[I thought this was such a great report that it merited it's own top-level post. -JLM]

From: Kelly Marshall

Hi everyone,

I understand the heat wave will be ending shortly. Hope you all aren’t melting away.  )

Day two of the Pahinets day camp was a huge success. More children arrived today for a grand total of 50 children. My room had approximately 15; I never did get an accurate count because they kept on coming. Since our team is divided between five groups plus the parent trainings, we’re a little short staffed and I’d love a few more translators, but we’re making do and having fun. Plus, it gives me a chance to practice my Ukrainian. I’ve learned a lot. I know all my colors now, several animals, and I’m now learning my food. Today I was playing with a little boy in the dramatic play area and I was able to say, “Budlaska, ya hochu pomodori” which means “I want the tomato please.”  )

We introduced the children to water play this morning and they loved it! Actually that may be an understatement. Their reaction to shaving cream was equally exciting. Outside we’re playing with foam paddles and balloons as well as those velcro catch and throw toys. They’re like magic! They love them. The parents are having just as much fun exploring all our toys and gadgets.

The parent sessions are going rather well. We discussed advocacy this afternoon. Emily did a brief presentation defining advocacy and laying out steps on how to be an advocate. Mia followed up by telling stories of four children and their families, ranging in age, disability, and experience with the special education process/system. Then we broke the parents up into small groups based on their child’s age and I provided them with discussion questions to apply to the scenario just presented, and then to get them thinking about what their next step would be with their child. Each group seemed to be having in depth conversations. I know the conversation in my group was fantastic. The parents really seem to be ready to take the necessary strides to advocate for their children, or at least find the most appropriate and beneficial school placement.

Tomorrow Rob Feathers, one of the founding members of USNOF, will be speaking to the parents about his experience advocating for his two girls with Down syndrome (one is adopted from Ukraine). They really need to hear from a fellow parent who has been in their shoes, especially a father. We’re also hoping to have a special guest, Lyubov, who is the director of the Ukrainian American Birth Defects program, and one of the behind the scenes advocates for the Pahinets. She’s received some interesting feedback from the government and the parents really need to hear what she has to say. Everyone else has done as much as they can, and now the government says they won’t do anything until they hear directly from the parents. Our hope is that after this week the parents are ready to speak and be heard.

I fall in love with this cause all over again every time I’m here. It’s just such a passionate crowd with sincere interest and a desire to do better. I’m grateful to be a part of it.

Thanks for all your prayers!  Love, Kelly