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. 

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. 

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.

An Evening Out

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

We took the four children from Rakhym out for the evening. Our plans to spend the evening roller blading at the town square were cut short by an rain shower, which is unusual for this time of year. Instead, we decided to go to the office and play games together. We had a great time eating microwave popcorn from the States, having them try sour patch kids, and playing UNO. We enjoyed continuing to build our relationships with them. We look forward to doing this more regularly.

The Cost of Mail

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

Imagine 10 kids in a room all excited to see you and wanting to know one thing: Did their sponsor write them a letter? What if you only had two letters to give? What if you had none? How would you explain it to them and what would you say to their disappointment?

Letters mean a lot to any child, whether in the US or here in KZ. It’s a special occasion and a little thing to help them realize “I’m special.” The Kids Connection team tries to communicate this message in so many ways to help overcome rejection from family and society. One of the ways that YOU can be a part of this is to write a letter, whether you financially sponsor a child or not. Tell them about you and your family, where you live and what you do. Encourage them to work hard, study hard, and live well with others. It can be one paragraph or one page. I would encourage you, even now, to write a short email with or without a specific child’s name and send it to kidsconnection@interlinkresources.org so it can be translated and given to a child for our next visit.

Ulan Visit

Note: Walter and Janet Varvel have remained for an extra week after the departure of the rest of the delegation. Janet had the opportunity to spend time with us on Thursday visiting the youngest children (3-6 year olds) at Ulan Orphanage.

Posted by Janet Varvel, Delegate

What does a jar of coffee and a room full of small excited children when the Interlink team arrives have in common? They are instant! When Sara walks in, the room becomes alive with smiles of anticipation. Some children run for their shoes, some for the tiny chairs lining the wall, some stand clapping with squeals of delight, but in the next instant they all run for the nearest set of outstretched arms, for the ritual time of hugs all around.

The kids at Ulan orphanage are a little scruffy today. We learn later that the water has not worked for two days, so the shabby clothes are also dirty. The room is spotless, like a classroom after cleaning, but this is the room 12 children hang out in. Tidy must be the main goal in life. At the end of the room the cord to the teapot hangs dangerously near the bedroom door where little cots in neat rows about a hands breath apart fill the room.

As outsiders, we try to fit in as fast as possible but the "team" goes right to work. Very quickly Kiikzhan is out the door with a ball, into the dirt covered play yard. Ember and Sara, also with a ball, form mini teams of one, two, or three. Sharing is a hard concept; it's every man for himself, but Sara is diligent in teaching about taking turns. Koolyash and I are at the bubbles corner and that is a hit for a few minutes.

The runt of the group is little Aida, in her dirty pink sweats. She gets held a lot and likes it. The teacher shows me the picture books of the adoptive family that will whisk away the little blond cutie in just a month. The American home looks like the Taj Mahal to them and they all seem excited about the adoption. Some of these children are mentally challenged, but in life they will all be challenged. They have very different leaderships from the orphanage we visited yesterday and it shows everywhere you look. Like little sparrows, his eye watches me, or for me?

A Loving Hand

Posted by Moldir Kidirbekova, Youth Impact Coordinator

When we visited Savva orphanage in March, we played outside games with the children in the evening. Ember played volleyball with the older girls. Keekzhan played soccer with the older boys. I played with a group of younger kids. We played different games. While playing, I was holding hands with one of the girls. I noticed that she had a wart on her hand. The other children began pushing her back saying that it was nasty and they would not have her in the game. She became embarrassed. I knew that she wanted to play very much. I wanted to ask her why the wart had appeared and take her to the doctor, but then I thought that maybe the doctor was already aware of it. Also, everybody’s attention was focused on her. I decided to continue holding her hand and asked them to continue playing. She felt comfort. As a result, the other kids, without saying anything, joined me. Was my deed right or wrong? I’m not sure. I just know that I didn’t hurt her feelings.

Kids Connection Delegation Video

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager


Here is a video showing highlights from the delegation's time here in Kazakhstan. They arrived safely in Almaty this morning. While in Almaty, they did some shopping and sight-seeing. They will be flying back to the States early tomorrow morning. Thanks to all of the family members and friends that shared them with us for the last week!

A Day of New Experiences

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The highlight for the delegates today was the opportunity they had to meet the youth involved in the Youth Impact program. They were divided into small groups, with about one delegate per group. Each group had two or three students in it and one translator. Their goal was to go throughout the city using public transportation and take pictures of different things (photo scavenger hunt).

At first some of the delegates were a little nervous about going around town on their own instead of with a group of other Americans. When they returned, the youth, translators, and delegates continued to describe how wonderful a time they had. Each one had a story to tell. The only casualty was when Keith stepped on a man hole cover and it actually flipped causing him to fall in. He has some scrapes on his legs and will probably have a beautiful bruise to show off for a few days. The good thing was that one of the pictures they were supposed to get was an open man hole cover. Well, Keith provided the opportunity for his group to get five points. After the hunt, they had dinner together and then got to see some of the pictures of each group's time. The room was filled with laughter and talking as they shared stories of their trip around town. In the end, Ellen's group won, followed by Walter and Janet's group. Chic's group took third.

I thought it would be nice for you to hear about this trip from some of the delegate's perspectives. I hope you enjoy their stories as much as we have enjoyed hearing them.


Posted by Ellen Andrusia, Delegate

I arrived very tired but very excited to be here. The orphanage visit made my day. The children were amazing. The boys were showing off by skateboarding and the girls were playing games. They sang a song to us in Russian, which was beautiful. I gave them pictures of my grandchildren and they loved the pictures more than the toys. They read the letters from the sponsors to each other over and over. I did not want to leave.

The host family that I am staying with have been delightful. The family is Abuil, the father, Oluysa, the mother and Nigreez, sixteen year old daughter and Allawa, fourteen year old daughter. I spent last night watching Kazak MTV with the daughters.


Posted by Mary Doug Enghauser, Delegate

A primary reason for my trip to Kazakhstan was to meet Kaisar, a 13 year old boy at a small orphanage in the village of Vanofka. Our meeting was short but filled with a wide range of emotions; joy at seeing one another, shyness at how to relate, sadness at parting, and a longing on my part to know him more. I asked to see his room and his bunk bed. He pointed upward to the slats on the bunk above him and there were photographs of all my family. With tears, I realized that even with the very limited communications I have had with this little boy, we are important to him far beyond what I had imagined. I also saw the importance of those letters we are asked as sponsors to write. I have vowed to myself that Kaisar will never be without a letter especially when my failure to write him could mean he would be the only one without letter. It was a visit that fulfilled my hopes of what it would be like.

Kids Connection Delegation Visits Vanofka

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

Today the delegation started off their morning in Shymkent. They had the opportunity to meet with the coordinator of our English classes. They enjoyed the opportunity to catch a vision for what is happening related to English at our Shymkent Center. After this meeting, the delegation headed back to Taraz.

A highlight of everyone's day was the opportunity to spend three hours at VanofkaOrphanage. Vanofka Orphanage is a private orphanage with 12 children. The delegation taught the children some English songs and the children taught the delegation a song in Russian. The delegation had the joy of helping to pass out letters to the children from their Kids Connection sponsors and see the joy on the faces of children as they read the words that their sponsors had written.


One of the boys was extremely excited because today was the day that he had the opportunity to meet his sponsor. He was extremely shy at first, but opened up after some time. When he showed his sponsor his room, she noticed that he had all the pictures that they had sent him taped to the bottom of the bunk above his. His shyness sometimes kept him from showing how much their sponsorship meant, but the pictures above his bunk said it all.




The delegates are spending their first night in host homes tonight. Tomorrow, they will go on a tour of Taraz. In the afternoon they will be participating in a photo scavenger hunt with youth that have graduated from the orphanage and are part of our Youth Impact program.

Delegation Arrives

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

This morning the delegation arrived in Almaty at 5:45 am. After half an hour in customs and a hurried trip outside to send their luggage to Taraz, they went upstairs to check into their flight to Shymkent. They had just enough time to get on the flight before it left. In the frenzy, one piece of luggage may have been left behind. We will know better tomorrow whether the luggage all arrived safely in Taraz.

The delegates are tired, but overall feeling well. They are probably all in bed by now. We kept them pretty busy at the office in Shymkent. They had the opportunity to tour our office, see the work we do with children with Cerebral Palsy, visit with Crossroads, and get some helpful information about being in Kazakhstan.

For many, the highlight of the day was getting to spend time talking with students in a conversational English class. There were about twenty students and each delegate had a small group to talk with. At the end of the hour, the students didn't want to leave. Some of them exchanged email addresses.

Another highlight was getting to see the work that is done with children with Cerebral Palsy. There were about 7 children doing physical therapy when we went through for a tour. Many of the children came from a local orphanage. Often times children like this are given up by their parents. However, in this program many of the parents work together with the therapists to provide the physical therapy. As a result of this work, parents and children are able to see hope for their future.

IMPORTANT: Kids Connection Sponsors

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

This is a special note to our Kids Connection sponsors. Last weekend you should have received an email from us notifying you of some changes in the way that we will be working to keep you informed about your child. If you did not receive this email, we either do not have your current email address or your email filtered it as spam. Please email us at kidsconnection@interlinkresources.org if you did not receive this email. Also, in order to help us keep you informed, we are asking all of our sponsors to fill out a quick online survey. This will make sure that all of your information is up-to-date. Thanks for taking the time do do this.

The People Behind Interlink - Ember

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

As an intern for Interlink in 2008 my job is to serve in whatever capacity is most needed. Right now I work primarily for the Kids Connection program, visiting orphanages regularly, helping to celebrate birthdays each month, and doing the behind the scenes work it takes to make this possible. When able, I also help out with the Youth Impact program for orphanage graduates by building relationships and assisting with curriculum updates. At the office the artsy projects (photography or design) are happily finding their way to my desk keeping my to-do list full and exciting.

However, the focus of my first 3-6 months is culture and language learning. I have Kazakh lessons twice a week with a local Kazakh teacher whose standards are high, but methods are perfect for me. I also have the privilege of living with a Kazakh family. The family works on my lessons with me and provides an opportunity to practice. Outside of my lessons and home, I work to understand the life here. This may be as simple as figuring out and making the bus commute, shopping at the bazaar, enjoying a family party, playing games, or interacting with the office staff.

As I become more language competent and culturally aware I will be able to serve the team in greater capacity, which will be a help as delegation season arrives!

The People Behind Interlink - Bethany

Posted by Bethany Planton, Kids Connection Administrator

I am a college student at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Muncie is also where my family lives now, but we are originally from Ohio. I am a buckeye through and through! My immediate family consists of my parents and my eight year old sister. At Ball State, I getting my major in interpersonal communication and a minor in hospitality. I am enjoying both very much.

I am the Kids Connection Administrator Stateside. Basically, I take care of all the details having to do with Kids Connection here in the States. Sara Coggins and I work very closely together to make sure all the kids in the orphanages that we go to know that we care about them. After Sara finds out that there is a new child in one of the orphanages, then it is my job to make sure that child gets a sponsor who can build a relationship with that child.