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"We were all very impressed with how polite and well-behaved the children from Kharkiv are. As families, we have learned so much from these children. We have come to appreciate all of the things we take for granted as weòÀÙve watched the children take pleasure in simple aspects of our daily lives such as talking on the telephone and going to the grocery store. The children have been quick to learn some English and have taught us some Russian too.

A surprising outcome of this program was the tremendous impact that the children have had on our local communities as our friends, neighbors and others in the community have come in contact with our host children. Several people who have learned about this program have expressed an interest in participating in hosting a child in the future as a cultural exchange. We hope that the success of this pilot program will lead to a long-term relationship between our communities in Kharkiv County and California."

Quotes from a Letter of Thanks
to a Governor of Kharkiv County,Ukraine
Signed by 20 host families for Summer 2004 program.

"My husband and I joined FRUA of Northern California and found that they had information on a Cultural Exchange for children from Ukraine during the summer of 2005. This program gave us time with children from orphanages that we never would have otherwise met. My parents had done cultural and student exchanges when I was younger so I was familiar with the idea. The children were wonderful and had so much energy that we had a great time with them. We met others from the program that we were able to arrange activities with. We took them to the zoo in Folsom and then took them camping from our church group where they had a fun time with the other children. They seemed to mix very easily with other children from here and we were able to have dinner with another family who had children that our kids knew.

As for resources, there were translators that were readily available when we needed them. We were in constant contact with Ninel and the people who brought them over from Ukraine. When we met the children at the airport, they were holding our pictures that we had sent them and were eager to meet with us. After the 3 weeks was over, it was very difficult to see them go back but our experience was a wonderful time and we highly recommend it."

Jennifer Putnam and Chris Mathany (Jackson, California)
Host family for Summer 2005 Program.

"Our family was given the awesome opportunity to host three wonderful seven year olds from Ukraine. While we were given three weeks to spend together as a family, the time was just too short. We opened our home, our lifestyle, our friends and most importantly our heart to one little boy and two little girls. The "hosting kids" along with our 8 year old daughter quickly filled our home with laughter, giggles, hugs and affection. All three children were amazingly able to communicate with the three of us. We truly tried to allow the children to experience American family life. We went to church, camping, the movies, the beach, swimming, fishing, and helping to fix dinner. The first trip to Wal-Mart was filled with oohs and aahs. Those three curious, inquisitive and appreciative young children not only captured the hearts of our family but also with everyone they came into contact with. We pray that God will continue to have a hand in selecting the children that are meant to join our family."

Angie, John and Addy Cofer (Salisbury, North Carolina)
Host family for Summer 2005 Program.

"I went into this hosting program with the goal in mind of hoping to make a positive impact on someone else's life other than my own. Along the way, I believe I achieved this goal in addition to broadening my own perspective on life as I know it!

One of the unique aspects of this program is the continued contact with the child I hosted. Contact has come in many forms such as letters and care packages and always an open door for Vlad (the boy I hosted) to come visit America."

Mike Slyter (San Carlos, California)
Host for Summer & Winter 2004, Winter 2005 Program.

"We participated in the URGEX Ukrainian Orphan Project hosting program in December 2005. My wife and I hosted an amazing nine-year-old girl. She was truly a beautiful child. We all had an outstanding experience and helped provide the adventure of a lifetime for this young girl. What we did not expect was that we would receive just as much as she did. This program not only allowed us to brighten the life of a child but also really touched our hearts and allowed us to experience love in a way we had never expected.

As for the URGEX program itself, we whole heartedly recommend it to anyone considering hosting a child. The director, Ninel, and her team covered all the bases. There was never a time when we felt an issue had not been addressed prior to it arising. The entire team is highly professional and put the safety, feelings, and needs of the children and families above all else.

Thank you Ninel and all the people connected with URGEX. We look forward to a continuing relationship with your programs in the future."

Michelle and Dan Hills (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Host family for Winter 2005 Program.

"Thank you so much for introducing me to your wonderful program. Jimmy, Rory and I enjoyed having Valeri stay with us over the Christmas and we will never forget him, it opened up a whole new world to us and we learned a lot from him. This was our first hosting experience and I hope it won't be our last. I cannot imagine the work that goes into putting a program like this together and I just want to say how much I appreciate all the work that you did to bring the children to all of us, how quickly you responded to all my questions and just how easy you made it for my family. You have a wonderful way with people and you do such a GREAT JOB."

Bernie and Jimmy Naughton (New York, New York)
Host family for Winter 2005 Program.

Thank you so very much for allowing us to participate in your wonderful hosting program. It was such an awesome experience. We were very impressed with how smoothly everything went, start to finish and with the how delightful all of the participants were; the Program leadership, the children, the chaperons, the interpreters, and the other families that hosted.

We look forward to having the opportunity to host again and would gladly recommend you and your program to anyone and everyone.

You and your volunteers have very large hearts filled with much kindness and love. Please know how much you and the services that you provide to orphaned children are appreciated.

Cary and Linda Prather (Long Beach, California)
Host family for Summer 2006 Program