Hosting is about bringing joy to the children and blessings to the families that sponsor them. Call us at 1-866-468-3089 or e-mail us at info@godswaitingchildren.com for more information, or click here for details.
Periodically, we team up with various churches to bring the children to the United States for a 2-8 week hosting program. This is a cultural exchange experience, not an adoption program. The kids stay with host families, similar to a foreign exchange student program. This ministry was designed to give the children lifelong memories to cherish and the knowledge that a family in the United States cares about him or her. We strive to instill hope in these children to stay in school and perservere, knowing there are opportunities in this world outside of the orphanage environment. We also teach the children about the love of Christ and introduce them to our church lives while they are here. The host families are encouraged to stay in contact with the child they host via letters, phone calls (using translators), care packages and visits. The host family may become like an extended family to the child after he or she returns to Ukraine.
We continue to pray that more families will consider adopting a waiting child throughout the world. This hosting program is an opportunity to educate American families about life in the orphanages and introduce them to some wonderful children. It is our hope that this experience will open many families' hearts and minds to adoption in the future. Host families play a large role in building public awareness of the needs of children living in Ukraine orphanages. Often people have a preconceived idea of what “older” children who live in orphnages are like. This experience typically changes that notion. Our experience has been that the children far surpass the host famlies’ expectations! Host families become an advocate for the children in trying to gain support and prayers for the kids. Though it may not be possible to adopt the child hosted, the experience of hosting provides the family with confidence that our Lord will guide them to the child meant for their family when they travel for their adoption. Host families do NOT have to have any intentions of adopting. Hosting is an orphan ministry and public awareness program completely separate from adoptions.
Host families must complete a preliminary background check and pay the travel expenses for the child they host. The cost to sponsor a child varies with each trip. The children will come with their own insurance. Translators and caregivers from the orphanage travel with the group. The children speak Russian and Ukrainian languages but will likely know some English. Surprisingly, communication during a hosting experience is usually not a problem. The children are very intelligent and they learn quickly. Host families are given brief language guides and tips for communicating. There are translators available by phone 24 hours per day to assist host families when needed.
Many families and churches do fundraising to sponsor the kids to come. For more information on fundraising, hosting a child, or sponsoring a group in your area please contact our office at 1-866-468-3089.
