On Wednesday 30th July a 14 person kiwi MMM team arrived in Vladivostok to renovate the hostel. And what a blessing they are. They had barely been in the country for an hour before they set to work demolishing the building! Check out the Facebook photos to see the progress they’ve already made.
2008-08-02 13:48:14A highlight of Rachael’s Russian visit this time is the amount of kids she has been reunited with. Word has got out that she’s in town and her mobile has been running hot with kids wanting to meet up to introduce her to their new husbands, wives and babies. Nothing makes her happier than reconnecting with the kids she started feeding on the streets 11 years ago who are now in stable relationships and jobs and have good health. Forget ‘Mama Rachael’ – she is now ‘Baboushka Rachael’ to 18 children - an impressive feat for a 30 something.
2008-08-02 13:45:41Saturday 21 June 2008 Living Hope hosted 8 Kiwis from the Masterton Rotary Club who had just completed a trip around the Russian Far East. Rachael and Philippa (the new Kiwi communications volunteer) met them at the train station and took them out to the shelter where, much to their delight, Shirley (another Kiwi volunteer) had freshly baked date scones and NZ plunger coffee awaiting them. After their first kiwi breakfast in a while, Rachael took them on a tour of the shelter (see photo album) and explained what renovations were going to take place this summer. Being good Kiwi DIY types the Rotarians were able to offer some much appreciated building advice and pointers. They were impressed with the project and are keen to be kept updated on the changes. After lunch they left for the airport to fly back to New Zealand. It was a great last stop for them – and another great opportunity for Living Hope to spread the word on what we are achieving out here
2008-04-21 15:53:53We have be blessed by the local University, they have given us a grant of furniture to help the kids study. We now have lovely new desks so now our class looks like a real classroom, we also have benches outdoors.
2008-04-21 15:53:28Many of our kids are used to living alone and struggle with opening up and trusting strangers, but many of them want to make friends. One young girl who began visiting the shelter a month ago has had her life changed when she found a friend here. It is a blessing that kids can find a supportive and friendly atmosphere here at the shelter.
2008-01-24 12:40:05Dasha was excited to be able to learn how to use a semi-automatic washing time. Although she was actively involved by adding the water into the machine - it was the first time in her life she did not have to hand wash her clothes. Living Hope’s new hostel is creating many firsts in the lives of the street kids, from learning how to peel vegetables, make soup, pancakes or pies, to learning how to wash clothes. The learning process is exciting and fun with the love and care of the staff.
2008-01-22 15:05:28Eonna, one of our Living Hope Grand-children turned three last week. We bought her a doll. She was very happy and couldn’t tear herself away from the doll. Olga, her mother showed to us her photo album. The majority of these photos were made in Living Hope. She told us that no matter what she has a good childhood, owing to Living Hope and Rachael.
2008-01-18 14:26:56Lera, aged 14 years, was chosen as one of 16 kids from Primorsky Krai (population two million) to go to Moscow to participate in the Kremlin New Year Tree Celebrations. We helped her to buy a dress, shoes and get her hair cut ready for the big event! It was her first time in an aeroplane and nine hours later she was in Moscow. After the celebrations the kids moved to Red Square for ice-skating with "Stars of Figure Skating."Although Lera had recently learnt to skate, she had not quite mastered the art of stopping and literally bumped into the World Champion Skater, Evgeny Plyushenko - twice! She then proceeded to have her photo taken with him.
2008-01-18 14:24:26Local volunteers built us an ice slide. It goes from our garden down into the river. Great fun is had by the kids as they slide down and across the frozen river.
2008-01-03 14:11:18I had an incredible 2 days over New Year up at Summer Harvest – a youth camp for New Zealand teens. I was invited as guest speaker and it was great to be able to input into the lives of local teens (same age as my kids in Russia) during several different speaking slots. Thanks for the invite and to the teens for being so open to wanting to help others! May your worlds never be the same again! Rachael
2008-01-03 14:00:47The New-Year is coming with a heavy snowfall. The snowdrifts are already knee-deep. And the same whether is forecasted for the next two days, and it’s going to be worse. The public transportation is still, many stores and markets are closed. Nevertheless it doesn’t stop kids to go to the shelter for the celebration. They have been waiting for this holiday for the whole year, and nothing can hinder them.
2008-01-03 13:51:09All the staff, children and volunteers of Living Hope, would like to thank all of you who have been faithful and committed in helping us grow, either by your prayers, donations or your time! You are greatly APRECIATED! May 2008 bring you blessings, joy, love and laughter!
2007-12-19 14:25:44As the lakes and rivers turn to ice - 20 children went skating this week with all expenses sponsored by the rink owner. We had a great time on the skating rink and in the café eating pizza and hamburgers. One of the more ‘fun’ aspects of harsh winter life!
2007-12-18 13:40:27We are sad to report that a young homeless boy about 12-14 years old was cruelly killed some days ago. Two policemen came to us and asked to identify him. Unfortunately, we couldn’t help them; probably he has never been at our shelter. Anyway kids are very horrified, because by all accounts it’s not the only crime with young boys recently.
2007-12-13 12:09:3814th December we celebrate the birthday of Rachael, our founder, whom we thank for all the hard work she does and her kind genrerous heart. We love you Rachael!
2007-12-13 12:08:01On 7th December we celebrated our 8th birthday of the Day Centre. We had a really good day celebrating, singing songs, doing skits, accepting warm congratulations and eating a huge cake kindly donated by Vlad Inn a local Hotel/Restaurant. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping make this a fantastic day!
2007-12-04 11:25:16Volunteers visited the day centre and did some cooking with the children. We made potato and cabbage dumplings and even sushi! Everyone enjoyed this very much and asked to do it again sometime.
2007-12-04 11:15:43We had a wonderful trip to a car museum. There were many show rooms with very old and rare cars from the beginning of the last century. The children liked the 1945 Cabriolet most of all. It is great to see them enjoy simple outings like this.
2007-11-02 19:29:0815 kids gathered together, along with volunteers, both local and from NZ, for the first day of camp in our new building. Excitement reigned as kids chose their sleeping places and discovered the secrets of the attic. More snow is expected, so morale is high as kids anticipate snowball fights and happy chaos!
2007-11-02 19:28:13The week after we moved the day centre out to the new building and sat outside in the sun enjoying a BBQ, getting sunburnt faces, the first snow arrived! Unusually early, it added great excitement to 3 New Zealanders arriving on that day. It was uncertain if the plane would be able to land or would have to return to Korea. However, upon safely landing, they enjoyed the wonders of a winter wonderland where the snow was fresh and clean. Within a few days it had all melted and the fine weather returned. HOORAY – said the locals!
2007-10-17 19:33:34Saturday we moved the entire Day Centre lock stock and barrel out to our new building. The older boys flexed their muscles and proved their willingness to support this new beginning. Although this was not the official opening we decided to celebrate the move by having a barbeque. We invited local sponsors and business men, US and NZ Consulate Officers along with our kids and their families . About 60 people came, the weather was brilliant and we all enjoyed the great food and the dance by our girls. Everyone was impressed with the new building and many offers were given of help and material needs, including a billiard table!
2007-10-09 14:37:31Part of our work involves supporting children after they have been sentenced. In most cases they do not have a caring family and we are the only ones who will visit them or send parcels to the prisons. Last Saturday we visited with 3 of our boys in the juvenile prison and presented a concert to over 280 boys. We were well received by all and invited to come back and participate in their New Year Celebrations.
2007-10-04 20:49:05We welcome Natasha Chekasina to our Russian staff. She is our new social worker, who started on Oct. 1. We look forward to working together and hope that Natasha will be a favourite with the children!
2007-09-29 12:22:08Rachael is back in Vladivostok for approx six weeks. She will be visiting the children and staff, and also helping to finalise arrangements for our new Rehabilitation Centre/24-hr Shelter.
2007-09-14 21:22:51After welcoming baby boy Lorsha, a couple weeks ago, we now welcome a healthy baby girl, Zhenya. Her mother Natasha, is the eldest of the four sisters whose story featured on our 'Extraordinary Kiwi's' documentary.
2007-09-14 21:16:33The Art Auction was a most enjoyable evening. Numbers were a bit low, partly due to a Warriors game the same evening! However we had lots of fun and raised a tidy sum to help prepare our Rehabilitation Centre. Thank-you everyone!
2007-09-05 19:25:26One young man, Valery (20 yrs), who often came to Living Hope, drank too much about two weeks ago and cut his wrist, dying as a result. This is very sad. He was a kind young man who helped much at the center. This is another sad story involving alcohol in our city.
2007-09-05 11:11:23A selection of the beautiful works we have had donated for auction are available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/livinghopevlad Friday 7th Sept 7pm at Karaka School, Blackbridge Road, Franklin, Auckland. Email admin@livinghope.org.nz for more info or tickets. See you there!
2007-08-31 09:05:25Finally after a very long process and many hours of standing in lines and making applications to the government, we have finally procured a small apartment for Vera, the mother of one of our girls Tanya. Vera had been living in a condemned building with gaps in the roof and walls for several years. Conditions not even fit for animals.
2007-08-27 16:35:13Sveta one of our girls gave birth to a baby boy named Lorsha on the 19 August. Lorsha has fine hair and blue eyes. Both mother and the baby are doing well. Sveta had planned to abandon the baby in the hospital but when she saw him she could not resist him. So she has decided to keep him even against her family’s wishes and her complicated living conditions. We support Sveta in her decision but she needs material help as she was not prepared. They hope to move to another city in about a month to live with Sveta’s Mother if we can help her raise the cost of travel.
2007-08-17 17:16:45Paintings by our children are up for auction! Along with other art from talented NZers. Entertainment provided by local children and Russian cultural groups. Come and join us at a great night out. 7th Sept 2007 at Karaka School hall, Franklin, Auckland at 7pm. Tickets (incl supper) are $20. Email us now to get your ticket admin@livinghope.org.nz
2007-08-11 06:37:38Even a typhoon doesn’t stop our kids from coming to the Day Center! 7 children came soaking wet while the city was under water.
2007-07-31 22:54:51There are two videos of Rachael and the children at http://www.youtube.com/livinghopevlad
2007-07-31 11:55:25“After the lesson about The Purpose of Life and taking care of our bodies I want to stop drinking beer" Dima says. “I haven’t had any alcohol all week. And I really want to stop smoking now." Sergey says.
2007-07-25 11:48:40We are looking for someone who can help us to make a 3 minute promotional DVD/Power-point presentation about Living Hope’s Camps for fundraising purposes. If you have the equipment, knowledge and creative ability along with the desire to help – please contact Rachael on rachael@livinghope.org.nz . We have video footage of previous camps.
2007-07-11 15:11:26Seven children and the Russian staff visited our new building. We cooked sausages and played in and around the house. It is amazing to see how much the children and staff love this place already.
2007-07-09 16:24:41Sailors from the US Ships Frank Cable and USS Curtis Wilbur gave up their free time in port to help clean up around the new shelter site. A busy afternoon was spent cleaning out an entire truck load of garbage, pruning trees, pulling weeds, digging out unwanted piles of dirt and gravel and building new shelves for the storage container as well as managing to play soccer with the kids. Thank you so much to ALL who participated and the donations of clothing, shoes and games provided!
2007-07-09 16:03:42Saturday night saw the screening of the TVNZ Documentary about Rachael and Living Hope. Thank you to Rachel and Jonathan for producing such an amazing show and to TVNZ. Thank you also to all who have responded with enthusiasm! Please feel free to email Rachael with any enquiries on: rachael@livinghope.org.nz.
2007-07-09 16:00:46Camp finished with 4 kids receiving Trophies and gold medals. Best Leader, Best Helper, Most Polite and Most Changed! Final night had all the kids dancing to show what they had learnt through out the camp, we had all the kids doing the bird dance, a group doing hip hop and a group ball room dancing. It was so exciting to see them! An amazing progress in only a few short days. Thanks Janice and Alina for your dedication in teaching! We are all sad to have to say goodbye – but look forward to the summer full of activities!
2007-06-27 10:23:44The older girls have taken over the program! It is so exciting for us to see how the girls are taking charge and running all the games and evening programs. Input from the staff guides them in the right direction – but we are looking at future leaders of Living Hope and maybe one day Russia!
2007-06-25 10:25:42Half way thru camp and kids are getting tired but are still enthusiastic. Crafts with the Alaskans from REM have been interesting for all the kids. They have made Tie Pillows, Hand painted bags, and made placemats and bracelets. Sun has been out most days and the kids have been swimming.
2007-06-25 10:25:1214 Kids and leaders from Alaska and New Zealand have gathered to head out to the camp facilities on the seashore for 10 days of camp. Enthusiasm is high, noise levels even higher and expectation of a fun time over barometer levels!
2007-06-20 14:32:11 2007-06-20 14:21:47Janice and Richard arrived from NZ on Monday 18th June for 2 weeks to help with the first summer camp of the year. First time to Russia for both of them – so they are in for some great new adventures!
2007-06-14 15:54:42We received the keys today for our new shelter. We are in a very exciting phase now as we raise money to renovate and furnish the center ready for the kids to move in.
2007-06-07 14:46:05On June 1st the kids and Russian business supporters of Living Hope had a picnic. There was football and target shooting, and many other fun events. Our business supporters supplied and cooked enough meat to feed an army, so everyone ate well! A few days later our business supporters donated 93 brand new pairs of fashion girls’ shoes! Thank-you everyone!
2007-05-25 06:17:37We currently have 10 College Students from the USA with us for a month. They are having a great time with the kids and are being a huge help, cleaning out cupboards, sorting through boxes and most important of all, stock-taking our storage facility of humanitarian aid. A Huge Job! Thank you guys for this tremendous help, as we prepare to move to our new center.
2007-05-23 16:42:23Living Hope staff recently visited one family who are living in a very unbelievable situation. Ten adults are all living together in a one-room apartment. They range from 16 to 40 years old and there is one senior woman who is 80. One 7 year old girl is included in the family but she now lives in an orphanage. The adults drink a lot. This is one picture of how sad and difficult life can be in this city.
2007-05-23 16:41:31Four of our girls recently took a big interest in choreographed dancing. They have been practicing together since Christmas and have perfected a couple of routines. Now they plan to take their show “on the road” and perform at one school located outside the city and maybe in local orphanages.
2007-05-23 16:38:36One of our girls has decided to quit smoking as of the month of May. This is a big decision but she sounds very serious about it. We believe she will be able to “throw away” this habit!
2007-04-12 19:39:43The staff and kids celebrated Easter together on April 9 and it was wonderful to have 40 children come to join in this event. Some of the children were involved in an Easter drama while the others watched the presentation. The kids sat and talked together as they received a special Easter meal and enjoyed an Easter gift! Four of the girls had practiced for weeks to bring us a dance which was loved by all. We are so proud of them and their achievements!
2007-04-06 11:55:33We have finally found a building suitable for the over night shelter. Our dream is finally about to be fulfilled! We still need to raise 25,000 over the next 3 months. Please consider how YOU might be able to help!
2007-04-06 11:53:21Sasha, who recently suffered memory loss after a car accident, has now regained most of his memory and had two operations, one on his head and one on his arm. He will face another operation in May on his head. The one person he never forgot was Rachael - she has obviously deeply touched his heart over the years.
2007-03-21 09:48:08We are putting together a team to go to Vladivostok from New Zealand in June of this year to help run a summer camp for two weeks. For more information please email rachael@livinghope.org.nz
2007-03-21 09:44:10Life on the streets is never safe. On March 11, one 16 year old girl experienced this in a most terrifying way when she was raped. The long-lasting impacts of this event remains with her, but while other victims may have family members or specialized doctors to turn to, she has to continue “making the most of” street life.
2007-03-18 11:34:04On Wednesday, March 14, eight children joined Tanya and Nicole at the Cinema to watch the new Cinderella movie. They don’t often have such an opportunity and they sat attentively listening to the film. After it was over the staff bought hamburgers and juice for the kids and sat together discussing the movie. The enjoyed it and were happy to have the opportunity to go.
2007-03-12 11:24:07Our dear Andrei found out recently that his mother has died. Andrei's story is featured on this site. In the process of us helping Andrei get into school we found records that proved his mother's death in September of last year. Our hearts go to you Andrei.
2007-03-12 11:20:34Vladivostok has been hit with the worst snowstorm in recorded history. The city ground to a halt as roads were unpassable for 3 days a ssnow piled higher than first floor windows. The only people working were thsoe who braved the elements to walk to work. Of those heros were the Living Hope Staff who put the kids above their own personal comfort and turned up each day to feed and look after the street kids.
2007-02-27 22:47:47Our Director, Anya has hit the sunny shores of New Zealand! Arriving today for 25 days (but who's counting?)of strategic planning sessions and training with Rachael and the NZ Trust Board. From snow and ice to humidity and sunshine, Anya is getting to grips with a culture of inherent kindness and clean cars!
2007-02-27 22:40:48Holidays are very important to Russians and here at Living Hope, we also don’t let them pass by without celebrating. On February 23, we celebrated Defender’s Day. This is a day for honoring and congratulating those who defend the country, particularly all the male population! This holiday fell on a Friday, so the kids were here and we had a party to congratulate Maxim and all the young men who were present. The girls made a special extra-large card. Feb. 22 was also Dema’s birthday (one of our boys) which gave us two reasons to celebrate! Everyone had a great time.
2007-02-20 19:35:05On Valentine’s Day Vladivostok was hit by the worst storm this winter. Much snow fell all over the city. However, this did not stop the children from coming to Living Hope and they proved to be a great help as they worked hard to clean the snow from the street and building. It was great to see them take responsibility and be involved in such community work. This gives us a sense of pride in them.
2007-02-20 19:32:58On Feb. 12, about 15 children poured all their love into handmade valentines to present to their friends on Valentine’s Day. On such occasions, they show their creativity and talents which are hidden while they struggle to survive.
2007-02-16 13:23:45Olga who stole a mobile phone 2 years ago from the office has come and apologized for the theft, saying she now understands that Living Hope and the staff are the only ones who actually care for her and are willing to help her and her baby. Great to see hard hearts changing!
2007-02-08 16:40:24For some of the kids, they are getting to experience their first taste of Pizza! Something that many of us take for granted. Cooking lessons are the popular item on the agenda this cold winter month as kids get a chance to learn how to prepare dough, grate cheese and choose toppings. The looks of delight on their faces as they eat the finished product is out of this world!
2007-01-27 07:51:23Rachael first met Pasha in 1998. He was 11 years old. HIs mother an alcoholic. Pasha and his brother lived on the streets and came to Rachael to be fed each day. One day he did not turn up - he had fallen off a hot water pipe and cracked his head and had a brain hemorrhage. After rushing to the hospital to see him, Rachael became aware that nothing was being done to help him because he had no money to pay for the MRI needed before surgery. Paying the money saved his life! After recovering from surgery he was sent off to a boarding school and for many years we had not seen or heard from him. This week he turns up at the office to tell us about his new job! An enthusiastic happy young man who, like many others, would not be alive today if Living Hope was not in existance.
2007-01-22 19:48:45"I will be strict with Vitalina. I do not want her to have any chance of having a BAD life like I did. I want a bigger apartment, a summer house where we can grow our own vegetables and for her to have the Best Education and to become someone!" Says Ira to Living Hope Social Workers when they called in to check up on her and her 2 year old daughter, Vitalina - one of many 'grandchildren' to Living Hope.
2007-01-17 18:05:03Seeking 500 people prepared to give $10 each month! Choose which of the following 500 Clubs You woud like to belong to! • Ministry support to help us feed, clothe and educate the kids on a daily basis. • Rachael – lives on support and needs to pay her rent, eat and dress herself! • Without our dedicated team of personnel in Russia we would not be able to reach out into the life’s of the children. With your guaranteed $10 per month towards their wages we have much more chance of paying them their worth as they help the kids. Contact us for more details! rachael@livinghope.org.nz
2007-01-12 08:21:00On January 8, we celebrated Christmas and the arrival of the New Year. This was a wonderful party at the Silver Moon Restaurant that included a meal, performances by the children, singing, music, games, a visit from Det Moroz (Santa Claus), and presents! It was so great to have 45 children in attendance from 3 to 20 years old. This was the first year that kids spent many weeks preparing excitedly for the event. Everyone got involved in the activities, with older kids caring for the younger ones. Smiles were seen, laughter was heard and no one wanted to leave! We hope that during this year we will be able to continue to bring such joy to the children.
2006-12-23 20:41:42Rachael, Anya and the staff along with all the kids want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
2006-12-21 08:21:52Snow has hit the streets of Vladivostok causing mayhem and traffic jams. However we are all grateful that this is the first snow of the seaon and has only just arrived now and not in October like last year! Looks like a white Christmas for us!
2006-12-20 11:46:11Living Hope are desperate for donations to help with their Christmas presents. Click on "Get Involved" to see how you can help.
2006-11-16 11:35:5930 kids and staff had a great day with games, food, and prizes to celebrate the day centre's 8th birthday! The highlight for the kids was being able to speak with Rachael in New Zealand via big-screen video-conferencing.