Rachel Cooper lives in Owasso with her husband and children.
When war erupted in Ukraine Rachel Cooper says her first instinct was to see what International Host Connection was doing as she knows the organization is connected to so many children in orphanages currently trapped in a war zone.
Cooper does not know the exact number but says, “An estimate on the number of orphans in Ukraine is astonishing.”
Cooper used to be affiliated with International Host Connections [IHC] as a host parent. Cooper and her husband cared for two boys from a Ukrainian orphanage a few years ago one summer.
Cooper remained connected to the boys when they returned to the Ukraine, and was thrilled when she heard that they had been adopted by a Texas family.
“They were adopted right before the invasion, but they’re still in Ukraine,” said Cooper. “There are two more little ones that are also specifically on our hearts right now, sisters, ages eight and ten, who are currently stranded in the war zone along with thousands of other orphans across Ukraine. Their orphanage director is doing their best to keep them safe and protected in a bunker, but access to food and medicine is quickly becoming an issue.”
Cooper believes that there are efforts to evacuate the children from orphanages across the war torn country now.
In late Feb. IHC posted photos of several Ukrainian children that were needing to evacuate.
“The plan and focus is still now just getting them out and or getting them to a safe place. We want to get them out of harm’s way,” said Cooper.
She is encouraging others who want to help the Ukrainian orphans to pray and if they can, donate.
“I would absolutely recommend donating to International Host Connection. They will absolutely use those donations,” stated Cooper.
She confirms that they got word on Friday that the boys that stayed with her in the host program, are safe now and have been evacuated.
IHC updated their page on March 6. Confirming that many of the orphans have been evacuated to neighboring countries. There are some orphanages that are difficult to get too. The fate of those children still hang in the balance.
The Owasso couple is now focusing on asking government to help Ukraine in anyway with the current orphan crisis.
Cooper’s message to the orphans of Ukraine, “So many people are praying for them, who just care for them deeply.”