This is a repost from my friend, Stephanie's blog. If you remember, she adopted Theo and Zhen from Elijah's orphanage last summer. This post is about a young man that remember seeing at the church (founded by American missionaries) we attended in Simferopol while adopting Elijah. The missionaries were a HUGE HUGE blessing to me, especially when I couldn't be home on Christmas. They welcomed Debbie and me into their homes and made us feel like family. I'm forever grateful. The pastor's wife shared with me the same story about Andrei that Stephanie shares below. Absolutely heartbreaking. Please pray for them and please pray about helping this precious family out financially.
Since I'm about a week behind on getting this posted, there is only a week left to help Andrei and the need is great. I know the fee just to apply for visa to come to the US is $140 per person. Often, $280 (or less) is one month's salary for an adult in Ukraine. And no, I'm not kidding...this is a huge financial burden for this family, but I know they would do anything to help their son retain some of his vision. Wouldn't you? The link to donate is below.
In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future
For the lessons of life there is no better teacher
Than the look in the eyes of a child
On occasion you will hear me complaining about Zhen's eyes. Seriously, why couldn't the orphanage arrange to have his cataract removed when he was a baby? Then his vision could have developed normally as he grew. The sad truth is that in Eastern Europe, babies with disabilities just don't get the medical care that they need.
Last Friday, Andrei was having some problems with his eye and so the doctor wanted to take his eye out (!!!) and coat with silicone to help preserve the eye. Well, instead of that (sheesh!) we would like to get Andrei to the United States as quick as possible so that the doctors here can work on him. Marina had an appointment today at the US embassy in Kiev and thankfully, she was able to get the visas they need to leave Ukraine right away.
In a couple of weeks Andrei and his mother will travel to Chicago. A doctor there believes that he can help save his one good eye. A nearby church has agreed to host mother and son for one month while Andrei receives treatment. The good doctor cannot treat Andrei for free, but he will reduce his fee. What a great opportunity!
Since I'm about a week behind on getting this posted, there is only a week left to help Andrei and the need is great. I know the fee just to apply for visa to come to the US is $140 per person. Often, $280 (or less) is one month's salary for an adult in Ukraine. And no, I'm not kidding...this is a huge financial burden for this family, but I know they would do anything to help their son retain some of his vision. Wouldn't you? The link to donate is below.
From Stephanie:
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future
For the lessons of life there is no better teacher
Than the look in the eyes of a child
Then I stop whining. And I'm thankful. For I remember a bright and beautiful boy that I met at church in Ukraine last summer. Meet Andrei...(Jill's note: He has the voice of an angel too!)
About two years ago, Andrei was having some problems with his eyes. His parents took him to an eye specialist in Kiev who recommended laser surgery! Cool huh?
After the laser surgery was performed, the doctor came out to talk to the family and said... "Oops, we made a mistake and your son is now blind in that eye". (Can you even imagine?! The word "malpractice" comes to my mind.) The doctors did not operate on the other eye at the time, (thank God!) but said that it would need surgery in the future.
Over the course of the next two years, Dema and Marina, Andrei's father and mother, home schooled Andrei because the doctor said that a blow to the head or a fall could make him permanently blind. Now, I ask you, is that any way for a young boy to live, in fear of getting bonked on the head or falling down? No rough housing with his little brother? No running?
Now Andrei is now down to 50% vision in his one good eye.
After the laser surgery was performed, the doctor came out to talk to the family and said... "Oops, we made a mistake and your son is now blind in that eye". (Can you even imagine?! The word "malpractice" comes to my mind.) The doctors did not operate on the other eye at the time, (thank God!) but said that it would need surgery in the future.
Over the course of the next two years, Dema and Marina, Andrei's father and mother, home schooled Andrei because the doctor said that a blow to the head or a fall could make him permanently blind. Now, I ask you, is that any way for a young boy to live, in fear of getting bonked on the head or falling down? No rough housing with his little brother? No running?
Now Andrei is now down to 50% vision in his one good eye.
What a nice looking family! Andrei's father leads the singing at church and teaches young adults. His mother is the church pianist. This photo is a couple of years old.
Last Friday, Andrei was having some problems with his eye and so the doctor wanted to take his eye out (!!!) and coat with silicone to help preserve the eye. Well, instead of that (sheesh!) we would like to get Andrei to the United States as quick as possible so that the doctors here can work on him. Marina had an appointment today at the US embassy in Kiev and thankfully, she was able to get the visas they need to leave Ukraine right away.
In a couple of weeks Andrei and his mother will travel to Chicago. A doctor there believes that he can help save his one good eye. A nearby church has agreed to host mother and son for one month while Andrei receives treatment. The good doctor cannot treat Andrei for free, but he will reduce his fee. What a great opportunity!
In keeping with our mission to improve the lives of children in Crimea, Project TLC would like to assist this family with their expenses. We will dedicate contributions received over the next two weeks in order to preserve what is left of Andrei's limited eyesight.
The total projected need is at least $2000, so please share this far and wide, and donate as you are led. Please click HERE to donate.
Or you may send your gifts to:
His Kids Too!
219 – B Delta Ct.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
*note Project TLC on check memo
Or you may send your gifts to:
His Kids Too!
219 – B Delta Ct.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
*note Project TLC on check memo
God bless you!
1 comment:
I may be able to get this done for free, would you like me to check into this??? Just don't want to 'call in a favor', if you have everything arranged already... please let me know, Thanks,
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