Tuesday, Feb 6 2007

Morning site

Site Name: Orphanage (Detention Center)

 

The members of the Purple bus drove down the streets of Almaty to the first site.  On the way we stopped off at the container to pick up supplies for this and other visits.  This container was filled with backpacks, clothes, books and wheelchairs that had been shipped over. 

As the group turned down the street to the orphanage, they passed a small playground.  Raeesa S., (the assistant director) explained that this playground was part of the plan for the 20 children who lived there.  She explained that this was a special house for kids.  Their parents might be alcoholics, homeless, or drug addicts.  “Such kinds of kids we take care of if their parents don’t want them or cannot take care of them.  The state sends them to us to have stability in their life.  We teach them and take care of them while they are in transition to another orphanage.  Here they get medical care, food and clothing.    This is the only center of its kind in Kazakhstan.” 

The group was treated to a tour of the home and the children were eager to receive gifts and backpacks.  As the director explained, “This is a place where we want to help the children and their parents.  There are no bars on our doors or windows.  The parents can come to visit with their children.  And the children can go home for a time, too.  We do not have a runaway problem here. In Russia there is a fairy tale about a small pretty house.  So we call our home “Pretty House”.  Through believers like you we know that there is a God and God loves these children and their parents.  We want these parents to come to repentance and know God, too.  Through your presents, your joy and you being here with these children you show love”.

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Tuesday Feb 6, 2007

Afternoon site

Special Boarding School for Difficult Teens

“Thirty eight children live in this facility now.   They might stay one month or one year.  They are here because of a decision of the court.  Parents can visit.  Either the children or the parents have problems,” said Tolgat Kaleivich, the director of this facility.  But even though the school was supposed to be for difficult teens, the group found the children to be loving and attentive. 

One class of eight kids listened as the Gospel was shared.  Only one boy was not receptive.  But as the Bibles were given out he said, “This Bible is in Kazak.  I will read it.”

The staff and teachers were glad to see the Global Aid Network team again this year.  Just like last year they were given a packet of vegetable and flower seeds.   One teacher who had gotten seeds last year said, “For many years I have planted a garden and didn’t grow anything.  But with the seeds you gave me last year the garden was lovely!  I am so excited to get these seeds again!”

Director Kaleivich thanked the group for coming.  “You are heroes to come all this way to visit us.  As bus captain Scott H., closed our time at the school with prayer in Jesus’ name, Director Kaleivich added, “That’s a person you can trust in.  He is my Savior, too.”

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February 7, 2007

Children’s Rehabilitation Medical Center

On Wednesday the Children’s Rehabilitation Medical Center in Almaty celebrated its 15th birthday and we were a part.  This is a non-government organization devoted totally to parents and children with special needs; mentally handicapped, Down syndrome, autistic and other physical handicaps.  Director Myra Suleeva explained that this place provides both social instruction and medical care for the children.  They are taught fundamental things and also simple skills that will be useful.  She explained, “Since this type of child is very difficult for the parents, we also provide psychological help for them so that the parents will have positive influence on the growth of the children.  Here in Kazakhstan a parent can reject such a child if it is not healthy.  We work so that these children can be part of a family.  We teach parents to work with these handicapped children.  The children spend the day with us and go to their homes in the evening.”

The team provided backpacks, children’s coats, and Bibles.  A washing machine was also purchased for the center.  Seeds were given to the parents and staff.