Ukrainian orphans receive a new home

Posted: January 3, 2007   By: John Patrick and Rich Santoro

Video: Watch the brothers and sisters walk into their home for the first time.

ROGATYN, Ukraine - At only 14 years old, young Katerina was given an adult-sized responsibility.

After her abusive, alcoholic father murdered their mother and fled the small home the family shared in Rogatyn, Ukraine, Katerina was forced to take over the care of her four younger siblings – two brothers and two sisters.

Without money or any means to support themselves, she could only pray for her family's future.

"I hoped that this bad life showed us what not to do," Katerina said, "and that God would give us something better in the future."

Help soon came in the form of a local orphanage director who noticed the children one night as they walked the street alone. After learning of their dire situation, he admitted the children into his Rogatyn orphanage.

Two years later, when Katerina turned 16, age regulations forced her to leave the orphanage and her siblings behind. Frightened but determined to provide a secure future for the family, she found a job working in a factory.

Saving money however, proved impossible. If she could buy a home, Katerina could register as the children's legal guardian. Combined with a government stipend, her wages would support them all under one roof.

Two years passed before Katerina's dream became a reality.

Then through Operation Blessing's orphan care programs and the help of a local orphanage, OBI partners in Ukraine purchased an old home and renovated it for the family. They also provided basic appliances and furniture to help them live comfortably.

"I can't believe it!" Katerina said, looking out the window of her new home at the backyard where she plans to plant a vegetable garden.

"Me and my sisters and brothers are thankful to you…and to all the people who helped us," Katerina said. "We are very grateful."