. 

As of January, our database became accessible to our staff in Kazakhstan using the iPod Touch.  When we visit an orphanage, we are able to make immediate changes to our database (even though we are offline), which syncs with our online database as soon as we return to our office.  This has allowed us to increase our efficiency as we communicate with sponsors. 

This has also been extremely helpful during my time in the States.  As I meet with sponsors, I am able to quickly answer questions about their children, payments, etc.  I continue to be amazed at how much technology allows us to do as we work together to provide hope for the children of Kazakhstan. 

Trip to Savva Orphanage

Posted by Moldyr, Youth Impact Coordinator

We visited Savva orphanage on the last day of winter. The kids greeted us with a lot of hugs and much love as usual.  The goal of Youth Impact Department this time was to talk to the graduates about their plans after they leave Savva. Some of them are really worried about their future and our goal is to help them make good choices. Most of the girls plan to go to PTL (vocational school) to study cooking, hair-dressing or sewing. We offered them other options for consideration such us going to college and become teachers or medical workers. Some of them started thinking about that because before they thought that they have no choice. Of course, when giving this information we take into account their level of education and abilities. When I talked to one of the boys about his future career he told me that he is going to a vocational school in Chu but after that he plans to go to college to be a fire fighter as his father.  One of the girls said that her dream is to be a soccer coach but she is going to PTL in Taraz first. Another girl said that she really likes cooking and she is happy that this is what she will study in Taraz.  We believe that every graduate should find a profession that they like and we are helping them to realize that.    

Many Thanks

Recently we were contacted by a woman who is planning to adopt from Kazakhstan some time this year. In anticipation of her time here she decided to send orphan children a special gift and hand knitted 45 beautiful winter hats.

Last week we gave these hats to the children of the Saramoldaeva orphanage. They were thrilled to receive these hats in the midst of the cold season here. 

Although we do not have any role in the adoption process we do enjoy meeting Americans and other foreigners who come to adopt.

Thanks to all of you back home for caring and supporting the work that we do.

March Means Spring!

In America we mark spring on the calendar but here in Kazakhstan they put on Spring Concerts.

At the Savva orphanage, in Merke this weekend, we attended two concerts. The first concert featured children dancing in colorful spring outfits and flowers. Then we attended the older children's concert, held outside, where we bid farewell to winter and welcomed in the new spring season of 2009!

The young girls in picture at the bottom of this post are receiving their gifts for Women’s Day, celebrated every March 8th. (At Savva we celebrate early due to the long distance drive). These gifts were given by our sponsors back home. All of the girls received a gift pack and we also purchased juicy naval oranges for all the children.