Ust-Kamenogorsk Window Restoration Project

Two Hearts For  Hope is going to Ust Kamenogorsk Kazakhstan to take on it's biggest challenge yet: the replacement of  135 decrepit windows in the Ust Baby House.  It is a huge project that will undoubtedly result in a real and tangible improvement in the quality of life for the babies and toddlers who live here.  You can read about the project here.

But I want to add a little of our own story...because this is not just a nameless far away place without meaning to us.

Nina is from Ust.

She lived in this baby house for 16 miserable months.

She was hungry.

She was sad.

And she was cold.

And it's really, REALLY cold in Ust Kamenogorsk.  When we were there temps dropped to 25 below zero (f). For days.  Weeks, even. This was typical.

For a month we visited Nina.  Confined to a small coat room. A large window clouded by age and grime, the only thing saving us from claustrophobia.

We rocked.

And cuddled.

And looked out the window.

Nina's only view of the world outside of the orphanage.

At some point in our trip plastic was taped to the window frame: an attempt to keep out the frigid winds. Eventually blankets were hung to insulate further. 

I am quite certain I was the first to ever pick Nina up and show her the view from that third floor window.  Before the plastic and blankets we spent a great deal of time holding her there: showing her the snow and trees and birds.  She went from glazed over and lifeless to giggles and amazement at that window. We literally bonded this way. 

So this project holds great meaning and importance for us.  Not just as a concrete way to make life just a little better for the children still there but as a tribute to my amazing, beautiful and resilient daughter.

Who survived this place.

This is OUR window!

And we are hereby pledging to replace it.

For Nina.

And for the children just like her.

Still there.

Still cold.

I am asking a special favor of all the Ust parents out there. 

PLEASE Pledge today to replace one window the baby house.

Because I know it means as much to you as it does to me. 

The Ust Baby House shelters nearly 100 newborn to 4 year old children.



Mommy and Nina in our usual spot.  We were often scolded by the staff because they thought she would get sick by being so close to the drafty window.



Nina's view to the outside world.  Notice the peeling paint and decaying edges of the window.



This is OUR window. 

you can also help by getting the word out...  feel free to share this post by email or by posting it to your facebook profile or linking to your blog.

Read more...

Going Back to Kazakhstan

I couldn't say anything sooner because it would have ruined the surprise for Kiefer (it was his birthday gift from us) but Kiefer and I will be returning to Kazakstan this fall with Two Hearts for Hope a wonderful non-profit organization that is doing amazing things for the orphans in Kazakhstan.  As part of "2 Hearts 2 Kaz Team 2011" we will travel to Taraz, Kazakhstan to build and replace 100 beds in the Ulan Children’s Home. At a time when Kazakhstan adoption is at a virtual standstill the need is more great than ever!

You might recall that in September I "ran" my first 5k race and in doing so helped raise money to purchase the beds for this particular project.  Back then I wasn't thinking I would actually travel to Kazakhstan to install the beds, much less that I would be able to share the experience with my dear son, but I am thrilled it has worked out this way. When I started talking to my family about possibly going on the mission trip Kiefer immediately asked if he could join me. (Can I just say, I love that this kid is searching for a way to have meaning in his life.)  His interest cinched it for me.

Kiefer and I are tentatively scheduled to leave on or about September 22, 2011 for the 11 day trip to Taraz. Please keep us and the project in your thoughts and prayers.

If you are unfamiliar with Two Hearts for Hope I encourage you to check out their website. 

Two Hearts for Hope Mission Statement:

           Proverbs 31:8 says "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."

We believe God has called everyone to take care of the orphans. Our mission is to provide hope to the orphans of Kazakhstan through the donations we collect and the projects we organize. We believe by showing God's love, we are able to foster emotional and spiritual growth in these children. We believe that through our actions we exhibit the truth of the Gospel of Jesus. With God's guidance, our hope is to provide a better understanding of the plight of the orphans in Kazakhstan while providing the basic necessities these children lack.

We believe:

- It is the responsibility of all God's children to take care of the orphans.

- We are best able to provide for orphans.

- Every orphan deserves something of their own.

- Hope is a very powerful thing and with it, we can change lives

Read more...

Two Hearts For Hope 5K

I ran my very first 5k race today. I trained for about 6 weeks to be able to run the 3.1 mile race and though it doesn't sound like much, it was a lot for me:) Of course it wasn't quite how I imagined it since I ran pushing a double stroller that weighed 83 pounds with the girls and their assorted electronics!  So I didn't break any land speed records but I did run the whole way and I finished and best of all I got to do it with some really wonderful friends.  Actually the toughest part of the run was keeping the girls entertained.  They would much rather be running beside me than be pushed in a stroller (come to think of it they would probably be faster than me too).

The 5k benefited Two Hearts For Hope and I was happy to have been able to raise $800 (thanks again everyone) for the cause. All together more than $10,000 was raised. The donations are being used to buy new beds for an orphanage in Taraz, Kazakhstan.  I am praying that I will be able to join the Two Hearts mission trip next fall when the beds will be delivered.  It would be amazing to see the end results of this weekend's hard work (and running/walking).

Ready. Set. Go!  UP HILL!!!

Crossing the finish line with my awesome (slightly cold) Team Printy!

Kaz Mama's Angela, Stacy, Regina and me

Accepting our prize for first place stroller finish ...they made that up for us:-)

Read more...

5K...5Kids...$5bucks!

I have been running for weeks now trying to get ready for my first ever 5k. I will be running (quit laughing) the "Walk for Kaz" 5K on September 25th in Indianapolis. I followed the couch25k running program and I am finally at the point that I can indeed run 5 kilometers without stopping to walk, gasping for air, cramping or throwing up!  I am not going to break any land speed records but I do feel like I'm ready!

Of course it's never that easy....just this week I decided to take both of the girls with me to the event (Dart and the boys will be staying at home).   I had been planning a different sort of  "girl's weekend" but after our last minute getaway  to the Bahamas I just didn't want to be away from my girls another weekend.  And, as if the 5 hours drive with two demanding diva's isn't enough to make you sweat, I now have just 10 days to work up the strength to run while pushing a 23 pound jogging stroller filled with almost 60 pounds of double trouble.  Honestly I'm hoping that the adrenaline will kick in and I wont even notice my extra load...bring on the runner's high!

The bigger hurdle is the need to raise a few dollars for Two Hearts for Hope the beneficiary of the event.  I am hoping to raise $500 dollars.  Actually,  I am hoping I can get 100 friends to donate $5 each. Somehow that seems fitting; 5K...5 Kids...$5 bucks!

So I am asking YOU dear reader to please make a $5 donation to sponsor my run.  You can donate by going to Pay Pal and making a personal gift payment to my email address loriprinty@gmail.com.  Thank you everyone who can help out and please be sure to leave a comment too...all support is welcome!

Read more...