In this Issue

Children's Hope International is happy to announce that as of December 14, 2007 we are officially accredited in the Russian Federation!

Children's Hope International is pleased to announce that as of December 14, 2007 we received official order #355 from the Ministry of Education, signed on December 14, 2007. We also received an Accreditation certificate #31, issued on December 19, 2007 granting us authority to place children for adoption from within the territory of the Russian Federation. This accreditation will be non expiring.

As a family with a Russian and American Heritage our family celebrated the traditional “American” Christmas on December 25th and Russian Christmas on January 7th. I did a little research to add to our family’s traditions.

Traditionally, Russian Christmas Dinner was held on Christmas Eve, January 6th. According to the research I did, the meal was to start after the first star appeared in the sky, as this star symbolizes the birth of Jesus. At this time a Twelve-dish dinner was served, representing a dish for each of the Apostles. The dishes included fish, mushrooms, and various types of grains – no meat was served as it was the last day of Advent, a time of fasting. Fish dishes, including herring or carp are usually served and symbolize the ichthus – relating Jesus and his disciples as the “fishers of men”.

The Traditional meal that is served in our family began with the breaking of the flat-bread or salt-bread. Each person ripped off a piece of the bread before starting the meal. In the Russian culture bread symbolizes hospitality and salt is associated with long friendship. In our family, the traditional meal included: flat-bread/salt-bread; perogi, sautéed mushrooms, smoked fish, cabbage soup, chick peas or lima beans, boiled potatoes with fried onions, haluski soup, and kecelitsa.

We have since, modified or “Americanized” or Russian Christmas Dinner. We serve our dinner on Christmas Day, January 7th; there for it is not in a time of fasting, so we can add meat to our menu. We still serve many of the Traditional items. We always start with haluski soup! We serve perogi with fried onions. Instead of boiled potatoes we serve mashed potatoes.

Please refer to the Recipe Section of this newsletter to see the recipes for the dishes our family serves.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

: : Holly and Steve Crump
Waiting to go to Krasnoyarsk

Christmas in the United States brings images of Christmas trees, shopping, presents, stockings hung from the chimney, manager scenes and joyous carols about the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem. We, as adoptive parents, should also consider the heritage of our children and what Christmas in Russia has been in the past and how it is celebrated today. Just as Christmas has different traditions in homes in America, the same holds true of Russian families. Within this article I have given you an overview of Christmas in Old Russia, Christmas during the Soviet era and Christmas today.

Christmas in Old Russia (during the 1800s) was a happy, festive time when people decorated Christmas trees, feasted, exchanged gifts and enjoyed the company of friends and family. Above all, Christmas was one of the holiest days on fhte year, second only to Easter in the Russian Orthodox Church. One popular old custom among young people was mumming. This included dressing up in colorful costumes and clowning around for the amusement of the neighbors. Some of these costumes include bears, Turks, tavern keepers and other comic or fearsome characters. The mummers would dance, frolic and generally make merriment. Those celebrating would often climb into their troikas (light-weight sleighs pulled by three horses) and speed through the snow to join other family members and friends. Christmas during this period was celebrated on December 25th, just as it was throughout the rest of the world. This season would last through January 7th. In 1917 most of the world adopted the Gregorian calendar. However, the Russian Orthodox Church preserved the old Julian calendar and Christmas was celebrated on January 7 after 1917.

The 1800s was a time in Russia when Czars ruled the country. Nicholas II was the last czar of Russia and was the ruler of 120 million people in the vast land of what was then Russia (six and a half million square miles – one-sixth of the earth). The arts flourished during this time. Russia was known for its outstanding writers and composers. One popular opera of the time was called Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden), based on a play by Alexander Ostrovsky. The Snow Maiden would later become a popular figure in Russian winter celebrations.

Christmas in old Russia was a mixture of European customs and ancient Russian traditions of Christianity and superstition, and of holy nights and strange spirits. Some rituals were serious and others more for fun. For example some rituals were done to bring on good health and ward off evil spirits. Other rituals were done for fun to determine who a young girl might marry. One of these rituals that were done in rural areas was to have girls of marriageable age to run outside and throw a boot across the street. The first man to find a girls’ boot would be her future husband!

Singing of kolyadki (Russian Christmas carols) during this time of year was also popular. Young people bundled up and braved the cold and happily tromped through the streets of Moscow, singing the kolyadki. Kolyadki were originally folk songs that commemorated the renewal of the year. They later would include the nativity and other Christmas themes.

In old Russia the Christmas season lasted a full 12 days to commemorate the time between Christ’s birth and His baptism. The Russian Orthodox Church held services every day to celebrate the holy season. Many devote Russians attended services daily. Some Russians would celebrate the holy season for 39 days before Christmas by abstaining from certain foods. No meat would be served and the day before Christmas no food would be eaten until the first star appeared in the sky. Once this star was seen a 12 course dinner would begin. Some common foods were fish, kissel (a mousse like berry dessert), borscht (a rich soup made of cabbage, onions, potatoes, beets and carrots) and kutya. Kutya is a rich, sweet porridge made of wheat berries, poppy seeds and honey. On Christmas day meat would be eaten, along with many other foods. Common Christmas day feasts would include duck, ham goose, pig and other roast meats.

Christmas services in the church would be based on Biblical teachings and holy traditions. Icons, religious paintings, would adorn the Orthodox Church. Worshippers would kiss the icons, kneel before them and light candles. Beautiful music would be played at services.

The legend of D’yed Moroz or Grandfather Frost, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, arose during this time. It was believed that Grandfather Frost lived deep in the woods of Russia and came into town in a sleigh. He would roam the streets and give gifts to well behaved children and overlook those who had been naughty.

The Russian revolution that began in 1917 would issue many changes in the way Christmas was celebrated. During the 70 year rule of Communism, the religions celebration of Christmas was largely replaced by the Festival of Winter. The traditions associated with Christmas were transferred to the New Year holiday. The Christmas dinner became a New Year’s dinner, the tree became a New Year’s Eve tree and Grandfather Frost arrived on New Year’s Day. New Year’s Day became a legal holiday while Christmas was officially ignored. The Communists that seized power were atheist and religious celebrations were not tolerated. Many churches were destroyed or converted into public buildings. Christmas could no longer be observed. A Russian who attended church openly during this time could lose their job and jeopardize their future. In spite of this, it is estimated that 20 to 40 million followers still continued in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Despite the official governmental position of atheists, occasionally restrictions were not as strict and some churches that still existed would hold services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The congregation would sing hymns and decorate the churches. Families would celebrate in their private homes and wish each other S Rozhdestvom Khristovym (Merry Christmas). These celebrations were small but kept the meaning of Christmas alive.

Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden were popular parts of the New Year’s celebrations during the Soviet years. The Snow Maiden was considered the granddaughter of Grandfather Frost and would accompany him in parades and other New Year’s events. Another figure in Soviet parades was the New Year’s Boy. He was as young and as fresh as the New Year. Some believe that with the Soviet ban on Mary, Joseph and Jesus, the Russians sought to recreate the holy family through Grandfather Frost, the Snow Maiden and the New Year’s Boy.

Christmas in Russia today represents freedom and openness. The 70 years of Communist reign is over and many Russians find it astonishing that Christmas is now a legal holiday. Christians are once again free to worship in the true meaning of Christmas. New Year’s is still the biggest celebration in Russia but Christmas is gaining in popularity. Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden are extremely popular figures in the Russian Christmas and New Year’s celebration. Christmas services in the Russian Orthodox Church are renowned for their sacred music. The church is brightened with hundreds of tall, thin candles, hanging garlands and icons that depict the Nativity. Christmas is a joyous time today in Russia.

: : Janiece Wieschhaus, MSW, LCSW
Russia Program coordinator and adoptive parent

Prosecutor Marina Vasilenko from the Vladivostok region of Russia came to St. Louis (Dec 2 to Dec 14) on her study tour to the United States to learn about international adoption and meet families who have adopted from Russia. In Vladivostok, Prosecutor Vasilenko represents Russian Federation in court. She goes through families' paperwork rigorously before the court hearing to double check for accuracy and to make sure all the requirements are met. Prosecutor Vasilenko has been working with the Prosecutor's Office at the Vladivostok region court for approximately 12 years.

On December 12th, the Russia Team organized a reception and invited local families who adopted from Russia to spend the evening with Prosecutor Vasilenko. Prosecutor Vasilenko was thrilled to see the children with their forever families.

As for the Russia Team, the Prosecutor's visit was a very good opportunity to learn more about the legal procedures in Russia. As for the Prosecutor, as she mentioned, it was a great learning experience to see the immense work put into place to find a loving home for a child/children. Prosecutor Vasilenko mentioned that she had a great time in St. Louis and that this visit would be a dearest part of her nostalgic reminiscences. During her visit to St. Louis, Prosecutor Vasilenko also visited our Tennessee Branch Office and met with the families there.

Haluski Soup:
(from Helen Grabovetz)
You will need:
• A Big Pot- (no cover) – to boil noodles in
• Pan of Cold Water – will be used to cool off noodles.
• Colander – to drain noodles
• Spoon with holes to droop noodles (it’s a good idea to have a few different options of utensils with holes in them to see which will work best)
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 Tablespoon Oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups flour
• Chicken Broth (we use College Inn – you will need at least 1 of the large cans)
Directions:
1. Fill Big Pot ¾ full with water and bring to a boil
2. Using a blender or electric mixer; mix milk, eggs, oil and salt on low speed.
3. Gradually add flour to mixture.
4. If dough is too thick add ½ cup cold water and mix at low speed. (the thicker the dough, the larger the noodles come out)
5. Drop noodles by spoon with holes into boiling water until pot becomes crowded. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Scoop noodles out of pot with strainer and put immediately into cold water.
7. Noodles must be completely cooled before serving.

To Serve:
Heat broth separately. Place cold noodles in bowl and pour broth over noodles!

Perogi:
(from Helen Grabovetz)

Ingredients:
• 1 medium onion chopped (optional)
• 1 ½ tablespoon butter
• ¾ lb cheddar cheese – grated
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 5 med potatoes boiled and mashed
• 4 cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs – well beaten
• ¾ cups milk

Directions:
Sauté onion in 1 ½ tablespoon butter. (if you do not want onions in filling – this step can be skipped)
Add onion, cheese, butter, salt & pepper to mashed potatoes. Mix well.
Sift flour, salt and baking powder into bowl.
Add beaten eggs and milk. Combine well.
Turn out onto floured board and knead 10 times
Separate dough and roll out into 5 inch wide circles.
Fill each circle with 1 tablespoon of potato filling
Fold dough in half.
Seal edges by moistening with water and pressing with fork about ¼ inch in from edge.
**Do not put one on top of another before cooking – they will stick together**
Bring perogi to a slow boil in hot water. (be sure not to boil to fast as they may break)
Fry with butter and onions until golden brown.
Serve hot.
(yields 25 servings)
Note: if you would like to freeze. After boiling dip in butter and freeze individually on cookie sheet. Once frozen, you can pile them into another container. To serve once frozen simply defrost and fry.

Borscht:
(From Helen Grabovetz)

Ingredients
• 2 bunches beets, peeled and grated
• 3 quarts water
• 2 Table-spoons salt
• 2 tea-spoons sour salt or juice of one lemon
• ¾ c sugar
• Boiled potatoes and/or sour cream

Directions
Combine all ingredients in large kettle. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until beets are tender. Served hot or cold. Top with a boiled potato or sour cream or both.

Creamy Borscht:
Ingredients:

• 1 recipe Borscht (above)
• 3eggs
• 1 pint sour cream
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare Borscht (as above)
2. Beat eggs and sour cream in large bowl. Gradually mix in 2 cups of the HOT borscht.
3. Stir in the egg mixture into remaining soup. Simmer until hot. DO NOT BOIL.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper
5. Serve hot
(We do not add the potato and sour cream to this soup. Instead it’s we leave it as a side dish)

Kecelitsa:
(from Helen Szach)

Ingredients:
• 1 Small Package Quaker Oats (Long Cooking)
• 1 Pound Loaf Rye Bread (or 1 Yeast Cake)
• 2 Tablespoons Flour
• 2 Quarts Lukewarm water
• Garlic to taste
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Caraway seeds to taste

Directions:

Place oats, flour, and sliced rye bread in a bowl. Add lukewarm water, stir all ingredients well. Cover and place bowl in a warm place to ferment for 2 to 3 days, mixing occasionally, until mixture smells sour.

When ready to cook, add 2 quarts of lukewarm water, mix well. Strain through sieve into double boiler. Add garlic, salt, pepper and caraway seeds to taste.

Cook slowly. Stirring Constantly. Cook until soup coats spoon. (if soup is too thick, add a little cold water, if to thin, add a little flour and cold water)

Soup may be served with potatoes, beans, and mushrooms.

Cabbage Soup:
(from Helen Szach)

Ingredients:

• 4 quarts water
• 2 large cans sauerkraut (with juices squeezed out)
• 1 large head cabbage- shredded
• 1 ½ large Spanish onion – diced
• ¾ cup oil
• 1 cup flour
• 1 quart cold water
• Salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic to taste

Directions:
Cook the sauerkraut in 4 cups of water. When halfway cooked, add the shredded cabbage and continue cooking.

In the meantime, fry the diced onion in oil. When onion is transparent add flour. Continue mixing onion and flour until it turns deep brown. (This is called Zaprashka)
When brown, take off stove and add 1 quart cold water.

Mix Zaprashka and water until smooth. Place back on stove and keep mixing until thickened. Once thickened, pour Zaprashka into Soup- (the sauerkraut and cabbage mixture)

Cook an additional 10-15 minutes more.
May be served with potatoes and beans.

Rebecca first came to Children’s Hope in October of 2003 to coordinate our humanitarian aid projects. She then took a two-year leave of absence to obtain her Master’s in Social Work. In May of 2006, Rebecca returned to Children’s Hope to help develop the new Orphan Sponsorship program before joining the Russia Team as an Adoption Consultant. Rebecca married her husband Will this past July and the two of them enjoy spending time working on their house, serving in their church, and playing with their seven nephews and nieces (plus one on the way!) A St. Louis native, Rebecca comes from a family united by their passion for long-distance running and triathlons! Here is what she writes about herself and her work at Children's Hope.

My favorite part about Christmas at Children’s Hope is the flood of photo cards lining office doors and cubicle walls! As December 25 approaches, cards from completed families turn a simple walk around the office into a virtual photo album! This year, the Russia Team decorated our Christmas tree with pictures of some of the little ones who have been recently adopted or referred. Each face represents a unique journey to completion and offers a symbol of hope – hope that wait times will come to an end, hope that children and families will be united.

As with many others who are drawn to this field, I have been personally touched by adoption. While I was growing up, my family served as a foster family for infants and toddlers awaiting an adoptive home. Over the course of 10 years, I had close to 20 foster siblings and watched with joy and awe (and, of course, sadness at having to say “good-bye”) as each was eventually united with his or her forever family in God’s perfect timing. The impact that this environment had on my life became the fuel behind my desire to eventually work in the adoption field.

My first “real” job after college was working with Children’s Hope’s humanitarian aid program, which was then still in its infancy. After a year, I decided to go back to graduate school to pursue a master’s in social work. Strongly desiring a program with an emphasis on the integration of faith and practice, I moved to Texas to attend Baylor University. While there, I interned with a domestic adoption program, where I had the chance to work with couples in all stages of the adoption process. My internship confirmed what I had already known – the field of adoption was my passion and my calling.

So what is a typical day like on the Russia team? Each consultant carries a caseload of 80 or more families at varying stages of the process, from those who have just been accepted into the Russia program to those gearing up for their final court trip. So the majority of my time is spent on the phone and answering emails, reviewing documents and passing along news. As a social worker, I also complete home studies and post-adoption reports for local families. Evenings and weekends may find me doing a “travel call” with a family preparing for a first or second trip, or representing the Russia Team at an information meeting.

In short, no one day on the Russia Team is exactly like another. Things are constantly changing! Above all, the journeys of our adoptive families become our own journeys. We cry when families receive bad news and rejoice when we can call with good news instead. We eagerly “show off” the photos you send us when you return home from your referral trips and we excitedly follow your blogs while you are in-country. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to share in this part of your lives and do not take lightly the enormous responsibility of working to unite you with your children.

So on behalf of the Russia Team at Children’s Hope, I’d like to wish all of you the happiest of holidays. May the wonder of the first Christmas, the joy of our abundant blessings, and the peace of God’s presence be with you in this season – and throughout 2008!

November 2007
Parents’ Names Child’s New Name Region State
Burkett, Jeff & Judy	Destini Leia Tanya Shae	Vladivostok	TN
Wozniak-Rood, Ida	Catherine Elaina	Tver	FL
Clute, Gary & Rosalie	Viktor Jack	Vladivostok	FL
Holmes, Bill & Tara	Elizabeth Ashley	Astrakhan	TN
Marlowe, Daniel & Alicia	Dmitry Alexander	Vladivostok	AK
Miller, Blake & Dana	Camden Andrei	Vladivostok	TN

*Please note that the Arrivals is listed according to your approval for release.