You are invited to join the 2010 Summer "Journey of Hope"
02/08/2010
Valerie Karlsson
 The Fatherless Foundation will be bringing a group of Ukrainian orphans to Indiana for a cultural exchange experience this Summer. The children will stay with host families throughout the state of Indiana for 3-4 weeks. The hosting experience is similar to having a foreign exchange student and was designed to allow the children to experience American culture and a much needed break from the orphanage setting. The goal is to inspire and instill hope in these children. It will also let the children know that a family here in the United States cares about them. The host families are encouraged to stay in contact with the child they host once the child returns to Ukraine. For some of these children, this hosting experience will be the first time they have experienced a “normal” family life.
Host families do not have to have any intentions of adopting a child. This hosting program is not an adoption program. Host families play a big role in building awareness of international adoption and the needs of these orphans by introducing their host child to family, friends, coworkers, and their church congregation through normal activities while the child is with the family. The children visiting are older children ages 7 -14 years old who have only a slim chance of ever being adopted in their native country. If the host family decides to pursue an adoption in Ukraine through our hosting partner MLJ Adoptions, Inc., the family may request to adopt the child they have hosted. There is no guarantee that the family will be able to adopt the child hosted because only the government of Ukraine can make an official referral for adoption.
Host families must complete a background check and pay the travel expenses for the child they host. The cost to sponsor a child varies with each trip and will be a tax deductible donation. Families are encouraged to participate in fundraising to offset the cost. Translators and caregivers from the orphanage also travel with the group. The children speak Russian and Ukrainian. Amazingly, there is little problem with communication during a hosting experience. Host families are given language guides and provided with help when needed for communicating. We also provide a list of translators available by phone 24 hours per day to assist host families.
If you are in Indiana or a surrounding state (within 2 hours driving distance) and interested in hosting a child, fundraising, or sponsoring a group in your area, please contact Hosting Coordinator Valerie Karlsson.
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