Ukrianian Orphans Look For Central Pa Homes

After having five kids of their own, a Blair County couple decided to welcome a Ukrainian orphan  into their home. Now, they're encouraging  other area families to open their hearts to 20 more children from that country. The kids, ranging in age from 7 to 14 years will head to our region this August, hoping to find new parents.
 
Lori and Russ Walk of Tyrone adopted ten-year-old Anastasiya in May.  The little girl, who’ll be eleven this month, speaks only Russian but fits in well with the large extended Walk family.

Her new father said, "we just love her to death.  The whole family loves her to death. She’s been a great addition."

While exploring adoption online, Lori connected with Advocates For Orphans .
The  Christian program  brings Ukrainian orphans  into the United States where they're hosted by  families who want to adopt.

The Walks traveled to the Ukraine to meet Anastasiya after the swine flu epidemic led the  orphanage to suspend trips to the United States.

Lori remembers the first meeting like this,  “we started crying.  My husband and I were both crying because we were both filled with joy to be able to meet her and see how precious she was.”

And their trip to the Ukrainian orphange made a strong impression on them.  Ross said, “when we was in the Ukraine we truly understood what the land of milk and honey was here at home.  When we left our heart was broke.  Anything we can do now to help these children.”

That includes inviting 20 Ukrainian children to  their Quest Haven Lodge, an outdoor adventure camp  for their youth ministry. After five days having fun at the camp and meeting their host families, the children will go home with them for about a week.

For more information on becoming part of the hosting program, go here.  You can also get more information at Lori's blog.