We’ve been reeling with grief since we learned of the sudden death of our dear friend Luda, wife of our beloved New Thing photographer Oleg Yarovenko. I asked Kristina to share her heart with you as soon as she felt she could. Her quiet tribute is  here, along with a few photos . Much love, Doug Brendel

Some friends have checked in with me about the need for a dishwasher at Shklov. At the boarding school for 89 blind and visually impaired children, a kitchen worker washes dishes by hand. (Here’s a  brief video . Just watching it for  85 seconds  made me tired.) As I write, 9 households have given a total of $508.67 toward the $1209.58 need. Thank you! Just $700.91 to go. Maybe we have 20 friends who’d like to  give $35.05  each, to close the gap? Of course, if you feel inspi

Beautiful kids. But they don’t see you the way you see them. They’re blind or visually impaired... 89 children, ages 3-18, at a boarding school in Shklov, Belarus. Our New Thing family first helped this boarding school 15 years ago. These kids weren’t even born yet, or they were only babies. Over the years, generous friends of New Thing provided a brand-new sewer pump (that was a huge emergency!)... Repaired the dormitory heating system to keep the kids warm in winter... Prov

Orphans at the Children’s Village in Kobryn, Belarus, are getting a baking lesson. (Some seem to be more into it than others!) Friends of New Thing have been helping children here for many years. One friend funded a Christmas party this year. And when these kids go off to college, thanks to New Thing, they’ll receive Life Starter Kits. In the meantime, their house parents are equipping them with the same skills our own kids need. Thanks for journeying with New Thing ... and t

Saw a little girl this week — to protect her privacy, I won’t show you her face. But I can tell you about her: Big smile, and all the curiosity and energy of a 4-year-old. Ready to chat but also willing to listen. Well behaved in public but fully engaged, not bossy and also not shy or fearful. A happy child. A normal child. She doesn’t realize it, but she is a triumph. A quarter-century ago, we met another little girl about her age — in a shelter for abused and abandoned chil

Just a brief note, in the depths of winter: On behalf of every cold, hungry, lonely soul you’ve helped to feed in Belarus... Please know that your compassion is a truly beautiful gift. Thanks for journeying with New Thing. Much love, Doug Brendel (Photos by our friends at the League of Good)

I made a mistake, accidentally sent an email to a stranger’s address. It was a brief email about New Thing’s work of compassion in Belarus. The stranger was intrigued. “My grandfather was from Shklov,” she replied. My heart leaped! Shklov! It’s a long 3-hour drive from Minsk, but I was there with members of our “Response of the Heart” team 13 years ago. We visited a boarding school for 100+ blind and visually impaired children. BEAUTIFUL experience. When they suffered a massi

Here , a hot meal on a warm bus. There , new mattresses and bunkbeds for an overnight shelter. Wherever our “Response of the Heart” team can meet the needs of people who have no homes... That’s where your love goes. Thanks for journey with New Thing. More adventures to come! Much love, Doug Brendel (Photo by our friends at League of Good)

The first question that comes to mind is: What happened? But this little guy isn’t looking back. In a second or two, the kitty in the doorway will be jumping out of his way. He’s on the move. He’s going forward. He’s in a hurry. He’s not bogged down by the injury — or the illness — or the birth defect. His big question is: What’s next? As friends of New Thing, we have the joy of going with him. Cheering him on. Helping him get there. Wherever he’s going. And celebrating what

Look at the ones whose parents are gone. What do you see? The ones who have no home ... the ones with disabilities ... the ones who are sick or injured.... They might be easy to miss. But you’re keeping an eye on those in need, in Belarus. Thanks for journeying with New Thing. More adventures to come! Much love, Doug Brendel