Elmira family provides home for Belarussian child
Host families are needed for next summer's respite program
by Gail Martin, Elmira Independent

Last week, Marilyn and Rob Martin, of Elmira, along with their children, said goodbye to Jaenya Mitko, perhaps for the last time.

The Martins had been hosting Jaenya for the summer as part of Canadian Friends of Chernobyl's Children, a local organization that provides respite for children from Belarus. These children are continually exposed to radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster that still contaminates their country.
While in Canada, the children gain weight, grow taller, and generally make gains in their health that would be impossible if they stayed in Belarus year-round.

The Martins have been a part of the program since 1997. They first hosted a young girl, Tatiana, who had a series of health problems. While in Canada, she had heart and eye surgery. They hosted her for three years, before they opted to take a year off.

Then, they hosted Jaenya. The Martins still hear from Tatiana, who is now 20.
Tatiana is doing well. She¹s out of school, has a job, and has a boyfriend.
"She doesn¹t talk about her health a lot, so we assume it's fine," said Marilyn.

Since then, Jaenya has become a part of their family, at least for the summer.
He's a year older than the Martin¹s youngest son, Tim, and is usually found somewhere in his vicinity.

His English has improved year after year. Jaenya is an active little boy, participating in sports and playing with Tim in the treehouse that they built. The week before Jaenya went home, he and Tim were busy playing with Lego, inventing all sorts of creations.

Marilyn said that Jaenya's health has always been relatively good, at least compared to Tatiana. However, he has commented on how much food there is available in Canada, and he gains weight while he is here. "He¹s a pretty good eater," said Marilyn.

The Martins decided to host children from Belarus as a means to reach out to those in need. "It's nice to know you are helping out someone who needs some help," said Marilyn. "It's a way of making the world smaller." "We're just trying to put our faith into action, is what it comes down to," said Rob.

The entire family also gets to participate in this program and learn a little bit more about the how much more freedom and prosperity Canadians enjoy.
"Our kids are not afraid of cross-cultural experiences," said Rob. "They seem to be better at reaching out to new people," added Marilyn.

And, for Jaenya, the visit to Canada is not just helping him regain his health, but helping him by allowing him to be part of a larger family. In Belarus, he lives alone with his grandmother. His mother lives in another city.

Tatiana, their previous host child, came from an orphanage. "It's a chance to be in a home setting that is functional, a typical family setting," said Marilyn.
"That's good for them."

Jaenya will likely not come back next summer, as the Martins have decided it is time to help another child. More host families are needed to allow the children to come to Canada next summer.

Marilyn said that one of the best things about hosting the children from Belarus is how much they appreciate it. "I have been struck by how grateful he has been to be with us. He always says thank you for his meals. He has been grateful for everything we say or do, small or big."