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Courage Emerges Within The Quiet Places
(Nezyn, Ukraine) -- Crisp winter air hit the visitors' exposed skin as they retreated from the warm car. The surrounding quiet was pleasantly deceitful for curious little heads soon were popping up in the windows of the Nezyn Orphanage for Disabled Children. Excited arms waved greetings to the OBI representatives as they approached the front door.
The Nezyn Orphanage is home to more than 150 children between the ages of 2 and 17 living with birth defects, chronic psychological illnesses and other disabilities. Located two hours outside of Kiev, it has served the Chernigov Region since 1953. Director and licensed psychologist Lorisa Zaya leads a team of dedicated staff in helping to rehabilitate and socially prepare the children for living outside the orphanage when they reach their eighteenth birthday. Able children fill their days with structured programs involving school, crafts and physical therapy. At eighteen, some return to their family and others live out their remaining years at adult Ukrainian orphanages which are typically set up as working farms.
Twelve-year-old Pavel has lived at the orphanage for three years. He doesn't have any parents. Even with severely deformed legs, this courageous young boy strives to be a positive role model among the other orphans. "He tries to show everybody that he is okay," commented Dr. Valentino. "He loves to read and write and got excited when Operation Blessing donated Back-To-School supplies last year."
Other children are not so mobile. Confined to bed due to severe autism, sixteen-year-old Andre happily returned OBI's Kreg Vaughne's smile. "It may have only been a smile in the picture but it was a lock on my heart. This inspirational young man just hands out smiles to all he comes in contact with," shared Kreg.
Before OBI's visit came to a close, each child received a small bag filled with fresh tangerines and new pair of athletic shoes.
Even though Nezyn Orphanage is state funded, there is still a continual need for food, school supplies, blankets, and clothing. Including Nezyn Orphanage, OBI lends a hand of compassion to hundreds of children living in twenty Ukrainian orphanages through its Bless-A-Child, Back-To-School, Holiday of Hope and container shipment programs. The futures of children like Pavel and Andre may seem dim to many, but courageous joy can be felt from even the darkest of corners and quietest of places.
Please help OBI continue to help the world's orphans. They are also our future.
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