Miracle of New Year for Orphans

(Thank You Note by the Head of Regional Department of Education, 01/17/2006)


To say thank you would not be enough to show all our respect and appreciation to Ark Mission and American families. Our children received the most exciting presents and unforgettable memories of New Year holidays.

We cannot tell you how happy were children to discover all beautiful dresses which were sent to us from the United States. Our holiday concert became brighter and more colorful with such gifts. How much laugh and joy have all our young actresses and dancers! On January 1st through January 13th, the orphanages had morning and evening time concerts and plays. Despite the cold weather, kids saved warmth of support their sponsors and friends in their hearts forever.

Certainly, presents from "Dedushka Maroz", the best friend of Santa Claus, were the most expected, what a surprise was for children to see in their bags full of sweets American candies, toys, and even socks that were knitted by somebody-s caring hands. Besides, traditional gifts many orphanages received warm clothing that will help our children to survive cold Russian winter. Just like last year, kids were happy to see the circus performance with Russian famous characters: "Baba-Yaga" (Witch) who was trying to stop "Dedushka Moroz" to see children and all his helpers who did not let her to destroy holiday plans, Mr. Rabbit, Mishka Kosolapii (Bear), Snegurochka and others.

Of course, there were some problems like kids clothing was not proper for this winter weather. Some of them did not even have warm hats and gloves for v 22 F day.

One of these days when kids were planning their trip to circus, you could see the usual picture of all children under 7 years old were separated into groups and caretakers were given regular instructions about behavior outside of the orphanage but something was different. Right before kids were seated in the bus they saw a group of older children staying outside and asking if they could go to see a New Year play too. With loud laugh and happy holidays songs kids were heading to the circus. Several older orphans had to travel more than one time to the circus and back to escort younger children. These bus rides created closer bond with older and younger kids. After this incredible time, the caretakers noticed that the younger kids were coming to the older kids rooms and wanted to hear more new magic stories. They did not want their own fairy tales to end so soon. One little girl said that when she closed her eyes and began to dance, she felt like a little princess in the ball room of the Gold Palace. She believed that her magical pony lived in the circus and could help her run away to her castle!

Even thought, every happy moment has its end; kids will always have their dreams about their own magical land and loving families!