Journey of Hope 2005 Photo Album

The children leave their Russian orphanages and travel together for nearly two days before finally landing at the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport. When they arrive, they are travel-weary, nervous, a little curious, and ready to begin their experience. Each child is introduced to his/her host family through an interpretor.

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Arriving in the United States...

The Russian children (wearing blue shirts) are guided through the Mpls-St Paul International Airport corridors to a non-secured area where the host families wait. They have just completed a very long trip consisting of a 4-hour bus ride, 24-hour train ride, an overnight stay in Moscow, and finally, jet travel from Moscow to Minneapolis. A large crowd awaits the new arrivals. The children almost seem stunned by the attention and crowd awaiting them. Agency personnel introduce children to their host families in a friendly and orderly manner. It is late, so shortly thereafter, families are heading home to sleep before the new day begins the children's American adventure.

Every day is special for the orphans with their Amercian hosts. The children have a full range of experiences ~ everything from day-to-day routines, to weekend trips, to special events. Children learn to ride bikes, catch fish, and make s'mores. More importantly, the children get to experience the love of life with an American family.

 

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Heading Home to Russia

After three weeks, it is time for the children to return home to Russia. At the airport, they say good-bye to their host families as they prepare to depart. Their backpacks and suitcases are loaded with their few personal possessions and additional provisions for the orphanage. The most precious keepsakes are photobooks colored with happy summer memories. These are kept close to share with anyone who will listen on the way home.

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Waiting Back in Russia

After going home to Russia, the children return to their routine while waiting for their dream to come true - seeing their American hosts come through the orphanage door as their new parents.

 

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Back in the USA

A new life begins. Now part of a family, the children once again take the journey to America - but this time for keeps. It's time to flourish in their new family...to attend school...to learn a new language and experience a new life.