In September we had a small delegation travel to Belarus with a few specific projects and planning in mind.  Over the next couple of weeks I will post a few blogs to bring everyone up to date.

There is a lot of excitement at the Chausy Orphanage as we were able to get started putting some of the proceeds of our successful Gala/Auction Fund Raiser to work!  We have 10 children from difficult family situations sponsored to live and study in the safe and structured environment of the orphanage.  No more uncertainty about when their next meal is coming or fear of going home after school!  This is a great help to these children and we thank those who donated to this wonderful initiative.

Renovations are underway in the cafeteria at the orphanage, a project that has been on the “to do” list for over 4 years!  Here is a first look as the work gets underway:

More of the preparation work looking in the other direction.

and a nice picture showing the progress on the ceramic tile.

This is really going to give the cafeteria a brand new look and feel!

Since Dave Shaw returned to Canada we have received word that the renovations to the children’s bedrooms are now underway as well.  The rooms are getting new doors and locks, along with flooring, paint and wall-paper.  This is so exciting for the children, this reno, along with the new furniture we provided a few years ago, provides them with some of the nicest accommodations in Chausy!  As they move forward with their lives and prepare to go out on their own, it is critical that they see the possibilities and strive to find a path in life that will lead them there.

Eric McKenzie