Getting ready for our September trip

I am in the process of making plans for a trip to Ukaine with Cara from Children's Cultural Connection. We are trying to get tickets for the end of September. We will travel by train and car visiting 5 to 6 orphanages, many in remote areas of Ukraine.  The trip will be expensive but it will allow us to meet the children we will bring for the host program this Christmas. Meeting the children will help us talk to potential host parents about the children. It is a lot easier for the families to decide on which child they want to host when they know more about them and see if they are a fit for their family lifestyle.

The host program is a life changing experience for orphaned children. They get to stay with a family and receive love and attention they do not get in orphanages. It is also a chance for families who wish to adopt an opportunity to get to know older children who have less of a chance of being adopted. It is not a requirement to adopt as it gives the children a chance to see a different life and culture and give them hope for their future.
It is proven that these children go home changed and happy.

I am super excited to go. I know it's going to be wonderful to meet the children but heart wrenching at the same time.