As some of you know, last summer I went to Ukraine with a few others from my church. It's one of the most inspiring things I've ever been a part of - if not the most.
Last summer; Stirling, Sarah, Margo, Hannah, our music directer Jerry, and I met up with the man who orchestrates a lot of this, Tom. Tom started an organization called Bridges of Faith some years back, doing pretty much anything he can for people in need, and is good friends with Jerry. The seven of us rode countless planes, exhausted and yet energetic, to finally land in Kiev, Ukraine. If you've already connected the Tom & Jerry dots, I bet they haven't yet so go tell them. :)
When we got there, we met Tommy - the coolest Texan I've ever met. Our group now composing of eight, we eventually arrived in the Crimea - the lower part of Ukraine. We stayed in a place called Sevastopol, at Tom and his wife's house. There we met Natasha and Sarah Anne. Both from Alabama, too, we got to experience that "meeting your neighbor on foreign soil. :)
The next day we completed the journey, taking a small bus to Camp Gorney - a place I hold close to my heart because of what transpired there. There we met our interpreters, some of the most wonderful people you could meet. Katya, Vika, Tanya, and Alina. Also, Vika's brother Yigor was there to help, and the guys and I bonded an excellent friendship with him. Here we also met Andy and his wife Jaimee - Californians Who Pick on Southern Accents, and their tough cookie of a daughter Andee Joye.
Ukrainian orphans are sent there every summer. They don't get treated well at all at the orphanage and I can only imagine what it's like there, as we never visited. The deal is at age 17 - the kids "graduate" the orphanage. Basically, they get kicked out, with no knowledge of how to wash clothes, cook food, or really function in society.
Here's an excerpt from Tom's website;
"Often the greatest tragedy in an orphan’s life takes place on graduation from the orphanage. The statistics on these kids are abysmal. Five years after graduation, a majority fall into one of these categories:
· Involved in drugs
· Involved in the mafia
· Involved with petty crime
· Involved with prostitution
· Incarcerated
· Have at least attempted suicide
Overwhelmingly, these kids have never even seen a healthy family, a wholesome relationship between a man and a woman, or a happy home. How can they hope to hit a target that they have never seen?"
Only around 10% of these kids will begin successful adult lives.
Also out there to combat this, are Andy and Jaimee Langeland, partners of Bridges of Faith. They have an organization called Operation Lazarus.
Here's what they do, year round (excerpt from www.operationlazarus.com);
"After connecting with the teenagers in summer camp, they are invited to attend weekly small groups which are held to disciple orphans and build relationships with them. These casual style “family dinner” meetings which are held in the Op Laz Directors’ apartment each week, offer a “safe” place for the teenagers to ask questions and seek guidance as they begin to plan for their “post-orphanage” life. This also gives opportunity for Operation Lazarus to assess individual needs and offer practical assistance as well as spiritual guidance that will help them make right choices that will affect the rest of their lives.
Practical acts of love such as Apartment Renovation for orphans released from the orphanages (and given a government apartment which are often nearly uninhabitable) demonstrate the love of God and have proven to be a powerful tool in changing the lives of individual orphans who have not known the love of a father in their lives.
Transitional Living Home - we are believing God for the finances to obtain a house where we can establish a one year program where the post-orphanage teens can live and receive love, Christian discipleship and vocational training.
As the ministry continues to grow we believe we will be training site directors who will be trained and equipped to oversee Operation Lazarus in cities and countries all over the world."
Basically, Tom sets up three sessions to fly to Ukraine every summer. Each session is only two weeks, and you are able to stay all three if you like. When we get to the camps, Op Laz is there, and this Vacation Bible School of sorts has been arranged. We sleep and bathe at the camp, and are given specific times to be with the kids and witness, play with, or just listen to them. This is one of the most incredible things I've ever done, and it makes me smile every time I think about it.
While we were there, we became extremely attached to those kids. So much so, that I think many of us tried persuading our parents to adopt them and be with them forever.
In particular, one especially touched my heart. Her name is Lera and she spent half the trip ignoring me or running away. But I didn't give up, and my persistence earned me an extremely special hug by the time we were getting on the bus to leave. She even gave me a handmade necklace which I still have. :)
I gave her a bear, which she named Rex, and I pray that she remembers me - through that little stuffed bear. Or, even better, through her Father - who I pray she longs to learn more about.
Here's a video I made a few months after we got back, with footage I'd gotten. This doesn't even scratch the surface of what God was doing over there, through us.
The clip at the end of Lera was sent to me through Tom, Katya, and God knows who else made it possible to reach me. I woke up to it one morning in my Inbox and may have even cried.
Contrary to what the video suggests, the sunflower train was almost entirely horrific. We were leaving the kids, the air conditioner was broken, and the windows were sealed shut on a 14ish hour train ride.
I've known since I arrived in Camp Gorney that I was going back, and I will stop at nothing to make that happen.
The trip costs around $3,000. I have some saved up, but not enough yet. Unable to do many fundraisers with my church this year - I got a job an hour and a half away, I'm feeling pretty useless and lazy. I don't want to fall into that, so I'm considering creative fundraising prospects. I've set up a paypal account, and every cent that touches it will shortly be attached to my funds for this life-changing trip.
I understand completely the money troubles that have presented themselves. But anything you can spare, even a dollar - or less! - will be one step closer for me being able to return to the place I yearn for every time I see a smiling child.
This experience has stirred my heart in a place that would've remained stagnant had I not gone. The fellowship in that place is out of this world. Please, if you can, send me back.
Spasibo, Trey
