Orphanage receives toys and hope...

In July 2007, I had a chance to help a friend-  On this particular occasion I was studying Russian at Moscow state university (Moscow, Russian Federation) and a friend's son (who with his two brothers, was adopted from a Russian Orphanage about two hours drive of Moscow) wanted to try and find his birth-mother after ten years. So I offered to help any way that I could.

Little did I know that this would be the catalyst to start the Challenge2Society Site.

We eventually found the same cab driver (who would have thought possible) that took the father to this orphanage ten years ago;  And we eventually made it to the orphanage. (I will eventually figure out how to upload the short video of the area).

Suffice it to say, that visiting this orphanage was the catalyst I need to restart in me my desire to help people again (see the how we started article for additional background). We later learned that these three brothers (and their sister, of whom they have not seen since they were adopted 10 years ago) were the only children ever adopted from this orphanage.  I realize that life is based on perspectives,- these kids live not owning anything, not even their clothes (the orphanage owns them) and just want to be loved- it was amazing to see them huddled around us, all speaking Russian (which unfortunately of my group, I spoke  after 4 months studying- as good as the son for not studying it for 10 yrs), and I was barely able to communicate with these kids.. but they just wanted to be around us an wanted to play/ get to know us, the adults were among the same who were working there 10+ years ago and remember this family.

We spent the rest of the day, putting together the two bikes, that these 100+ children will share, along with the soccer balls, and volleyballs which were also purchased.

Unfortunately we were not able to find a volleyball net, so we in fact made on from string. With many of the kids helping.  And while it felt nice to spend the day with them , I can help but be saddened by the fact that  from my perspective- unless I take action- these children will in all likely hood, see a dentist- rarely if at all, and when these toys break- will not have any replacements.  So we were fortunate to help bring smiles (and hope) to these children, and hopefully, with the help of people reading this.. we will continue to impact their lives. So, if anyone wants to help with this specifically.. please email me.