When Yevhen was one years old, he was dropped off at a Ukrainian orphanage. Both of his parents live across the border in Russia and have never once come to visit him. Not only that, they never signed their rights so that he could be adopted. This summer there was one last attempt to get them to sign their rights and give him a chance to be adopted, and by a miracle of God they agreed and he, for the first time, became eligible for adoption. This must take place before he turns 16 In May and ages out at the system
WHEN HOME IS 5,000 MILES AWAY
Yevhen has been coming to Murfreesboro, Tn since 2016 during the summer hosting. He has had the chance to experience things that most of us Americans take for granted. During his visits he would attend the youth group at World Outreach Church.
Pictured: Our son, Iver hanging out with Yevhen on his last trip to the US in 2019. Between visits, Iver and his friends have kept in contact with Yevhen through social media and video chats. They’re learned to cultivate a friendship, despite the obstacles of a language barrier and distance. They made sure that the connection, acceptance and love for Yevhen did not fade away over time.
Now it’s time to bring Yevhen home FOR GOOD! Below are photos from Yevhen’s visits and friends he has made.
Thank you to all who have generously given donations, covered the initiative in prayer and supported us as we climb this mountain ❤️ TEAM YEVHEN IS GROWING and YOU are making it possible!
Join TEAM YEVHEN by donating below or share and help us build a FAMILY and TEAM around this precious life.
Scan below to make a donation to the GoFundMe for Yevhen.
Ukraine: Orphans, A Disturbing Situation
Below: copied from an article from hopenowuse.org
Ukrainian Orphans Face a Grim Future
Living conditions at Ukrainian orphanages are very difficult for the children who end up there. Since they come from backgrounds that are usually complex and lacking in love and parental care, their situation often goes from bad to worse.
For example, Olga, one of numerous Ukrainian orphans, shares a large room with eight other orphans and uses the communal girl’s bathroom down the hall, where she may have a shower once a week. (During the day hours, the children use outhouses.) In Ukraine, orphans are given bunks to sleep on and donated clothing to wear. Orphanages also provide schooling, but the lessons are often outdated, leaving orphans far behind the education of other children. Meals are high in carbohydrates and low in protein with virtually no fresh fruits or vegetables served. After school, the caregivers keep the children occupied with chores, homework tasks and busywork.
Around the age of 16, orphans in Ukraine must leave the orphanage. There is no funding for them to remain, and most leave without the basic skills to protect or provide for themselves. These orphan graduates face a grim future, as they are left to fend for themselves in a world that is not welcoming to them and for which they are vastly unprepared.
Because many orphans have nowhere else to turn, 60-70% of Ukrainian orphans become involved in prostitution and organized crime. Twenty percent of children graduating from internats at age 16 end up in prison. Ten percent go on to commit or attempt suicide. Others embrace alcoholism and produce a new generation for the orphanage. Less than one percent make it to a university or higher education.
Thank you for joining TEAM YEVHEN!