Shnizhana and Illya

Hey friends, just wanted to share with you an email I received recently from some great college friends, Derek and Elisa. They are hosting 2 sweet kids, Shnizhana and Illya, at their house right now. They are Ukrainian orphans and siblings visiting North Carolina via a three-week hosting program through Redline United (www.RedlineUnited.org) Here are their pictures:

Let me share with you what my friends wrote so that you can join us to pray for a family for these siblings. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in adopted, PLEASE let me know and I will pass the word along to my friends. Derek and Elisa write,

"It is amazing to love someone you have only known for such a short time. But that has been the case for us as we have welcomed Shnizhana (age 9) and Illya (age 8) into our home.
Shnizhana is outgoing, independent, and affectionate. She loves to help in any way she can and is very nuturing. She has picked up on some English words surprisingly fast and is eager to help her younger brother understand. She loves doting on her doll and could play Uno for hours.

Illya is quiet and reserved with a smile that will melt your heart. He loves to be read to and laughs contagiously when he finds Waldo. He also really enjoy cars whether playing with them or admiring them as they drive by on the road. He is meticulous in setting up toy soldiers, playing Jenga, or painting and coloring within the lines.
Despite their circumstances, they have shown us that they are true kids at heart. They are fun-loving and bring such joy, lots of smiles, and much laughter into our home.

As a host family, our goals are many. To love them with the love of Christ, that they may know Him. To know what a loving family environment can look like. To create fun and positive new memories. To give them hope. As advocates for them, we pray that they will be adopted. The statistics are not very positive for those kids that turn 16 and begin a new life outside the orphanage. And children ages 7-15 are the least-likely to be adopted.
But, spending very little time with them in person makes it real. Makes one want to do something to help change their future. Gives one hope that a better future is possible.

Please join us in praying for these two orphans specifically. If God is stirring you or someone you know to adopt, please reach out to us.

Because He first loved us,
Derek and Elisa"