Trip Report
We just returned from our trip to Central Asia. About three weeks before we left, we sensed that the path ahead would be very wide — we wouldn’t be able to veer off to the left or the right. That’s exactly how it turned out.
Shortly after we arrived, we found out new laws had been passed that significantly tightened the rules for the kind of work we’re doing. In our first couple of days, we met with an orphanage director and a local leader who walked us through all the recent changes. It was discouraging at first and definitely set us back. But then something shifted. I had a clear moment of realizing that everything was still going to go smoothly, and almost immediately people began coming out of the woodwork to walk alongside us and help.
Here’s what we were able to accomplish on this trip:
Met with two orphanage directors
Viewed two properties in person (neither was right for us) and looked at many others online
Had a very productive meeting with our in-country attorney
Our main focus right now is finalizing and registering the legal foundation. The government requires every person involved — including the director and auditor — to be named with full personal details in the charter before it can be registered and approved. We’re still searching for the right director and auditor, but once those two positions are filled, we’ll be able to submit everything and get the foundation officially established.
Registering the foundation is a huge step because it will finally allow us to lease land, hire staff, and move forward with the broader vision. We’re genuinely excited about the progress, even with the obstacles. The doors that have opened — and the people who have stepped up to help — have been nothing short of remarkable.
Most of all, we’re thankful for you. Your interest, your encouragement, and your support mean more than we can express. It’s an enormous comfort to know you’re standing with us. Especially here in the Thanksgiving season, we want you to know how grateful and thankful we are for each of you.
We’ll share another update with our next steps soon.
Thank you again — from the bottom of our hearts.