Tonight, Katya Celenina, CHC's National Director in Russia told me the story of two girls, two choices, and two roads. It's unfortunately a very familiar story.
Lida and Sasha were graduates of the same orphanage in Russia. As they left the safety of the orphanage for life out in the world--they were offered the same opportunities from Chidlren's HopeChest, but each chose a different path.
Sasha chose to accept a placement at a Children's HopeChest Family Center. These small group homes are staffed 24/7 by CHC-trained foster parents. The goal is to help model family to the residents, slow down their transition to adulthood, build up their independent living skills, and help them attain the highest education possible before releasing them into mainstream Russian society.
This model is so effective because it grabs kids at their point of crisis, and helps them take deliberate steps toward adulthood.
At the Family Center, Sasha received love and encouragement. She finished her degree. Today, she works as a teacher in Russia. She's a successful and happily married young woman. A success story on every level for CHC.
Lida chose to go her own route. As the story goes, Lida found herself trapped in a web of bad relationships and decisions that she couldn't get herself out of. Caught and struggling, Lida became a prostitute, working the long stretch of road between Moscow and Vladimir. That road ended Lida's life when she was found dead on the side of the road.
I've driven that road more times than I can count. And today I got another reminder of how CHC's work is about LIFE and DEATH for our kids. Literally. We're not just doing a "good deed." This story shook me up tonight. And I'm praying again for the Lida's and Sasha's of Russia--many of whom you know and pray for on a daily basis.
