Although I have returned from Belarus, I have been getting some updates and pictures sent to me by Jon Schuler and Natasha Gurinavich, so I will try to play a little catch-up.

Once again all of the new children at the orphanage were presented with their very own quilt, hand-made with love by a group of quilters in Brockville.  These quilts are very special and it is something that the children can say is their very own and they will hold onto them forever.

Last year Dan McKenzie delivered a unicycle to the orphanage and of course none of the Continue reading →

We are now waiting for approval to deliver the packages which we cannot do until Customs releases them.  We are hoping for Wednesday.   In the meantime most of the Canadian delegates are heading home so we have rebooked a few,  who are able,  to stay a little longer.   Eight of us flew out very early this morning and are now traveling home,  but I will post the final updates next week when I have pictures and stories from the remaining Canadians.

Last  night before we left,  our musicians met with the children one last time in the music room.  Oleg,  the orphanage director, came in to say goodbye and thank them for all they have done. He said the children were so excited  about music now and that this program would definitely be the highlight of their entire school year!  He also mentioned that several of the children who were prepared to leave school and the orphanage  at the end of this year ( after grade 9)  have now changed their minds and will now stay and complete school through grade 11!   What an incredible moment  for all of us but especially for Chad  and David.   This is our hope with every program and initiative that we put in place,  to have a long term impact and change the direction of these young lives.   Here are David,  Chad and Chris with most of the music students.

We are so excited for the children and this program, but also for Chad and David, it’s not everyday that you get to go home with the clear knowledge that you have changed someone’s life!

Eric McKenzie

Now that all of the containers are unloaded we were able to spend part of the day sorting the boxes by delivery region and family.  Fortunately we have lots of help and the task is completed fairly quickly.  unfortunately we are still waiting for permission to start delivering the boxes!

Today ended with another presentation and concert at the orphanage, and what a great evening we had!  The Canadians were Continue reading →