Balabek and Otabek exit airport security escorted by Elena Ivanenko (Lutheran Children and Family Service) as they met members of the church committee.

Church Representatives
They were greeted by Jim Garcia (Trinity), Dick and Joyce Burkett (Peace), and Janet Panning (LCFS).

Meet Our Interpreters
Elena Ivanenko (LCFS case worker) and our own interpreter, Olga Smirnova (St. Matthews).

First Lunch in Bucks County
Otabek and Balabek ate their first lunch at Applebee’s in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. (Jim, Olga, Otabek, Balabek, and Dick)

Church Committee Welcome Picnic

On Saturday, August 6, members of our church committee helped finish painting the Nabiyev home in Telford, PA.  We finished the day with a cookout and had the opportunity to meet Otabek and Balabek along with the other Turkish refugee families in the area.

On August 13, our church community celebrated Otabek's 29th birthday at Markey Park in East Rockhill.

On Sunday, August 14, 2005, Otabek and Balabek greeted members of St. James Lutheran church in Fellowship.  They attended worship service with Jen Grove (St. James).  Steve Gratias (St. Luke's) attended to give a Temple talk and introduce Otabek and Balabek to members of the congregation.