The Ultimate Gift...the Ultimate Camp

So I’ve been back in Kiev for about a week and have been procrastinating in writing anything about our most recent camp! The reality is that when I come back there are so many thoughts, so many moments, so many stories, that I really don’t even know how to begin to process them all or begin putting them into succinct words.  Instead I just avoid writing anything at all!

I’ll use this post as a general summary of our time and then write some more personal accounts later on--I think the writing process will serve as therapeutic for me!

We had 78 youth between the ages of 15-19 attend the 10-day camp that took place on the Azov Sea.  We had anticipated more of the youth being repeats from last year, but I think there were only about 8 or so that were returners.  On one hand this was disappointing, as we weren't able to follow-up with as many as we had hoped, but the advantage was we were able to recycle more games and activities from last year!

our poster displaying the 9 'gifts' we gave at camp

Using the themes from the movie “The Ultimate Gift” worked out really well and provided us with good subject matter for morning discussions, evening teachings and even helped inspire some of the daily games. 

The kids were in for a real shock on the first morning when we surprised them with the “Gift of Work” by having them get up at 6:45 and do some manual labor on the beach!!  I’m sure they were thinking, ‘how did we end up here??’  However when we showed the corresponding clip from the movie later that day, all ruffled feathers seemed to be gone and they understood the gift they were being given—to value work and to work hard.  

We had an amazing donation made by the website affiliated with the film, which allowed us to present all the youth with a bracelet memento that held charms that represented each of the days’ themes/gifts.  They all were thrilled about getting the bracelet, and loved the practicality of being able to look at the charms and remember what they learned about work, friendship, gratitude, giving, problems, love, and other ‘gifts’ we presented them with throughout the week.

We didn’t do a traditional “alter call” this year, as many of these youth regularly attend events put on by our partner ministry, Agape and almost expected this.  Instead we gave the youth concrete challenges throughout the week and encouraged them to talk to their leader or our main pastor if they were ready to accept Christ and desired for Jesus to direct their lives. As a result of not doing the alter call we didn’t have the ‘masses’ as we did last year flock forward (and then turn away 2 months later), but there were about 7 or 8 teens that took the step in talking to their leader and prayed to accept Christ.  I know many many more were open to hearing about God, and made steps in His direction.

Youth at the evening program 

Any way I look at it, this was a tough group to work with.   If you take a group of  15-19 year olds that grew up in 'normal' families, that would be a challenge in itself….but when you take kids who spent the majority of their lives in an institution,  it is another story all together.  We had girls present who have had multiple abortions,  girls that were pregnant, one with a baby, youth that have been addicted to smoking since the age of 9, youth that were sexually abused by relatives or others in the orphanage, and those that have undergone regular abuse by caregivers.  And our task is to 'reach' them.  To show them that Jesus is relevant in their lives...no matter what they have come out of.  It really is a challenge.  The encouraging thing to know is that ultimately it is not up to us or how hard we try.  God is faithful and I saw that even through the transformations that began to take place throughout the camp.

Lena doesn't want to say goodbye!

We always joke that they cry when they come and they cry when they leave.  And that is truly what happened again this year.  We witnessed amazing changes take place in their hearts and in their characters, in just 10 days!  When they all collectively piled off the bus on day 1 there were looks of angst and fear and the desire to flee. However on the last evening, as we were all gathered around the camp fire, person and after person would share about how they came with one expectation (negative) and are now leaving with great appreciation for all  that they learned.  Many were saying that they didn't want to leave at all! They expressed deep love and admiration toward all their leaders and our camp staff.  

When it came time to leave on the last day, the same kids who had been in tears when they arrived were tearful again as they hugged their leaders goodbye.  "You really showed us what true love and care are this week, and I won't ever forget that.  I'm sorry it took me a few days to recognize it for what it was," said one girl on the final evening as the microphone was passed around the camp fire.

enjoying the sunrise on the final morning

These camps are hard. Plain and simple.  As a team we average about 5 hours of sleep each night and are faced with some of the most challenging 'kids' we've ever met and all the issues they bring with them.  But no matter how hard it is, I still see a great need for this specific type of outreach and the follow-up that goes with it.  We are planting seeds and I know that in many of these youth these seeds are taking root.   No not all of them...but then again, we never really know.

 "That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."  

Matthew 13: 1-9

Let your prayer be that they will not only have listened, but they will have truly heard.

*An extra special thank you to Orphan's Promise, Northshore Baptist Church and all of you individuals who gave to make this camp possible!  

Some photo highlights....

my team of singing boys (after a week of english lessons)!

our amazing team of volunteers!!

And one more camp to finish summer!!

I leave tonight on the train for our final summer camp of the season!  I can't believe how fast this summer has flown by. Looking back I had this long list before me of events, places to go and people to connect with and now it's hard to believe that I'm facing the final activity of this very much planned out summer!

We'll be traveling to the Zapporozha region of Ukraine where we will hold a 10 day camp for graduated orphans on the Azovske Sea.  This is the same place where we held this camp last year and we will have many returning campers.  We expect about 70 kids between the ages of 17 and 22!  Yes, I guess we should use the word 'kids' loosely!  The majority of them are all graduates of orphanages in the Kherson region and are now attending trade schools in the region.

last year's group

Please keep our team and these youth in your prayers! It is a fantastic opportunity to get to share with them about the Lord and just love them where they are at in life--and have lots of fun while doing so.  Our theme for the camp will be following the subject matter from the movie "The Ultimate Gift"- which is a movie I'd recommend checking out if you haven't already!!

When I get back from camp I'll have a month to tie up things in Ukraine and put life "in order" (don't know if that every really happens) and then I'll be on my way to England.

Look forward to sharing more when we return....

If it takes my fleeting breath

The friends that are staying with me right now showed me this music video that a friend of there's did as he was waiting to bring his son and daughter home from Haiti. He is the singer and the songwriter. Such a powerful message and speaks to the heart of those waiting to bring their forever children home. Felix and Heidi- I first thought of you when I saw this video...you are fighting the fight...even if takes your fleeting breath and I pray it means you will be bringing Z home very soon!!

Take a few minutes to watch this video and then pray for the waiting families and children in Ukraine and other places around this globe.

New friends...

One of the things I love about living amidst the international community and adoption community in Ukraine is that I continually get to meet new people, and as a result I often make new life long friends! It's a very transient community over here among internationals and it always amazes me how you can develop friendships so quickly--maybe because you have to!   For those of you who have lived any amount of time in a different country, you understand how refreshing it can be to spend time with other people from your home country- and find some bit of normalcy. For me it is a double blessing when these people are also passionate about Jesus and adoption!!

One such couple was recently brought into my life. Jason and Holly have been in Ukraine for the past month pursuing adoption, and our paths crossed through some connections in this ever so entangled blogging world in which I write! :)

I met Jason, Holly and their adorable son Jacob for dinner a little over a week ago, and after spending a couple times hanging out with them, I did what you do with most perfect strangers-- invited them to live with me for awhile!! :)   And they did what you do when an almost stranger offers such a proposal-- they accepted.  So- meet Jason, Holly and Jacob- my new roommates for the week! This couple has been on quite an adoption roller-coaster already and have had to remain in Kiev longer than most--hence their readiness to accept my offer.  To read more about their story you can visit their blog. 

It has been great getting to know them and hearing their story about how the Lord led them to the adoption journey in Ukraine.  We've had several late nights around the dinner table talking about all things Ukraine, adoption, missions, books, the Bible, and following Jesus.  I've also gained a new appreciation for Texas in the meantime! Please keep Holly and Jason in prayer today and tomorrow as they will be having their very important final meeting at the adoption department and are needing the Lord's peace and guidance about the child(ren) they will be adding to their family.

Fun at home

In July I was able to make a quick trip home to see my family and friends and participate in my cousin Julie's wedding.  As always my time at home seems to fly by and I never get to see all the people I want to or visit all the places I intend! There is just never enough time to get it all in!! But I count it as a blessing to get to visit once or twice a year- and I am so grateful for that!  Here are some of the fun moments captured while at home....

cutest little nephew ever!  Caleb-28 months

Julie and Lucas Johnson!

It was so fun to be a part of my cousin Julie's wedding-- we've been dear friends since childhood and have really grown up together and walked through life together- even though we've never lived by each other. It was awesome to see God bring this beautiful couple together and just see his faithfulness!  I was very blessed to get to spend this special day with them and all the fun that came in the days leading up to it!

bridesmaids

my lovely family at the wedding!

always fun taking a family picture with a 2 year-old!

Amber and I have been friends since 3rd grade and have seen each other through so much of life!  She has two beautiful children and after missing both births, I was able to celebrate her daughter Hallie's first birthday- which was a wonderful day at Green Lake park.  As you see pictured, I like to use Caleb as my loaner kid!  It was fun to have my beautiful sis-in-law and Caleb get to attend the party as well!

Many of you may remember the story of Oskana being adopted in 2009, by the Jones family- from my home church.  I was able to spend a day with them at the zoo- which was very fun! It still amazes me the miracle God did to bring her home and she is turning into such a beautiful girl!  It is always a treat to get to hang out with the Jones when I'm in town and catch up on all things 'Ukraine'! :)

Annamarie and I have been friends since SPU days and she is now the mother of 3 amazingly sweet children.  The 3rd of which was born while I was home. It is always fun to get to time my trips with the birth of new babies.  Audrey Joy is a beautiful addition to the Windham family! 

And yes-- I did manage to take countless pictures of my nephew while I was home!  This is a favorite! :)

No one's children

When we arrived at the orphanage the kids all came out to greet our team- but they didn’t just come- they ran! They had been waiting for us- waiting for a whole year. I know, because all year they had been calling us with the same question, 'when are you coming back?'

These are 65 kids living in a government run orphanage, in the middle of nowhere, in a location that most Ukrainians have never heard of. They are no one’s children. I don't want to believe this. But this is the reality I see with my eyes.

There is a famous saying in Russian that looses a bit of the meaning when translated into English, but it says something like- “there is no such thing as ‘someone else’s child.” Meaning that children are the responsibility of everyone in a community and every child should belong…belong to someone.

I find it slightly ironic that this is an adage in the Russian language; because spending 10 days in Kolinenska leaves you thinking just the opposite. Clearly there is such a thing as ‘no one’s children- and I just spent 10 days with many them.

Reunited with sweet Tanya

Oh the government will claim these children and say that they are providing the very best, entire communities (like Kolinenska) are able to create jobs on the backs of the orphanage mechanism, but at the end of the day, they are still children who go to bed void of a mother’s kiss and a father’s hug, children that carry both visible and invisible scars, most often invoked by those that were supposed to have provided love and safety.

In lower posts I shared the stories of kids like Pasha and Natasha- and their stories do give me hope- they are the stories that often keep me going. But the reality is, my mind still goes back to the fact that these children remain stuck in a system that is anti-adoption and pro-orphanage. A system that has created children that belong to no one. And this hurts my heart.

It hurts my heart to know that the majority of these kids don’t have the legal status that allows them to be adopted and it hurts my heart to know that this system will hold them captive. The system is evil.

Like I’ve said many times- this is a war. A war against God’s children. Yes, these children belong to Him I know- but he called us to be the physical representation of that- and lately my eyes have seen more kids trapped in a system then in loving homes.

I wish I had more answers.

Camp kids and staff

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, 
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry 
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— 
when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; 
then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; 
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry 
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." 

Isaiah 58:6-10

In his own words

We met 18-year-old Pasha on the first night of our recent camp in a rural southern Ukrainian village. He caught the attention of our staff immediately when the first question out of his mouth was, “are you going to be teaching us about the Bible this week?" Upon hearing, 'yes' his response was-- 'well then this week is for me!'

This wasn't the typical response for an 18-year-old boy who has grown up in an orphanage. So I knew I wanted to learn more about this boy... I wanted to find out why he seemed different.

Every day he would come to my English lesson (one of the elective choices) and try soooo hard to commit something to memory! He wanted to learn English desperately- but it just wouldn't click. And when I say wouldn't I really mean it! I spent about 5 days in a row working on 3 phrases that he could not remember for the life of him. But yet he kept on coming back...he kept on trying.

I don't know if you've seen the movie 'Kung Fu Panda' (if not I recommend it!) But we watched it at this camp so it was fresh on my mind at the time- and I couldn't help but relate the story to Pasha. I kept calling Pasha my little Kung Fu Panda. He wanted to do something so desperately that he just didn't seem apt to learn-- I even doubted he could learn! He seemed just like the Panda who wanted to be a Kung Fu fighter- but to all visible appearances it just didn't seem quite possible. I think God reminded me of the Panda so that I wouldn't give up on Pasha- so that I would believe that he could learn! And when I learned his story I found out what he was up against.

While at camp Pasha took the time to write down his testimony of how he came to know Jesus and I wanted to share it with you here (after translation of course). Reading his testimony showed me that he has an amazing ability to organize his thoughts - even with the little education he has received. He can learn- he just needs to be instructed in the right way! I could tell you all about him, and what I learned- but I figured it would be better to hear it straight from him...from his heart. So take a few moments to see how Pasha came to know Jesus...and you will see how God is at work speaking today!

My name is Pasha Kaplinkov. I am 18 years old. I want to share my life story with you.

When I was 11 years old I was smoking, drinking and every evening going out with my friends. We would wonder around and make fun of people by keeping them awake at night.

I have two other brothers and a sister in my family. Our mother was drinking a lot while we would get into fights with other boys. After one of such fights I was kicked out of my school. While staying at home I would get into arguments with my Mom because of her drinking and often ran away to stay with my friends- being gone from home for long periods of time. I wondered around and thought: why do I have such parents who don’t care for me and don’t teach me?

I liked causing problems to people so they'd become angry and would complain to my Mom that her son breaks windows and scares people. At that time my brother Andrey and I were going to the Bible lessons. Andrey was given a Bible and was reading it and God blessed him. I couldn’t read. I knew that He existed, but I didn’t know where He was. I was looking for Him and asked people. They said that He’s in the sky. I looked up to the sky and asked: “God, I’m looking for you, find me please!” I cried and went home. I was looking for Him all day long yet didn’t find Him.

One day a lady came and said, that we must to get ready for school (the orphanage). I stayed there until 4th grade but often would run from there back to home home. I didn’t want to study and constantly was fighting with other boys. They said that I needed to be transferred to another orphanage. That is when they brought me to Kalinenska.

When I arrived to this orphanage I liked it. I learned that Christians come visit the school once in a while. When I started to understand things about God I learned that there is Jesus and that He died for my sins. I started to pray. One time I heard a song and started to cry and said to Jesus: “Jesus, if You hear me forgive me my sins”. By the time I was 16 I knew it all: that Jesus died and saved me, and I was feeling great. But I was still sinning and couldn’t step away from it. I suffered as I didn’t want to sin. When I turned 17 I understood that I have to accept Jesus as my Savior sincerely. I prayed to Jesus and said: ”My dear Jesus, change my heart. I want to be God’s man and be wise”. And God changed me: I started to become wise and strong. I confessed my sins before God and accepted Him as my Savior.

Yet when we went to a camp at the sea I forgot about God. But He loved me and was jealous for me. He gave me His love and blessed me, and I acted like that towards Him: I started to swear and I would get into fights again.

Once I went to my room and fell asleep. I saw a dream: a big hand opened the doors, and a voice said: “Look at them, I don’t want you to become like them.” And I saw people fighting and being engaged in sexual activities, and I heard people crying and suffering in hell. Then He said: “Pasha, if you will not repent then after school you will die on the road somewhere and nobody will know why you died.” He said: “If you do my will I will bless you.” Then he said 3 times: “Repent”. I woke up and He said: “Think about the things I told you”. I confessed my sins and decided to follow God because it was Him speaking to me. He loves me. I made mistakes yet I started to correct them and overcome evil.

Right now I am 18 years old and I am finishing my 9th year in school. I will go to Kherson to continue my study after graduation. God loves me and this love is very strong. Before I was evil, I was smoking, drinking, fighting, lying, disobeyed my Mom. But when I accepted Jesus into my heart He changed my life. If you’re a sinner – come to Jesus and he will change your life too.

His words...I'm just posting them here-- praying they bring you encouragement. God is at work in Ukraine and he is changing lives...I know because I see it evidenced in the life of my Kung Fu Panda- Pasha.

A birthday for Natasha to remember

Natasha and Olya are sisters and have been in the orphanage since they were 6 and 7 years old. It used to be that they could go home to their parents on summer holidays, but that was before their father died and before their mother drank herself into a life on the streets. Now the girls are stuck behind the walls of the orphanage along with 63 other children.

During the time we held the camp Natasha was to turn 16 years old. When I asked her about any past celebrations on her birthday tears filled her eyes.

At the orphanage their birthdays aren’t celebrated individually and even when she lived at home she can only remember one time when her birthday was even recognized. Her sister Olya, who stood by listening chimed in as well, ‘I have never celebrated my birthday.’

Images of birthday parties throughout my life flooded my mind as Natasha spoke. All the cakes my mom has made, the various themed birthdays I had in elementary school, the phone calls, the cards- my birthday has always been a very special day and has never gone unnoticed. I couldn't even imagine what Natasha and Olya were describing.

When I asked Natasha what she’d like for her birthday, she couldn’t even answer me, she just put her head on my shoulder and cried.

I don’t have any idea what she was thinking, all I know is that this topic alone brought up a flood of emotions and memories…or perhaps lack of memories. I made up my mind right there that our team would give Natasha and her sister Olya a birthday party she would never forget.

2 days later on Natasha’s birthday I presented her with a card and told her I had asked for permission from her caregiver and that she had said it was okay for both Natasha and Olya to spend the afternoon at the house where are team was staying and have lunch. Natasha beamed- she threw her arms around me and just kept saying, ‘thank you!’

We brought the sisters to our little house for a home-cooked lunch and by the looks on their faces it was clear that this was the first time in a long time that they had eaten such a variety of food. After lunch we surprised the girls with a beautiful dessert, covered with candles- especially for Natasha to blow out. She turned red in embarrassment as we sang to her and presented her with a cuddly teddy bear as a gift, but I could tell she was enjoying it at the same time!

What struck me as I watched Natasha sitting there with our whole team singing to her, was that these kids are so rarely singled out, so rarely given the opportunity to feel special, to feel noticed. Instead they are just one of many.

Natasha's birthday isn’t June 26^th- it is just a ‘summer birthday’ that gets a ‘congratulations’ at the end of summer with all the rest.

That night as I bade Natasha goodbye and asked her about her birthday, she said it was a day she’d never forget.

I know that the day wasn’t life changing for Natasha. We didn’t pluck her out of the orphanage and give her a fresh start at life. No, at the end of the celebration she still had to walk the all too familiar path back to the orphanage. That is the hard part.

But from the simple act of celebrating her birthday, of corporately praying with her and for her, my prayer is that Natasha will remember that God is a God who sees. The God that sees HER. The people around her may not know it is her birthday—but God knows and he is celebrating her life!

At the end of the week Natasha asked me for a Bible and it was my honor to be able to present her with one—she is a sweet girl with a deeply painful past and it brings my heart joy to see that she is turning to Jesus for healing and she has a desire to learn more about Him.

Jesus bless you sweet Natasha, and may your 16th birthday be one that will bring sweet memories in the years to come. YOU are not forgotten.

Heading back to the village

We leave tonight to Kherson region for a 10 day camp for the 65 kids at the Kolinenska orphanage. This is where we did a camp last year as well, and the kids have been begging and calling all year for our team to come back! I'm just thrilled to know that we are able to make that happen and we will be there by tomorrow evening!

Please keep us in your prayers over the next 10 days...and that ultimately God would work through us to touch the lives of these kids in a way that only He can. We are expectant that He will.

This is Tanya...she is the face that remains in my mind more than any other from last year. I can't wait to see her again and see how she is doing and learn what she is thinking about. Yet at the same time the hardest part about going back is realizing that she is STILL there. These kids have been trapped in the same place for the last year. As I have had the freedom to do so much and make so many choices--she has been there in the same tiny village, behind the same orphanage gates. We go back with a year full of different experiences...and they have remained--waiting for us to come back for a whole year. That is what breaks my heart more then anything--and I still struggle with our role in all of it...

Our team is made up of 15 young people...mostly Ukrainians, plus myself- the token 'American' and my friend Jenny, our token 'Brit.' As always, it should be an adventure.

Well, signing off for a couple of weeks...and will report more when we return!