Wednesday 10 September 2014

An Update From Ukraine



You may remember in June, after I finished fund raising for blankets for the Kemin Seniors Home in Kyrgyzstan, that I mentioned that I had enough money left over to pay for another McDonald's and movie day for the kids at the Rehab Centre in Ukraine.  I am so happy that this past Saturday (September 6th) the kids were finally able to go.

Just a bit of refresher:  Going to McDonald's in Ukraine is a HUGE deal for anyone, let alone orphaned children who have very little in their lives, and people will often dress up just to go there.  In North America we take for granted going to McDonald's several times a week, but children like the kids at the Rehab Centre might get there two or three times a year - one of those times during McJoyful Christmas.

The last couple of years I have arranged for the kids to go in the summer so they wouldn't have to wait so long between McJoyfuls.  The manager of the movie theatre upstairs from the restaurant gives free admission to the kids and we combine it so that the kids can have dinner and a show, that they can have a great time away from the centre for a few hours.  This year as I was not able to be there in person I forwarded the extra funds raised from the blanket project and my friends in Ukraine did all of the rest.

The kids had a great day filled with games, the movie and, of course, Happy Meals.  A big THANK YOU to all of those that helped to pull it off.  Thank you also to those of you who gave to make this day possible.  Check out the photos below.

In other news my arm and ankle continue to do really well.  I am also still praying for financial miracles so that I can return to Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine soon.  Would you like to partner with me to show God's love to those that need to see it?  If so, you can help by clicking the "donate now" button at the right side of the blog to give on line, or you can click the "ways to donate" tab at the top of the page for other options to help.  Whatever you can help with will be appreciated by so many people.  Thank you so much.

Please continue to pray that the russian terrorism will be stopped in Ukraine and that there will be peace there soon.  Thank you for seeing my heart.  Till next time...я люблю вас!!


Games in the theatre lobby with some costumed guests.

The movie they saw was "Planes"

More games at the restaurant


For kids that often don't have much to smile about, it was smiles all around.

Speaking of smiles...I still get a kick out of the russian smiles they put on for the camera.  These boys really were having a good day.

Yura is not ALWAYS behind the camera

Lena was having a great time too.

For the kids that couldn't get to the movie a special delivery was made to the Rehab Centre.

A VERY happy bunch of kids.


Thursday 21 August 2014

Giving Warmth and Dignity



Two years ago last spring the director of the seniors home in Kemin, Kyrgyzstan was sharing needs and asked if I could help to buy blankets for the home.  With winter just barely over she was already thinking ahead to the next winter.  As I've mentioned before a Kyrgyzstan winter can get as low as -35C (-31F) and keeping warm is literally the difference between life and death.

I am so happy that new blankets were delivered to the home recently and the residents were all so happy to receive them.  Thank you so much to those of you who gave towards buying these blankets which are actually more like comforters.  Not only do the seniors, who have very little, get to stay warm this winter they also have the dignity of getting into a nice bed at the end of the day.  This has also helped to support the family of the lady who makes the blankets locally.  A special thank you to my friend Sergey, who made the arrangements to order and deliver the blankets, and everyone else who helped out.

Now that the blankets are delivered it's time to think about buying coal for those who can't afford to.  Before we know it the snow will be getting lower on the mountains and into the valley and many will worry how they will keep warm this winter.  If you would like to help to spread some more life saving warmth please let me know.

For those of you who've asked, my arm and ankle have been doing very well since the operation.  My movement is so much better and the physiotherapist is amazed at my progress so far.  I still hope to return to Kyrgyzstan in late September and then Ukraine in November.  I am also still praying for financial miracles or I won't be able to go.

Would you like to partner with me so that I can return to show a father's love to those that need to see it?  If you would, please click the "donate now" button on the right side of the blog to give on line.  For other giving options please click the "ways to donate" tab at the top of this page.  Every dollar will be appreciated by so many.  Thank you so much.

Please continue to pray for Ukraine.  As I always say:  thank you for seeing my heart.  Till next time - я дюбдю вас!!

Aiguila (pronounced eye goo' la) who made the blankets, and Sergey

Tanya, the director of the home, is standing beside Sergey.

You can't tell in the photo but the side facing the camera is a light-weight velour and the back is a t-shirt cotton.  These blankets are not only beautiful but they are sooooo comfortable.


I love seeing those smiles.

August 24th is Independence Day in Ukraine.  Please pray that the russian terrorism will be stopped and that Ukraine will have peace.

Monday 4 August 2014

Has Anything Really Changed?



Today as I watched the commemoration ceremonies of the 100th anniversary of the start of WW I, I remembered a letter that was written by my great great grandmother to one of her daughters on June 19, 1914.  Here is a part of that letter.

" I feel sometimes as if this world was not my home but I do look forward to that rest that is prepared for the people of God.  There is so many changes in this world and they are not all for the better."

I have often wondered what she would have thought of the state of the world the following month.  Just 9 days after she wrote this Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo starting the ball in motion for World War I.

Today 100 years later as the russian terrorism continues in Ukraine's eastern border region I can't help but wonder if history is repeating itself.  I pray that it isn't and that Ukraine will have total peace soon.  Glory to Ukraine!!

William and Rebecca (Christopher) Parker - my great great grandparents.  Rebecca wrote the letter.

New Ukraine

Saturday 12 July 2014

What Will Happen Next?



This past Wednesday (July 9th) I finally had the surgery to remove the metal from my ankle and elbow.  Everything went really well and I immediately noticed a difference in my movement.  I pray that I'll get full movement in my arm once the bandages and the stitches are gone.  Thank you to all of you who sent notes of encouragement and for your prayers.  A special thank you to everyone who helped out with all of the logistics of getting me back and forth to the hospital in Windsor.

I have placed the order for new blankets for the Kemin Senior's Home in Kyrgyzstan.  I'll post an update once they are delivered later this summer.  Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen.  I'm very happy that this will give the seniors some dignity and warmth this winter as well as helping to support the family of the lady who makes the blankets.

So now...what next?  Well, even though everything is still up in the air about whether or not I can go back on the road, by faith I rebooked the ticket that I have to leave Halifax on September 23rd.  However, I need to get a lot in place before then or I won't be able to go at all.  I'm praying for some financial miracles.

If you would like to partner with me so that I can show God's love to those who need to see it you can click the "donate now" button on the right of this blog, or you can click the "ways to donate" tab at the top of the page for other options.  Me and many others will be happy to have you along side.

If you would like me to come to your church, your club, or to have coffee with you and some friends to share my stories from Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, I'd be happy to see you.  Just drop me a line and we can make arrangements. 

Please continue to keep me and Ukraine in your prayers.  Thank you for seeing my heart.  Till next time...я люблю вас!!

Wednesday 25 June 2014

Blankets and Burgers



This past Saturday I was able to share some of my stories from Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine with the seniors of the Rock Church Prime Life group and the Young at Heart group from Faith Baptist.  It was a great day.  Thank you to all who came out and for your encouragement and support.  I am so blessed to have had this opportunity.

If you would like me to come to your church, your community club, or even have coffee with you and your friends this summer, I would be happy to come and share my stories.  Just drop me a line and we can make arrangements.

I am so happy as I now have the remaining blankets for the Kemin Seniors Home in Kyrgyzstan paid for.  Thank you so much to those of you who gave.  I will be putting in the order soon so that the blankets will be delivered later this summer.  I also have enough left over to pay for another McDonald's and movie day for the kids at the Rehab Centre in Ukraine this summer.  I only wish I could be there to share it with them but oh well.  I will return when everything works out.

I still hope to go back on the road in September if I can pull the necessary resources together.  If you would like to partner with me in showing God's love to those who need to see it please click the "donate now" button on the right side of the blog to give on line.  You can also click the "ways to donate" tab at the top of this page for other giving options.  Every dollar counts and it will be appreciated by so many.  Thank you so much for your continued support.

Please keep me and Ukraine in your prayers.  Thank you for seeing my heart.  Till next time...я люблю вас!!



Saturday 14 June 2014

Happy Fathers Day!!



This past week as we've been getting closer to Fathers Day I've been thinking a lot about wanting to get back "on the road" sharing the Father's love to those who don't have fathers to spend quality time with them.  I'm really anxious to get back and I miss everyone so much.  Right now my hope is to get things together so that I can leave in September.  For those who've asked, I finally got my surgery date to remove the metal from my elbow and ankle - July 9th.  I am so looking forward to having the mobility back in my arm again.

I am still raising funds to purchase blankets for the Kemin Seniors Home in Kyrgyzstan that I mentioned in my last blog entry.  Right now I still need to get 13 blankets paid for and then I can put the order in.  If you would like to help out each blanket is $25 (Cdn).  Please use the donation button at the right side of the blog to give a gift on line.  You can see other giving options by clicking the "ways to donate" tab at the top of this page.  Please remember to include a message advising that your gift is for blankets.  This will not only help to keep some seniors warm this winter but it will also help to support a family's livelihood in Kyrgyzstan.

Next weekend (Saturday June 21st) I will be sharing some of my stories and photos from Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan at the Prime Life Senior's luncheon at Rock Church 222 Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville.  If you're in the Halifax area I would be honoured to have you come by.  To reserve a place just contact the church office this week at 864-3553 or rockchurch@rockchurch.ca.  Tickets are $5 for the meal and it starts at 12 noon.

Please continue to keep me in  your prayers.  Thank you for seeing my heart.  Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers and the fathers at heart out there!!  Till next time...я люблю вас!!

Even though I'm not a father by blood I love all of the kids like they are my own.  I can't wait to see them again.

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Getting (and keeping) Warm



I would like to thank those who came out to Rock Church in Halifax over the weekend to hear my stories of life on the road in Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine as well as for your kind feedback. It was a great day.

As part of my presentation I spoke about a project where I would like to buy blankets for the seniors home in Kemin, Kyrgyzstan.  For those of you who had expressed an interest, and for anyone who would like to help, here is some more information.

Even though the weather is finally getting warm it's not too early to prepare for winter in Kyrgyzstan.  Winters there can get as low as minus 35C (minus 31F) and this is a huge concern as many people can't afford utilities to heat their homes.  One winter there was 80 deaths in the Men's disabled home because the heating at that time wasn't adequate.  In September when the snow gets lower on the mountains and into the valley people get very concerned about winter preparations.  And believe me, those concrete buildings get VERY cold.  I have experienced minus 14C with no heat there and I never want to be that cold again.  Keeping warm means the difference between life and death.

Two years ago at the Kemin home I met Luba who had lost both of her feet to frostbite...in her own apartment simply because she had no money for the utilities.  You can read more of her story and see photos here:  
http://blairs-page.blogspot.ca/2012/10/thankfulness.html and here 
http://blairs-page.blogspot.ca/2012/10/its-getting-cold_21.html

I would like to supply new blankets for all of the seniors in the Kemin home.  They are made locally in Kyrgyzstan by a wonderful lady named Aigula who needs income right now as business is currently slow.  The purchase of these blankets not only helps to keep the seniors warm this winter but also helps Aigula to provide for her family.

So far I have 14 blankets paid for and I need to buy 31 more.  They cost $25 each.  Would you like to partner with me to help save lives?  If you would, please click the Canada Helps button on the right side of the blog to donate on line, or you can click the "Ways to Donate" tab at the top of the page for other options.  Please remember to include a note with my name and advise that your gift is for blankets.  Thank you so much.

Please continue to keep me in you prayers as well as Ukraine which is having elections this Sunday (May 25th).  Thank you for seeing my heart.  Till next time...я дюбдю вас!!

 
One of the beds at the Kemin Seniors Home



These are the blankets I would like to buy.  They are actually more like a comforter.

Some of the residents of Kemin Seniors Home

This is Luba who lost her feet to frostbite in her own apartment.

Friday 16 May 2014

You're Invited

For those of you in the Halifax area this coming Sunday (May 18th) for the Victoria Day weekend I would like to invite you to come hear some of my stories about my life on the road in Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine.  

I will be at Rock Church 222 Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville for the 10 AM service as well as at Rock Church Downtown in Citadel High School's Spatz Theatre for the 7 PM service.  I'd really be honoured if you would come out.  



Tuesday 6 May 2014

Here's What I've Been Doing Lately



Since it has been a few weeks I thought it was time for an update of my goings on.  Things are still very much up in the air right now as to my future plans.  In fact, I can't plan anything right now as there are several circumstances coming together preventing me from making any concrete plans.

One of these circumstances is due to the injuries from my accident.  I am on a waiting list to have another surgery on my arm to take out the metal braces.  With the famous long Nova Scotia medical waiting lists they think that my surgery might be July or August.  Because of the metal in my arm I have limited mobility in it.  Then there's the metal in my ankle that's causing some other issues.  I'm told that the waiting list for the ankle doctor is even longer.  So because of all of this I haven't been able to work while I'm in Canada as I can't do a lot of tasks very well without full mobility and with the uncertainty of the surgery date.  (I'm not whining.  I'm just saying what's going on.)

I have been managing to keep busy though.  I was able to take in some of the Jesus to the Nations conference in March and I have helped out at a couple of the senior's dinners at Full Gospel Church.  I have also volunteered at World Vision's Church Leaders Forum at Full Gospel and helped at one of their sponsorship tables at the Stars on Ice Show when it was in Halifax.  I will be helping World Vision again at a Brian Doerksen concert in the next couple of weeks.

Other than that I have been trying to find a place to stay for the summer and to pull resources and the logistics together so that I can return to life on the road.  I really feel like a fish out of water here in Canada and I'm anxious to get back to my work.  Right now I'm praying that I can get everything pulled together to get back to it in September...even though I'd rather leave now.  I miss everyone so much.

Would you like to partner with me to resume life on the road sharing God's love to those that need to see it?  If so, please check out the "ways to donate" tab at the top of the page for several options.  Every little bit helps to make a difference in someone's life and it is appreciated by many people.  Thank you so much for your consideration. 

Please continue to keep me and Ukraine in your prayers.  Thank you for seeing my heart.  Till next time...я люблю вас!!

My new bookmark (front and back views)


Sunday 16 March 2014

What I "REALLY" Do and Why I Do It

People will look at my photos from Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine and say that it looks like I'm having a great time. Some of them will ask if I do any actual work or ministry there. They ask if all I do is hold babies and play with the kids. Sometimes I really don't know how to answer questions like these so that those (fortunately, few) people will get it. When someone really loves their job do we question if they actually do any work? I want to say that I really love my "job."

I have always felt the call to missions. I just didn't realize what it was until 2007 after my second short term missions trip. Many who have gone on short term mission trips have said that their lives have been changed forever, or that their lives have been turned upside down. In my case I prefer to say that my life was turned right side up. Those of you that know me will know that it's hard to convince me of, well, almost anything. So for me being in my 40's to be convinced to drop everything, sell my belongings and go to the other side of the world to live "life on the road" without a paycheque, it would have taken a lot of doing. I have often said that if God can convince me of that, there must be something to it. There were also a lot of confirmations that I couldn't ignore which is what finally convinced me to go. I also say that God knows what it will take to convince me to stop and so far I'm not convinced that it's time to finish life on the road even though things seem to be up in the air right now.

As for what I actually do, yes I do hold babies and play with kids and yes we do have a lot of fun. I see my "job" as being a good role model or an example to these kids and to show them that they are loved and not forgotten in the institution they live in. I try to create some happiness for those who have little to be happy about, to enrich their lives as best I can. The children also seem to respond so well to men and there are not many men doing this for various reasons.

Children who don't have parents to spend quality time with them are often developmentally delayed in some form or another. This affects learning, which affects future job prospects and so on. I recently read an article that talks about studies that have been done that show what "the lack of a parent, or someone who acted like a parent" has done to children in orphanages. Even though the article focuses on Romanian children this can easily be seen in Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, or any orphanage anywhere. You can listen to or read the full article at this link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/02/20/280237833/orphans-lonely-beginnings-reveal-how-parents-shape-a-childs-brain Some orphanages are better than others but the staff of these institutions are very busy and simply can't (and sometimes won't) spend much quality time with the kids.

In a 2012 blog entry I told a story about baby Mikhail who was very unresponsive and then suddenly perked up when I held his hands. You can read it here: http://blairs-page.blogspot.ca/2012/09/on-my-wayagain.html Believe me there is a LOT to be said about the power of touch and just being with the kids can make a big difference in their lives, whether they're too young to remember it years later or not. A friend of mine once commented on a photo of me holding a baby saying:

     "what you are doing is VERY IMPORTANT for that child (his emphasis). My youngest son spent his first three years in a Ukrainian orphanage and when he became our son, he wanted to be held and held and held. Children need this and they don't get it when there are only two caregivers for 20 children."

Ed Dickson, who was the catalyst and an inspiration for me going on the road, has often said that the most important thing we can give to the children is time. I have heard this echoed by many others in missions.

I can't describe well enough how it is such a great privilege, how humbling it is and how amazing it is to spend time with the children who live in orphanages and invalid homes, or to spend time with the men who will live all of their lives in an institution for the disabled. (A person who is deemed disabled by the system, even for a hair lip, will be denied an education and will live their whole life in a disabled home.) By spending quality time with them I have seen the difference it makes in their lives first hand and I know that this is what I'm supposed to be doing.

Will you please help me to resume "life on the road" this summer to make a difference? I really need a lot of help to do this and I can't do it by myself. Whether it is a donation of some craft supplies to take with me or a monetary donation to cover the many expenses and projects, every dollar is a big help towards making a big difference in someone's life and it is appreciated very much not only by me but also by many other people. If you would like to help out just click the "ways to donate" tab at the top of the page. Thank you so much for your consideration and your support.

Thank you for seeing my heart. Please continue to keep me and Ukraine in your prayers. Till next time...я люблю вас!!




This is baby Mikhail who responded so well to a touch.

Friday 7 March 2014

I'm Still Around :)



It's hard to believe that I've been in Canada over a month already.  For those of you who haven't seen me this is just to let you know that I'm still around.  Where I have been staying is not served very well by public transport and I don't have the use of a car.  I can't drive any ways yet with limited motion in my arm.  So I haven't been able to get around much.

Speaking of my arm, I visited the orthopaedic doctor who advised me that a 3rd surgery will be needed on it.  It's all good though.  The bone is healed and the hardware can now come out.  After that I look forward to having a normal range of motion in my arm.  Now, to wait in line for 2 to 3 months for the surgery.

This past month I have been trying to keep busy by doing some on line things.  You may have noticed that on the right side of the blog is a link called Charitable Foundation Yasmin.  I have been working a bit on the English version of the site.  Charitable Foundation Yasmin was created by Dr. Ziad to help disabled orphans and children from needy families with things like surgery, medical care and rehabilitation.

You may remember from previous blog entries that Dr. Ziad is the doctor who coordinated my surgery in Kyiv in November and arranged with his colleagues to bring my costs way down .  He also does surgeries for kids helped through Loads of Love.  Check out the site for more information about Charitable Foundation Yasmin.

You may also want to check out the new buttons on the right of the blog.  I'm now on Twitter if anyone wants to follow me.  There is also a new button that takes you to an easier to use donation page if you would like to help me to resume life on the road to help make lives happier for those who need to see God's love in action.  You can also send a gift to the address below or an e-transfer to blairslife1@gmail.com.  (Gifts by e-transfer are not tax deductible.)  Please include a note advising how you may want me to use your gift. 

LinK 127
833 Canaan Mountain Road
Kentville, NS
Canada B4N 4K1

Please continue to keep me in your prayers and please continue to pray for Ukraine especially now.  Happy March 8th to my Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan friends and happy birthday Ed Dickson!!  Till next time...я люблю вас!!

Saturday 8 February 2014

Back in Canada...Again



I got back to Canada a week ago.  The travel went very smoothly, except with extremely poor wi-fi service in Zurich and Newark as well as a customs issue in Kyiv.  I guess the Ukraine government is really being picky about things since the revolution got worse.  I hope that things will be settled and that I will be able get back into Ukraine in the summer.

I haven't been able to do a whole lot yet since I've been here as I've been spending quite a bit of time at the medical centre.  My sharp eyed niece spotted something wrong with my arm that had surgery.  For a while there was a concern it might be septic arthritis but it turned out to be a skin infection.  They think a screw worked loose in my elbow causing it.  That would coordinate with me struggling to carry my luggage through airports last week.  I did feel a twinge at one point.  So I've been going for an antibiotic iv everyday and that has led to some appointments with the orthopaedic department to see what the next plan of action is and whether or not I need yet another surgery.   So that threw the job hunting out the window...sigh.  But then it's not like I can get many jobs now any ways with limited use of one arm, a slight limp and not being very computer savvy.  I also have some transportation issues.  Don't get me started on the world's worst public transport system in Halifax (not an exaggeration) or I won't get stopped.

So at this point I don't have a plan of action for myself.  My future seems even more uncertain and I feel like a fish out of water here.  I really want to get back to life on the road and I need a lot of help to do that.  Before I left Krivoy Rog there was a bunch of kids in the orphanages who asked when I'll be coming back.  It kills me not being able to give an answer to those wonderful kids who have had so much of let down in their lives.  To me it also highlights the huge need for good male role models to be involved in their lives.  There are many women but very few men who come to visit regularly or who work in the homes.  I don't say that to diminish the great work of the women.  It's just that kids also need good men in their lives.

But not everything has been gloom and doom in my life lately.  I've been enjoying being with my great nephew and niece and reconnecting with my Canadian friends.  I've also been enjoying tasting maple syrup, fish and chips and A&W.  Now, to keep from getting fat again - oy!

While I'm in Canada I'll be in the Halifax area and I would be happy to come to your church or community group, or to come have coffee with you and your friends to share my experiences of life on the road.  Just drop me a line at blairslife1@gmail.com if you're interested.

If you would like to help me with fundraising ideas so that I can resume life on the road I would greatly appreciate that.  Or, if you feel led to contribute you can send a gift on line to LinK 127 by using the donations link at the right side of this blog or mail a gift to the address below.  You can also send an e-transfer to my email mentioned above.  Donations from Canada are tax deductible (but not those by e-transfer) and every dollar counts to making a difference in those who need to see love in action.  Please remember to specify that your gift is for me and mention how you might want me to use it.  Thank you so much for your consideration.
 LinK 127
833 Canaan Mountain Road
Kentville, NS
Canada B4N 4K1

Please continue to keep me in your prayers and please continue to pray for Ukraine.  Till next time...я люблю вас!!

Saturday 1 February 2014

The Revolution in Kyiv

I arrived on the early morning train in Kyiv and had a few hours to kill before I had to be at the airport.  Since I was only a few metro stops away from Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) I wanted to go check out things with the revolution.  Yes...many Ukrainians are using the revolution word to describe the protests here since people were killed.  

It was still dark when I left the Khreschatyk metro station at 6 AM and I was immediately hit with the smell of the many wood fires from the tent city...as well as a very strong wind in my face at minus 21C.  I was struck at how peaceful and yet how eerie this scene was before me.  It looked exactly like what we saw from the M*A*S*H 4077th on TV, the same kind of tents and everything.  I headed down the street towards the square.  My face and hands quickly got numb and I wanted to get out of the cold for a few minutes but nothing was open yet.  Since it was too dark to get good photos any ways I decided to head back to the train station where there is a 24 hour McDonald's to get a hot coffee and wait for daylight. 

 At McDonald's I met a young man who was also killing time.  He was waiting for his train to the Carpathians for a ski trip.  It turned out that he was from Krivoy Rog and we have a mutual friend, so we got to talking and comparing notes while I waited for the sun to come up.  When it was time to go back to the square he wanted to come along too and off we went. 

This time at the square the wind had now died down but it was still very cold.  It was surreal to walk through this very different world...right in the middle of downtown Kyiv.  I will try to let the photos speak for themselves.

Khreschatyk Street



As it was still early the stage was quiet.  The display on the stage is Orthodox religious pictures.

A sign accusing the Berkut police forces and Yanukovich.

One of the barricades




Since it was very quiet today and despite our friends' warnings we decided to go check out Hrushevskova Street where the worst fighting was and where people were killed.

The Maidan is a different world in downtown Kyiv, but this is yet a different kind of world - just a couple of blocks away.






A view of Ukraine House from Hrushevskova Street

Some of the recovered shrapnel from police weapons.  Former Prime Minister Azarov claimed the police were not using live ammo against the protestors.