Window Project Fundraiser

Window Restoration Fundraiser!

It's time for another MEGA fundraiser! All proceeds go towards the Ust-Kamenogorsk window project. Thank you to the wonderful supporters who donated this years items!

Here's how it works:

View all the items below.

Click the paypal link on the right hand side of the blog under the fundraiser heading.

Tickets are $5 each, 12 for $50 or 25 for $100.

Each item is numbered 1-38.

Email us at info@twoheartsforhope.org with the item number and amount of tickets you would like on each one.

We will send you a confirmation email with your entry numbers.

Winners will be chosen using random.org, an unbiased third party.

Tickets can be purchased until midnight on August 11th.

Winners will be announced August 12th.

Electronics:

#1 - Apple iPod touch 8GB (4th Generation) Newest Model

• 8 GB capacity for about 2,000 songs, 10,000 photos, or 10 hours of video
• Up to 40 hours of audio playback or 7 hours of video playback on a single charge
• 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display with 960-by-640-pixel resolution (326 pixels per inch)
• Retail Value $210.00, donated by Two Hearts for Hope.

#2 - Nikon Coolpix S3000 12.0MP Digital Camera

• 12.0 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
• 4x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; bright 2.7-inch LCD
• 4-way VR Image Stabilization System
• Capture 640 x 480 movies with sound at 30fps
• Retail value $125.00, donated by the Prud'homme Family.

#3 - GE DV1-LG Waterproof/Shockproof 1080P Pocket Video Camera

• 1080P Digital Video Camera
• 2.5 Inch auto brightness LCD screen
• SD slot for SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB
• Waterproof up to five meters
• Built-in USB for easy transfer
• Retail value $100.00, Donated by Courtney, Dustin and Ryland Stone.

#4 - Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device

Kindle is Amazon's #1 bestselling item for two years running. Over 950,000 books including 107 of 111 New York Time's bestsellers, plus audiobooks, blogs and periodicals. All new, high contrast E Ink screen, built in Wi-Fi, battery life of up to 2 months. Holds 3,500 books! With text-to-speak, Kindle can read English language books out loud to you. Get your books in 60 seconds!

Retail value $139.00. Donated by the Segebarth Family.

#5 - Autographed electric guitar

Guitar is autographed by the Newsboys. Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 14 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold. Currently, the band consists of lead vocalist Michael Tait, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, guitarist Jody Davis, and drummer Duncan Phillips.

Donated by the Truman Family.

Kazakhstan inspired items:

#6 - One of a kind painting

Hand-painted scene inspired by our beloved Kazakhstan.

Painted and donated by Branden Hochstetler.

#7 - Kazakh Alphabet quilt

This quilt was handmade in Kazakhstan and features the Kazakh alphabet. The Kazakh alphabet has 42 letters; 33 Russian letters and 9 distinctly Kazakh letters.

#8 - Set of hand-crafted felt pins in Kazakhstan colors and felt slippers from Kazakhstan.

A cute way to show your Kazakhstan pride! Set of hand-crafted felt pins in the colors of the Kazakhstan flag, centered with a sparkling rhinestone. The smaller pin is sized for your daughter, or when you want a touch of color for your outfit. Donated by Jodi Mechem.

The slippers were handmade in Kazakhstan and are a women's size 8/9. Donated by Jen Kiran

#9 - 2 handmade dresses in Kazakhstan colors

Both dresses feature the blue and yellow from the Kazakhstan flag. First dress is a three color peasant dress. Second dress is a two-color pillowcase dress with bow ties. Each dress is about a size 4/5. Dresses are being made now. Donated by Karen Kitzman

#10 - Hand-crocheted baby blanket

Adorable baby blanket inspired by the colors of the Kazakhstan flag. This hand-crocheted blanket is a beautiful addition to any nursery or makes a fantastic gift! Donated by Pam Canatia.

#11 - Set of 5 Matryoshka dolls with Kaz skippers

Each matryoshka doll has 5 pieces inside and were hand-painted in Kazakhstan. The slippers were also hand-made in Kazakhstan are a toddler size 10/11.

Boutique items:

#12 - A year of bows!

Each bow in this basket was inspired by the months of the year. Bow edges are heat sealed and attached to a lined alligator clip. Basket is brand-new retired Morning Glory by Longaberger. Donated by AnnaBelle's Boutique. Retail value of bows, $94. Retail value of basket, $65.

#13 - 3Seams Dress

3Seams dress, size M(4)with a matching bracelet. Both handmade by women in Haiti. At 3seams all of the clothing is made in sets of two! One piece goes home with you and the other is donated to a child in the developing world of Haiti. This garment has a number which can be tracked to see where the matching dress has been sent. Value $55.95. Donated by Julie Rolfes.

#14 - 3 perfume set from Avon

Perfumes are from Avon's new Scentini line. Shake it up, spritz in on, and let the fun begin with these three amazing scents. Plum Twist - a flirtatious fusion of dark plum and red berry topped with a playful praline swirl. Rose Fizz - a sparkling fragrance cocktail of fresh rose petals, sun-kissed peach and sexy woods. Citrus Chill - an invigorating splash of juicy mandarin mixed with exotic passionflower and warm amber. 1.7 fl oz. Retail value $16.50 each. Donated by Kim Jury, Avon representative.

#15 - Coach bag

Brand-new Coach bag is tan/brown with black leather trim. It is approximately 9 inches tall and 13 inches wide-at the top, the widest. Retail value, $348.00. Donated by Jacqueline Izzo.

#16 - "Fun in the Sun" Ava Anderson set

Ava Anderson develops and produces cutting-edge, SAFE personal care products. Set includes: 2.9 oz 30+ SPF sunscreen, 8 oz body lotion, 3.4 oz toner, 2 lip balms, and a travel size shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hand soap, and body lotion.

Retail value $100.00. Donated by Susan Serra, Ava Anderson consultant.

#17 - Happy Hibiscus hair-clips

These gorgeous hair-clips are made from the finest satin and each individually made. They measure approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. Colors are green, pink, fuchsia, lavender, cream and yellow. All have alligator clips. Retail value $16.00 each. Donated by The Happy Hibiscus.

Baked goods:

#18 - Simply Sweets cookies

The certificate for Simply Sweets cookies is for 4 dozen (up to 2 flavors) custom cookies. These cookies will be individually wrapped, beautifully boxed, and priority mailed to your door. The certificate may be redeemed October - March. Flavor options include Chocolate Chip Toffee, Iced (or plain) Sugar, Lemon White Chocolate, Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal, Triple Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter, and Double Chocolate Mint. Donated by Alaina Falk of The Cooks Next Door.

#19 - Cake truffles from Stella's Sweets

Truffles are made from moist cake and creamy frosting then rolled and dipper in real Belgium chocolate. Truffles will be shipped priority overnight to winner. Donated by Stella's Sweets.

Gift Certificates:

#20 - Gift card to Target

$100.00 value. Gift cards can be redeemed for merchandise or services at Target stores or on Target.com. Donated by the Sarandis Family.

#21 - Gift card to Amazon.com

$250.00 value. Amazon offers everything from books and electronics to tennis rackets and diamond jewelry. Donated by the Cohen Family.

#22 - Stella and Dot gift certificate

$25.00 gift certificate to Stella and Dot. Stella and Dot offers boutique style jewelry and accessories. http://home.stelladot.com/. Donated by Pamela Baldwin.

#23 - Visa gift card

$25.00 value. The Visa Gift card is a prepaid card welcome everywhere Visa Debit cards are accepted. Visa Gift cards are loaded with a set amount of funds on the card and can be used for multiple purchases for as long as value remains on the card. Additional funds cannot be added later if the card is a non-reloadable gift card. Donated by the Chaney Family.

Handmade Creations:

#24 - Welcome Little One basket, boy

This basket is great for any little one in your life. Perfect for baby showers, home from the hospital gift, or a homecoming gift for a child coming home through an adoption! Included in the basket are three soft blocks that jingle when shaken, one cuddle cutie doll, and fabric numbers 0-5 for little one to interact with. The soft blocks are sure to keep baby entertained with the soft jingle sound. Cuddle cuties are great to display on a shelf or can be placed in babies crib. Fabric numbers are a great way to introduce your child to numbers early. The great thing about all of these items is that you don’t have to worry about baby getting hurt on anything hard or plastic. If/when they throw them, they wont break anything in your home. They are made with coordinating fabrics that are bright, engaging, and oh so cute! Value of basket $55.00. Donated by Ava's Mom Made It.

#25 - Welcome Little One basket, girl

This basket is great for any little one in your life. Perfect for baby showers, home from the hospital gift, or a homecoming gift for a child coming home through an adoption! Included in the basket are three soft blocks that jingle when shaken, one cuddle cutie doll, and fabric numbers 0-5 for little one to interact with. The soft blocks are sure to keep baby entertained with the soft jingle sound. Cuddle cuties are great to display on a shelf or can be placed in babies crib. Fabric numbers are a great way to introduce your child to numbers early. The great thing about all of these items is that you don’t have to worry about baby getting hurt on anything hard or plastic. If/when they throw them, they wont break anything in your home. They are made with coordinating fabrics that are bright, engaging, and oh so cute! Value of basket, $55.00. Donated by Ava's Mom Made It.

#26 - Storybook Crayon Buddy with 4 children's books.

This bag has characters ranging from The Three little pigs to Hansel and Gretel. So adorable for both a boy or a girl. Bag holds 44 crayons on the outside, each with it's own slot. Your child can take along their favorite book, coloring books, toys and crayons. Perfect for trips! Retail value $45. Donated by Bags2Impress

Enjoy reading aloud to your child with a selection of 4 new children's pictures books! Wonderful to add to your home library of give as a gift. Donated by the Falk Family

#27 - Monkey Crayon Buddy with 4 children's books

Bag holds 44 crayons on the outside, each crayon has its own slot. This bag is perfect for trips, your child can bring along his/her coloring books and crayons. Your child can take along their favorite book, coloring books, toys and crayons. Retail value $45. Donated by Bags2Impress

Enjoy reading aloud to your child with a selection of 4 new children's pictures books! Wonderful to add to your home library of give as a gift. Donated by the Falk Family

#28 - Rag quilt and taggie

Rag quilt is red, blue, and yellow flannel with a light blue train print approx 40" by 60" retail value $65. Quilt is made of 2 layers of flannel, one side is clipped open seams. Quilt has been washed twice to start the ragging process.

The taggie is cream satin with cream rose swirl minky with chocolate and sage ribbons approx 30" by 36" perfect for either a girl or a boy. Retail value $50. Donated by Ragstagsandbags.com

#29 - 9-patch baby quilt, #1

Beautiful handmade 9-patch baby quilt is approximately 30'' x 40.5 '' and would look great in any nursery! Donated by Sheral Letterneau.

#30 - 9-patch baby quilt, #2

Beautiful handmade 9-patch baby quilt is approximately 30'' x 40.5 '' and would look great in any nursery! Donated by Sheral Letterneau.

#31 - Baby quilt

Gorgeous handmade baby quilt. 33'' x 33''. Front is cotton and the back is minke (yellow and green) Donated by Jane Herlihy

Thirty-One Items:

#32 - Cinch-Top Bucket Bag

Bag is in denim with a bright floral pattern on the inside. Retail value $56.00 Donated by Melissa Leslie, Thirty-one consultant.

#33 - Thermal Tote, Chocolate Blossom

Bag is thermal lined to keep your lunch hot or cold. Add an ice pack to keep your items cool. Pattern is chocolate blossom. Retail value $14.00 Donated by Melissa Leslie, Thirty-one consultant.

#34 - Thermal Tote, Garden Lattice

Bag is thermal lined to keep your lunch hot or cold. Add an ice pack to keep your items cool. Pattern is chocolate blossom. Retail value $14.00 Donated by Angelina Combs, Thirty-one consultant.

#35 - Large Utility Tote

Tote can hold a variety of items. Pattern is Floral Celebration. Retail value $30.00 Donated by the Siefer Family.

#36 - Garment bag

Garment bag is in Onyx Medallion. Retail value $130. Donated by Angelina Combs, Thirty-One consultant.

#37 - Organizing Utility Tote

Organizing tote in Paparazzi Dot pattern. Retail Value $22. Donated by Angelina Combs, Thirty-one Consultant.

#38 - About Town Blanket

Blanket folds into a nice, neat carrying case for the family on the go! Donated by the Siefer Family.

Dreams

One of the items we brought to Russia was sidewalk chalk. Our translator asked the kids to draw what they were dreaming of.

Take a look at what D and his best friend are dreaming of.



So simple: a dog and houses next to each other. Yet so profound.

What will happen to these sweet boys in a few short years? Will they get their dogs? Will they be able to remain friends? Or will life pull them in different directions as they are forced to exist in a country that doesn't appreciate them, barely acknowledges them and does nothing to prepare them for life on their own.

They.need.families!

Meet L

This is L. She is one of the orphans we had the pleasure of meeting in May.

On the last day we were there she gave us this letter:

Dear Kim and Nanette -

I miss you so very much. I cannot survive. I want to fly to America with you. That is, if you don't mind. I really want to see what America is like and how you guys live there. I also want to fly in an airplane for the first time. Thank you very much for everything you have done for us. Please come again soon. In the meantime, I'll be missing you very much. I'll be waiting for your answer. So long, and until we meet again, I'll be waiting for your letter. On the other side of this paper there is a drawing for you. It is a rose.

I love you,

L

L is one of the kids that was always around us, hanging on every word we said and every move we made. She is DESPERATE for attention. She would practice her English and impress us each day with the words she remembered from the day before.

She is too old to be adopted. What does her future hold?

She needs your prayers. Please join us in praying for her!

4 ways to help!

Looking for a way to support Two Hearts for Hope and the babies in Kazakhstan? We have four ways for you to get involved!

Matching Donation: Last week we were contacted by a donor who wants to do a matching donation for the Window Restoration Project. All the money we raise now up until we reach$5000 will be matched! This means that any donation you give will be worth double. Please consider making a donation and helping us reach our goal!

Raffle: We are in the process of organizing a fundraising raffle. All the proceeds will benefit the Window Restoration Project. We are looking for volunteers to donate any item, small or large, to the raffle. The raffle will be held online. Donations can either be mailed directly to the winner at the conclusion of the raffle or mailed to us now and we will take care of connecting with the winner. Ideas - Do you sell Pampered Chef, Tupperware or any other item? Gift cards are always a hit! Anything handmade is perfect. Please contact us. if you are willing to donate.

Vote: Take 30 seconds and visit this website - Giving of Life to vote for us to receive a grant! You can vote once and don't need to give your email address!

Desitin needed: The Karakastek orphanage in Kazakhstan has asked for tubes of Desitin diaper rash cream. You can either shop and send the cream to us or donate online and we will shop for you!

Thank you for your continued support!

Matching donation

Last week we were contacted by a donor who wants to do a matching donation for the Window Restoration Project.

All the money we raise now up until we reach $5000 will be matched! This means that any donation you give will be worth DOUBLE!

Please consider making a donation and helping us reach our goal! No donation is too big or too small. We have seen how $5 can add up.

These babies desperately need new windows to protect them from the below zero temperatures and all the health problems they will have.

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 40

To make a donation visit our website - http://www.twoheartsforhope.org/windows.html

Raffle update

We are so grateful for the wonderful response we have received to our call for donations! So far we have received:

- Bows

- Happy Hibiscus hair accessories

- Handmade tote bags

- One of a kind Kazakhstan painting

- Guitar autographed by the Newsboys

- 3seams dress and bracelet

- Handmade quilts

- Avon products

- Jewelry

- Two gift baskets from Ava's Mom Made It

- Books

- Baked goods

- Ava Anderson products

The raffle will be held online. Donations can either be mailed directly to the winner at the conclusion of the raffle or mailed to us now and we will take care of connecting with the winner.

Ideas for donations: Do you sell Pampered Chef, Tupperware or any another item? Gift cards are always a hit! Anything handmade is perfect!

We will continue accepting donations until Friday, July 24th.

Email us with any questions - info@twoheartsforhope.org

An opportunity to help!

We are in the process of organizing a fundraising raffle for the Window Restoration Project.

We have currently raised $8827.50 towards are goal of $27,000. We have a long way to go but are confident a raffle will give us a good boost.

Last year the raffle we organized included handmade clothing items, bows, baked goods, a Kindle, art, etc and we collected over $3,000.

How you can help: We are looking for volunteers to donate any item, small or large, to our fundraising raffle!

If you are called to do so, please contact us at info@twoheartsforhope.org by June 17th.

The hardest part

The most difficult thing for me is being back here knowing that half of the kids we met will soon "graduate" from the orphanage and move into a high risk category.

40% become drug users


40% commit crimes


It is estimated that half the girls become prostitutes


10% commit suicide



Please join us in praying for these children and for how Two Hearts can support the older children who are all but forgotten by their country.

Day 7 and 8

It has been a very emotional few days as we finished up our visits with the kids and said goodbye. There is so much to reflect on but finding the words right now is difficult.

The Lord certainly made way for some great opportunities here. We have been blessed with a church that is ready to support us, friends to "work" for us and an orphanage director who is very welcoming. We definitely look forward to what He has in store for Two Hearts and these children.

Today we leave the region and head back to St. Petersburg. Please keep us in your prayers as we head back home.

Since words escape me I will leave you with some pictures:

Location:Russia

Day 5 and 6

Sunday:

Nanette and I went to church this morning. What a wonderful group of believers. They welcomed us with open arms and were very interested in our "stories." We were asked to speak for a few minutes so we (well really Nanette) explained our purpose and very gracefully thanked the church for all the support they have been providing us since our arrival.

After the service we spoke with the Pastor who has such a heart for orphans. He expressed his desire to have a longterm partnership with us so we can serve from America and Russia. We look forward to all God has in store for us as we work together to minister to the orphans.

After church we had a nice dinner with friends and then I went to the orphanage at night. The orphanage building has a public park next to it and it takes all of 30 seconds for the children to see a visitor. Julia and I were bombarded by kids again. It is such a great feeling to know that we are bringing happiness to their lives, even if only for a week.

We played games and drew pictures with sidewalk chalk until it was time for the kids to go inside for the night. It really was a fantastic day!

Monday:

When we had our first meeting with the orphanage director we asked her what we might be able to purchase for the kids while we were here with the extra donation money we received. She asked for summer toys, specifically 2 bikes. She explained that since the public park is shared with the city children, her kids will come up to her and ask why they can't have bikes too. They see the city children riding and wonder why they won't share.

Today we went shopping and were able to purchase:

2 bikes
2 scooters
2 soccer balls
4 big bouncy balls
3 jump ropes

This is in addition to the toothbrushes, toothpaste, sidewalk chalk, flip flops, hair ties, misc hygiene products and frisbees we took with us. All the donations were brought from home were well received. She explained that toothbrushes and toothpaste are always needed because they always run out.

The director was overwhelmed with happiness. It was easy to tell that she was very excited and touched by the donations we, through the support of our great donators, gave. We ALL thank you!


The kids we visited today were full of questions for us. Some of my favorites were "Do you believe in God?" "What kind of money do you have?" and "Is Santa Claus real?" It's so much fun to be able to answer there questions and watch the intrigue in their eyes.

2 more days left and I don't want it to end!

Location:Russia

Day 4

Today was very exhausting day. We arrived at the orphanage around 3 pm and visited with 5 groups of children. The children all knew we were coming and that we had gifts. Most of the kids were quietly sitting when we walked in their "apartment" with expectant looks on their faces.

We spent about a half hour in each room. Some of the kids were very interested in us, some were not. One of the hardest things for me to watch is the "pecking order" in the groups. A few times today I witnessed the older kids picking on the little ones and it drives the mom in me crazy. My instincts tell me to step in for the little ones and it is very hard to stay quiet, but I do.


This boy standing up was caring and kind to the other kids in his group. He waited until every child had a bear and then he chose. He is 16 and is part of the "Children's Committee" that watches out for the other kids. He is a very talented woodworker. Pray for him.


These kids were the most interested in us. They were very animated and asked many questions about us and America. They were very polite and asked us to come back soon. Pray for them.


This little boy was FASCINATED with my camera. He was amazed that he could look into and then see his picture. Pray for him.


These boys wanted us to watch them dig a river in the sand. Pray for them.

After we finished our visit in the first building we walked over to the second housing building to await our driver. As soon as we walked onto the playground the children came racing over to see us. We played a quick game of "duck duck goose" with about 15 kids, ages 10-18. Unfortunately we do not have any pictures of that. It was hysterical to watch the kids figure out that their best chance of winning was to tap either Nanette, Julia or I and race us.

When the game was over my camera became a big hit. The kids asked us to take their pictures over and over again. Quickly our following grew to 20 children. Some wanted to practice their English and some wanted to ask us about America. We received many hugs and I was kissed a few times by a very cute admirer.


Some of the kids saying goodbye. Pray for them.

We will be back to visit on Monday.

Location:Russia

Day 3

Today Nanette and I had a great visit at the Children's Home. We met with the Director first and then spent time visiting with 3 groups of children. The Director is very kind and genuinely seems to care for the children. In fact, most of the people we met were very loving towards the kids. Having been around a few orphanages, I can tell the caretakers were proud of their kids. Each one took time to come over and tell us all about each child we met; their likes and dislikes and what they excelled in.

The children at this particular children's home do not get many visitors. We were told there have only been 2 international adoptions done in 2-3 years. When we asked why, the director said "well, no one wants the older kids, do they."

During our time with the groups we played and answered many questions. They all wanted to see pictures of our kids and life back home. We took out our iPhone and iPad, thank goodness for Apple!

Tomorrow we go back to visit with a few more groups and Monday we will meet with the director again to discuss our long term goals.


Kim getting a lesson in hockey.


ALL the kids loved their beanie babies. Even the older boys were happy to have one.


Nanette showing off her kids on the iPad.


This little girl LOVED having women around. She commented on our clothes a lot and wanted her picture taken over and over again.

Pictures of the "apartments":











"Learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor,defend the fatherless, plead for the widow." Isaiah 17

Location:Russia

Day 1 and 2~Russia

Nanette and I arrived in St. Petersburg yesterday afternoon around 4 pm.
From the airport we were taken to The Harbor where we spent the night and part of the day Thursday.

The Harbor (http://www.theharborspb.org/)is a transitional home for orphans that have aged out of Russian institutions and are facing life on the streets. The young men and women at these residential facilities are given practical experience in managing their lives.

Orphans are never taught how to live on their own and have always had everything done for them. They are not taught life skills like paying a bill, personal hygiene, house work, even how to make a meal.

At The Harbor, counselors work with the young adults to "develop them in such a way that they are anchored in life and launched into a sustainable future." Each resident is given counseling in practical, spiritual, vocational, emotional, and educational areas.

There are 4 girls currently living at the home we visited. They were very excited to meet us and prepared a great meal for us. It was wonderful to watch the girls take pride in every aspect of the meal; preparation, setup and cleanup.






Sitting-three of the girls and Kim. Standing Julia (our translator) and Nanette

The Harbor was started by Alex Krutov, a "former" Russian orphan and Melinda Cathey, an American woman. We were excited to learn that both Alex and Melinda were in St Pete's and would be stopping over to chat with us. We spent a long time getting to know more about The Harbor, adoption and ministry in Russia.

Alex's story is simply amazing and a true testament to God's heart for us all. You can read all about it in his book "Infinitely More" - I suggest you do.



Nanette, Alex and Kim

Speaking with Alex was certainly a blessing from God and gave us much to think about as we head to the region in a few hours and meet with the orphanage staff we hope to partner with.

Please continue to pray for our trip and that our hearts and minds are opened to Gods plan.