Kin's settlement «Vedrukh» (Kazakhstan)

«Vedrukh» settlement is located in Kazakhstan. This is a large settlement in which more than 70 families live. In addition, this is a settlement with a long history and established traditions: it was founded in 2002. During this time, shady oak and cedar groves have grown on the territory that was once a steppe. From the very moment of Vedrukh’s foundation, every autumn, residents collected oak acorns in the central park of Uralsk, the city located 25 kilometers away, and planted them in the settlement. Cedars were brought to the territory of «Vedrukh» in 2006. Then almost 10 thousand cedars were planted. Cedars are rare for Western Kazakhstan, since the climate here is quite dry. The most resistant trees have grown and taken root on this land - several dozen that annually give life to the new generation. Regular planting of trees and shrubs is an important tradition for the settlers. As the residents themselves explain, they want to see their land "beautiful and flourishing." Looking at the pictures of «Vedrukh» from a quadcopter, it becomes clear that they succeeded: on the once arid and not very fertile land, hundreds of trees rustle with crowns and crops turn green.

Not far from the settlement, the Chagan River flows. Residents have built wooden walkways here. Every summer they swim in the clean river and play beach volleyball on the shore. Sport is an important activity that unites all residents of «Vedrukh». For each season, they find their own active entertainment: for example, in winter they clear the area for a skating rink on the pond and play hockey, as well as go on long skiing trips. In the summer, football tournaments are held among children. All participants are awarded with colorful certificates, instilling in the younger generation a love for sports. Many children of all ages are participating in bicycle races along the paths of the settlement all summer long.

Surprisingly, national traditions are also preserved in the settlement. All residents share the ideas of Anastasia, but they also pay tribute to their ancestors who lived on these lands from time immemorial: for example, every year settlers meet together at a large and generous table, celebrating the Kazakh holiday Nauryz.

«Vedrukh» is an amazing example of how Love and pure intentions work wonders, transforming the space around us. A place where in 2002 there was only sun-dried steppe, today it is full of all shades of green. On the domain of the founders, the Makarov family, about a thousand trees and more than 50 species of shrubs grow now. And in the common territories, sacred cedars rise into the clear sky, deeply rooted and surrounded by grace.