We would like to introduce you to the Summer Program of 2005. We had a successful program in 2004, and wish to continue our journey. This is a great opportunity for families in the US to meet Russian and Ukrainian orphans. The families will have a chance to spend three weeks with the child, and really get to know their unique personalities! The children who participated in the program in 2004 could not even dream up a better summer! The kids were very happy to be around their future families, and enjoyed the beautiful places they visited. This upcoming summer, we hope to have even more dreams come to life. Next summer, we plan to bring the kids to California, Florida, and Illinois. Already, we have a group of parents waiting for the children to arrive in Fresno, California.

Before the summer of 2004, we were very worried that there would be a language barrier with the orphans and their prospective parents, but we were surprised at how quickly they learned conversational English! In just a few days, neither the parents or the children were in need of the translator! The children learned their first words in English with the help of their American friends.

We are very happy for all of the future host families who will have a chance to find their future child, and make their life decision. In the Summer Program of 2004, a few families that participated came to California from other states. At first, we were unsure of how things would turn out, but we quickly understood that it was an excellent idea! All parents who want to participate in this program will be able to, regardless of the state they live in.

We would like vacations like this to be offered to all of the orphans in this world! However, we understand that it is an unrealistic wish. Next summer, our goal is to bring about 40 orphans, ages 5-14. If we find many sponsors and volunteers, we believe that we can bring more and more kids as the years pass. We plan to bring orphans that are looking for their families, as well as orphans who need rehabilitating. Also, it would be a great experience for older children who would realize that there is an entirely different life out there. When they return home, they would learn English and attend college, knowing that they can achieve a greater life! We need to give every child hope.

One of our wishes, for next summer, is to rent a beach house so that each family would have a chance to relax by the ocean with their kids, even if it is for a few days. Last summer, a family donated their beach house for a couple days. The ocean was steps away from the house. One of the boys said that he wishes that the day would never end! We know that the kids will never forget it!

At this time, we are looking for sponsors to help us expand our program. We hope that the kids will have a chance to relax on the beach, meet their favorite Disney characters, and visit Sea World. For the older kids, we would love for them to visit parks such as Six Flags, Universal Studios, and learn to ride bikes and roller blades. This is every orphans dream!

We would like to thank everyone who helped us in the summer of 2004, and those who are hard at work planning for this upcoming summer! We are greatful for suggestions or ideas that you may have. God bless you!