Almost one year of war...

At this time last year, I was making plans to have the boys, N and Y, and their sister, S, come for Summer 2022. We had so many hopes. There were quiet talks of Russia invading Ukraine. But we were hopeful and pushed forward. I paid for S's passport, as she did not have one yet. I, along with so many others, were trying to give hope to these kids, while at the same time, some knew, some had this fear that our worlds would shatter. 

These three kids, ones that I hold in my heart, I had hopes to bring them home. Hunter and Hudson have so many wonderful memories of these kids. While here, I saw hope and light and a spirit in their eyes. When I see them now, that light is gone. N will be aging out of the system in just over one year. S is turning just 8 years old tomorrow. She has been there in the orphanage since she was 3. And Y, the sweet boy with a heart of gold, is growing up faster than he should have to. 

They have an older brother, who I have regularly spoken with as well. He has aged out of the system; however, he is still receiving some assistance as he is attending the university. But, he also has some serious heart problems. I try to help, but there is only so much I can do. I feel a bit empty with all of this. 

I have met so many wonderful people because these kids were brought into my life. G is a wonderful woman who helps me with the kids. I am beyond grateful for her. Her strength, love and dedication for orphans is extraordinary, even if it takes its toll on her own health. She said something to me the other day when I asked how she was. She said, "I am a living corpse". This is how so many in Ukraine feel. They are living without the basic necessities, fighting a war that they did not ask for and fighting to maintain their own land, beliefs, culture and history. According to Reuters (as of today, 2/4/23), over 43,000 people have died, 15,000 are missing, approximately 14 million are displaced and over $350 Billion in damage (https://www.reuters.com/) 

If you do not know much about this war, please take the time to learn. Here are some pictures about the first 6 months of war in Ukraine: https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/in-pictures-six-months-of-war-in-ukraine-idUSRTSAMF3L People may wonder why this is such a big deal; however, it is important to remember, Russia invaded Ukraine. There is about 50 miles between mainland Russia and mainland US (Alaska). While it is not likely, Russia could invade the US. Russia made the decision to attack and invade a sovereign nation. Russia made the decision to attack public areas where citizens are. They are killing innocent people. 

At the fall of the USSR, Ukraine gave up their nuclear weapons upon entering an agreement with the US, UK and Russia (Budapest Memorandum). Take note how it does not say treaty. Which may have lead to where we are today with Ukraine and Russia. 

Wherever this goes, one thing is certain. So many orphans are missing out on opportunities for homes and families. My heart aches. I still have the money that I raised to bring my kids home. I can't and won't spend it. It is there to bring them home. However, with each passing day, hope decreases and sadness increases. 

One year ago....

Just over one year ago our lives changed. I was sitting on Facebook, scrolling through different posts. I saw a post made by a friend, Kathy. She posted about hosting a Ukrainian orphan. I am not sure why but it really caught my eye. So, of course, I decided to follow up on it. But... the deadline to apply was just days away. I didn't think that anything would come of it. But, by God's grace, and a number of people helping, as well as a large donation by another family, I was matched with two young boys. Little did I know how those kids would change our lives. 

As I think back on this time, it really was an amazing time. So much joy, laughter and love. So much hope. Although my desire and goal was (and still is) to adopt them, everything was put on hold in February 2022. However, because of this one experience, I have had so many more opportunities to be blessed and be a blessing to others. 

In May I traveled to Poland with the organization Force 4 Hope. What an amazing experience and organization. Their goal is to bring mission trips directly to you and wow, do they ever! Best experiences and I encourage everyone to look into this organization.

Through these experiences, I was also exposed to the Unite 4 Ukrainian program. I have sponsored multiple people. And of the ones that I have sponsored, five will be in our home. The first three arrived just under four weeks ago. And they are spreading their wings and trying to set some roots. And although they are leaving, this is not Good bye, but See you soon! 💓

Brown and White Photocentric Love Slideshow by Teresa McCann

These last few weeks...

These last few weeks have been pretty busy. I am gratefully speaking with my kids in Ukraine; however, things are very dire. There have been numerous attacks throughout Ukraine.
If someone is not familiar with the above pictures, the one on the left is the entire country of Ukraine. It is shaded in orange because that means the entire country is under a missile warning. People need to be prepared to take shelter at any moment. There are air raid sirens constantly. The post on the right was sent to Ukrainians. Here is what it says:

Residents of Lviv Oblast! Now it depends on each and every one of you whether we will be able to avoid power outages. Please reduce your electricity consumption:  just now inspect your home and turn off everything you don't use;  entrepreneurs are asked to limit the use of outdoor advertising and lighting, especially during the peak hours of electricity consumption - from 08:00 to 11:00 and from 17:00 to 23:00, as well as during the curfew - from 00:00 to 05:00 ;  please consider industrial enterprisesthe possibility of switching to work at night;  turn on the most energy-consuming appliances from 00:00 to 05:00. Let me remind you that the most energy-consuming are: electric heater, boiler, electric stove, microwave oven, washing machine, electric oven, electric kettle, coffee maker, iron, dishwasher, air conditioner, chargers, vacuum cleaner, computer, TV. Since October 10, the enemy has hit Ukraine's power system more than during all the previous months of the full-scale war. Ourand energy workers are doing everything possible to ensure that we all have electricity. And they succeed. But these restrictions are necessary for our energy system to survive. It depends on you. Let's resist!

They are expecting to lose water and power. They are going into winter. People are dying not only because of the direct war and fighting, but because they have no access to the basic necessities to live. This is not ending any time soon.

On some other notes, my kiddos were able to return to their orphanage. In the past, they could not because their shelter was basically not up to code. The government would not allow them to return. However, with the help of many they were able to return. My kiddo, Y, has told me how happy he is to be back to a familiar space. 

And lastly, over the last few weeks, I continue doing everything I can to help those who need it in Ukraine. Through the U4U (United for Ukraine program), I have sponsored almost a dozen people. Some have contacts here in the US and are going straight to them. They do not need any additional help. Others, I am helping by providing a safe space, with food and a way to start fresh. I have been so very blessed, and I want to help and bless others. So, our home is open. We have more people with us. Are things a bit stretched? A little. But, just as hosting our Ukrainian kiddos last year changed us, this, too, is changing us. My children are learning the importance of doing without for just a little bit, to help others. They are learning about other cultures and languages. At any given point throughout the day, they hear Spanish, Ukrainian and English. They are trying different foods. The mission trips that so many talk about are here, in my home, and I am so grateful. 

So many exciting things happening!

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It has been almost two months since I have written. I wasn't sure what to write or where to start. I had asked a friend to create something for me. I wanted something that represented both my kids in the US and my kids in Ukraine. The left side is the American flag with my boys' names. The right side is the Ukrainian flag with my four kids' names in Ukrainian, a blending of our family. I have not yet figured out what to do with this beautiful picture. But I will figure it out. 

The last two months have been very busy. I have reconnected with the kids in Ukraine. I speak to at least one of them daily. I also have a direct connection to the oldest child. And I learned why the children are in the system. So many emotions. I also have been able to get the children gifts. They have not yet received them but they will soon! I am excited to see how they respond!

Although I currently cannot bring the kids here, I have been able to help in many other ways with the people of Ukraine! Plans are still in development but stay tuned for my next crazy idea! 

Emptiness... Compassion fatigue is real

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School has started. Kids are getting back into the swing of school, schoolwork and their activities. I know we are. My two oldest are both in soccer! This may be the last season for Hunter but he does have other activities that he is interested in. Hudson is really getting into it and it has been fun watching him practice this season so far! Last season was REALLY hard to watch LOL We have food, each other, friends, family, a home. We are blessed.

But we are missing some very important pieces to our family puzzle. And all four of them are halfway across the world in a very scary area right now. And while the situation tends to be front and center on the news, it is getting harder and harder to help. Currently, I have done and continue to do what I can to help my kiddos, but because of Martial Law (which has been extended through November), R, N, Y and S cannot come here. I still can't adopt. But we talk. And I get to see their faces on occasion. 

So how else can I help? Through the United 4 Ukraine program that is being offered by the US. People apply to "sponsor" people to come here for two years from Ukraine. This program has helped thousands of people flee their homeland to come safely to the US. Some want to stay but many want to return to Ukraine when it is safe to do so. So, what does all this mean? I have been working with this individual who does an excellent job explaining this process. 

And what does it mean to "Sponsor" an individual, family or group? Check it out!

Please do not let compassion fatigue set in. It is affecting our abilities to help these amazing people. Russia continues to invade a country that did nothing to provoke them. And this has been going on well before Feb 2022. 

So many emotions... Joy, fear, sadness, love and fixing their BOMB shelter

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These last few weeks have been very busy with work, school, activities, events and my fundraiser. My kiddos' orphanage's shelter needs to be repaired before they can return. However, the Ukrainian government will not help with the repairs and so people are fundraising to help cover the costs. My kids have been refugees in their own country for the last 4-5 months, moving from one location to another. They have been able to stay at the locations for a short period of time, but they are still having to move. They so want to return to their orphanage and return to some sense of normalcy. I get it. But this is what needs to be repaired:

Can you believe it? This looks like an old dungeon. But this is their bomb shelter. That is the first time I have said it. Bomb shelter. If you look at all of my posts, I have referred to repairing their "shelter". I can't imagine that I am helping children halfway around the world repair their bomb shelter so that they can return to it. My kids here in the US do have scary things to worry about (someone just posted in our neighborhood app that a creepy guy was following kids in another neighborhood in our area), but not surviving bombs. I was talking to Y yesterday and all of the sudden, he had to go. This is the message he sent me. 

They had an air alarm. He is 12 years old. His sister is 7. His older brothers are 14 and 17. These kids have been through so much. And all we want is for them to be with us. A few days ago I had the pleasure of "meeting" and talking with N and Y's older brother, R. He is considered an aged out orphan. Fortunately, the director has allowed him to stay so that he is not separated from his younger siblings. We had a wonderful conversation. He does such a great job looking out and taking care of N, Y and S. They have told me that they love me. They have told me that they want me to be their mom. I hope and pray that this will happen. 

The fundraisers that are currently happening to help raise funds for my kiddos:

My Pampered Chef fundraiser (ends Aug 12) - pamperedchef.com/go/teresamccann0804 Thank you for your support! 

Another family's Pampered Chef fundraiser (ends Aug 14) - https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/angelaoverholt0808

Another family's T-shirt fundraiser - https://www.catholictshirtclub.com/collections?fbclid=IwAR2uBESm3XxWFRXgDkPoXbYwlfksY1_QskFIweci1Ev3AmsqsYo-8XKz1e8

Joyous day!

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Two days ago I was given a wonderful gift and I spoke with and saw N and Y! Unfortunately, back in February I lost direct contact with them and have heard how they are doing through other families who have hosted children from the same orphanage. But, on Thursday, I reconnected with them through a friend! 

We have all missed them so much. Hunter gets through it by watching videos of himself with them from this past winter break. Hudson gets through it by regularly talking about them. They both ask when N and Y will return. I wish I could give them an answer. However, the phone calls and messages over the last few days have been about as best I can do at the moment given the circumstances. 

Even after all this time, I think they miss us just as much as we miss them. Y always was more open with me with his feelings and that has not changed. N keeps his feelings tight to his chest (completely understandable), but even now, with the messages, he shows what he feels comfortable and that is the best gift I could ask for!

I want to thank you all again for following our journey. I am not giving up hope that they will all return someday. In the meantime, many Ukrainians who fled are making their way back home. For N and Y and all the other kids, they cannot return home until their shelter has been fixed as it is not deemed safe and they need a safe place to go should the shelling and bombing come their way (it is my understanding that the shelter is old, not been damaged by the war). So, please be aware, I may be reaching out again. The orphanage needs $5,000 USD to repair it. There are a few families with host children in this orphanage and so we will all be working together to raise the money. While I want them here with me, they're determined to go home (and I cannot blame them as they have been moving from place to place for months) and I want to be sure they are safe. If you would like to donate, here are my accounts:

Venmo: @teresa-mccann-6

PayPal: teresamccann6

Here are some photos of the shelter at the orphanage that we look to repair: