Transitions

Each fall we find ourselves in the position of deciding which kids will enter the H2H Transition Program. This program is for young men and women, over the age of 18, who are no longer under the care of the orphanage, but don't have support or resources to start out on their own. Some years we have many applicants, other years less. It is a decision that I don't take lightly, because I know the power of change that can come from completing the Transition Program. We tell the young people that enter our program, that if you enter our program, you enter our family. Once you enter our family you are stuck with us through thick or thin. We, as a foundation, are committed to that promise. Our transition kids, go from being in the program, to graduating and usually living in one of our apartments. The next step is finding a place to live on their own, maybe getting married and starting a family, maybe moving out of Romania to a better job. Because of this transition the after care program came into place, marriage counseling, Mommies and Me classes, and grandbabies and child care. It is also why the Team House has become home base for over 130 kids. I believe with all my heart that to reduce the number of orphans in the world can only be done by adoption. Sometimes that is legal adoption, which unfortunately is a rarity in Romania, and other times that is symbolic adoption, giving kids a place to belong and people to belong to. It is one of my favorite parts of the work that I get to do. This year we have 6 young men and only 1 young woman. It is a special group for me, because 3 of the young men are kids that I've worked with since almost the beginning of my ministry here. I've seen them grow up and change and am so incredibly proud of the step that they've taken to be orphans no more!