One of the joys of working here in Kazakhstan is the Interlink Kids Connection sponsorship program started a couple years ago. It's a typical sponsorship program where an American family back home can connect with one of the children in our area orphanages. Letters and photos are exchanged while relationships are developed. The $200 a year, per child, enables Interlink to help these children in many practical ways. The Savva Orphanage in Merke was in need of a new water tower last year. Such expenses are not a part of normal funding. The government provides staffing, food, clothes and other necessities. There are no funds for large maintenance type of repairs. Interlink was able to provide all the needed funds for that new water tower. Kids Connection also helps out with celebrating B-days and other special holidays for the children. We've , in the past, provided funds for a sound system, material for draperies and performance costumes etc.
The advantage of being a local part of the staff is that I can sponsor a child and also visit that child on a regular basis. Some, join with a delegation coming here and can visit their child. What a special event that is. So Interlink is in the unique position to help these children and also have a net work available for sponsors to come and visit their child. But I can see Dina on a weekly basis, while also exchanging pictures and letters. I'm also learning Kazakh so I can chat with her in person. Included are two photos. One of Dina when I met her in 2004 when she was 8 or 9 years old. The second photo was taken recently and she is now 13. It's a joy to see these children grow and I'm delighted to be a regular part of their lives.
The advantage of being a local part of the staff is that I can sponsor a child and also visit that child on a regular basis. Some, join with a delegation coming here and can visit their child. What a special event that is. So Interlink is in the unique position to help these children and also have a net work available for sponsors to come and visit their child. But I can see Dina on a weekly basis, while also exchanging pictures and letters. I'm also learning Kazakh so I can chat with her in person. Included are two photos. One of Dina when I met her in 2004 when she was 8 or 9 years old. The second photo was taken recently and she is now 13. It's a joy to see these children grow and I'm delighted to be a regular part of their lives.
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