Hosting FAQs
We fell in love with our guest orphan child, can we adopt them?
Each year as families become attached to their children, those that hosted orphans frequently desire to adopt them. It must be clearly understood that GFA cannot be involved in adoption efforts in any way. Adoptions are currently closed from Belarus to the US.
How do I communicate with my guest child? I would like to communicate with my guest child and his/her family in Belarus. I do not speak the language. What should I do?
We have local interpreters who can help you either make a phone call or translate a letter you have written. It is appropriate to reimburse them for these services. Please ask your area coordinator how to contact your local interpreters/translators.
My child wants to be baptized. Do I allow them to do it?
Although we are thrilled if our Belrussian guests accept the Lord while they are here, we may not let them get baptized while in the US.
My child wants his/her ears/body pierced. Do I allow them to do it?
No, this is not allowed. Belarussian parents could possibly become angry their children altered their body while away from home and without permission.
Do I have to submit an application if I am sharing the hosting of a child with another host family?
Yes, we must have an application from every host family regardless of who they are hosting.
Do I have to submit an application if I am planning to host an interpreter or be a respite family?
Yes, we must have an application from every host family regardless of who they are hosting.
Whom do I call if I have a question about something I heard concerning world affiars?
Should something happen in the world that affects our program, we will probably be the first to know the consequences. If we know of something going on that we feel host families need to know, we will contact all area coordinators and ask them to pass on the information.
What do I do if my child becomes homesick?
You can expect that your child may become homesick at some point. Interaction with other Belarussian children may help, and your area coordinator can be of assistance. But the most important thing is to always just how your child that you love them.
What are the children like?
They are just like your own children. Each child has his or her own personality with particular likes and dislikes. At the end of the six weeks, you will see these children as if they were your very own children.
Should I allow my child to telephone home and how frequently?
If you child has a family, then you should assist your child in making a call to their home to notify their family of their safe arrival. Other than that, it is your personal discretion as to how much you allow them to call. If you allow them to call it is recommended not to allow them to call more often that one time per week, this seems to escalate homesickness. Please be aware that calls to Belarus are very expensive, some calling cards are as low as $0.44 cents per minute. Also be aware that your current long distance carrier may be as high as $1.35 cents per minute.
Where can I get Russian Bibles?
GFA provides each guest child with a complementary Bible in the Russian language.
Where can I purchase a Russian-English dictionary?
Your local bookstore should carry Russian-English dictionaries and phrase books. If they do not, check www.Amazon.com.
What is the time difference between our countries?
Belarus is 10 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. A good rule of thumb for calling home is call between 9pm and 11am.
What do we send home with our guest child?
You should send home only what you can afford. If you can afford it, the following are good suggestions; warm clothing, a jacket, school supplies, vitamins, toiletries, over the counter medicines, practical items for other family members, and money is useful if you are able. If you send money, it should be in $5, $10, or $20 dollar denominations. They must be clean, unmarked bills, not torn or damaged in any way. They may be either the newer or older bills, but they must have the security strip on them. We suggest sewing the bills into the pants pocket of the pants the child will wear on the trip home. This way it cannot fall out or be spent before the reach home.
Is it okay to take my child to church?
It is expected that you WILL take your child to church, for at least part of their visit.
Will my family be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation?
No. There is no danger whatsoever. It would be like expecting that a person exposed to an X-ray could walk around and infect others with radiation from it.
How are the children selected?
Belarussian social workers, pastors and teachers recommend children that might qualify for the program and would also do well in a different family and culture. In the fall, GFA board members go to Belarus and interview the children and give them a brief health exam to determine if they are healthy enough to travel to the US. Most of the children who come to America are poor by our standards, although some are more fortunate than others. Some have more needs, but all benefit immensely by coming to the US for six weeks in the summer.
Who do I contact if I have a problem or concern with my child?
All questions or concerns should be addressed to your Area Coordinator first. If this is unsuccessful in resolving the issue, then you should contact a GFA Board Member.
What can I expect regarding the child’s behavior?
The child may be shy and reserved at first. After all, this is a new country with its own culture and language. With time, the child should warm up to you and feel more relaxed.
Most of the children are very much like their American counterparts: loving, obedient, enjoyable, and desiring to please you. Sometimes, they argue and complain, they have likes and dislikes, or they act selfishly or appear ungrateful.
Some come here with the attitude that they should ‘get as much as they can’. They may have been told to do this by family members. Don’t give in to the ‘gimmes’; it perpetuates the stereotype of the ‘rich American’.
If you look at the time here as a timeline, you will find that the first week or so is when all of you are getting acquainted. There is very little disobedience. After approximately 3 weeks or so, the child may begin to test your limits and boundaries to determine where they are. Remain firm yet loving. Right before they leave, some may be very emotional or withdrawn. Soon they will be home again and reunited with their family. Yet, they will miss you as well and it is hard to handle all of these mixed emotions.
Sometimes a child’s behavior is indicative of a dysfunctional home: writing on walls, hoarding food, stealing, or continued defiance. Don’t act tough and tell yourself, “we can handle this”. Get help from a GFA board member and interpreter right away.
The bottom line is: Have reasonable expectations.
