tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post7980913433652430938..comments2024-02-07T11:31:44.141+03:00Comments on On Life in St. Petersburg: Being a kidElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-35171590450391994392012-12-22T18:35:41.629+04:002012-12-22T18:35:41.629+04:00I know some people who have sponsored children. Th...I know some people who have sponsored children. That makes me sad that there are scams or other forms of misleading people. <br /><br />The orphanages have some private sponsors that help with gifts and such. Sometimes they come visit. But as far as contact, it's important for kids to understand what the commitment level is. It would almost be better to stay on the level of "sponsor" and not break a child's heart, rather than promise more and then let him/her down. But in general, they do need contact with families. It can just be hard to facilitate.<br /> Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-28359122609210816502012-12-21T11:20:40.979+04:002012-12-21T11:20:40.979+04:00An honorary family...I kind of like that idea. Yea...An honorary family...I kind of like that idea. Years ago, my mother "adopted" a child through one of those tv ads. She thought she was really being like a grandma/pen pal to a child. When she found out the letters and pictures were just of kids in a general sense, she was very disappointed. There are probably plenty of people who would send gifts and make contact with kids who need connections. <br /><br />Found this blog doing research for a novel...glad I did! Thanks. <br />Elizabeth Seckmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00045076826326574984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-29063798000694517562012-12-20T23:48:33.932+04:002012-12-20T23:48:33.932+04:00It wasn't really about the hosting program, mo...It wasn't really about the hosting program, more about how there is always another side. Sometimes it is hidden and sometimes it comes to the surface. I keep track of so many of these kids I know, via the Internet. Every time they post new photos I just want to ask, "who are you really?" And about being "in a family," what does that mean really...under one roof? It may be hard for kids to live in a family, especially if they are used to a Russian orphanage. Different culture+ different structure. Maybe group homes ARE better...but couldn't they still be "adopted," have an honorary family, even if they don't live with them?<br />Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-90784368213790309002012-12-20T06:45:57.908+04:002012-12-20T06:45:57.908+04:00I should add one more thing, though.... Some kids...I should add one more thing, though.... Some kids cannot handle a family when their early life has been too traumatic. One girl I know, adopted by dear friends of mine, seemed like such a precious homebody. We had her babysit our kids! But, early sexual abuse and parental neglect had so twisted her soul that she couldn't make it in a family. As puberty had its way with her she changed from sweet Sasha into what she is now - an exotic dancer (and hooker, I'm pretty sure) who posts things on FB that completely turn my stomach, in an inner city "voice". She does not seem to see any beauty in herself and all she observes in herself or anyone else is crass and vulgar. It breaks my heart.Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12623179886908222942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-63765876642615944592012-12-20T06:40:59.541+04:002012-12-20T06:40:59.541+04:00This is an absolutely beautiful post, and insight....This is an absolutely beautiful post, and insight.... I hardly know what I think..... It always breaks my heart when children are hosted and don't find a home... If every one of them knew they were just coming for a visit, it would be one thing - they'd all have a great visit, but when some are adopted and others (who are available) are not...it just seems so sad. <br /><br />It is the way of life that some kids have privileges and benefits in life that others don't, but somehow having a loving family is something all children deserve. <br />Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12623179886908222942noreply@blogger.com