"... serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
April 2008 Newsletter
Hello family and friends,
In Ukraine, April 15 is not tax day. It is the day that the city stops heating the homes and all city buildings. In many cities they also stop heating water for household use. I realized that would happen in Illichevsk yesterday when I started my shower. Instead of getting warmer and warmer, it got colder and colder. The last two years we have had hot water the whole year in Illichevsk. But, I am reminded of my blessings each time that I visit Marganets. The city has not provided heat OR hot water for about 12 years.
Speaking of Marganets, I promised to report on my visit to the orphanage. First let me recap the special projects of the past 6 years, which have been funded by your response to our holiday-fund-raising challenges. These are the improvements that we have made. We bought a sound system to promote the choral and dance education, two small washing machines, replaced 142 beds and bedding, created an inhalation clinic, bought sports equipment, started a drug and alcohol prevention program, bought 67 pleasure reading books, bought toys for the children one year at Christmas, provided funds to teach a computer class, provided funds to begin massage treatments, and provided funds for updated education material for the teachers. I hope that I didn’t forget anything. Our regular monthly program of clothing and shoes during these 6 years totaled about $11,520. We have spent a lot of money to help these children. But, has it changed the children? Have they appreciated what we have done to improve their living conditions and personal comfort? We see many changes in the children. The best news is the children have stopped running away from the orphanage! The orphanage is now a more desirable place where children can grow.
We are at a maintenance plateau now and will keep the children clothed and with shoes. Our special project goals are changing to focus on health and education. In September we initiated the computer and massage programs as pilot programs and began a reading program in December. I have received excellent reports on each during my visit. Eight children have been receiving computer instruction. I was very surprised to see some of the results that these children were showing. A report of their program will be posted on the web site soon. The massage program has helped seven children. The ten-to-fifteen-day massage treatments have affected their self esteem, physical health, posture, scoliosis, and for some, their walking gait. For all of the children, the pleasure books have relaxed and inspired them. They never had pleasure books available, so they would hang out at the book store and magazine racks in town. Now the children who are able to read take great pleasure in reading at “home.” For many of the younger children, bedtime stories, (not previously available), are like a sedative. Their little minds can now dream with creative ideas while they sleep and when they are awake. Reading is fundamental, (if I may quote a great mind).
The drug and alcohol prevention program began two years ago, but the logistics didn’t work out. I have found someone to revive it. She lives nearby in Marganets, so she can teach the children on a very regular basis. I will have more details after my July visit. I had a very positive meeting with Pastor Oleg on this subject. He tells me that this woman is very good with her presentation. The four programs that we want to promote beginning in September of 2008 are massage, computer, reading, and addictive behavior prevention. The total cost per month will be between $135 and $175 a month. I will provide the details to the board for approval at their June meeting. Here is some news from Ira!