New Thing is your love in action, inside the former Soviet Union

Curious about where NewThing.net came from?

A report from Doug Brendel to all who support or follow New Thing in Belarus...

Searching for “incredible”?

Here’s INCREDIBLE!

You launched 12 orphans ... fully equipped for the future

When orphans age out of the foster system in Belarus, they have nothing.

They go to work or university feeling like outcasts, lacking the basics that other young adults bring with them.

But friends of New Thing gave generously this spring to provide “Life Starter Kits” for the orphans of Kobryn.

Bedding, kitchenware, household items — even laptops!

The house-parents threw the students a graduation party, with a big sign celebrating New Thing’s sponsorship.

“Until the very last moment of giving gifts, we kept a secret about the laptops,” house-mom Olga reports.

“It’s a pity you were not with us; you didn’t see the emotions of the children: It was a shock of surprise — their surprise, confusion and joy!”

The house-parents also established a new annual tradition:

The graduates address a letter to themselves, to be re-read 10 years from now.

“They write about their dreams and plans,” our team leader Elena P. explains, “about the most memorable moments from school life and family life, and give themselves advice about what needs to be improved or changed in their character.”

The graduates loved the idea — and took the challenge seriously

The letters were put in a single large envelope — to be hidden in a safe for 10 years.

A decade from now, the house-moms will deliver them to their authors ...

a reminder of the day you helped to launch them into adulthood!

A map on the wall shows where the graduating orphans will head for school or work.

The house-parents also provided specific info about each graduate to share with the generous friends of New Thing.

“We sincerely thank everyone for their efforts for the sake of our children!” Olga says.

More adventures to come!

Thanks for journeying with us!

Much love,

Doug Brendel

Photos by our dear friend Oleg Yarovenko

To help the people of Belarus by giving to New Thing online — click here

To send a check by snail mail — New Thing, 403 Linebrook Road, Ipswich MA 01938

Thanks again!