I am still trying to catch up on posts from our busy New Year's season. On January 8th we hosted two New Year's parties. Instead of trying to get these parties in before New Year's we decided to do them while the children had vacations so that we could spend more time with them.
In the morning we hosted a party for all the children that we sponsor (except the youngest children's groups) at Saramoldaeva Orphanage. We played games, did crafts, played more games, ate snacks, and gave them small gifts. We even gave them an opportunity to write a letter to their sponsors. They had a great time - so did we!
In the evening we hosted a party for Rakhym. We played games, shot off some great fireworks, ate grilled hamburgers (a first for these children) and even ended the evening singing happy birthday to the two boys. The favorite games of the night were spoons and operation. The evening went by extremely quickly, as 10pm came before we knew it and it was time to get them home so that they could get to sleep for their first day of school.
This day marked the final day of our New Year's celebrations. What a fun and busy month it was!
Showing posts with label Saramoldaeva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saramoldaeva. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Who Knew A Ball Pit Could Be So Much Fun!
During our time with the Kids Connection Delegation (at the end of October) we took our little kids group at Saramoldaeva to an indoor play area. It was the first time I had been there and was pretty impressed with the different activities that they had. The highlights for the kids were the bumper cars and the ball pit.
The children had never been in a ball pit before. I also don’t think they had been down an enclosed slide. They were really tentative at first, but quickly started flying down the slide and trying to climb back up it while others came down (as most kids end up trying to do). It was hilarious to watch their faces the first time they went down the slide and landed in a pool of balls. They had a great time and so did we.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A Special Birthday Celebration
We celebrated September birthdays with Saramoldaeva kids during the coaching visit. It was so much fun to take several children out for lunch and to a car racing arcade afterwards. We had a great time. I think these pictures (taken by Ember) say it all.
Friday, April 4, 2008
What a Week!
I am at home this afternoon resting after having a delegation here this last week. They were such an encouragement. Sometimes, I look around and wonder if what I am doing makes a difference in the lives of these children. Having a group here and watching them be able to interact with kids and youth here because of the work we have done, helps remind me of how special my job is. Every day brings new joy, despite the busyness and challenges (Thanks Ember for taking this picture of me with some girls at Ulan).
While the delegation was here, we had the opportunity to spend some time with several different groups of kids (going bowling, going to the park, doing a photo scavenger hunt). It was such a joy to watch the delegation interact with children of all ages in many different activities. I loved to see the smiles that were brought to the kids faces as they spent time with the delegates. You can read more about our time with them as well as watch a short video from their time here on the Interlink blog.
One of the highlights for me was watching the interaction between one of the delegates and her sponsored child. When she arrived, he didn't know that she was his sponsor (because he recently came to the orphanage). He and his brother came to the orphanage about six months ago after some difficult circumstances. He has always been fairly distant. She introduced herself as we stood in the parking lot waiting to go bowling. He didn't know what to do. Many of these kids just don't know how to express emotion. It is especially difficult for them to know what to do when someone expresses love to them. As I was choosing groups for bowling, he indicated with his eyes that he wanted to be in Marion's (his sponsor's) group. I don't know if I have ever seen him show particular interest in another person. They spent and afternoon together talking and getting ice cream. The next day, they had to say goodbye. After some initial awkwardness, he took her hand and walked with her the entire way to the car. He didn't want to let go. Seeing this from a boy that is usually causing trouble and distant meant so much to me. It reminded me of the importance of our child sponsorship program. For many of these kids, their sponsor is the only one who believes in them and loves them.
Another highlight for me was taking the Saramoldaeva youngest children to the park. We had 18 children and about 15 adults. We divided into three groups. I had the opportunity to roam from group to group instead of staying with just one group. We have done this with the kids before, but never on such a big scale. As I came upon the different groups, I had kids running up to me and telling me all about what they had done. They spotted me coming and started running, dragging whoever was holding their hand behind. I was also encouraged to see that they listened to my instructions (stay with your American, listen to the adults, come here, sit down, etc). It was encouraging for me to see that I could call the name of a child and pass on instructions and have them followed. Even just a year ago, if I tried to give instructions to a child they would often not listen. It is fun to have the relationship with them that they want to do what I ask and realize that I am serious.
It was a special week in which I got to spend a lot of time with the kids that we work with. I am encouraged and energized after the time with this delegation and am looking forward to the delegations coming throughout the year. Thank you to all of you that make it possible for me to do this job each day! I couldn't ask for a better job!
While the delegation was here, we had the opportunity to spend some time with several different groups of kids (going bowling, going to the park, doing a photo scavenger hunt). It was such a joy to watch the delegation interact with children of all ages in many different activities. I loved to see the smiles that were brought to the kids faces as they spent time with the delegates. You can read more about our time with them as well as watch a short video from their time here on the Interlink blog.
One of the highlights for me was watching the interaction between one of the delegates and her sponsored child. When she arrived, he didn't know that she was his sponsor (because he recently came to the orphanage). He and his brother came to the orphanage about six months ago after some difficult circumstances. He has always been fairly distant. She introduced herself as we stood in the parking lot waiting to go bowling. He didn't know what to do. Many of these kids just don't know how to express emotion. It is especially difficult for them to know what to do when someone expresses love to them. As I was choosing groups for bowling, he indicated with his eyes that he wanted to be in Marion's (his sponsor's) group. I don't know if I have ever seen him show particular interest in another person. They spent and afternoon together talking and getting ice cream. The next day, they had to say goodbye. After some initial awkwardness, he took her hand and walked with her the entire way to the car. He didn't want to let go. Seeing this from a boy that is usually causing trouble and distant meant so much to me. It reminded me of the importance of our child sponsorship program. For many of these kids, their sponsor is the only one who believes in them and loves them.
Another highlight for me was taking the Saramoldaeva youngest children to the park. We had 18 children and about 15 adults. We divided into three groups. I had the opportunity to roam from group to group instead of staying with just one group. We have done this with the kids before, but never on such a big scale. As I came upon the different groups, I had kids running up to me and telling me all about what they had done. They spotted me coming and started running, dragging whoever was holding their hand behind. I was also encouraged to see that they listened to my instructions (stay with your American, listen to the adults, come here, sit down, etc). It was encouraging for me to see that I could call the name of a child and pass on instructions and have them followed. Even just a year ago, if I tried to give instructions to a child they would often not listen. It is fun to have the relationship with them that they want to do what I ask and realize that I am serious.
It was a special week in which I got to spend a lot of time with the kids that we work with. I am encouraged and energized after the time with this delegation and am looking forward to the delegations coming throughout the year. Thank you to all of you that make it possible for me to do this job each day! I couldn't ask for a better job!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Springing from Lost Dreams
Hi everyone! This has been a good week, although busy. I have been trying to get back into the swing of things and prepare for a delegation that arrives on next Wednesday. It has been really fun to be back at the orphanages.
A few months ago I wrote a blog about lost dreams. In it I wrote about a boy whose dream of being in the military seemed to have been shattered. I wanted to update you a little about his situation and that of one of the other graduates at Saramoldaeva. Thankfully, it looks like he was the one who decided that he didn't want to be in the military. Previously, he had heard that you get free housing if you are in the military and since he was concerned about housing, he thought he should take up a career in the military. He doesn't really want to live the life of a military man. He also doesn't really want to go to University. He sounds like he likes the idea of learning to work for the railroad. One of his caregivers knows someone that works on the railroad and it is likely that after he receives training at a technical college, he will be able to find a good, consistent job.
As Olya and Keekzhan talked with him, they also spent a lot of time talking with the other boy from our group that will be graduating this year. He enjoys school and has the opportunity to go on to University after graduation. He wants to get a degree in Oil and Gas. He is currently preparing for entrance exams. If he does well enough (which is very difficult to do), he will be able to get a scholarship. If not, he will need to pay around $3000 for a year of school (this includes renting an apartment and tuition). We are currently helping him take Kazakh lessons and have purchased books in order to help him prepare for these tests.
It is exciting to see the way that Olya, Muldir, and Keekzhan are able to encourage these youth as they prepare for the world outside the orphanage. I will keep you updated as these and other youth that we work with make decisions about their future. It is fun to be able to have an impact on their lives.
A few months ago I wrote a blog about lost dreams. In it I wrote about a boy whose dream of being in the military seemed to have been shattered. I wanted to update you a little about his situation and that of one of the other graduates at Saramoldaeva. Thankfully, it looks like he was the one who decided that he didn't want to be in the military. Previously, he had heard that you get free housing if you are in the military and since he was concerned about housing, he thought he should take up a career in the military. He doesn't really want to live the life of a military man. He also doesn't really want to go to University. He sounds like he likes the idea of learning to work for the railroad. One of his caregivers knows someone that works on the railroad and it is likely that after he receives training at a technical college, he will be able to find a good, consistent job.
As Olya and Keekzhan talked with him, they also spent a lot of time talking with the other boy from our group that will be graduating this year. He enjoys school and has the opportunity to go on to University after graduation. He wants to get a degree in Oil and Gas. He is currently preparing for entrance exams. If he does well enough (which is very difficult to do), he will be able to get a scholarship. If not, he will need to pay around $3000 for a year of school (this includes renting an apartment and tuition). We are currently helping him take Kazakh lessons and have purchased books in order to help him prepare for these tests.
It is exciting to see the way that Olya, Muldir, and Keekzhan are able to encourage these youth as they prepare for the world outside the orphanage. I will keep you updated as these and other youth that we work with make decisions about their future. It is fun to be able to have an impact on their lives.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Book Dedication
It is good to be back in Taraz! We arrived on the train this morning at 3:30. I am a little tired from the travel, but I think I'll be back to normal tomorrow. While I was gone, a lot of different activities happened. You can check them out on the Interlink Blog. One of those activities was the dedication of a book that we helped Saramoldaeva orphanage print in December. Here is an excerpt that I think shows the importance of what we do with the children.
“Our Interlink” kindly reminds the children about their sponsors. Sara Coggins always comes to visit the children with other employees. The employees of Interlink are always desirable guests for the children. The children spend time playing and talking to Americans. Two girls were happily learning English with Zina Omarova. Sara is always kind and affable to the children. Her kind smile is always shining. They have done a lot of things for the children that make the children feel comfortable and cozy. The company bought a computer with a printer and a computer desk for the orphanage. The children were very happy when the employees of Interlink came before the start of the school year to congratulate them on a new school year and wish them good studies. They also came to the orphanage and brought an oval table and chairs for all the girls, a microwave oven, and a television stand. Everyone knows that it’s hard to be without hot water in the Spring and Fall, so to help with this situation, the employees of Interlink bought a hot water heater and a washing machine. The children were ready to go to school thanks to the help of Interlink Resources, Inc. Teachers from the 18th group said that in summer Interlink completed repairs. Now it is comfortable. Sara often comes to the orphanage. For New Years the girls were given dresses, toys, and video and audio players by Interlink Resources. Sara has also given a lot of pictures. The children say, “We are thankful to our sponsors.” Every month this company organizes a birthday party for the children, where they give presents, candy, and more.
“Our Interlink” kindly reminds the children about their sponsors. Sara Coggins always comes to visit the children with other employees. The employees of Interlink are always desirable guests for the children. The children spend time playing and talking to Americans. Two girls were happily learning English with Zina Omarova. Sara is always kind and affable to the children. Her kind smile is always shining. They have done a lot of things for the children that make the children feel comfortable and cozy. The company bought a computer with a printer and a computer desk for the orphanage. The children were very happy when the employees of Interlink came before the start of the school year to congratulate them on a new school year and wish them good studies. They also came to the orphanage and brought an oval table and chairs for all the girls, a microwave oven, and a television stand. Everyone knows that it’s hard to be without hot water in the Spring and Fall, so to help with this situation, the employees of Interlink bought a hot water heater and a washing machine. The children were ready to go to school thanks to the help of Interlink Resources, Inc. Teachers from the 18th group said that in summer Interlink completed repairs. Now it is comfortable. Sara often comes to the orphanage. For New Years the girls were given dresses, toys, and video and audio players by Interlink Resources. Sara has also given a lot of pictures. The children say, “We are thankful to our sponsors.” Every month this company organizes a birthday party for the children, where they give presents, candy, and more.
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