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I'm not much of a poster...because we've been super busy over the past few months. My husband and I are adopting three little girls (ages 5, 7 & 12) from an orphanage in Southern Russia. We just found out that we will be visiting them for the first time in a few short weeks. Yay!!
So...my question...do you think folks in this group would be willing to send cards for the other orphans there? There are about 120 children ages 3 to 16 living in this children's home (which is located in a very dangerous area of the Caucacus mountains/Chechnya border) and 22 other orphanages in the area.
I have loads of clothing, shoes, toys (and of course a small scrapbook for our girls!) that we're bringing over (haven't packed a thing for myself!), but I just think that there's nothing like a handmade card � and with all the last minute paperwork, I don�t have time to make that many. My local stamping buddies are making up treat bags for all the kids, so they don�t have time either!
Any kind of card that you would want to send to a child to let them know that someone cares. Of course I would LOVE to share photos of the kids opening their cards.
Blank is good. A note from you would be wonderful! We'll have a translator with us that will be able to translate for the kids.
If anyone is interested, please mail me the cards and don't forget to include your email address so I can share photos of the kids opening their very special cards!
Dee Brett
8408 104 St
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
If I don't receive them in time, we're heading back in November to pick the girls up so I can give your cards to the other children then.
Thanks VERY much! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it...and how much it will mean to them - especially the older kids!
Let me know what you think . . .
Oh God, yes, yes, I would be more than willing to make cards for the children. I think it is so wonderful for you to think of doing it. Much love to you and your family with your new family!!! Mea
Thanks SO much. If you do send cards PLEASE send your email address so I can show you pics of the kids after we get back.
I doubt it's a Christian orphanage since it's state run and religion is just making a comeback in the former Soviet states. However, Christian sentiments are certainly welcome! This orphanage we're going to had it's first adoption EVER in May, so the kids haven't been exposed to many folks outside their little world.
Really...thanks! Send one card or more, if you have them to spare. They will really be appreciated!!
Well first of all.... CONGRATULATIONS!!! How exciting for you!!! And YES, I would love to help out with some cards! I was just wondering if you wanted envelopes included, or would that just add to the bulk?? Let me know and I will be sending some your way!!
I had seen a news magazine special on the Russian orphanges a couple of years ago. And ever since then, I have really wanted to do something for the kids over there. Thanks for letting me have a little part in it!! Dawn
. . . well we didn't get much notice for this trip. Right now we tentatively fly out on the 10th. We'll find out for sure this week (appointments must be set by a Russian gov't agency).
If I receive cards after we leave, I'll make sure the kids receive them when we return in November (approx).
Don't forget to include your email address so you can see the sunshine you've spread!! Thank you!!
I'm packing a a handfull as we "speak". I hope all goes well with your trip and the adoptions. You are doing a wonderful thing and I'm sure you will receive many blessings in your life together as a family. Please give the girls, and any other child you meet, a hug for me. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
Whether they get here in time or not...I'll still let you know how they went over!
...and if I get more than needed for this particular children's home, we're traveling with another couple from Oregon that are adopting two fantastic boys (brothers) from a different orphanage (with 200 kids, ages 4- that's nearby, so she can spread your love to those kids too!
Congratulations. How wonderful for your family. I will send you some cards as well. These children really have so little. We adopted our youngest from Ukraine and it is amazing how the smallest gesture of love can make these children's day. Will also keep you and your family in our prayers.
This is a test to see if the Cyrillic font takes here.
I've found that by using a combination of three online translators, to translate and double-check, I usually can come up with the correct terms.
Моя влюбленность к вам
(my love to you)
Вы - очень специальный ребенок
(you are a very special child)
Даже при том, что я - далеко, я знаю, что Вы являетесь очень особенными
(even though I am far away, I know you are very special)
Congratulations on your new little ones!! I am so excited about sending you out some cards!! I am hoping my daughters can help me make some!! What a great lesson for them to do things for others!! Please keep us posted!!
Anniesmom - do you have any scrapbook pages of your little Ukranian angel in the galleries?
I do not have any scrapbook pages in the gallery. I am so techno challenged. I will see if I can get my DH to post a few photos. She is definitely an angel. She has enriched our lives more than we could ever have imagined.
BTW - Forgot about the different alphabet. Do you have a website you could share to print onto the inside of the cards. I was just thinking it would be easier for the kids be able to read the cards themselves. If they are allowed to keep the cards with them maybe they would become a comfort to the children. Just something for them to hold on to.
I actually don't write Russian, I speak a little. One of my best friends is totally fluent in Russian (BA and MA in Russian) and her husband is from Russia. He was actually a gold medalist in the 96 Olympics for Russia. Yep...I think it's cool!
I have learned quite a bit from them, just conversation, but she is willing to translate for the cards. She was thrilled at the idea, she doesn't stamp, but is going to be my "scribe" if you will!
That's my Russian connection!
Alison
__________________ ~Alison
Raising children is like being pecked to death by a chicken.
Here are two websites that translate from English to Russian. It's a little more work, but translating it and then translating it back to English to check is a good idea. Sometimes certain word choices can get you in trouble! (For example, from what I can tell, "love" gets translated two ways - the wholesome type and the other type! Another example: "Little Sunshine" = "a small amount of light")
I can't wait to see their faces when they get these. We'll attach the cards (mini glue dots, of course!) to individual bags with candy watches, gum, matchbox cars for the boys & fancy hair scruchees for the girls.
Thank you Stampers! Stampers are the best!!
Last edited by Deirge; 08-29-2005 at 07:06 PM..
Reason: typo
My sister is coming this week and hopefully I will get some to you beofre you leave - we are goingt o try and get some done. Are you still leaving on the 10th?
I was also going to talk to the ladies in my monthly mission group at church, every month we sponsor doing something to help others (and use our collection that month to fund it) and I was going to see if for Sept or Oct they would like to do something that I can send to you. Even if they want me to host a card making night and the funds get the supplies needed to do this. But, I wanted to see if there was anything else I could send you for the kids if my group wanted to do something.. are there babies at the orphanage - that we could get some stuff for them... let me know by emailing me if you know of anything, I think my next meeting is Sept 8th and I will talk to the ladies then and see what we could do for you. can you email me and tell me what needs might be there before you leave so I can discuss with them.. is there a website to the orphanage where I can print off info on it to talk to them about it???
havefunstampin - I just PM'd you back with the name of a fantastic non-profit foundation that arranges care packages for Ukrainian orphans. They have picture-proof that every donated care package goes direct to the orphans. If your ladies group is ever looking for a unique project for adorable, needy kids, that's a good one.
I'm only collecting cards. So many families that have adopted from the region have told me that all the kids are just so desperate for kind words and individual attention.
Oh! At work today, I thought it would be a good idea to ask that you provide the English version of your card on a post it or piece of paper that I can hold on to...just in case something is missed in translation, I want to avoid an international incident!
What a beautiful idea! FYI, I just did a copy & paste of the verses above & was able to enlarge them then print them out; by saving them in a word document, you could later print one of the verses onto your cardstock or on vellum to put inside your card (maybe with the translation under it or printed on the back).
__________________ If you get and appreciate comments, leave comments! Pay it forward....You'll make someones day!
Well, I think we could write a novel about our visit to the Russian orphanages. It was a wonderful experience that words can�t do justice. After our first referral fell through (right before we left - It was heartbreaking!), we �traveled blind� not sure if we would meet a child that we would be adopting. We visited two different orphanages and were introduced to three little girls, ages 7 through 9. We were in love. Smart, funny, beautiful and kind. They�re the most perfect little children ever. We can�t wait to return in a few months and bring them home.
I'm having a hard time posting pictures here, but I've emailed or snail mailed photos to all the wonderful stampers that sent cards to the wonderful children there.
Foremost, I should note that everyplace we went, the Russians went out of their way to tell us how saddened they are about the events caused by Hurricane Katrina. So many people emphasized to us that the Russian people are very supportive of their American friends.
Here�s a brief description of our trip:
When we were in Russia, I put together the little gift bags (90 of them), each with a card, colorful pens, candies, and a toy watch. We drove two hours to the orphanage, past fields of sunflowers, flocks of white geese and villages with houses smaller than our garage (and we live in Queens, so that�s really saying something!). We finally arrived at the detsky dom (children�s home) in a very remote village. The director was not expecting us and was so gracious when she heard why we were there and reviewed our official documentation. The director told us that the orphanage/school houses 90 children from ages 8 through 18 and was built in 1964. Not only were we the FIRST family to ever visit with the intention of adopting, but we were the first to sign the official visitor�s log. This was truly a forgotten place.
We expected to feel very sad when seeing all the children, but to be honest, it was the opposite. These children were all so loved and cared for. The caretakers are amazing there. We saw several photos of children that were taken soon after they arrived. The transformation was amazing. The children repeatedly told us (through our interpreter) that we were the first Americans they had ever met (isn�t that unbelievable?!).
Later in the day, the director gasped when I handed her the huge bag of donated items and she seemed positively choked up when I started pulling out the little gift bags with the cards. She kept taking out cards and reading them (She wanted me to tell you all that your Russian was PERFECT!). The caretakers really loved the cards. The director explained to us (via translator) that there was a holiday coming up and she would really like to give the cards and little gifts to the children on that day. I couldn�t say no!
Well, we returned to this orphanage/school two days later (we were at our other daughter�s orphanage in between) and the kids ALL mentioned the beautiful cards. Not just the girls, but the teenage boys would come up to us and tell us to thank our American friends who thought of them. The cards are on display on the window ledge in every classroom and bedroom.
I can�t thank you enough for your incredible kindness. The children were so touched by the cards � really! The kids really can�t believe that AMERICANS wrote to them! I�m sure they�re still talking about it!
Last edited by Deirge; 09-27-2005 at 07:57 PM..
Reason: typo
I'm so glad to hear that your trip went well. I hope the next couple months go fast for you so you can bring your little angels home! Also glad to hear that people were supportive of you as an American over there. We hear so much in the media now about everyone being upset with Americans and disliking us. What a great heart you have for bringing the goodie bags to those children. It has given them comfort and joy and at the same time planted a seed in their heart for Americans. Who knows, they could become future leaders one day! I hope you got the little pkt of cards I sent off in time. If you are looking for more when you travel back, just let us know.
God bless you and your family! Dawn
Dee, I am so glad that your trip went well. We adopted our son from an orphanage in Armenia 1.5 years ago (gosh, I can't believe its been that long!) so I remember being at the orphanage, meeting the caretakers and talking with the director.
I wish you much success and a smooth road as you continue your journey!
I did get your email, thank you! What fun goodies, I can see why the kids would be so excited! Your girls are beautiful! I am praying that everything will go quick and smoothly for you! Dawn
Are you still planning to return in (or about) November? I'm just finding this thread now, but I have a handful of cards I could send for your next visit, and one of my closest friends is from Moscow so I could have her write greetings in Russian....
Cards for Russian Orphanage
Cards for orphanage
