Here is a short video of a bunch of the kids in Central Asia that got to celebrate Christmas in a special way because of the generosity of so many of you .
Once again, Thank you to every one that had a part in making this happen ...
visiting the ORPHANS and the WIDOWS. .sunmasterjohn@aol.com
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Whats wrong with this photo ?
I am often asked by those in Central Asia that we are helping " How did you Know this was just what we needed " ... I answer .."It's my job to know..hahaha"... but the truth is that we have many people on the ground that have their finger on the pulse of the community around them.. People like Sergei and Anya, Acel and Talant, Vlady , Larissa, Jengish ,Vera... and so many others... They are the ones that make things happen ... It is such a privilege to work for them as they share their burdens for those around them... What I do is to "Think outside the box"... I whole heartedly believe in the words.."Exceedingly and abundantly more then you could ask or imagine." .. Every thing that we do , I ask myself .. what more can we do that would tip the scales.... One of the ways that we do this is to regularly go through the hundreds if not thousands of photos we have, ... As I look through, I think to myself... what are we missing... Is there more we can do... This picture in particular is one that I love to hate.... So I ask what is wrong with it...... 
Many would answer ... That old bike is way to big... but the majority of people I show this to have a little chuckle about the bottle of Coke on the bike... Like "What is a big bottle of Coke doing on the back of the bike of a poor kid in the dump ?"... But I beg to differ... I think that the big bottle of Coke belongs in the dump and it is the kid that does not belong... it is the kid that is out of place... we have become so desensitized to pictures like this that it is somehow acceptable to us... and that's why time after time we can go back and still find kids like this living in such awful situations.. And in many ways, I am just as much to blame... I go to the dump.. we bring food, we bring clothes and we help in the little ways that we can... and we come away saying "well at least we did something... that's more then most "... but does that excuse the fact that we went away last fall, and left beautiful children sitting in the dump... 
Oh sure we sent friends back at Christmas to bring some food and treats and to make sure that they are ok... but the fact is that they are still there.... .. how is this "exceedingly and abundantly more then we can ask or imagine"... then there are the kids like the one's shown here...
we had been helping their families a little when we could , but it was not enough... this photo was taken the day that Larisa got the call that their mother had just died from comlications of a simple cold because she could not afford the medication... 500 som...that's $12.50... I would sure pay a lot more then that to bring he back.... Some how, although they are very cute, bringing a hand made teddy bear just does not seem to cut it. 
But I must tell you, when you walk into the school, recognise them and give them a big hug when they come running..., to them, "That is exceedingly and abundantly more then THEY could ask or imagine"
In a few weeks, We will be standing in the dump with our little friends... I know right where to find them... because for them nothing ever seems to change... I will bring them food, we will get them some new clothes. I will make sure they have school supplies... maybe do something fun with them one day... then I will go away telling myself " Next time I am going to do more ...I promise... Next time I am going to tell more people ..next time I am going to ask more people ... I promise... Next time I am going to do better ...I promise... so that the next time I come back here , I will truly be able to do more then even WE could ask or imagine... Then will I come home and once again allow myself to get distracted..?
Many would answer ... That old bike is way to big... but the majority of people I show this to have a little chuckle about the bottle of Coke on the bike... Like "What is a big bottle of Coke doing on the back of the bike of a poor kid in the dump ?"... But I beg to differ... I think that the big bottle of Coke belongs in the dump and it is the kid that does not belong... it is the kid that is out of place... we have become so desensitized to pictures like this that it is somehow acceptable to us... and that's why time after time we can go back and still find kids like this living in such awful situations.. And in many ways, I am just as much to blame... I go to the dump.. we bring food, we bring clothes and we help in the little ways that we can... and we come away saying "well at least we did something... that's more then most "... but does that excuse the fact that we went away last fall, and left beautiful children sitting in the dump... Oh sure we sent friends back at Christmas to bring some food and treats and to make sure that they are ok... but the fact is that they are still there.... .. how is this "exceedingly and abundantly more then we can ask or imagine"... then there are the kids like the one's shown here... we had been helping their families a little when we could , but it was not enough... this photo was taken the day that Larisa got the call that their mother had just died from comlications of a simple cold because she could not afford the medication... 500 som...that's $12.50... I would sure pay a lot more then that to bring he back.... Some how, although they are very cute, bringing a hand made teddy bear just does not seem to cut it. But I must tell you, when you walk into the school, recognise them and give them a big hug when they come running..., to them, "That is exceedingly and abundantly more then THEY could ask or imagine"
In a few weeks, We will be standing in the dump with our little friends... I know right where to find them... because for them nothing ever seems to change... I will bring them food, we will get them some new clothes. I will make sure they have school supplies... maybe do something fun with them one day... then I will go away telling myself " Next time I am going to do more ...I promise... Next time I am going to tell more people ..next time I am going to ask more people ... I promise... Next time I am going to do better ...I promise... so that the next time I come back here , I will truly be able to do more then even WE could ask or imagine... Then will I come home and once again allow myself to get distracted..?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I must be nuts !
I was just reading a post from friends of ours that are on there way to Kyrgyzstan ... I know that I should be reading this and thinking OH my I am glad thats not me... or at least I should be dreading it...especialy since I am not much of a traveler, but I must be nuts or something because I read this and get more excited....
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
What happens when you travel to Kyrgyzstan? Well, first you get up very early and travel to the Toronto Airport - then endure the new security to the US...2 1/2 hours later you are at your gate to wait for your flight. THIS IS MONDAY!
You arrive into New York, JFK's aiport at around 11:30am and have a LONG wait to catch your flight at 7:05pm to Moscow. IT IS STILL MONDAY!
Board the plan to Moscow with a "million" others who are from across the pond and really don't understand the North American culture of queing! Finally - luggage stowed properly we take our seats for the 9 1/2 hours flight to Moscow. IT IS STILL MONDAY!
TUESDAY AROUND 1PM IN THE AFTERNOON we arrive into Moscow and head for the Transit Desk for persons traveling through without a visa for Russia. We convinced the transit desk to allow us a pass for the nice lounge with nice chairs. Away we go - and it is TUESDAY.
NOW WE WILL WAIT another 9 hours to board our flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. When we arrive it will be WEDNESDAY. From the airport it is about one hour home...whew...now, isn't that exciting? We think so.
Check Lynn's response - see the picture above. And - he cannot get his computer to go on line, so I am safe for a little while!
Posted by LAMb International at 5:13 AM
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
What happens when you travel to Kyrgyzstan? Well, first you get up very early and travel to the Toronto Airport - then endure the new security to the US...2 1/2 hours later you are at your gate to wait for your flight. THIS IS MONDAY!
You arrive into New York, JFK's aiport at around 11:30am and have a LONG wait to catch your flight at 7:05pm to Moscow. IT IS STILL MONDAY!
Board the plan to Moscow with a "million" others who are from across the pond and really don't understand the North American culture of queing! Finally - luggage stowed properly we take our seats for the 9 1/2 hours flight to Moscow. IT IS STILL MONDAY!
TUESDAY AROUND 1PM IN THE AFTERNOON we arrive into Moscow and head for the Transit Desk for persons traveling through without a visa for Russia. We convinced the transit desk to allow us a pass for the nice lounge with nice chairs. Away we go - and it is TUESDAY.
NOW WE WILL WAIT another 9 hours to board our flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. When we arrive it will be WEDNESDAY. From the airport it is about one hour home...whew...now, isn't that exciting? We think so.
Check Lynn's response - see the picture above. And - he cannot get his computer to go on line, so I am safe for a little while!
Posted by LAMb International at 5:13 AM
Sunday, February 21, 2010
You have come a long way girl !
Restoring Hope and Dignity ... it's more then just words.! All we have to do is take a look at the face of our friend at her birthday party..
Aigoola and her family have come such a long way since the first time that we met them back in the orphanage, by standing beside them, we have watched in wonder and amazement at how they have flourished as a family...
Time to time, I can get discouraged , or feeling defeated, but then seemingly without fail, it is times like that I get an email from Sergey and Anya or Acel and Talant with updates from those that we love... Photos like this birthday celebration. Things the way they should be ...
A special thank you to every one that has had such big role in turning things around for this wonderful Family
Aigoola and her family have come such a long way since the first time that we met them back in the orphanage, by standing beside them, we have watched in wonder and amazement at how they have flourished as a family...Time to time, I can get discouraged , or feeling defeated, but then seemingly without fail, it is times like that I get an email from Sergey and Anya or Acel and Talant with updates from those that we love... Photos like this birthday celebration. Things the way they should be ...
A special thank you to every one that has had such big role in turning things around for this wonderful Family
To view this folling video from Face book, you will need to go to
Friday, February 19, 2010
Shop till you drop.
One of my favourite things to do is to take the kids from the orphanages and the poorer families to the Bazaar shopping... something as simple as growing out of a uniform can cause a child to have to drop out of school..for others it might be a pair of shoes they need...
This is something that we are planning again in a few weeks... The pressure is on a bit now to try to raise the funds for this, but I am sure it will all come together... I came across this video from a previous trip when Sam explains the impact that can be made ... as well he answers many questions that we are often asked.... maybe you would consider sponsoring one child, or the bus to get them there.... maybe your thing is ice cream and you would like to bye ice cream cones for them on the special day..
maybe a bottle of pop , however you would like to help... It all makes such a difference.
If this video does not appear, please go to http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/ to view it.
This is something that we are planning again in a few weeks... The pressure is on a bit now to try to raise the funds for this, but I am sure it will all come together... I came across this video from a previous trip when Sam explains the impact that can be made ... as well he answers many questions that we are often asked.... maybe you would consider sponsoring one child, or the bus to get them there.... maybe your thing is ice cream and you would like to bye ice cream cones for them on the special day..
maybe a bottle of pop , however you would like to help... It all makes such a difference.
If this video does not appear, please go to http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/ to view it.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Fire extinguishers
When you start with nothing, the needs never seem to end...
I remember the first time we went to this orphanage, they had enough food for the day, there was no water, no electricity, not enough clothes or blankets... the only heat source was 1 small wood stove in the centre of the room... The old abandoned building was falling in around them....
Well it has been many years from that time... we have had many teams through, and lots of projects there... And yes many ups and downs. Today Sergei and Anya were back out to visit the kids again... They brought with them something that the government has been wanting to see for a while.. Fire extinguishers....
Lots of excitement as they were all unpacked
But I have to ask myself.... who will be the first little rascal to see how they work... at 1 in the morning...hahaha..Tuesday, February 16, 2010
How do I tell her she is less important
As we are preparing for this springs trip to Central Asia, I have been going through the reports from previous trips to see if there is anything that we missed , or things that we would do different... I came across this short video report, and it reminded me again how important our readers are in making a difference..
I have already told our friends that we will be a little lower key this spring as a result of the urgent needs in Haiti.... but I have to ask myself... what makes me think that is an acceptable excuse to leave friends waiting in the dump for help like our little friend below... She knows nothing about Haiti, but she does know how cold it was this winter........How do we tell her she is less important
I look at everything that is possible and I have to give myself a little kick... I need to come right out and tell it like it is, stop beating around the bush... stop with the gentle innuendos....
Emma and Bekah have worked hard all summer and have paid for our flights...but we have not been able to cover much else..... Please consider helping us to reach out to all those we are helping ... there is a donate button on the top right side of this blog.. Please go there right now and help us reach our goal ...
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Great Opertunity
Here is a great opportunity of anyone in ,or traveling to the Orlando area this winter.
Many of you will know my friend Jengish from Central Asia. He is an incredible young man..with a true heart for the people of his home land... Although his main focus is on the Rehab centre and those living on the streets, his willingness to lend a hand has him in every corner of society...
Jengish is taking training for dealing with people with substance abuse and rehabilitation in Orlando for the next few months... Jengish would love to get out of the centre for a bit and experience a little of what Florida has to offer... It would be a great opportunity for you to learn a little more about the Kyrgyz culture, and just have a really fun time... If you would like to meet up with him, Let me know and I will forward your contact info on to him.
Many of you will know my friend Jengish from Central Asia. He is an incredible young man..with a true heart for the people of his home land... Although his main focus is on the Rehab centre and those living on the streets, his willingness to lend a hand has him in every corner of society...
Jengish is taking training for dealing with people with substance abuse and rehabilitation in Orlando for the next few months... Jengish would love to get out of the centre for a bit and experience a little of what Florida has to offer... It would be a great opportunity for you to learn a little more about the Kyrgyz culture, and just have a really fun time... If you would like to meet up with him, Let me know and I will forward your contact info on to him.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Everyday Philanthropist
What is an Every day Philanthropist ? ... What a Philanthropist for that matter .... When we think of a Philanthropist, we tend to immediately think of the the Big Hitters... Bill Gates, Oprah, Bono... all great examples of people that have given for the purpose of helping others... but what about the true Everyday Philanthropist At PI , that person is defined as "a person who daily gives of their time, energy, passion and resources to help fulfill the simple dreams of the hurting, helpless and hopeless." It is easy for us to sit back and think that helping others and reaching out is the job of the Big hitters... and one day we may have a Big hitter or two that would like to get behind what we do, but let me tell you, I have no grand illusion that we are going to Change the world, PI is not going to wipe out the debt of the third world... and we are not going to eradicate malaria... but what I believe we can do is to raise up a nation of everyday Philanthropists that do change the world ...One Day at a Time..One person at a time, and one Dream at a time.... People that realize that $10, $50 or $100 in the Wright hands is enough to change a life....
I can remember a long time ago , before PI was even dreamed or imagined a very moving time for me... Every Parent worries about their kids.. Are they going to be OK ... Have I as a parent instilled in them the true values in life... Our Son Benjamin was home from college and was out with us .. Some one came to him and slipped him $100 .. as soon as he got into the car he said to us " I can't wait to see who I am going to be able to bless with this money" ... for him the greatest blessing was that he was given the means and ability to reach out to help some one else...
Saturday we heard about another special young man named Calvin. Calvin has a special connection to Central Asia... he is waiting for his sibling to come home one day .
I can remember a long time ago , before PI was even dreamed or imagined a very moving time for me... Every Parent worries about their kids.. Are they going to be OK ... Have I as a parent instilled in them the true values in life... Our Son Benjamin was home from college and was out with us .. Some one came to him and slipped him $100 .. as soon as he got into the car he said to us " I can't wait to see who I am going to be able to bless with this money" ... for him the greatest blessing was that he was given the means and ability to reach out to help some one else...
Saturday we heard about another special young man named Calvin. Calvin has a special connection to Central Asia... he is waiting for his sibling to come home one day .
Calvin was celebrating his 5th birthday, and all he could focus on was a desire to make the day special... for an orphan in Central Asia... Calvin has been following our blog ...mostly because of his families connection to the work we do, and he knew that we will be going back next month...... Calvin's asked that his guests would please give him donations toward a special day for the children of one of the orphanages we work with... Skating , bowling, circus... it did not matter to him, what mattered was that they their lives were touched, and that they know that there are people out there that care, but more importantly that as they grow up, they will have some good memories....
We had the honor of calling Calvin on Skype during his party, and being there to sing Happy birthday to him ... in our best Russian no less...
I believe that Calvin , like my son Benjamin... "Gets it"
to date Calvin has raised $200 to help us bring a special day ... to a more then deserving group of orphans... it's not too late to donate to Calvin's special day... you can help raise his totals by using the donate button on this blog, and in the memo box, indicate Calvin's Day , and you will help make memories ....
"Stalled Adoptions in Central Asia
This video out lines the current situation with the suspension of adoptions from KG...
We have been following along this storey from a slightly different perspective... Though I know that this has been an incredibly difficult situation for the waiting families... I know first hand the plight osfthose children waiting... Many of the children that have appeared in this video we have photo's of hanging on our fridge at home...
We have watched the swell of children in the orphanages over the last few years .. We have watched the babies have to back up into the hospitals because there is not enough beds for them in the orphanages... in fact one of our first stops next month will be to bring food and supplies to the hospital... we have been providing the food for those babies since May... and we are glad to have been able to do it, but I don't know how long we can maintain that commitment...
It was actually the mayors office that brought us there and asked for our help... they care so much for these children, and their hands are tied.. I spoke with the head Dr from the Baby hospital... she says that all she can do is " Name the babies after the government leaders...that way maybe they will take a responsibility for a child names after them" ... with so many people who care so much... WHY is it that when we return next month, we will be visiting some of our little friends that are patiently waiting to come home to their forever families....
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A fresh start for seniors.
I am really looking forward to returning to a SPECIAL PLACE next month ... At the far end of the valley is the seniors home that we have been helping... The first time we went there , Larisa insisted that we go and meet with a friend of hers... now I have come to know that any "Meeting" that Larisa set up is exactly that ... a set up... Larisa knows exactly the kind of things that push my buttons... Senior living on the streets is one of those buttons... She also knows that we look to , not start new projects, but to get behind and support people that have put everything on the line to help those around them ... Tanya turned out to be just one of those people .. Tanya and her family put their farm on the line to help provide a home for the seniors in her community... So many seniors are abandoned by their families and do not qualify to go into the government seniors homes...
We arrived just a few weeks after they opened... they had enough food on hand to do maybe one more meal... Our friend Jody, who is a dietary manager in a Canadian Nursing home was the driving force behind us going back the next day ... we went in , picked up Tanya, and brought her to the store... we then told her she could not get back into the van until she had $500 worth of groceries and supplies..
. this was just the beginning of greater things to come... Our friends from LAMb took on this project as well... kitchen and cooking supplies were the first on the list for them... then we did a combined project with a team they had from Ohio .. and delivered two massive loads of beds, furniture, and chairs ... before leaving in the spring we put in a shower and hot water as well as a toilet....
Returning in the fall with a team from Quebec, we started the heating system... It was amazing the way so many others stepped up to help... and the project we started was finished by our friends from LAMb, as well as painting and new floors ....
This spring, I know that LAMb has a few more renovations in mind, and we have a little something up our sleeves as well... Jody will be joining us again this spring, and we would love to take them out and restock the cupboards...I think the greatest part of helping out there is the seniors themselves... They are so warm and loving... They are so happy to see us... there is no better way to spend an afternoon then visiting with them... watching TV , playing chess... the type of thing a senior should be able to do... This video is from the first six months of the homes existence. it shows not only the transformation of the home, but of the lives that it touches
(if you are viewing this from FB you will have to click the link below to watch the video directly on the blog )
Just how much more we will be able to do there will depend a lot on people like yourselves ... If you would like to help us with this project, please use the donate button on the top right side of the blog ..
Monday, February 08, 2010
It All Works Together for Good .........
I was just reading this news release and thought I should share it here as I believe it would be a fantastic resource for so many of our readers... as well I have a little bias... I will explain... ....
RE: OHIO AUTHORS AND ADOPTION EXPERTS
Experts talk about adopting traumatized children from Haiti and beyond
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Colorado Springs, CO) -- In recent days, the horrific scenes of the devastation Haiti have captured the focus of news organizations all around the world. Our minds struggle to grasp the reality of catastrophic numbers of dead and injured. And now, another reality surfaces to the top, a reality that pierces the heart. A country already overwhelmed to care for over 380,000 orphans now faces the insurmountable task of caring for even more children orphaned by the earthquake.
The cry of the heart of these orphans comes from deep trauma and suffering. Not just from the earthquake, but from abandonment, poverty, exploitation, sexual abuse, and worse.
Thankfully, people across America been challenged by the cry of Haiti's orphans. People are responding to this unprecedented need in record numbers. Yet, how can parents prepare to receive these traumatized orphans and others into their families and hearts? If they're not careful, they can enter into adopting with high expectations for their child and for themselves, only to be broadsided by shattered assumptions.
There's a brand-new tool to help adoptive parents, Wounded Children, Healing Homes: How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Families (NavPress, January 29, 2010). Award-winning authors Jayne E. Schooler, Betsy Keefer Smalley and Dr. Timothy J. Callahan, each have more than twenty years experience in the adoption field.
Experts talk about adopting traumatized children from Haiti and beyond
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Colorado Springs, CO) -- In recent days, the horrific scenes of the devastation Haiti have captured the focus of news organizations all around the world. Our minds struggle to grasp the reality of catastrophic numbers of dead and injured. And now, another reality surfaces to the top, a reality that pierces the heart. A country already overwhelmed to care for over 380,000 orphans now faces the insurmountable task of caring for even more children orphaned by the earthquake.
The cry of the heart of these orphans comes from deep trauma and suffering. Not just from the earthquake, but from abandonment, poverty, exploitation, sexual abuse, and worse.
Thankfully, people across America been challenged by the cry of Haiti's orphans. People are responding to this unprecedented need in record numbers. Yet, how can parents prepare to receive these traumatized orphans and others into their families and hearts? If they're not careful, they can enter into adopting with high expectations for their child and for themselves, only to be broadsided by shattered assumptions.
There's a brand-new tool to help adoptive parents, Wounded Children, Healing Homes: How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Families (NavPress, January 29, 2010). Award-winning authors Jayne E. Schooler, Betsy Keefer Smalley and Dr. Timothy J. Callahan, each have more than twenty years experience in the adoption field.So why am I sharing this ? It was almost two years ago that we were in Central Asia for an extended stay... over and over we found ourselves stumbling into situations that were so far beyond our expertise... we knew that we were to be there, we knew that we were making a definite impact to those around us, but our hearts ached because we wanted so much more for those we were helping... something we just could not offer... We had love, and while love can heal so much and can go so far, there are just some thinks that require more... I can still remember the afternoon Julie and I were almost in tears... well OK maybe we were in tears... but we knew that to truly help, there needed to be entire change in the way things were being done... by us , by the government and by the orphanages directors as well... but how can WE bring about such a change... A few hours later, we were siting having supper with David and Jayne... We had no idea the impact this dinner would make in our own Lives... Our friends Lynn and Ruby had called us and said that they had friends that had just come to town, and could we please meet with them and help them to get settled.... little did we know that they would become such a blessing to us and the kids that we are all trying to help..... The expertise and the skills that they bring to the region are mind boggling... for us it was the most incredible thing... from that point on, when we come across any situations that are beyond our expertise, we simply turn it over to them and they take it to the next level... As well when ever we have fun event's , outings, or even new situations we are not certain about, they come along.... We always say that our job is to search in the dark corners of society looking for those that have fallen through the cracks.... Some times to fulfill a simple dream is just not good enough.. we need to look at long term solutions, and an important part of that solution is to deal with matters of the heart.... and that is when we turn to David and Jayne.....
I think we may have had an impact on them as well... this book has a special dedication .....
To the beautiful children we know and love living in an orphanage in Kyrgyzstan:
Victor, Dima, Maksat, Slavic, Anya, Aibek, Nastya, Angelina, Sasha, Vanya,Eelia, Colya, Nazik, Argen, Meesha, Aziz, Kumushai, Aisuluu, Alymbek,Kenat, and to our missions team, who loves them, too — two incredible Canadian families — Lynn and Ruby Johnston and John, Julie, Emma, and Bekah Wright.
You are precious in God’s sight.
Victor, Dima, Maksat, Slavic, Anya, Aibek, Nastya, Angelina, Sasha, Vanya,Eelia, Colya, Nazik, Argen, Meesha, Aziz, Kumushai, Aisuluu, Alymbek,Kenat, and to our missions team, who loves them, too — two incredible Canadian families — Lynn and Ruby Johnston and John, Julie, Emma, and Bekah Wright.
You are precious in God’s sight.
These kids that she is talking about here are the little ones from the orphanage that had to close over Christmas... they have been relocated to another orphanage about 1 1/2 hours away... Sergey and Anya were out there a few weeks ago with the Christmas parties ... PI has been working with David and Jayne to get the kids English teacher set up to start traveling out to the kids to teach English... it was felt that it is important during the transition to keep the same teacher if at all possible... the kids need some stability ....
Here is the report that Jayne just received from the teacher.....
Hi I hope that everything is good.Yesterday I went to the orphanage Everything is fine. When children saw me they bigan cry,and I also too. Victor asked me stay with them.There were 20 kids,other at home on Sunday.I divided them on 2 groups(first group 1st-5th forms,and others are in second group).I studied with each group about 1 hour,and we also talked about 20 minutes.I also went with them to the dining room we had dinner.
thank you very much for this chance to see them!!!!!Next time Natasha wants go with me. All kids very wait you and we are too.Miss you very much,and come back as soon as you can!:)
This just reinforces to me the need for us to spend a few days with these kids when we go back next month.... thank you to every one that supports us so that we can make a difference, and so we can make a change.... If you would like to help us bring a little joy to these precious kids, you can use the donate button on the top right side of this blog...
and thank you to David and Jayne for allowing us to be your friends ...
For more information or to order Jayne's book contact.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Miss Emma's ....Ebay Art sale
Emma has an overwhelming desire to return to Kyrgyzstan, the country she would like to call home.
Emma has developed incredible friendships , and burdens for the people of this beautiful land. For many years her family has been active in bringing hope and dignity to the hopeless hurting and lost of this region. Along with working to bring support and awareness , Emma has made 2 trips herself, spending over 6 months in the last year and a half with those she has grown to love.
This year she has graduated from an integrated Arts program where she has focused on visual arts. As well Emma has successfully completed an International English Teaching Certificate ...TESL,TESOL,TEFL .Emma has a strong desire to use the gifts and talents she has to help impact her Kyrgyz friends... The proceeds of her art sales will be going to help her to fulfill this dream . While a tax receipt can not be given with the sale of any of her art work, She is able to provide tax receipts for all donations for the work she does through PI . Until she returns to Kyrgyzstan next month...more of Emma's work can be seen at http://www.customportraits.blogspot.com/ here is a small sample of her work that is currently listed on Ebay
Emma has developed incredible friendships , and burdens for the people of this beautiful land. For many years her family has been active in bringing hope and dignity to the hopeless hurting and lost of this region. Along with working to bring support and awareness , Emma has made 2 trips herself, spending over 6 months in the last year and a half with those she has grown to love.This year she has graduated from an integrated Arts program where she has focused on visual arts. As well Emma has successfully completed an International English Teaching Certificate ...TESL,TESOL,TEFL .Emma has a strong desire to use the gifts and talents she has to help impact her Kyrgyz friends... The proceeds of her art sales will be going to help her to fulfill this dream . While a tax receipt can not be given with the sale of any of her art work, She is able to provide tax receipts for all donations for the work she does through PI . Until she returns to Kyrgyzstan next month...more of Emma's work can be seen at http://www.customportraits.blogspot.com/ here is a small sample of her work that is currently listed on Ebay
This Three piece set is painted in a very common Kyrgyz style. A combination 
of pen and ink and acrylic . They feature traditional Kyrgyz scenes , The Falconer, Yurt on a lake , and the mountain pass .
of pen and ink and acrylic . They feature traditional Kyrgyz scenes , The Falconer, Yurt on a lake , and the mountain pass . All three paintings are 5" X 7"
Saturday, February 06, 2010
"packing it all in "
Just booked the tickets .... We are so excited to be heading home in a few weeks .. To add to the excitement Jody will be returning with us again... she is always such a blessing and encouragement to everyone there... Unfortunately Hannah is not able to join us this spring... I know that she is very disappointed about that as will the kids be when they find out... But I did hear from Sam that PI does have a new Dream reporter that would like to come along, so Phil will be taking Hannah's place.
Julie, Bekah and Jody will be staying for 2 weeks before returning to work and school... As you know our first and foremost purpose of any travel team is to bring encouragement and awareness to our incredible team of dream agents on the ground... Secondly we want to reconnect with those that they are helping on a regular basis... We often joke, "It takes a week to greet everyone, and a week to say your good buys".. This simply means that we can take no time for granted, we have to make the most of every opportunity...kind of like a "POWER VISIT"..
We have this list of must See's and must do's while the girls are there... things like dump runs and Banana parties, as well as orphanage outings, and hospital visits just to name a few... in fact our dream agents have about 20 different stops planed for us in a 10 day period then to top it off, a couple days of shopping with the kids from the orphanage... This is going to be one busy time...
One of the most bitter sweet days for me I am sure will be when we meet with the staff from the baby hospital... Just Thursday, they were sharing with Anya how so many babies are not getting the care they need, and some are dying because their parents can not afford to get them to the Capital to have a simple heart test.... As well the hospital right beside the baby hospital has been experiencing the same difficulties... .. Yesterday we took possession of top notch EKG machine as well as a portable EKG. ... They were donated in a combined effort in memory of baby Mathew .
Lori, Matthews Mom wrote "Stephen Curtis Chapman's "One Little Heartbeat" has been a staple of my pregnancy music, and I dreamed about the impact my little Matthew would make on the world... Now, though he is no longer with me, his memory can be honored by an EKG machine in Kyrgyzstan, and one little heartbeat at a time, he can help save other babies' lives." I am honored that I will be able to make this delivery personally. Although we have never met in person, John and Lori have been true friends to us over the last year and a half since we came to know them...and I know that they are special to so many in this blogger amd FB community...
Although this trip we are focusing more on connecting and and restoring hope and Dignity, their are a couple small projects that are still out there, like some more flooring for the hospital, washrooms for the orphanage... and a couple homes we know of that need a little help... I guess we will have to wait and see what comes in before we can commit to these...
I can't wait to post all the updates as we make the rounds. We could use your help on this one... if you would like to help us or sponsor an event, you can use the button below...
Julie, Bekah and Jody will be staying for 2 weeks before returning to work and school... As you know our first and foremost purpose of any travel team is to bring encouragement and awareness to our incredible team of dream agents on the ground... Secondly we want to reconnect with those that they are helping on a regular basis... We often joke, "It takes a week to greet everyone, and a week to say your good buys".. This simply means that we can take no time for granted, we have to make the most of every opportunity...kind of like a "POWER VISIT"..
We have this list of must See's and must do's while the girls are there... things like dump runs and Banana parties, as well as orphanage outings, and hospital visits just to name a few... in fact our dream agents have about 20 different stops planed for us in a 10 day period then to top it off, a couple days of shopping with the kids from the orphanage... This is going to be one busy time...
One of the most bitter sweet days for me I am sure will be when we meet with the staff from the baby hospital... Just Thursday, they were sharing with Anya how so many babies are not getting the care they need, and some are dying because their parents can not afford to get them to the Capital to have a simple heart test.... As well the hospital right beside the baby hospital has been experiencing the same difficulties... .. Yesterday we took possession of top notch EKG machine as well as a portable EKG. ... They were donated in a combined effort in memory of baby Mathew .
Lori, Matthews Mom wrote "Stephen Curtis Chapman's "One Little Heartbeat" has been a staple of my pregnancy music, and I dreamed about the impact my little Matthew would make on the world... Now, though he is no longer with me, his memory can be honored by an EKG machine in Kyrgyzstan, and one little heartbeat at a time, he can help save other babies' lives." I am honored that I will be able to make this delivery personally. Although we have never met in person, John and Lori have been true friends to us over the last year and a half since we came to know them...and I know that they are special to so many in this blogger amd FB community...
Although this trip we are focusing more on connecting and and restoring hope and Dignity, their are a couple small projects that are still out there, like some more flooring for the hospital, washrooms for the orphanage... and a couple homes we know of that need a little help... I guess we will have to wait and see what comes in before we can commit to these...
I can't wait to post all the updates as we make the rounds. We could use your help on this one... if you would like to help us or sponsor an event, you can use the button below...
Friday, February 05, 2010
New Special Dream Agent ... Emma Wright
WE ARE GOING BACK in a month..... You have no idea how much I have wanted to say those words... Just as excited are the girls... So here is how things are starting to come together...
Emma is now finished School .. She wrote her final exam last week, and has also completed her International English teaching certificate... Ready to face the world, Emma has decided that she is going to move to Central Asia... Actually she decided this a couple years ago I think, and she just got tired of waiting for the rest of us. The funny thing is that we always thoughts Emma would be the one that would never leave home... No offence Emma, but I would be concerned having you take a bus across town on your own, yet I have absolutely No doubt in my mind , in fact We have this piece that passes all understanding about this move...But then when we stop and think about it, I realise that Emma is not the one leaving home... she is staying home, and waiting for the rest of us to come home...hahaha..... So the deal is that she will go over with the family on March 13. Julie and Bekah will stay for 2 weeks, and I will stay for 1 month. Emma will stay on until the end of May, then travel back to Canada with Altynai for the summer...
While in Central Asia, Emma will be primarily teaching English for PI at the Learning centre that we helped set up with our friends from Saint Andre.. In fact , just a couple hours ago, we received her letter of invitation, along with the supporting documentation...
Emma is now finished School .. She wrote her final exam last week, and has also completed her International English teaching certificate... Ready to face the world, Emma has decided that she is going to move to Central Asia... Actually she decided this a couple years ago I think, and she just got tired of waiting for the rest of us. The funny thing is that we always thoughts Emma would be the one that would never leave home... No offence Emma, but I would be concerned having you take a bus across town on your own, yet I have absolutely No doubt in my mind , in fact We have this piece that passes all understanding about this move...But then when we stop and think about it, I realise that Emma is not the one leaving home... she is staying home, and waiting for the rest of us to come home...hahaha..... So the deal is that she will go over with the family on March 13. Julie and Bekah will stay for 2 weeks, and I will stay for 1 month. Emma will stay on until the end of May, then travel back to Canada with Altynai for the summer...
While in Central Asia, Emma will be primarily teaching English for PI at the Learning centre that we helped set up with our friends from Saint Andre.. In fact , just a couple hours ago, we received her letter of invitation, along with the supporting documentation...
The learning Centre is an important place to PI.. . Many of those that we assist through the iam1ru dreams, have fallen behind in school. Because of their illness, economic or family situations, they generally are behind, and have no way of catching up... we are not a one hit wonder... when we help someone, we want to do what we can to follow through and do it right... The learning centre is the place that offers the one on one support that is often needed to help someone rejoin society. Along with Teaching at the learning Centre, The mayors office is looking forward to having her in town as well .. Emma would like to raise a small weekly budget that she can use to help the cities social services department .. who over see's the orphanages and hospitals, with emergency needs... Currently the city staff struggle to meet the needs , they try so hard, yet so often they are heart broken when they have no means to help.. PI has developed a very good relationship with them over the time we have spent in Central Asia, and I am sure that having Emma there will make that relationship even stronger...
And don't worry .. we will have lots of work for her in her spare time ... Our friends , as you know , do an incredible job, but I know from first hand experience that communication takes up so much of their time and energy.... to accurately convey a situation is at times difficult for me on this blog, and we are all using the same Language... words are such a small part of any storey ... some times you hear with your Eyes... something that Skype is just not able to do... Having Emma on the ground will truly help us all to take this up a notch....
I will be sharing notes home regularly right here on the blog as well as updates on http://www.iam1ru.com/ from iam1ru special Dream Agent Emma Wright
Now the tent making side of things... The Job Emma has, if she was to except a salary, which she is not... would pay about $12 a week.... So Emma is relying on two sources of income... the first is donations from those who appreciate the work she is doing through Possibilities international, and the other is through the sale of her art work ... check out Emma's custom portraits on this site... she will have links to her art work currently on Ebay... as well you can commission paintings ...
If you would like to take a proactive role in Emma's work in Central Asia, please follow the donate link below... if donating from Canada, please use the donate button on the right, and mark in the memo box " The Wright stuff Emma"
Stay tuned .. tomorrow, I will be posting the plans we have for the Two weeks while Julie , Bekah and Jody are in country with us...
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
One day at a time
I keep thinking of the cards that our PI friends the Manassero's have been dealt.. Like so many in Haiti, life for them was forever changed on January 12... Not only do they have a responsibility to the 54 children that they have taken in, but in a mater of minutes, they became responsible for their entire neighborhood...
Their medical clinic, their kitchen, and their homes were stretched to the limit.... Ariana shares that they "now live one day at a time.".. "no idea what tomorrow will bring.".... I keep coming back to the place in my head... How is it that the least of society, the outcast children are the ones that are first on the scene to give what they have left to help a nation... and when all the dust settles and people begin to rebuild the pieces of their lives, when they press leaves, and the eyes of the world start to look away... what then! will these kids have learned that the sacrifices they made for their fellow country men were important ones, or is the light house orphanage going to simply buckle under the weight of the added responsibilities, and the lack of funds.... The Manassero's have held the coarse... they have defied the odds , What about us... have we thought of adding something into our monthly budget ? I want that our friends of PI would help Ariana ... maybe rather then her sharing with us that she has "No Idea what tomorrow will bring" , she will be given the HOPE to say...... "But I know that tomorrow will be a better day"...Please consider how you can continue to help us help them.... watch the video at the top of this blog... http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/ and tell me that you are not moved!
Their medical clinic, their kitchen, and their homes were stretched to the limit.... Ariana shares that they "now live one day at a time.".. "no idea what tomorrow will bring.".... I keep coming back to the place in my head... How is it that the least of society, the outcast children are the ones that are first on the scene to give what they have left to help a nation... and when all the dust settles and people begin to rebuild the pieces of their lives, when they press leaves, and the eyes of the world start to look away... what then! will these kids have learned that the sacrifices they made for their fellow country men were important ones, or is the light house orphanage going to simply buckle under the weight of the added responsibilities, and the lack of funds.... The Manassero's have held the coarse... they have defied the odds , What about us... have we thought of adding something into our monthly budget ? I want that our friends of PI would help Ariana ... maybe rather then her sharing with us that she has "No Idea what tomorrow will bring" , she will be given the HOPE to say...... "But I know that tomorrow will be a better day"...Please consider how you can continue to help us help them.... watch the video at the top of this blog... http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/ and tell me that you are not moved!
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