Photos from Latvia

Vladislavs is blessed enough to have been removed from the orphanage 3 years ago and taken in by a foster family. After seeing what a difference it makes in a child, I wish this for every orphan! However, with the economy collapsing like it is in Eastern Europe, Latvia being particularly hard hit, the government is having to take drastic measures and it is ending the foster family stipends. We are seeing an increase in the orphange population. Orphanage personel are being laid off, having salaries cut in half and families who were already on the brink have been pushed over and many children are entering the system. Plus, many foster families are no longer able to continue fostering, but are forced to look for work. We met many, many people with family members, fathers, adult children, etc, having to go to other countries for work. It's very, very hard for people in Eastern Europe right now. We saw riots in all 3 countries we visited back in January and February related to the financial crisis.

However, for now, Vladislavs is in a safe place, along with other children being fostered in his family. They are kind, considerate and caring people! They have two adult sons who now have children, but they choose to take in 4 foster kids from the system. They are hero's in Latvia for the cause of orphans. They know how much we miss Vladislavs and clearly how much he misses us, so today they posted some pictures online of our boy in Latvia, on the farm they help work. Getting to "see" our kids once they are overseas is a HUGE comfort. Especially seeing a smile on his face!