Shona traveled to Ukraine twice through New Life Ministries to work at a discipleship camp. She formed strong connections with the orphans and was impacted by their resilience despite difficult circumstances. There are over 100,000 orphans in Ukraine's deteriorating facilities, and most will never be adopted or have opportunities for success. Shona hopes to raise awareness of this issue and reflect on her meaningful experience through this multimedia project.

2. riverofjoy-crimea.org
sochi-travel.info
ka.wikipedia.org

3. That first August morning I woke up exhausted and covered in sweat. It
was the hottest summer in over 100 years in the city of Crimea, Ukraine. My bed was
basically the equivalent to sleeping on the floor in a room half the size of a dorm. I
didn’t mind though that isn’t the reason why I came. I laid in bed for a moment trying
to realize where I was. We had made it. Over a year of planning and praying we had
finally made it to camp. The camp was a discipleship camp where the children travel
from the surrounding countries including Ukraine, Latvia, and Belarus to further their
relationships with God in a fun way. I had no idea how the day was going to go. My
first thought was how am I going to communicate with the kids? I had no idea how to
speak Russian. I got ready the best I could and I walked outside of my room and saw
what appeared to be a gazebo or some type of building. People were sitting
together, drinking tea, and talking. I stood for a second trying to take in everything that
was happening around me, it all seemed so surreal. All of a sudden a girl snuck up
behind me and said "доброе утрo!". I later learned this meant good morning in
Russian. She looked like she was about 12 years old. I looked at her with a look of
confusion and replied with hello hoping I answered correctly. She gave me a huge hug
which surprised me but at that moment I suddenly realized what being here was all
about. These orphans just want someone to show them that they care and spend time
with them. It was time to get on the bus and the girl stayed by my side as we climbed
onto the bus to ride to camp. The bus was extremely old and crowded because it held
all of the orphans that were coming to camp plus the entire team from America. I was
so frightened when riding on the bus. I sat there bouncing all around from the huge
potholes and old cobble stone parts of the road. The ride to camp didn't last very long
and once we arrived I realized you could see the Black Sea from where we were
working. As I walked inside the old stone building, I realized I was surrounded by
about six children wanting to walk with me.

4. As I walked inside for the first time, I thought to myself I want to make a
difference in these kids lives. The Americans sat down as team as the leader of the
discipleship camp, Greg Gulley began speaking in English and a translator, translated his
words into Russian for the children. He welcomed us to the Crimea and after a few
introductions we stood up to sing. I was curious how this was going to go because of the
language barrier. The music began playing and I suddenly recognized the tune. It was the
song Mighty to Save by Hillsong United. A transparency showed the words to the song in
Russian and in English. As the song began I realized that the words were in Russian
however I could still sing along in English. The sound of the orphans singing in Russian
and the Americans singing in English simultaneously was a once in a lifetime experience. I
stood awestruck. I thought it was so incredible to see how connected everyone in the world
really is. No matter where you are in the world, God is still the same God. After our first
lesson, I saw someone running up to me. It was the girl I met this morning. I asked her
what her name was not thinking she could not understand. I pointed to myself and said
“My name is Shona.” She grabbed my hand and said “Tanya.” I thought to myself, I hope I
will be able to form a friendship with her over this next week. I can not wait to see how the
week goes. I am nervous because later today we will be traveling to an orphanage an hour
away to lead a VBS with the children who live there. All of this is so new to me but I can
not forget the reason why we came all this way. To spend time with these children who
have nothing; playing games, laughing, teaching, and learning.

6. Dear Diary,
It is my fourth day working at the discipleship camp here in Ukraine. It has been an amazing experience so far being able
to play with the kids and spend so much time with them. I have met a lot of people and I am forming close bonds with a few of the
orphans including Tanya. She loves to play a lot of hand clap games which is perfect because of the language barrier. I am learning a
few words in Russian and trying to communicate with the kids however I think they secretly make fun of my southern accent. By this
point in the week, I AM STARVING! We eat with the kids here at camp but Ukrainian food has not been the best so far. I have ate bread
for every meal but I will keep praying and I will make it through. On the bus today, one of the older girls began sharing stories about her
sister and her parents with me. My heart broke for her when she told me both of her parents had passed away. As I sat looking at this girl
who is a few years younger than me I could not imagine the pain and suffering she must be dealing with. I wish I could have comforted
her more and I wanted to be able to do something for her. What I have learned this week is that Ukrainian orphanages are nothing like
the ones in America that I have visited. These children literally have nothing. All of there belongings could fit into one single Wal-Mart
bag. It makes me realize how blessed I really am and what all I have back home. Even though they have nothing, they still try to give
me presents and things that they do have. Such as plastic rings and bracelets. I feel bad taking them because I know they do not have
much however, I realize what an honor it is for them to offer these things to me. On the bright side, camp has been going very well! I
thought I was coming to Ukraine to help teach at the discipleship camp and make an impact in these kids lives however it has had the
reverse effect. I have fallen in love with this place and the people. They are the ones who have ended up teaching me. I have learned so
much from being here and I hope to come back. We have been traveling every day about an hour away to lead a VBS at an orphanage.
The first time I walked into this orphanage I instantly felt the desire to help these kids. I will never forget the run down look of the
decaying building. I could not believe with these conditions that people… children would be allowed to live here. The children were
very excited to make crafts and we tried to bring things for them to create that will be useful for them. Such as t-shirts, towels, and hats
for them to decorate. They mainly like just spending time with us and having someone to play with. These kids only want someone to
show them attention and care for them. I hope for the remainder of my time here I can make that type of impact in their lives. I hope this
week last forever because I do not ever want to leave.
Love,
Shona

8. Dear Tanya,
I can not believe it has been over two years since I last visited Ukraine.
There is not a week that goes by that you and the other’s from camp don’t cross my
mind. I can not believe that you are fifteen years old! I am almost done with college and
am going to become a teacher. Hopefully a kindergarten teacher once I graduate. I really
enjoy school and have been doing a lot of traveling lately. How do you like to spend
your free time? I hope you have been doing well and are succeeding in school. You have
so much potential and I know you will do great in college. How are you are enjoying
school? What do you want to be when you graduate? I hope that you do choose to attend
college because it will help you attain a bright future and a better life. I hope you are
enjoying this time with your friends. I wish I would have been given the honor to attend
camp for the past two years. I miss it so much. We had an incredible time
worshiping, playing games, doing our hair and nails, hanging out, and taking pictures. I
also miss the days we spent at the Black Sea, it was so exciting swimming with
everyone. That last summer I was there it was necessary because of the over 100 degree
temperatures out. Hopefully the past two summers have not been as miserable out so you
could spend your time enjoying every day with your friends. You are a very wonderful
girl and I know that the Lord will use you in a mighty way if you let him. You have a
good head on your shoulders and are very smart. Know that no matter where you are in
your life, there will always be someone there who cares about you. You can always rely
on God to give you strength and help you through any situation you may encounter. I
know that you have not had the best circumstances in your life for the past few years.
Always remember that God has plan and he will always take care of you. I pray for you
often and I hope that you are continuing to strengthen your walk with God. Please let me
know if you ever need anything. I know it is not easy for us to keep in touch but I will
always be here for you if you need me. With this letter, I have also sent a few outfits for
you. I hope that you like them! I hope you like the pictures I have sent with the letter!
They are from 2009 and 2010, which feels like such a long time ago! I miss you and I
hope to hear from you soon!
Love Always,
Shona

9. Original written in Ukrainian English Translation

12. Ukraine is home to over 100,000 orphans and most of these orphans were abandoned due to
alcoholism, abusive families, violence, or parental drug use. “Since the fall of communism poverty, alcoholism,
and drug abuse have lead to a 250% increase in the number of orphans” (heartoforphans). When these orphans
graduate from the state system most of them turn to prostitution, drug use, crime, and 15% commit suicide. They
have been set up for failure living in these state institutions. Greg Gulley, the CEO of New Life Ministries
which is based out of Raleigh North Carolina has set up a program called “Fresh Start”. It is set up to help these
orphans once they are kicked out of the system with no where to go. However, this program only reaches a few
orphans each year. Less than 5% of orphans in these orphanages will be adopted before they turn five years old.
After their fifth birthday there is virtually no hope for these children to be adopted. “610 Ukrainian orphans were
adopted by American families in 2009, and 450 Ukrainian orphans were adopted by American families in 2010.”
(New Life Ministries). However, this still leaves 99.5% of orphans in Ukraine who have yet to be adopted. The
cost to adopt an orphan from Ukraine is very high. It will cost American families over 35,000 dollars to adopt a
child from Ukraine. New Life Ministries has helped these children get adopted by setting up a hosting program
where 15-20 orphans are brought to the United States. These children live with families for four to six weeks
with the possibility that they can be adopted. There is a small amount of hope for these children. However, the
reality is that many of the orphans who do not have this opportunity will never be adopted. It is a vicious cycle
of abandonment and loss through out these children’s lives and many of them will never have a family.
Gulley, Greg. "Welcome to New Life Ministries, Inc." Welcome to New Life Ministries, Inc.
New Life MInistries, n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://www.nlminfo.org/index.php>.
"The Problem." Heart for Orphans. Heart for Orphans, n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2012.
<http://heartfororphans.com/index.php>.

15. With numbers of Ukrainian orphans increasing every day it is more important now than ever to take
action. There are over a 100,000 orphans in Ukraine today and most of these children will never be adopted.
These children are set up for failure living in these state institutions and 15% will commit suicide after they are
released from the orphanages. These children end their lives between 16 and 18 years old because they feel
hopeless and literally have no resources. This is when their lives should just be beginning. With your help you
can give one of these orphans the life they deserve. It is vital that families begin adopting Ukrainian children
because of the rising number of drugs, alcoholism, and abandonment that is occurring in their every day lives.
Many organizations work hard to help give these children hope and support but it is simply not enough. Living
conditions in these orphanages are unbearable and many children choose to run away because they feel that the
streets would be a safer place for them to live. I have personally visited orphanages in America as well as
Ukraine. The American orphanages I have visited were state-of-the art, new facilities, with comfortable living
spaces, healthy food, and other vital qualities you would expect. Teenagers who live at these orphanages have
jobs, cars, friends, and lives. Many can choose to go to college to begin living life with a bright future. The
orphanages I have visited in Ukraine are decaying buildings, with little to no care takers, many have no restroom
facilities, the children have very little clothing, and no resources for success. Everything these children have fits
into a single Wal-Mart sized bag. The facilities are not very well managed and the children often do without.
Choosing a Ukrainian adoption will not only bring joy and hope to your own family but you will change the life
of a child who is in desperate need. Even if you do not choose the path of adoption for your family many things
can be done to help these children. Giving clothes, supporting their education, visiting them, sponsoring them
for camps and programs, etc. In my own experience, these children do not need much. However, it is imperative
that they receive love, attention, support, and hope.
http://www.nlminfo.org/index.php New Life Ministries

20. My name is Shona Gilmer and this is my fourth year at UNCC. I am
an aspiring kindergarten teacher. I love to read, travel, and be with my friends and
family. I choose my mission trip to Ukraine for my multigenre project because I
am very passionate about this topic. I have been to Ukraine twice. Once in August
of 2009 and the other a year later in 2010. I went to Ukraine to work at a
discipleship camp through the organization New Life Ministries which is based
out of Raleigh, North Carolina. I fell in love with the children and people there
and it was an amazing experience. It was so easy to form bonds and connections
with the orphans at the camp. I got to see the same children a year later at camp
and reconnect these friendships. I also was able to see how much they have grown
in their faith. I still think about these kids often because we became so close
during the time I was able to spend with them. I hope that one day I will have the
privilege of traveling back to Ukraine to visit these orphans again. I also chose
this topic because I feel that it is important that people are aware of the growing
numbers of orphans all over the world. It was a very humbling experience for me
to be with these children. Most of them have lost their families, been
abandoned, and have very minimal necessities however they are some of the
happiest people I know. My intended audience for this project is myself. I hope to
reflect on both times that I traveled there and the relationships that I formed
through this incredible experience.