Randy and Kathy Junker adoption fund

In the summer of 2010, we participated in a "Journey of Hope" program sponsored by European Children Adoption Services. The program encourages American families to host orphans from Ukraine and other countries for a 3 - 4 week stay. Last July, my husband Randy and I (Kathy) along with our biological children, Paul, Brenna and Shaylin had the pleasure of hosting little Bogdan from the Odessa region of Ukraine. Bogdan is a beautiful, smiling, eight-year-old boy who soaked up all the love and affection we could give to him. Like all orphans, he longs to have a forever family.

When Bogdan came for hosting, many things that we take for granted in America were completely unknown to him. To our knowledge, he had never lived with a family. He did not know his birthdate or his last name. He did not know how to ride a bike or tie his shoes -- we taught him to do both. He formed a special bond with my husband - there are very few, if any, men working in orphanages. We took him to the zoo, and out for dinner and to church - all places he's most likely never been. He had never had anything that belonged only to him before.

Bogdan is very sharp and learned quickly. We loved watching him respond to family and friends and a completely new world. As a family, we committed to moving ahead to adopt Bogdan and are currently waiting for a court date in Ukraine. We expect that we will travel in Feb. or Mar. of 2011. As with all international adoptions, the costs can be a bit overwhelming. Our adoption agency, European Children Adoption Services (ECAS), notified us of giveMN.org and the chance to set up a fund-raising page. We decided to create this page for anyone who feels led to donate to help defray our costs. We don't, however, want anyone to feel obligated to give, or feel guilty if they are unable to give. We are a Christian couple who truly believe that the Lord will provide for our needs as He sees fit. Whether you give or not, we would love for you to pray for Bogdan and for our adoption process.

We were so pleased to be a part of the ECAS agency and their "Journey of Hope" as this program is specifically for older children (usually 6-14 yr. olds) who don't have a good chance statistically of ever being adopted. Many children when released from the orphanages have a bleak future. Thank you for reading our story, for your prayers and donations if you feel so led.

Blessings,

Randy and Kathy Junker