Karakastek Day 4

Well today was our last day at Karakastek. It was another hard and emotional day but I actually held it together for most of the day until our goodbyes. We brought the kids pastries, yogurt, apple juice and candy. THEY LOVED IT! We set up a party in the cafeteria for the 33 older children not including the ones in isolation which is 12. There are also 30 babies. So all together as of today there are 75 children. Most of which are unadoptable for reasons beyond my comprehension. People here use the orphanages as babysitters or temporary housing for their children. The orphanage is like a prison for the innocent children, These children have no future, no hope, no love. There are several children that have parents that will not sign away their rights and unlike America, in Kazakhstan they do not make them. Even if the parents haven't seen the children in years, they still control their future. The government here protects the parents rights instead of the children. It is sad. That is something that needs to be changed, maybe I can work on that.

The party was fantastic and the children all gave us hugs to say thank you. Then we played a little and visited with the director and doctor. I cried while saying goodbye to each and everyone of the children. Of course thay have all captured my heart and there are several that I will NEVER forget. They are truly the innocent and have no idea what their lives could be like. This week we brought them coats, hats, gloves, vitamins, medical supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear, socks, blankets, pajamas, toys, art supplies and playground balls. I am not naive to think the some of these things will not be taken from them. I know that some of the people here will pilfer thru it take what they want and then the children will get the rest. But I know that even if the children get at least one more thing than they had when we got here we made a difference. As we drove out of the driveway today I thought to myself that I know someday I will return. Someday I will be back to love on the children, God willing someday I will return!

We have enjoyed our time in Kazakhstan so much, people have been so cordial and kind. We have had many feasts and lots of tea. This experience has changed us both forever. Almaty is a great place for a mission trip there are 11 orphanages with a 60 mile radius. This orphanage building is so old and is in need of so many things, Windows being the most needed. Tomorrow we go to the special needs and blind orphanages to drop off some more donations and the wheelchairs.

We (Kim and I) really want everybody to know how much we truly appreciate your support. This trip could not have been possible without your generosity, support, donations and prayers. This week has been emotionally and physically draining and SO worth all of it!!!! We know that GOD can move mountains for these children, so join me in praying for their future. Join me in praying that GOD can find them all a home, someone to tuck them inat night, someone to love them, someone for them to call MAMA. Thanks again!

Karakastek Day 3

Today has been an overwhelming and emotional day and I don't even know where to begin. I can't sit down to gather my thoughts so I will just let the pictures do the talking.

We delivered tricycles and ride along toys along with bananas. The kids were very excited! I just want to make sure and ask everyone to pray for these precious children. They need mamas and papas. I cried from the time we entered the orphanage until about and hour after we left. It hit me more than ever today that these innocent sweet precious babies are rotting away inside and out. I can't help but want to take them all home. This trip has changed me even more than I had already been changed...

Karakastek Day 2

This morning when we woke up it hit me when I was reading all of the comments that we really are here trying to make a difference in the lives of these orphans. The drive was a little quieter this morning just thinking about all of the sweet precious children that are in need of a mommy and a daddy to love them. It is not just here, there are orphans all over the world that need a home. If you have ever thought about adopting or you are now PLEASE follow your heart. Your life will forever be changed !! Ours has in more way than one!

When we arrived today we went straight to the Baby floor to give them some toys for their cribs and a bouncer to hopefully help with the atrophy in their legs. The babies in this specific BH are below average size and pretty understimulated. Most have never been out of their crib and most have never had a hug. I know from first hand experience that they are definitely not the healthy bouncing babies they should be. It make me sad that with just a little bit of love they could be so much! When we were handing out the toys their were a few that would yell out to us and even a few that yell MAMA. Yes I cried. I told the doctor today that I was going to bring them home in my backpack and she just smiles. Little does she know that I am serious :-)). They need mamas, send mamas!!! It amazes me how nice they are to us since we are here to help. They let us pick up the babies, take pictures, enter rooms and roams the floors. We even got to see the isolated babies (11 one year olds) today.

After we were done with the babies we went to the second floor where the 18 month-3 year olds (15 in the group) and the 3-7 year olds (22 the group) live. There are 2 seperate groups so first we seperated the toys for the proper age and then we started with the younger group. They sat so good for us to hand them out. I even took a video so you guys could see what a difference the little things are making. They we so excited with their new toys. We also brought them bananas. They each got their own. Then we made it down the hall to the older kids and passed out coloring books and crayons to each of them. They each got 2 toys and 3 cans of playdoh and some stickers. They were so excited, so excited and some of the kids built Beautiful things with the playdoh. We blew up some beach balls and played for awhile.

I asked about he availability on some of the children today and found out that most of the older children are unadoptable because one of their family members have not signed away their rights. It makes me sick that they don't have a better system here. So basically these children will grow up in an institution and be kicked out on the streets when they are 16. Makes my hearts sink that they will be sent to the children's home at age 7 and their innocence will be taken from them as they fend for there life. Being here as a guest you learn so much more about what is going on in the orphanages. Just trust me when I say that it is not a pretty situation when they arrive at the children's home. From Rape to selling children. How could people be so heartless?? I just keep thinking that those people will pay someday for their corruption, but it makes me sick that they are taking innocent children down in the meantime.

This has been a very emotional trip for me partly because I never thought I would be back and partly because I know my daughter could be one of these children that has no love, hope or family. As I sit here tonight in our hotel room I am thanking God that he brought me to Kazakhstan to adopt my precious Haven and for opening my eyes to the reality that their are children all over the world that are suffering. Knowing that we, all of you reading this, have helped bring hope, smiles and a little bit of love even for just 4 days, makes me smiles thru my tears. I know this time that we will be back, we will be back to love on these kids, we will be back to hug them tight, we will be back to Kazakhstan.

We miss you Kim and wish you were here. Next year my friend, next year!!!

There are 143 million orphans in the world. They know what it is like to be abandoned and afraid. Who will tuck them in at night or wipe their tears? Will you be one to make a difference in the lives of the orphans around the world???? Thank you for helping us make a difference!!

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Karakastek day 1

As I sit here with tears streaming down my face, my emotions have come over me and I don't even know where to begin. First off the drive to the baby house was perfect. Thru the mountains with a stop in Uzynagash to buy treats (cookies) for the kids, it took us about an hour and a half and as we were driving down the last part of the driveway into the orphanage a wave of emotions came over me and It felt like we had just left yesterday. We arrived and went straight to the directors office to give her and the doctor some medical supplies that were raised by a young boy, Kyle Gashler, in Utah. They recognized us right away from when were we here 2 years ago and started asking about Haven. So we took that opportunity to show them pictures of the children that people had sent. They LOVED seeing the pictures!! They looked at them for a long while! We also brought desitin, neosporin, bottle washers, pacifiers and wash cloths for the doctor and directors. For the kids we brought Pajamas and Blankets and cookies. They even let us put the pajamas on the older kids. After they got their pajamas on we had them sit down to get the cookies. You should have seen how the little 18 month old kids sat so quick and quietly with their hands out far reaching for the cookies. We played some with the older children and then they put us in the room with the toddlers. WOW Talk about heartwrenching. They all cired out mama and reached their hands up high to be held. So you know me, I reached down to pick them up. Just as soon as I picked up one, they all gathered around my legs crying and reaching. Then they were reaching to Brad and he threw them up and played with them too!! Yes I had to hold back the tears! We played for about 45 minutes and then they had to go to drink their tea, so we made our way down the hall to the older children and sat with them for awhile until they had to go to school. We then went to the third floor where the babies live. It is definitely a different experience than when we adopted , they are so cordial and nice. When we were adopting they slammed doors in our face and we were not allowed to see the babies ever! This time we took pictures, tickled them, made them laugh! Kissed on the them, hugged them. It was so sad to see them laying there with no mommas ans papas giving them the proper love and care that they need. They do there best but it is not very good and it is more sad than I ever could imagine. I knew that is was bad , but never really comprehended the poverty and filth these children are leaving in. I am so glad we came they need so much but most of all a little love and a few kisses. Tomorrow we will bring art supplies and toys, that shall be interesting and fun all in one. We have decided to purchase some tricycles here in Country to bring to the children on the day we bring the balls and sports stuff. On Thursday we will wrap it up at Karakastek with a party with cake an juice and some more donations. Our first day was FABULOUS and we can't wait to go back tomorrow! If we do not speak for the ones that have no voice, who will?? Together we ARE making a DIFFERENCE just let the pictures tell the story

Mission Day 1

We have had a very eventful trip so far. In Springfield, MO it took us over 2 1/2 hours to check in because we had so many bags and they had no idea how to check them in. Then we found out we were booked on the wrong flights. They had us staying in London 2 days, so in Chicago we had to run to ticketing and see if they could change us to going to Almaty. That all got fixed and then when we got to London they made passengers that were between rows 26-30 (we were row 28)stay so they could question us about an "incident"! (never found out what it was). We had to call Ayman (our coordinator) in Almaty and let her know we were coming in a day early which sent everyone into a mad scramble to be at the airport at 2 am. When we landed in Almaty customs was a little scary trying to get 21 boxes, wheelchairs and suitcases through without having to pay. We did it and EVERY SINGLE thing made it!!!! Praise God!

Our time in Almaty has been FABULOUS. We got up had a great breakfast made by Ayman, attended a Russian speaking Christian church with about 75 Russian, Kazakh and American people in attendance. THAT was AWESOME to see His work here! Brad went to play Extreme Frisbee with the guys from church and Ayman and I sorted donations.

This morning we are off to Karakastek to love on the kids! We are excited and will update as soon as we can tonight with lots of pictures. We have DSL so it should be good.

Thank you everyone for your prayers!

Almaty, Kazakhstan

We made it to Almaty safe and sound! I will tell about our "adventures" after we get some much needed zzzzzzz's! Thank you for all of the prayers and support we could definitely feel them. More later when I can keep my eyes peeled open!

Off to Almaty

Today Brad and Stacy take off for Almaty. Here are some pictures of the donations they are bringing:





Stay tuned for more updates through the week!

Please pray with us: Lord, may your presence be with Brad and Stacy. Guide their way so that we may continue to do your work. Watch over their travels and safety. Bless their time with the orphans and help them to touch lives. We pray this week will bring awareness to the needs of the orphans in Kaz, a renewed desire to help, and open more hearts. In your great name we pray - AMEN!

Mission Trip

Our mission trip is in 3 weeks! We are busy planning and packing for what is going to be a great and life changing trip. We are packing 12 big boxes of donations that will include:

1 Wheelchair
Hats/mittens
Snowsuits/jackets
Blankets
Pajamas
Underwear
Art supplies
Toys
Crib toys
Sports equiptment: includes soccer balls, uniforms, cleats, and shin guards.
Baby carriers
Vitamins
Hygiene products

If you have donated any of the above chances are it will be in our luggage! Please check out the blog daily from September 21 - 26th to see your donations blessing the orphans!

We will be visiting the Karakastek Baby Home in Almaty Monday through Thursday. Some of the activities we have planned are: an arts and crafts day, a day playing sports and a party! We are very excited to spend time with the children and show them some love! On Friday we will be visiting a few orphanages in Almaty City and dropping off donations. Please keep this trip in your prayers! Come along next year!

Thank you to the following families for their donations this summer:

The Elrod Family (IL)
The Marcacci Family (CA)
Diana Combs (IN)
The Marsh Family (MO)
The Fox Family (MO)
The Doan Family (MO)
Holly G Bows (NJ)
The Blackburn Family (AL)
The Smith Family (AZ)
The Altschuler Family (CT)
Kazapalooza
New Haven Lighthouse Ministries (MO)

And a special thank you to The Bell Family (TN) and the Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church for collecting 1200 art supplies during Vacation Bible School.

Newsletter

To our faithful supporters -

Our newsletter will be late this month. Kim is in Russia meeting her new baby girl and will be back over the 4th of July weekend. Look for it then. Thank you for understanding!

Remember July is toy month!! :)

While we were out....

It has been awhile since we blogged, the end of the school year has been a busy one! While we were out, the following families sent in donations for May! Thank you all!

The Birnett Family (VA)
The Blackburn Family (AL)
The Place Family (IN)
Mary McNab (MN)
The Reinhardt Family (CO)
The Combs Family (IN)
The Trawick Family (GA)
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This weekend we had the pleasure of being invited to Kazapalooza as this year's charity. Kazapalooza is a yearly gathering of families with children adopted from Kazakhstan that aims to unite families and raise money for Kazakhstan charities. The weekend was amazing and we had a wonderful time. Thank you to all the generous families! With your support we raised $2590 for our playground project.

Thank you to the following families for bringing donations to the event:

The Falk Family (IN)
The Hochstetler Family (IN)
The Wilons Famiy, especially Tamar who collected donations at her birthday party!
Muriel Collison and Christ United Methodist Church of Deerfield, Illinois for organizing a shoe drive and collecting 50 pairs of shoes!
The Printy Family for their unbelievable and very generous cash donation.
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"Project Playground" - We are excited to announce we are at the beginning stages of building a playground for the Children's Home in Almaty City. Our fundraising goal is $25,000. In addition to playground donations, each month our raffle proceeds will go towards this goal

We hope you consider donating to help these children. A little goes a long way! Please visit our website, www.twoheartsforhope.org, to donate.
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THIS MONTH'S RAFFLE - This month will be raffling off a fantastic prize. For $5 you can win a Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR camera. All proceeds will go towards "Project Playground" in Almaty City. The winner will be announced on June 30th! Please visit our website today!
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June is ART SUPPLIES month!

Coat month

April is coat month! For those that have traveled to Kazakhstan, you will recall how cold the weather is in the winter. Children need warm coats so please consider donating one or you can always make a monetary donation and we will shop for you!

Thank you to the following families:

The Mechem Family (MD)
The Hanks Family (SC)
The Place Family (IN)
The Elrod Family (IL)
The Woods Family (CA)
Mary McNab (MN)
Mary Schwieter (MO)

A special thank you to Holly Grigoli for donating a portion of her bow proceeds to the orphans of Karaganda.

*Don't forget to keep us in mind if you are traveling to Kazakhstan soon. We would love to supply you with a great box of donations or your child's baby home.

Thank you to The Robey Family, traveling to Taraz and The Frank Family, traveling to Astana, for taking boxes this month!

*Check out our website, www.twoheartsforhope.org, for a great raffle this month!  

On the news

Nicole and J.D. Hanks of South Carolina organized the Lowcountry's Biggest Baby Shower in Charleston, South Carolina this past weekend. The goals of this event were to raise awareness for adoption, Kazakhstan and to collect supplies to send to the orphans. It was very successful and Nicole is getting ready to send us 18 boxes!

Thank you Hanks Family and all that participated in this event!!!

March 20th!

Please remember that March 20th is the last day to make a donation for the children in Qostanay.

Our thanks to the following families for their donations to date:

The Falk Family (IN)
The Hochstetler Family (IN)
Evelyn Willis (NY)
Maureen Powers (TX)
Leesa Schlimgen (WI)
Inga Bass (MS)
The Floyd Family (OH)
Sabina Colangelo and family (NJ)
Mary McNab (MN)
The Morgan Family (AL)
The Robey Family (MD)
The Moore Family (MS)
Margaret Kammerud (PA)
The Bilbro Family (TN)
The Miller Family (MI)
The Elrod Family (IL)
Nicole and JD Hanks (SC)
Brenda Menard (RI)
Daniel Soukas (PA)
Sandi Martin (FL)
Renee Rudis (TN)
Allison Donohoe (PA)
Jonathan Bumgarner (TX)
The Stone Family (OH)
The Combs Family (IN)
The Tuttle Family (PA)
The Hoffa Family (PA)
Jennifer Bryson (KY)
The Brody Family (CT)
The Miller Family (IA)
The Serra Family (FL)

We would also like to thank the following families for the donations we received this week:

The Hochstetler Family (IN)
The Elrod Family (IL)
The Owens Family (FL)
The Palazini Family (RI)
The Wood Family Family (TX)
The Kudwa Family (MI)

Don't forget March is pajama month!!