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Underprivileged Kids Experience Life-changing Retreat
Kazakhstan -- A slight August breeze made its way through the leaves. Sun rays bounced off the lakeshore of Kapchagay inviting the new campers to jump into its refreshing waters. Eighty-four of Kazakhstan's most poverty-stricken orphans and disabled children enjoyed outdoor activities, ate nutritious meals, received dental care, participated in group classes and made new friends. This was just one of OBI's many Bless-A-Child events going on around the world that partners like you made possible last year.
The first of the two-week camp hosted children living with cerebral palsy and their mothers. Lake Kapchagay welcomed teenage orphans and trustees during the second week. OBI center leader Roman Dudnik lead a group of volunteer counselors and staff from supporting groups such as Emmanuel Mission in making this an experience of a lifetime for the guests. For many children as well as adults this was the first time they had and would ever leave the city or experience a vacation!
“I am so happy God gave my grandchildren and I such a wonderful vacation," expressed a guest named Galina. "I never even dreamed of this. We learned a lot about raising our children. All of it will remain in our memories."
Not initially comfortable with being taken out of her comfort zone," shared Natalya, one of the mothers. "Thank you to your entire team for organizing such an instructive vacation for us. Thanks to all sponsors and all that financed it. Thank God for bringing us to you. When I first saw people who were going to the camp with us, I didn't like most of them, but everything changed when we got to the place. Both children and adults turned out to be very nice. I was ashamed of myself for thinking badly of people I didn’t even know. I see how happy my daughter is now. Thank you for everything!”
Another grateful mother wrote, “Please accept our genuine thanks for helping us raise our children. The courses I’ve gone through in the camp has opened a new horizon for me. "They’ve given me hope for new and deeper relationships. Our vacation at Kapchagay will remain in our memories forever. Thanks to all the team members who took time to make us all happy”.
A psychology counselor named Olga commented after the camp's completion, “This year I worked with the orphans. My job was to help children see what their relationship with their trustees was like, so the teens would be able to see the difference between good and dysfunctional relationships. Dear American brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all you do for the children of Kazakhstan! May God bless you!”
OBI centers around the world are preparing for this year's Bless-A-Child program.
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