I wrote about Alina & Dasha in a previous post, just after visiting Pravda for the first time. These beautiful twins were among my very first friends at the orphanage - and our relationship only blossomed and grew during camp.
The two girls are in 8th grade, and have already faced more difficulty in their lives than most adults. Last year, their mother died of cancer and they were taken in by an older sister. Unfortunately, the sister was unable to provide for Alina & Dasha - and they were sent to live in the orphanage.
When camp began, it was apparent that the girls had very few friends at Pravda, simply because they were still so new. Over the next ten days, however, I was so happy to see how the group times at camp fostered relationships between the twins and those in their class. By the end of camp, Alina & Dasha were always surrounded by new friends.
I'm amazed at the resilient nature of children. I know there is so much hurt and pain resonating deep inside of the beautiful twins, but their spirits are still alive - bright and alluring. The girls share many characteristics: their gorgeous faces, their athleticism, and their soft voices that almost sound like singing... but, of course, there are so many differences between Alina & Dasha that preserve their beautiful individuality.
ALINA
Alina is definitely the quieter, more pensive of the sisters. At our first meeting, I didn't really think she wanted to talk to me. Her lips stayed pursed in a neutral line; neither a smile nor a frown. Her brow fixed in a furrow that gave her a thoughtful and almost angry expression. But she was sitting alone, and as I didn't know anyone, I figured I would give it a try.
Like a wave erasing writing in the sand, my "hello" washed away the sour expression. Alina's eyes opened and brightened while her mouth spread into a white, happy smile. To my surprise, her English was quite good, and we were able to have a basic conversation. She poured over photographs I had brought along, pointing at various people and asking, "sister? father? mother? grandmother?" She was so willing to let me in; she so clearly needed someone to care about her.
One of my favorite memories with Alina is from one day down by the river. Every day, the children get to walk to the river and swim... and swim... and swim. Alina, however, either doesn't like to swim or doesn't know how because she never got into the water. So, this one particular day at the river, I climbed out early and invited her to come lay down with me in the tall grass on my towel. We sprawled out there in the sunshine, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. The beautiful thing about Alina is that she just wants someone by her side, to smile at her and to let her smile back.
DASHA
While both of the twins are quiet, Dasha is just slightly more approachable than Alina. When I first met her, she had a smile waiting. But I sensed the same pain in Dasha as I did in Alina, although it manifested itself just a little more subtly. As the twins began to gain more friends throughout camp, I saw Dasha's bright smile become even brighter and fuller. Some of her joy that had sunk deep inside was beginning to be drawn out.
Dasha always had that big, beautiful smile ready and waiting for me. I loved waking her up in the morning because the first thing she'd do is bring her blankets up in front of her face - and I could just see her eyes sparkle with the smile that hid behind the covers. Dasha wears her sweet spirit on her sleeve.
On my last day at Pravda, Alina gave me a letter. She had had a teacher write her words in English. "Thank you for loving those of us who do not have a family," she said. I wish Alina & Dasha knew how deeply they are loved.
The two girls are in 8th grade, and have already faced more difficulty in their lives than most adults. Last year, their mother died of cancer and they were taken in by an older sister. Unfortunately, the sister was unable to provide for Alina & Dasha - and they were sent to live in the orphanage.
When camp began, it was apparent that the girls had very few friends at Pravda, simply because they were still so new. Over the next ten days, however, I was so happy to see how the group times at camp fostered relationships between the twins and those in their class. By the end of camp, Alina & Dasha were always surrounded by new friends.
I'm amazed at the resilient nature of children. I know there is so much hurt and pain resonating deep inside of the beautiful twins, but their spirits are still alive - bright and alluring. The girls share many characteristics: their gorgeous faces, their athleticism, and their soft voices that almost sound like singing... but, of course, there are so many differences between Alina & Dasha that preserve their beautiful individuality.
ALINA
Alina is definitely the quieter, more pensive of the sisters. At our first meeting, I didn't really think she wanted to talk to me. Her lips stayed pursed in a neutral line; neither a smile nor a frown. Her brow fixed in a furrow that gave her a thoughtful and almost angry expression. But she was sitting alone, and as I didn't know anyone, I figured I would give it a try.
Like a wave erasing writing in the sand, my "hello" washed away the sour expression. Alina's eyes opened and brightened while her mouth spread into a white, happy smile. To my surprise, her English was quite good, and we were able to have a basic conversation. She poured over photographs I had brought along, pointing at various people and asking, "sister? father? mother? grandmother?" She was so willing to let me in; she so clearly needed someone to care about her.One of my favorite memories with Alina is from one day down by the river. Every day, the children get to walk to the river and swim... and swim... and swim. Alina, however, either doesn't like to swim or doesn't know how because she never got into the water. So, this one particular day at the river, I climbed out early and invited her to come lay down with me in the tall grass on my towel. We sprawled out there in the sunshine, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. The beautiful thing about Alina is that she just wants someone by her side, to smile at her and to let her smile back.
DASHA
While both of the twins are quiet, Dasha is just slightly more approachable than Alina. When I first met her, she had a smile waiting. But I sensed the same pain in Dasha as I did in Alina, although it manifested itself just a little more subtly. As the twins began to gain more friends throughout camp, I saw Dasha's bright smile become even brighter and fuller. Some of her joy that had sunk deep inside was beginning to be drawn out.
Dasha always had that big, beautiful smile ready and waiting for me. I loved waking her up in the morning because the first thing she'd do is bring her blankets up in front of her face - and I could just see her eyes sparkle with the smile that hid behind the covers. Dasha wears her sweet spirit on her sleeve.
On my last day at Pravda, Alina gave me a letter. She had had a teacher write her words in English. "Thank you for loving those of us who do not have a family," she said. I wish Alina & Dasha knew how deeply they are loved.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
speaking softly
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://kathrynvphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/70
I rarely cry.
Don't get me wrong, I am an emotional person; often moved by music, literature, and movies. That choked-up, lip-quivering feeling comes regularly. But the tears - those are rare.
A month ago today, however, the tears came. And they came with all the stored-up strength of a hundred times I should have cried and didn't.
I wasn't watching a movie or reading a book - I was sitting on the second floor of Pravda Orphanage, saying goodbye to a group of children I had grown to love deeply. These beautiful boys and girls had become my whole world over the course of a ten-day camp... and now I was kissing them goodnight for the last time.
I want to take time to share with you the names and faces of each of these special children. I want to take my time, because every one of them deserves individual attention. Benefit from their stories and their smiles. Let them motivate you to love the abandoned, fatherless children who live and breathe all over the face of our planet.
YUROSLAV
To see Yuroslav in a crowd, you wouldn't necessarily pick him out as being anything especially interesting. But the truth is that he is extraordinary. Absolutely. He is tall and skinny, with those amazing little bony ankles that look perfect in tennis shoes. His strawberry-blond hair blends with his soft, freckled skin. His sweet eyes blink from behind invisible eyelashes. His teeth are slightly spaced apart inside of his beautifully infectious smile - and your heart will sing when he laughs.
The first night that I hung out with Yuroslav was when he took me to his room to meet the pigeon he'd rescued. He has an incredible gift with animals - they trust him. This gift of Yuroslav's is a faint whisper, hinting at the beautiful heart that rests inside of him. His compassion and tenderness extends to those who are hurting and who feel alone.
When you look at Yuroslav, he looks right back with deep, understanding eyes. Yuroslav and I weren't ever able to speak using conventional language. I'm so thankful that communication is not limited to verbs and vowels, but extends to our most basic human faculties: the blinking of eyes, the widening of smiles, and the touch of two hands together.
Yuroslav was sent to an orphanage at a very young age - and has lived his life without the love of parents or a family. I am so thankful that God has put people in his path who want so desperately to love him - people like my dear friend Annie... and like me. He's the sort of kid your heart just leaps over.
One thing that I love most about Yuroslav is how unique he really is. He is not afraid (and prefers) to be himself. No fronts, false pretenses, or visible insecurities. He's just always Yuroslav. And he's perfect.
When the impossible moment to say goodbye finally came, the tears began to flow. As I sobbed softly, trying to gather the strength to say goodnight and walk away, Yuroslav was there to comfort me. With a caring smile on his mouth and tears flowing from his eyes, he reached up and held my face in his palms, his thumbs wiping away my tears. I wouldn't trade that simple moment for the world.
This precious boy went from being a face in the crowd - to the face I looked for in a crowd.
Don't get me wrong, I am an emotional person; often moved by music, literature, and movies. That choked-up, lip-quivering feeling comes regularly. But the tears - those are rare.
A month ago today, however, the tears came. And they came with all the stored-up strength of a hundred times I should have cried and didn't.
I wasn't watching a movie or reading a book - I was sitting on the second floor of Pravda Orphanage, saying goodbye to a group of children I had grown to love deeply. These beautiful boys and girls had become my whole world over the course of a ten-day camp... and now I was kissing them goodnight for the last time.
I want to take time to share with you the names and faces of each of these special children. I want to take my time, because every one of them deserves individual attention. Benefit from their stories and their smiles. Let them motivate you to love the abandoned, fatherless children who live and breathe all over the face of our planet.
YUROSLAV
To see Yuroslav in a crowd, you wouldn't necessarily pick him out as being anything especially interesting. But the truth is that he is extraordinary. Absolutely. He is tall and skinny, with those amazing little bony ankles that look perfect in tennis shoes. His strawberry-blond hair blends with his soft, freckled skin. His sweet eyes blink from behind invisible eyelashes. His teeth are slightly spaced apart inside of his beautifully infectious smile - and your heart will sing when he laughs.
The first night that I hung out with Yuroslav was when he took me to his room to meet the pigeon he'd rescued. He has an incredible gift with animals - they trust him. This gift of Yuroslav's is a faint whisper, hinting at the beautiful heart that rests inside of him. His compassion and tenderness extends to those who are hurting and who feel alone.When you look at Yuroslav, he looks right back with deep, understanding eyes. Yuroslav and I weren't ever able to speak using conventional language. I'm so thankful that communication is not limited to verbs and vowels, but extends to our most basic human faculties: the blinking of eyes, the widening of smiles, and the touch of two hands together.
Yuroslav was sent to an orphanage at a very young age - and has lived his life without the love of parents or a family. I am so thankful that God has put people in his path who want so desperately to love him - people like my dear friend Annie... and like me. He's the sort of kid your heart just leaps over.
One thing that I love most about Yuroslav is how unique he really is. He is not afraid (and prefers) to be himself. No fronts, false pretenses, or visible insecurities. He's just always Yuroslav. And he's perfect.
When the impossible moment to say goodbye finally came, the tears began to flow. As I sobbed softly, trying to gather the strength to say goodnight and walk away, Yuroslav was there to comfort me. With a caring smile on his mouth and tears flowing from his eyes, he reached up and held my face in his palms, his thumbs wiping away my tears. I wouldn't trade that simple moment for the world.
This precious boy went from being a face in the crowd - to the face I looked for in a crowd.
tracyteyler:
Beautiful boy, beautiful writing...
(07.14.09 @ 07:32 PM)
Anonymous:
Your words brought tears to my eyes... you've already made such an impact in his life. I love watching you love - it is a beautiful thing.
(07.15.09 @ 09:50 AM)
Michael Duenes:
I appreciate your ability to see the beauty and reflection of God in the faces of those you meet, no matter who they are, where they come from, or what their circumstances. That is a true gift, and one you pass on to your readers. And you also allow others to see what you see, if they will, by your pictures. Thanks for the stories and encouragement.
(07.16.09 @ 08:07 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
dry those eyes
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://kathrynvphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/69
I'm sitting in an old Ukrainian flat - eating yogurt with the Open Arms team. This is home to Annie, Melissa, and Anika - three girls who have devoted their lives to showing love and compassion to the orphaned children of Ukraine; those who have been abandoned not only by their families, but by society as well.
Open Arms works closely with Pravda orphanage, developing close relationships with the children there. The girls do all they can to make these children feel special and loved - giving them birthday parties, mailing them special letters, and just getting to know the little details that make each child unique.
When the children graduate from the orphanage system - at anywhere from age 14 to 17, they are turned out to fend for themselves. The mortality rate for orphans in the Ukraine is staggeringly high. Most turn to lives of crime, drug addiction, and prostitution and eventually end up institutionalized because they find themselves unable to successfully adjust to functioning normally within society. The Open Arms team targets this problem specifically by offering their apartment as a home and shelter to graduated orphans, assisting them to find schooling and jobs, and providing the emotional support of a family.
Currently, the work of Open Arms would be considered "small" from the outside. They house 3 boys who have graduated from the system, they travel to the Pravda orphanage once a week, and they visit one of their boys who has been incarcerated once a month. On paper, it doesn't look like a whole lot... but after living with these girls for almost two weeks now, I can tell you that the work they've done here in a year is more than most have done in a lifetime. The support and love that Open Arms is providing these children is priceless and of utmost importance. To hear the laughter of children in the orphanage when they are held by the girls of Open Arms... to sit around the dinner table and eat with the boys who finally have a family with Open Arms... and to witness the beaming smile of a young boy in prison as he soaks in the love of his Open Arms sisters... it's all more than I can express or describe.
I'm so blessed to be here, working with the girls and the children they love so much. I want to share just a few images of what I've been experiencing here in Ukraine - and to show you what the passion of Open Arms is all about...
This photo is from my first visit to Pravda orphanage. These girls picked wildflowers on their way and brought them to Annie, showering her with kisses and hugs.
This is Vitalik on his birthday. The girls make a point to make birthdays special at the orphanage for the kids, buying each child a little gift and giving them a cake with candles. Without the girls at Open Arms, most birthdays would pass without even a single "Happy Birthday" wish.
Here, the other boys surround Vitalik as he opens his special present and birthday card.
On our last visit to the orphanage, we learned that Vova is going into the hospital this week for heart surgery. The girls tell me that one of their biggest worries for the kids revolves around the horribly inefficient and minimal health care they receive from the governmentally funded system.
This is Losha and Denise. Losha is one of the lucky children who get to travel during the summer months to France through a host family program to live with a family there. Denise was hoping to have the chance to go to America through one of these programs, but just learned that he was not selected to go. Open Arms puts on a summer camp for the children who remain at the orphanage.
This is Alena and Dasha - twin sisters who are new to the orphanage. Their mother died last year from cancer and when their sister was unable to house them, they were sent to Pravda. Their shy, sweet spirit immediately drew me in.
Jenya has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen! While I speak no Russian and he speaks no English, we were able to communicate through smiles and laughter. The kids at the orphanage just long to feel loved... they don't mind a language barrier.
This past weekend, we took a trip to visit Sasha, one of the Open Arms boys who is currently in prison. We traveled 20 hours by train each way for a 3 hour visit with him - and it was worth every minute. Here, Melissa, Anika, and Annie explore the market in L'viv for fresh produce to bring to Sasha.
This is the prison where Sasha is being held. We were not allowed to take photos inside... but I wish you could have seen his beautiful face. The girls of Open Arms are Sasha's only family, and the only ones who come to visit him. He blossoms as he holds their hands and talks about his life. This is the one time out of each month that he can just release his tension and be himself. He's at home when he's with his family.
Annie and I outside of the L'viv train station after a wonderful visit with Sasha.
I can't wait to tell you more about my time here! Please keep Open Arms and all of their children in your prayers. Visit their website to learn more and to support them.
Love to you from the other side of the world.
Open Arms works closely with Pravda orphanage, developing close relationships with the children there. The girls do all they can to make these children feel special and loved - giving them birthday parties, mailing them special letters, and just getting to know the little details that make each child unique.
When the children graduate from the orphanage system - at anywhere from age 14 to 17, they are turned out to fend for themselves. The mortality rate for orphans in the Ukraine is staggeringly high. Most turn to lives of crime, drug addiction, and prostitution and eventually end up institutionalized because they find themselves unable to successfully adjust to functioning normally within society. The Open Arms team targets this problem specifically by offering their apartment as a home and shelter to graduated orphans, assisting them to find schooling and jobs, and providing the emotional support of a family.
Currently, the work of Open Arms would be considered "small" from the outside. They house 3 boys who have graduated from the system, they travel to the Pravda orphanage once a week, and they visit one of their boys who has been incarcerated once a month. On paper, it doesn't look like a whole lot... but after living with these girls for almost two weeks now, I can tell you that the work they've done here in a year is more than most have done in a lifetime. The support and love that Open Arms is providing these children is priceless and of utmost importance. To hear the laughter of children in the orphanage when they are held by the girls of Open Arms... to sit around the dinner table and eat with the boys who finally have a family with Open Arms... and to witness the beaming smile of a young boy in prison as he soaks in the love of his Open Arms sisters... it's all more than I can express or describe.
I'm so blessed to be here, working with the girls and the children they love so much. I want to share just a few images of what I've been experiencing here in Ukraine - and to show you what the passion of Open Arms is all about...
This photo is from my first visit to Pravda orphanage. These girls picked wildflowers on their way and brought them to Annie, showering her with kisses and hugs.
This is Vitalik on his birthday. The girls make a point to make birthdays special at the orphanage for the kids, buying each child a little gift and giving them a cake with candles. Without the girls at Open Arms, most birthdays would pass without even a single "Happy Birthday" wish.
Here, the other boys surround Vitalik as he opens his special present and birthday card.
On our last visit to the orphanage, we learned that Vova is going into the hospital this week for heart surgery. The girls tell me that one of their biggest worries for the kids revolves around the horribly inefficient and minimal health care they receive from the governmentally funded system.
This is Losha and Denise. Losha is one of the lucky children who get to travel during the summer months to France through a host family program to live with a family there. Denise was hoping to have the chance to go to America through one of these programs, but just learned that he was not selected to go. Open Arms puts on a summer camp for the children who remain at the orphanage.
This is Alena and Dasha - twin sisters who are new to the orphanage. Their mother died last year from cancer and when their sister was unable to house them, they were sent to Pravda. Their shy, sweet spirit immediately drew me in.
Jenya has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen! While I speak no Russian and he speaks no English, we were able to communicate through smiles and laughter. The kids at the orphanage just long to feel loved... they don't mind a language barrier.
This past weekend, we took a trip to visit Sasha, one of the Open Arms boys who is currently in prison. We traveled 20 hours by train each way for a 3 hour visit with him - and it was worth every minute. Here, Melissa, Anika, and Annie explore the market in L'viv for fresh produce to bring to Sasha.
This is the prison where Sasha is being held. We were not allowed to take photos inside... but I wish you could have seen his beautiful face. The girls of Open Arms are Sasha's only family, and the only ones who come to visit him. He blossoms as he holds their hands and talks about his life. This is the one time out of each month that he can just release his tension and be himself. He's at home when he's with his family.
Annie and I outside of the L'viv train station after a wonderful visit with Sasha.
I can't wait to tell you more about my time here! Please keep Open Arms and all of their children in your prayers. Visit their website to learn more and to support them.
Love to you from the other side of the world.
Cortney:
Thank you for sharing those pictures, Katy. Tell Annie that I said hi and that what she is doing for the Kingdom is amazing. Have fun and be safe on your Europe tour as well. =)
(05.30.09 @ 08:52 AM)
Michael Duenes:
Great pics, Katy. It's very encouraging to see what Annie and her friends are doing. I lived with a Ukrainian family in Los Angeles for 2 months back in 2000 when I was considering moving to Kazakhstan, so I have a certain place in my heart for Ukraine. May God continue to use you to encourage their ministry there.
(06.01.09 @ 02:53 PM)
Alexander Petrov:
Dearest Katy...
I am grateul beyond words that I got to meet you! You have blessed my heart more than you will ever know! & I am not saying this, cuz it feels right to say, or for the sake of words... it is how it is. I can't even tell you just how thankful I am for you!
Your photography skills are phenomanal. You are my most favorite camera person! I think I brought out the most out of our photography classes :)
I miss you more than I can begin to tell you! & even more than you think I might :)
I love your site! I am IN LOVE with your photograps! & I can't wait for some more!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
A place in the sky
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://kathrynvphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/68
Last weekend I couldn't help but tear up behind my camera as I watched Chris and Tabitha become man and wife. Their love for each other is so deep; you can just feel it in the room... Their ceremony was so romantic and full of incredibly special moments.
I'll never forget the looks on their faces as they stood gazing at one another, hand in hand. Their day had finally come!
Here the bridal party and the bride wait (some more nervously than others) to enter...
Here comes the (breathtaking) bride...
Finally together.
One of the best surprises I've ever witnessed. Tabitha wrote a special song just for Chris on their wedding day and had it performed during the ceremony. Chris was completely surprised and blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness of his stunning bride. It was perfect.
The kiss...
Married (at last)!
First dance as Mr. & Mrs. Dance.
Having fun!
Chris and Tabitha stayed until the party was over! It looked like they were having so much fun dancing the night away -- as husband and wife!
Love to you, Chris and Tabitha! I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon... and look forward to hundreds and hundreds more pictures from your special day!!
I'll never forget the looks on their faces as they stood gazing at one another, hand in hand. Their day had finally come!
Here the bridal party and the bride wait (some more nervously than others) to enter...
Here comes the (breathtaking) bride...
Finally together.
One of the best surprises I've ever witnessed. Tabitha wrote a special song just for Chris on their wedding day and had it performed during the ceremony. Chris was completely surprised and blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness of his stunning bride. It was perfect.
The kiss...
Married (at last)!
First dance as Mr. & Mrs. Dance.
Having fun!
Chris and Tabitha stayed until the party was over! It looked like they were having so much fun dancing the night away -- as husband and wife!
Love to you, Chris and Tabitha! I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon... and look forward to hundreds and hundreds more pictures from your special day!!
Bridget:
Beautiful pictures!!! They must be so happy to have these amazing pictures to remember such a wonderful night! The lighting, the angles, everything...you are so talented!!!
(05.13.09 @ 05:34 PM)
Robert Gillette:
Fantastic! I love the picture of Tab peeking around the corner. And the first kiss was amazing. Where can we see the whole set?
(05.15.09 @ 09:58 AM)
Kathryn:
Thanks Robert! Actually - I'm taking off today and I'll be in Europe for 2 months... so the whole set won't be available until after I get back! Good things come to those who wait. :)
(05.15.09 @ 10:07 AM)
Sara:
The wedding was beautiful and you've captured it perfectly! I'm going to have to save my pennies so that someday you can photograph my family so that I might have some pictures as wonderful as these!
(05.24.09 @ 09:31 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
A Brand New Love Song
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://kathrynvphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/67
A few from Chris & Tabitha's wedding rehearsal last night... many more to come after the real thing, tonight!
So excited!!
Michael Duenes:
I love the black and white. The first picture with all of the guys standing around made me think of one of those old Dockers commercials (which Jerry Seinfeld lampooned to great effect).
(05.11.09 @ 11:51 AM)
Christy:
I am dying to find out when the wedding pictures (or a couple) will be posted! I've been checking like 20 times a day!!!!!
(05.13.09 @ 04:46 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Coming up in color...
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://kathrynvphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/66
Those girls are ridiculously beautiful and I love that you connected with them - it was a gift in their lives.
(07.17.09 @ 01:36 AM)Dasha and Alina are beautiful, and they are going to be our daughters soon! I am so thankful that you were able to be their friend when they so badly needed you! What a gift in their life you are!
(06.11.10 @ 05:31 PM)thanks shari -- wow! i love seeing how beautifully the LORD answers prayer. what an incredible future these girls have ahead of them. thank you for what you're doing!
(06.12.10 @ 12:19 AM)