Don't call yourself a believer if you're not caring for orphans, said Kay Warren. "If we are doing little to nothing, how dare we, how dare we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ," she said Friday. "Followers of Jesus Christ care about widows and orphans and they understand that it is a litmus test. "It is not an option."
The weighty words were delivered to thousands of church and ministry leaders on the final day of Catalyst West, a three-day conference designed to challenge leaders to be change agents in the culture. Stripping the leaders gathered in Orange County, Calif., of their excuses, Warren said caring for orphans is not just for infertile couples or middle-aged folks who have a little discretionary money and time.
"It has nothing to do with personality, it has nothing to do with spiritual gifts, it has nothing to do with economic status, it has nothing to do with your season in life," she stressed. "It has to do with accepting the responsibility that God will one day hold us accountable." And it's not just a matter of personal responsibility either, she indicated. There is a theological reason all Christians are to do something to help vulnerable children.
Warren highlighted: "What our Heavenly Father does for us spiritually, He expects us to do physically." What God did was not only save sinners but also bring them into His family.
"You and I were all spiritual orphans," she said. "We're not just cleared of the guilt of our sin. We belong in God's family. He has taken us and made us part of Himself. "Now He shares with me everything that He has. Everything that belonged to Jesus belongs to us."
While Christians have a spiritual home, there are 143 million children around the world who don't even have a physical home. Yet many believers likely are unable to name the names of five orphans, Warren noted. "This is sinful," she asserted. "This is shameful. This is reprehensible."
Warren drilled into the thousands of Christians gathered that caring for orphans is not just one of many things they should be doing. "When you understand the theology of it, you will not be able to push it away; you will not be able to put it on the backburner," she said. "You need to understand that adoption represents the heart of what Jesus Christ has done for ... us."
The orphan advocate clarified that the Bible isn't necessarily calling every person to adopt a child. She and her husband, renowned pastor Rick Warren, have not adopted, she noted. But, she added, the Bible does say Christians have a personal responsibility to do something, whether it's contributing to the fund of a family trying to adopt, providing house cleaning for a family that adopted, or getting involved with church sponsorship of children.
At the same time, it's not enough to simply send some money or place children in orphanages. "God is a relational God," she said. "And orphanage is an institutional solution." "What's the best?" she posed. "For children to be in homes with their own families."
Warren challenged every Christian family to ask themselves: "God, do you want our family to adopt?" In the United States, if one family out of every four churches adopted a child, there would be no orphans in the country, she highlighted. "You guys, that's doable."
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
So Excited to Announce our Bulgarian Adoption Program!
I am so thrilled to announce the start of our Bulgarian adoption program! I just returned from Bulgaria and I am so excited about the possibilities that I see for families! I found Bulgaria to be a beautiful country and the Bulgarian people were so friendly and tried to use English when they could. I found our staff there to be very professional, friendly, experienced, connected and knowledgeable!
Michele Jackson, the executive director of MLJ Adoptions, Inc. and I were able to visit 3 orphanages during our visit. The orphanages were well staffed and the children well cared for! We saw some incredibly beautiful kids - all anxious for families! There was a baby as young as 10 days old at one orphanage and we met a fun group of 3-6yo children!
The changes in the family code will have a great impact in the future of adoption from Bulgaria. In September, they are expecting things to really take off! An influx of new referrals will make Bulgaria a great option for many families! They are open to single men and women as well as married couples. There is a restriction is that a parent has to be 15 years older than the child they are adopting but otherwise it is a fairly flexible program.
I can not wait to be a part of this wonderful program and witness the plan that God has for these beautiful children! Soon we will be leaving for Haiti - and explore the possibilities there! God is giving me children all over the world now! How awesome it is to be a part of His plan for the orphans of the world!
The changes in the family code will have a great impact in the future of adoption from Bulgaria. In September, they are expecting things to really take off! An influx of new referrals will make Bulgaria a great option for many families! They are open to single men and women as well as married couples. There is a restriction is that a parent has to be 15 years older than the child they are adopting but otherwise it is a fairly flexible program.
I can not wait to be a part of this wonderful program and witness the plan that God has for these beautiful children! Soon we will be leaving for Haiti - and explore the possibilities there! God is giving me children all over the world now! How awesome it is to be a part of His plan for the orphans of the world!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Response to Lady in TN returning adopted Russian boy to Russia
I wish I had more time to put in to this - but I want to quickly address the issue that has hit the headlines about the woman in Tennessee who had adopted a Russian boy, and then sent him back to Russia alone on an airplane with just a note.
It first angers me - that this woman did not understand that adoption should be viewed as permanent, just like giving birth to a child. However, as an adoptive mother I do understand the frustration that one can experience in the adjustment of an adopted child. There have been times I have questioned what I have done by adopting my 4 children - it isn't easy and requires alot of sacrifice. Some days are good and some aren't, but you have to learn to get through it and if you can't do it by yourself then it is the responsibility of the parent to seek professional help and other resources.
Next, it saddens me that Ms. Hansen was unaware of the resources she had available.... If only she had known that she could have contacted an adoption agency (she should have been able to contact the agency she used to adopt the boy) and let them know of the urgent situation and sought help, an international incident could have been avoided. A professional adoption agency, like MLJ Adoptions, Inc. which is state licensed and Hague Approved, would have tried to arrange respite care for the boy to give the mother a needed break, discussed the help that was available, and tried to offer workable solutions. If there were no resolutions that were agreeable, a disruption of adoption could have been done, and a family could have been found to adopt the boy - a win-win situation. I feel sorry for Ms. Hansen who probably entered the adoption process with stars in her eyes and a "happily ever after" in mind.
Lastly, my heart aches for a little boy that once again has been abandoned, and found not worthy. Too young to understand that it is not his fault, he will once again try to figure out his place in this life and how to handle the rejection. My prayer for him is that someone will find him worthy of investing their time and love. Unfortunately the past can not be undone and there are hundreds of thousands of orphans in Russia and families that are waiting that will likely pay the price. In the heat of the moment, Ms. Hansen's judgement may have sentenced all of them to a life without the love of a family.
My advice to pre-adoptive families is to seek education. As a Hague approved agency, MLJ Adoptions requires for our clients to have at least 10 hours of adoption education. Seemingly an inconvenience to many, but if you are investing the kind of money that an adoption requires - common sense would dictate that a family should at least be made aware of what they are getting in to and want to be prepared. Also, follow up with a newly adoptive family is important, helping them to get off on the right start, making sure they are finding ways to relieve stress and cope and connecting them to others that are going through or have gone through the same situation all give families a better chance of a successful adoption. Families need to do their homework before hand to ensure success on the other side of the adoption journey and agencies need to be there to support them.
It first angers me - that this woman did not understand that adoption should be viewed as permanent, just like giving birth to a child. However, as an adoptive mother I do understand the frustration that one can experience in the adjustment of an adopted child. There have been times I have questioned what I have done by adopting my 4 children - it isn't easy and requires alot of sacrifice. Some days are good and some aren't, but you have to learn to get through it and if you can't do it by yourself then it is the responsibility of the parent to seek professional help and other resources.
Next, it saddens me that Ms. Hansen was unaware of the resources she had available.... If only she had known that she could have contacted an adoption agency (she should have been able to contact the agency she used to adopt the boy) and let them know of the urgent situation and sought help, an international incident could have been avoided. A professional adoption agency, like MLJ Adoptions, Inc. which is state licensed and Hague Approved, would have tried to arrange respite care for the boy to give the mother a needed break, discussed the help that was available, and tried to offer workable solutions. If there were no resolutions that were agreeable, a disruption of adoption could have been done, and a family could have been found to adopt the boy - a win-win situation. I feel sorry for Ms. Hansen who probably entered the adoption process with stars in her eyes and a "happily ever after" in mind.
Lastly, my heart aches for a little boy that once again has been abandoned, and found not worthy. Too young to understand that it is not his fault, he will once again try to figure out his place in this life and how to handle the rejection. My prayer for him is that someone will find him worthy of investing their time and love. Unfortunately the past can not be undone and there are hundreds of thousands of orphans in Russia and families that are waiting that will likely pay the price. In the heat of the moment, Ms. Hansen's judgement may have sentenced all of them to a life without the love of a family.
My advice to pre-adoptive families is to seek education. As a Hague approved agency, MLJ Adoptions requires for our clients to have at least 10 hours of adoption education. Seemingly an inconvenience to many, but if you are investing the kind of money that an adoption requires - common sense would dictate that a family should at least be made aware of what they are getting in to and want to be prepared. Also, follow up with a newly adoptive family is important, helping them to get off on the right start, making sure they are finding ways to relieve stress and cope and connecting them to others that are going through or have gone through the same situation all give families a better chance of a successful adoption. Families need to do their homework before hand to ensure success on the other side of the adoption journey and agencies need to be there to support them.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Great messages on adoption! Listen and enjoy!
If you have been praying/thinking about adoption - take the time to listen to some of the messages from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Russel Moore was the main speaker and wrote the book, ADOPTED FOR LIFE, which is a wonderful book!
http://www.sbts.edu/resources/ (be sure to check out pages 2 and 3 also) I hear that David Platt's General Session 3 was amazing!
Blessings,
Lydia
http://www.sbts.edu/resources/ (be sure to check out pages 2 and 3 also) I hear that David Platt's General Session 3 was amazing!
Blessings,
Lydia
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Dear Orphan by Guest blogger
Found this on a blog of a friend - who it looks like may have borrowed it from someone else. It is a sad statement of how self-centered we live our lives. It sounds almost funny - but I hear these excuses almost daily from people I talk to. It is so sad that there are only a few willing to sacrifice the cost to make a difference in the life of a child - and give them not only a chance at a future, but eternity! Feel free to pass it on!
Blessings,
Lydia
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 http://k6comehome.blogspot.com/
Dear Orphan~
I saw your photo today. You are so adorable!
You're eyes are so deep and full of hope.
I love your little smile,
I know it must be hard some days to find
the strength to smile.
I have heard how little food you have,
but you are still willing to share
with your friends.
What a sweet little person you are!
But, I am writing this letter to tell you that I will
not be able to help you.
You see, my family is happy with the life we
are living.
I know that we could get bunk beds and you could
share a room with one of our bio kids,
but really,
that is no life for either of you.
We have so much going on around here and
life would just be too chaotic.
Our neighbors just got a new TV and game system,
we really think we need to have one too.
I have a 'ladies night out' next week and
I have nothing to wear.
I really need to purchase a new outfit.
I guess I could sponsor you...
but,
it will have to wait til next month,
I really need that new outfit
and my kids are dying for some fast food tonight.
Good luck to you!
(Thank you, Jodi, for letting me copy this post)
Blessings,
Lydia
Dear Orphan~
I saw your photo today. You are so adorable!
You're eyes are so deep and full of hope.
I love your little smile,
I know it must be hard some days to find
the strength to smile.
I have heard how little food you have,
but you are still willing to share
with your friends.
What a sweet little person you are!
But, I am writing this letter to tell you that I will
not be able to help you.
You see, my family is happy with the life we
are living.
I know that we could get bunk beds and you could
share a room with one of our bio kids,
but really,
that is no life for either of you.
We have so much going on around here and
life would just be too chaotic.
Our neighbors just got a new TV and game system,
we really think we need to have one too.
I have a 'ladies night out' next week and
I have nothing to wear.
I really need to purchase a new outfit.
I guess I could sponsor you...
but,
it will have to wait til next month,
I really need that new outfit
and my kids are dying for some fast food tonight.
Good luck to you!
(Thank you, Jodi, for letting me copy this post)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Guest Blogger - Yura Became a Son by Nate McNeil
This is a great post that I came across - I hope you enjoy it!
Blessings,
Lydia
http://mcneilladoption.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/the-new-normal/
We have watched Yura over the last days change from an orphan into a son.
There were six or eight people in the room when they brought Yura in for the first time into the orphanage director’s office where we were sitting. The director, a social worker, us, our facilitator, and a couple of others whose function I don’t know. Yura looked down most of the time. He didn’t smile. He didn’t speak except when asked questions. He let us hug him, but did not hug back. We talked to him for a few minutes through our translator about how we wanted him to be our son. It was like he knew that the verdict was in, but the sentence was not yet pronounced. Our facilitator asked him whether he wanted to be adopted. He said ‘yes’ but was not very convincing. We walked around with him for a little while afterwards through the orphanage. He didn’t know what to think. We didn’t know what to think. We could speak only in two-word phrases, but I think he knew that we loved him and that we wanted him as our son. And wanted him to love us back in time.
It was awkward and joyful all in the same moment.
On the way back from Balta (yes, the same trip where we ran out of gas), I sat next to Yura in the back seat with Caleb’s car seat. About an hour into the trip, he leaned his head on my shoulder. I put my arm around him and he relaxed. No one knows who Yura’s father was and I didn’t see any men at the orphanage, but was thankful for this small token of trust.
The next night, after a long day of little adventures, I asked Yura if he would like to wrestle. His face lit up like a sunrise. We wrestled and laughed and laughed and wrestled for half an hour with Owen joining in. It was like Yura had been waiting his whole life for someone he could jump on who would catch him.
Today, after another wrestling match, I was sitting with Yura and Owen in an arm chair watching a cartoon (I had never seen “The Rats of Nim” in Russian). I told Yura I loved him in Russian (Ya Tibya LooBloo) and Yura turned to me with a little smile and said for the first time, “Ya Papa LooBloo”.
Adopting Yura has been the most extraordinary adventure, and yet at times it seems strangely ordinary. Yura is our son. He sometimes disobeys, but we love him. He gets frustrated when Owen takes away his cars, but helps him up when he falls down. He can be silly and a little wild one minute and ready for bed the next. It is the craziest thing in the world that we are over here adding an eleven-year-old to our family, but it’s ordinary and normal and everyday. Why wouldn’t we give a home to child who doesn’t have one? What sense would that make? It wouldn’t be normal. I’m sure that the other foot has yet to drop. There is more to know about Yura. More to endure and much more joy to be gained.
I believe in the end that our story has two parts: Our adventure, and Yura’s life. Without this trip, our lives would have bumped right along as normal, but his would have been in peril.
And try as I might, I can’t rationalize how “normal” for us could have included leaving Yura in danger. Lord forgive me for the hundreds of other ways I have given up walking by faith for the sake of normal.
Blessings,
Lydia
http://mcneilladoption.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/the-new-normal/
We have watched Yura over the last days change from an orphan into a son.
There were six or eight people in the room when they brought Yura in for the first time into the orphanage director’s office where we were sitting. The director, a social worker, us, our facilitator, and a couple of others whose function I don’t know. Yura looked down most of the time. He didn’t smile. He didn’t speak except when asked questions. He let us hug him, but did not hug back. We talked to him for a few minutes through our translator about how we wanted him to be our son. It was like he knew that the verdict was in, but the sentence was not yet pronounced. Our facilitator asked him whether he wanted to be adopted. He said ‘yes’ but was not very convincing. We walked around with him for a little while afterwards through the orphanage. He didn’t know what to think. We didn’t know what to think. We could speak only in two-word phrases, but I think he knew that we loved him and that we wanted him as our son. And wanted him to love us back in time.
It was awkward and joyful all in the same moment.
On the way back from Balta (yes, the same trip where we ran out of gas), I sat next to Yura in the back seat with Caleb’s car seat. About an hour into the trip, he leaned his head on my shoulder. I put my arm around him and he relaxed. No one knows who Yura’s father was and I didn’t see any men at the orphanage, but was thankful for this small token of trust.
The next night, after a long day of little adventures, I asked Yura if he would like to wrestle. His face lit up like a sunrise. We wrestled and laughed and laughed and wrestled for half an hour with Owen joining in. It was like Yura had been waiting his whole life for someone he could jump on who would catch him.
Today, after another wrestling match, I was sitting with Yura and Owen in an arm chair watching a cartoon (I had never seen “The Rats of Nim” in Russian). I told Yura I loved him in Russian (Ya Tibya LooBloo) and Yura turned to me with a little smile and said for the first time, “Ya Papa LooBloo”.
Adopting Yura has been the most extraordinary adventure, and yet at times it seems strangely ordinary. Yura is our son. He sometimes disobeys, but we love him. He gets frustrated when Owen takes away his cars, but helps him up when he falls down. He can be silly and a little wild one minute and ready for bed the next. It is the craziest thing in the world that we are over here adding an eleven-year-old to our family, but it’s ordinary and normal and everyday. Why wouldn’t we give a home to child who doesn’t have one? What sense would that make? It wouldn’t be normal. I’m sure that the other foot has yet to drop. There is more to know about Yura. More to endure and much more joy to be gained.
I believe in the end that our story has two parts: Our adventure, and Yura’s life. Without this trip, our lives would have bumped right along as normal, but his would have been in peril.
And try as I might, I can’t rationalize how “normal” for us could have included leaving Yura in danger. Lord forgive me for the hundreds of other ways I have given up walking by faith for the sake of normal.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Guest Blogger Missy - I don't want my kids to be happy....
I loved this when I read it and wanted to share it with you! As an adoptive parent I too have had well-meaning people with all their wisdom asking me if I knew what I was doing to my children (biological of course!). I feel the same way as Missy does in that I do not owe my kids a college education - although I am praying that God will provide for them and He may use us to do that. What I do owe them is to show to the world that orphans are on God's heart and they matter. That life is not about accumulating but giving.
I hope that someone else is touched by this letter and it gives them the courage to throw away their children's happiness! :)
Blessings,
Lydia
http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2005/11/sleepy-me.html
Dear Shepherd, Sissy, Maggie and Ikey,
Recently we were told by people whom we love and respect why they oppose our plans to adopt. One of the reasons given was that we would not be able to pay for your college education.
It's true.
You all have college funds - college funds which recently took a terrible hit - but "they" say that by the time you're 18, college will cost anywhere between $200,000 to half a million dollars each. You might as well know now, we won't be covering that. I'm telling you now, babies.
The people said that the day would come when you would look at us with resentment because you had to apply for school loans while many of your friends got a free ride from their parents.
Maybe you will. Maybe you'll resent us. I really hope not. But maybe I should tell y'all now why your dad and I have decided to do what we are doing.
I know you're going to think I am going off topic (I do that a lot) but several years I saw a story on a TV show about how the latest trend was for parents to give their daughters boob jobs for high school graduation (I don't know what they gave their sons.) When interviewing one of the moms, she said, "I just want my daughter to be happy." And as I tossed a throw pillow at the television, this really huge thought occurred to me: I don't want my children to be happy.
My goal as your mom is not your happiness, sugars. In fact, I spend at least half my day making you unhappy. If I had a nickle for every tear that falls in this home on a daily basis, we wouldn't need to worry about college tuition at all.
Happiness is fleeting, sweet babies. That means it doesn't last. It's a quick feeling that comes from a funny movie or a heart shaped lollipop or a really good birthday present. It's great. I love to be happy. But happiness is a reaction that is based on our surroundings. And our surroundings are so very rarely under our control. Even when - especially when - we think they are. So no, I absolutely don't want you to spend your life chasing something that has so little to do with your own abilities. You'll just be constantly frustrated.
There are two things I desire for you, precious loves. There are two things that I spend most of my time as a mother trying cultivate in you. Happiness ain't one of them. (This means, sorry, no boob jobs for you.)
The first is, I want you to be content. Being content is so much different from being happy. Being content is not based on your surroundings. Being content comes from within. Contentment is a spirit of gratitude. It's the choice you make to either be thankful for the things you do have, or to whine about the things you don't have.
As you know, because I've told you lots of times, Paul talked about being content. Paul said that he had "learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." And Paul was in some rotten situations, kiddos, really rotten.
How could Paul be content whether he was in prison or if his life was literally a shipwreck? Because Paul was constantly seeking to be in the will of God instead of his own, was constantly sacrificing his own comfort for the sake of the gospel, and was constantly being confirmed, strengthened, and blessed by God because of his obedience. He was given a supernatural power - that means something kind of like magic, God magic - to do things that most other humans could not do. And guess what? The bible tells us (in Ephesians 1) that God will give you the exact same power! If you want it!
Which leads me to my second desire for y'all.
I don't want you to be happy. I want you to be holy. That means, I want you to seek that God-power to make you content. I want you to want the Kingdom of God more than your own kingdom. And that's hard, babies, that is so hard. And that usually means passing up a lot of what the world considers happiness. But it means that you will achieve blessings directly from God that most of the world never dreams of because they are too occupied with the achieving the perfect birthday present!
This means you may be poor, 'in want' as Paul said, and that's okay. It will never, ever be okay with the world for you to be poor. So you'll be up against the world. But not your dad and me, loves, because it was never our goal for you to be wealthy - at least not in the way that the world considers wealthy.
Darlings, we love you so much. You will never even grasp how much we love you until you have children of your own, and then you'll get it, and then you'll apologize for the ways you treated us ;) But our goal is not to please you. Our goal is to please our Heavenly Father. And nowhere in the bible does the Lord command that we save our money to send our kids to college.
But the Lord does command us to care for the orphan around fifty times. He does tell us to care for the poor around 300 times. He does tell us that when we care for the neediest, we are caring for Jesus Himself. And in chapter six of the book of Matthew, He tells us to seek His kingdom first, and let Him worry about the rest, like college tuition. Because it's all His anyway.
They said that one day y'all would resent us for using 'your' college money to go and get your sister out of an orphanage in Ethiopia and bring her home to you.
But I know my babies. Even at your tender ages, I know your hearts, and I have already seen you weep for the least of these. I know the prayers I offer up to God that He and not the world would shape the desires of your hearts. I am trusting Him to answer those prayers.
So, sugarbears - I just don't believe those people.
Love,
Mommy
I hope that someone else is touched by this letter and it gives them the courage to throw away their children's happiness! :)
Blessings,
Lydia
http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2005/11/sleepy-me.html
Dear Shepherd, Sissy, Maggie and Ikey,
Recently we were told by people whom we love and respect why they oppose our plans to adopt. One of the reasons given was that we would not be able to pay for your college education.
It's true.
You all have college funds - college funds which recently took a terrible hit - but "they" say that by the time you're 18, college will cost anywhere between $200,000 to half a million dollars each. You might as well know now, we won't be covering that. I'm telling you now, babies.
The people said that the day would come when you would look at us with resentment because you had to apply for school loans while many of your friends got a free ride from their parents.
Maybe you will. Maybe you'll resent us. I really hope not. But maybe I should tell y'all now why your dad and I have decided to do what we are doing.
I know you're going to think I am going off topic (I do that a lot) but several years I saw a story on a TV show about how the latest trend was for parents to give their daughters boob jobs for high school graduation (I don't know what they gave their sons.) When interviewing one of the moms, she said, "I just want my daughter to be happy." And as I tossed a throw pillow at the television, this really huge thought occurred to me: I don't want my children to be happy.
My goal as your mom is not your happiness, sugars. In fact, I spend at least half my day making you unhappy. If I had a nickle for every tear that falls in this home on a daily basis, we wouldn't need to worry about college tuition at all.
Happiness is fleeting, sweet babies. That means it doesn't last. It's a quick feeling that comes from a funny movie or a heart shaped lollipop or a really good birthday present. It's great. I love to be happy. But happiness is a reaction that is based on our surroundings. And our surroundings are so very rarely under our control. Even when - especially when - we think they are. So no, I absolutely don't want you to spend your life chasing something that has so little to do with your own abilities. You'll just be constantly frustrated.
There are two things I desire for you, precious loves. There are two things that I spend most of my time as a mother trying cultivate in you. Happiness ain't one of them. (This means, sorry, no boob jobs for you.)
The first is, I want you to be content. Being content is so much different from being happy. Being content is not based on your surroundings. Being content comes from within. Contentment is a spirit of gratitude. It's the choice you make to either be thankful for the things you do have, or to whine about the things you don't have.
As you know, because I've told you lots of times, Paul talked about being content. Paul said that he had "learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." And Paul was in some rotten situations, kiddos, really rotten.
How could Paul be content whether he was in prison or if his life was literally a shipwreck? Because Paul was constantly seeking to be in the will of God instead of his own, was constantly sacrificing his own comfort for the sake of the gospel, and was constantly being confirmed, strengthened, and blessed by God because of his obedience. He was given a supernatural power - that means something kind of like magic, God magic - to do things that most other humans could not do. And guess what? The bible tells us (in Ephesians 1) that God will give you the exact same power! If you want it!
Which leads me to my second desire for y'all.
I don't want you to be happy. I want you to be holy. That means, I want you to seek that God-power to make you content. I want you to want the Kingdom of God more than your own kingdom. And that's hard, babies, that is so hard. And that usually means passing up a lot of what the world considers happiness. But it means that you will achieve blessings directly from God that most of the world never dreams of because they are too occupied with the achieving the perfect birthday present!
This means you may be poor, 'in want' as Paul said, and that's okay. It will never, ever be okay with the world for you to be poor. So you'll be up against the world. But not your dad and me, loves, because it was never our goal for you to be wealthy - at least not in the way that the world considers wealthy.
Darlings, we love you so much. You will never even grasp how much we love you until you have children of your own, and then you'll get it, and then you'll apologize for the ways you treated us ;) But our goal is not to please you. Our goal is to please our Heavenly Father. And nowhere in the bible does the Lord command that we save our money to send our kids to college.
But the Lord does command us to care for the orphan around fifty times. He does tell us to care for the poor around 300 times. He does tell us that when we care for the neediest, we are caring for Jesus Himself. And in chapter six of the book of Matthew, He tells us to seek His kingdom first, and let Him worry about the rest, like college tuition. Because it's all His anyway.
They said that one day y'all would resent us for using 'your' college money to go and get your sister out of an orphanage in Ethiopia and bring her home to you.
But I know my babies. Even at your tender ages, I know your hearts, and I have already seen you weep for the least of these. I know the prayers I offer up to God that He and not the world would shape the desires of your hearts. I am trusting Him to answer those prayers.
So, sugarbears - I just don't believe those people.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Do you think it is a mandate for Christians Adopt? Guest blogger - Heidi Weimer
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A question I get asked a whole heck of a lot...
QUESTION: Do you think it's a mandate for all Christians to adopt?
[I just got asked this question again on Facebook today. Here's my response:]
OOOOH, a question i get asked quite a bit. :) And one that people try to stump me on!
Here's what I say:
Preface: I can't say what every person should or should not do nor will I judge a person who doesn't supposedly "get it." That's wrong...
1) Scripture says that if we see someone in need and we have something that would fill their need yet DO NOT fill it, we do not have the love of God in us. [We have a family; orphans don't; we therefore should share with the orphan what we have that they do not.]
2) Scripture says that we must do to others what we would want done to us (or our own biological kids, for that matter). If we were orphaned, we would want to be adopted. Period. Not just visited or taken care of in a group home. Adopted into a family. And we would want the same for our biological kids.
3) Jesus didn't just come to visit us or care for us in our orphaned state; He came to lay down His life to adopt us. James 1:27 uses the phrase "visit orphans." The word "visit" there is the same word used for when Jesus came to "visit" us. He didn't leave us as orphans; He adopted us. He didn't see us in our orphaned state of despair and say, "Oh, poor things...I wish someone would do something about that." No, He adopted us. Changed our futures; our destinies; our families. We are to follow Him and do as He did.
4) How can we not? How can we look at the children in the world without families and say, 'No, not worth it.'? Our lives are not our own. We are called to pick up our crosses and follow Him. Not our own plans or desires or conveniences. Ain't nothin' about this whole "following Jesus" thing that is supposed to be convenient. Ask Jesus if the Cross was "convenient" or glamorous.
So, should every Christian adopt? Well, I like to turn that question on its head...What is a good reason a Christian SHOULDN'T adopt? Most reasons are self-focused if we are really honest with ourselves.
[Obviously, many people are not "fit" to adopt right now, but that is usually due to our own messes we've made with relationships, finances, life choices, etc, and not something put in our way stopping us from adopting.]
A question I get asked a whole heck of a lot...
QUESTION: Do you think it's a mandate for all Christians to adopt?
[I just got asked this question again on Facebook today. Here's my response:]
OOOOH, a question i get asked quite a bit. :) And one that people try to stump me on!
Here's what I say:
Preface: I can't say what every person should or should not do nor will I judge a person who doesn't supposedly "get it." That's wrong...
1) Scripture says that if we see someone in need and we have something that would fill their need yet DO NOT fill it, we do not have the love of God in us. [We have a family; orphans don't; we therefore should share with the orphan what we have that they do not.]
2) Scripture says that we must do to others what we would want done to us (or our own biological kids, for that matter). If we were orphaned, we would want to be adopted. Period. Not just visited or taken care of in a group home. Adopted into a family. And we would want the same for our biological kids.
3) Jesus didn't just come to visit us or care for us in our orphaned state; He came to lay down His life to adopt us. James 1:27 uses the phrase "visit orphans." The word "visit" there is the same word used for when Jesus came to "visit" us. He didn't leave us as orphans; He adopted us. He didn't see us in our orphaned state of despair and say, "Oh, poor things...I wish someone would do something about that." No, He adopted us. Changed our futures; our destinies; our families. We are to follow Him and do as He did.
4) How can we not? How can we look at the children in the world without families and say, 'No, not worth it.'? Our lives are not our own. We are called to pick up our crosses and follow Him. Not our own plans or desires or conveniences. Ain't nothin' about this whole "following Jesus" thing that is supposed to be convenient. Ask Jesus if the Cross was "convenient" or glamorous.
So, should every Christian adopt? Well, I like to turn that question on its head...What is a good reason a Christian SHOULDN'T adopt? Most reasons are self-focused if we are really honest with ourselves.
[Obviously, many people are not "fit" to adopt right now, but that is usually due to our own messes we've made with relationships, finances, life choices, etc, and not something put in our way stopping us from adopting.]
Friday, February 5, 2010
ADOPTION FUNDRAISING 101 - Guest Blogger - Gwen Oatsvall (see blog list on side bar)
I am posting this because so many families I talk to are so intimidated by the cost of adoption. Many never considering that God can and does provide!
Look at this statistic: 34% of Christian families have thought about adoption - only 1% actually do. Sadly, I think alot of them do not realize how much God longs for us to turn to Him for provision! Imagine how many children could find homes IF they could trust God's desire to show us how big He is!
I hope you are inspired and enjoy the post below.
Blessings,
Lydia
I can't tell you how many emails I get about adoption fundraising, so I thought I would do a post and see if I can put all my thoughts into one place ... This will not be a quick or easy fix to hurdles of raising funds ... I do cling to a saying my husband uses - "GOD WILL FUND WHAT HE FAVORS!" ... And we know HE favors the LEAST OF THESE !!!
So here are a few bullet points that I hope will make your journey clear and encourage you ...
1. Prepare your prayer life and be prepared to work really really HARD !!!
2. Do you believe what the scriptures say ? We are all called to care for orphans, speak up for those with no voice, where your heart is there also lies your treasure, whatever you did for the least of these you did for ME !!! And there are many more that call us to stand up for the FATHERLESS
3. You need be to share your story and the journey you are on ... God calls us to be prepared to give a TESTIMONY of what He is doing in our life ... How can people come along side of you when they don't know where you are on your journey ...
4. What are you talents ??? My husband is a coach and during our 2nd adoption he did a few special sports camps to raise money ... Use what God has gifted you w/ to raise funds ...
5. Don't ever be embarrassed to write letters to any and all who you are in contact w/ about your adoption and the RANSOM needed to bring your children home ... I can not tell you the people who have come along side of us financially because that was their part in our journey ... God called them to aid us and we are proud to say that they have a hand in bringing our children home and when they see Emily, Maggie, Joseph or Daisy at the gym playing, running around the yard, or at church they can know they are part of our legacy !!!
6. Katie has taught me about saying YES !!! Her life has showed us how to live more radically for Christ ... How amazing and peaceful it is to be in the center of God's will ... I will be honest and say on a teacher's salary and 6 kids (4 adoptions, 2 special needs angels, and all the medical) it doesn't make sense on paper ... We have even had people ask us HOW, WHY, and SAY WE ARE CRAZY ... but I will also say that we have never missed a meal, a house payment, gone cold, or needed anything, so how crazy really are we ... WE HAVE ROOM AT OUR TABLE, WE HAVE ROOM IN OUR HEARTS, WE HAVE ROOM IN OUR HOUSE, WE HAVE ROOM IN THE CAR, WE HAVE ROOM IN OUR DAY ... so why wouldn't we !!!
7. WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP ??? cable (gave that up a year when bringing Maggie home), TIVO, texting, STARBUCKS, dinner out (gave this up for 3 months when raising funds for Joseph/Daisy), Target new shoes, Magazine habit (gave this up when raising funds for Joseph/Daisy), concession at the games, or stick to a strict grocery budget ... We have done all these at one time or another ... It is not a sacrifice when you think of the eternal blessing you will receive when holding your child !!!
8. ACCEPTING HELP ... Katie Jo is a prime example of a selfless, gracious, and precious friend, who truly understands how precious it is to bring home a child and how hard that can be ... I can't tell you the amount of help she has been to me in raising funds, spreading the news about 147, and just down right getting in the dirt to get the job done ... She is an adoptive mom raising funds herself and yet, she has helped countless others do the same ... IF YOU HAVE A FRIEND WILLING TO HELP YOU, THEN LET THEM BECAUSE WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST NOT AN ISLAND !!!
9. check out the following for additional help ... LifeSong, Both Hands, and Show Hope
10. Last but not least ... After creating my first tee to fundraise and God completely blessing my efforts, Suzanne and I created 147 Million Orphans with a 3 fold purpose - 1) Bring awareness to the Orphan Crisis, 2) Feed Children in Uganda in Katie's program, 3) HELP FAMILIES FUNDRAISE. We know we have a great product ... We have sold to over 35 states in the United States along w/ British Columbia, Canada, Costa Rica, and Europe ... We have been and are helping over 15 families raise funds w/ all of our products (we are now offering the Ugandan Necklaces for fundraising efforts). IT IS OUR HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO WALK THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU ... I have been there ... I UNDERSTAND YOUR HEART ... We have worked out most of the kinks in the process and it seems to be running very smoothly ... We have moved all the gear back into our garages (Jan's to be exact ... She is a whole other post ...Angel sent to 147) ... We are mom's helping other mom's to bring home the children God has for them !!!
Don't be afraid to SHOUT ... Tell the world your desire to see a LONELY PLACED IN A FAMILY! YOUR FAMILY !!!
You won't be alone ... God will send the troops !!!
Look at this statistic: 34% of Christian families have thought about adoption - only 1% actually do. Sadly, I think alot of them do not realize how much God longs for us to turn to Him for provision! Imagine how many children could find homes IF they could trust God's desire to show us how big He is!
I hope you are inspired and enjoy the post below.
Blessings,
Lydia
I can't tell you how many emails I get about adoption fundraising, so I thought I would do a post and see if I can put all my thoughts into one place ... This will not be a quick or easy fix to hurdles of raising funds ... I do cling to a saying my husband uses - "GOD WILL FUND WHAT HE FAVORS!" ... And we know HE favors the LEAST OF THESE !!!
So here are a few bullet points that I hope will make your journey clear and encourage you ...
1. Prepare your prayer life and be prepared to work really really HARD !!!
2. Do you believe what the scriptures say ? We are all called to care for orphans, speak up for those with no voice, where your heart is there also lies your treasure, whatever you did for the least of these you did for ME !!! And there are many more that call us to stand up for the FATHERLESS
3. You need be to share your story and the journey you are on ... God calls us to be prepared to give a TESTIMONY of what He is doing in our life ... How can people come along side of you when they don't know where you are on your journey ...
4. What are you talents ??? My husband is a coach and during our 2nd adoption he did a few special sports camps to raise money ... Use what God has gifted you w/ to raise funds ...
5. Don't ever be embarrassed to write letters to any and all who you are in contact w/ about your adoption and the RANSOM needed to bring your children home ... I can not tell you the people who have come along side of us financially because that was their part in our journey ... God called them to aid us and we are proud to say that they have a hand in bringing our children home and when they see Emily, Maggie, Joseph or Daisy at the gym playing, running around the yard, or at church they can know they are part of our legacy !!!
6. Katie has taught me about saying YES !!! Her life has showed us how to live more radically for Christ ... How amazing and peaceful it is to be in the center of God's will ... I will be honest and say on a teacher's salary and 6 kids (4 adoptions, 2 special needs angels, and all the medical) it doesn't make sense on paper ... We have even had people ask us HOW, WHY, and SAY WE ARE CRAZY ... but I will also say that we have never missed a meal, a house payment, gone cold, or needed anything, so how crazy really are we ... WE HAVE ROOM AT OUR TABLE, WE HAVE ROOM IN OUR HEARTS, WE HAVE ROOM IN OUR HOUSE, WE HAVE ROOM IN THE CAR, WE HAVE ROOM IN OUR DAY ... so why wouldn't we !!!
7. WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP ??? cable (gave that up a year when bringing Maggie home), TIVO, texting, STARBUCKS, dinner out (gave this up for 3 months when raising funds for Joseph/Daisy), Target new shoes, Magazine habit (gave this up when raising funds for Joseph/Daisy), concession at the games, or stick to a strict grocery budget ... We have done all these at one time or another ... It is not a sacrifice when you think of the eternal blessing you will receive when holding your child !!!
8. ACCEPTING HELP ... Katie Jo is a prime example of a selfless, gracious, and precious friend, who truly understands how precious it is to bring home a child and how hard that can be ... I can't tell you the amount of help she has been to me in raising funds, spreading the news about 147, and just down right getting in the dirt to get the job done ... She is an adoptive mom raising funds herself and yet, she has helped countless others do the same ... IF YOU HAVE A FRIEND WILLING TO HELP YOU, THEN LET THEM BECAUSE WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST NOT AN ISLAND !!!
9. check out the following for additional help ... LifeSong, Both Hands, and Show Hope
10. Last but not least ... After creating my first tee to fundraise and God completely blessing my efforts, Suzanne and I created 147 Million Orphans with a 3 fold purpose - 1) Bring awareness to the Orphan Crisis, 2) Feed Children in Uganda in Katie's program, 3) HELP FAMILIES FUNDRAISE. We know we have a great product ... We have sold to over 35 states in the United States along w/ British Columbia, Canada, Costa Rica, and Europe ... We have been and are helping over 15 families raise funds w/ all of our products (we are now offering the Ugandan Necklaces for fundraising efforts). IT IS OUR HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO WALK THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU ... I have been there ... I UNDERSTAND YOUR HEART ... We have worked out most of the kinks in the process and it seems to be running very smoothly ... We have moved all the gear back into our garages (Jan's to be exact ... She is a whole other post ...Angel sent to 147) ... We are mom's helping other mom's to bring home the children God has for them !!!
Don't be afraid to SHOUT ... Tell the world your desire to see a LONELY PLACED IN A FAMILY! YOUR FAMILY !!!
You won't be alone ... God will send the troops !!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Adopted for Life . . . and in Death
Please click on the link below - it is a tragic but beautiful story.
Adopted for Life . . . and in Death
Adopted for Life . . . and in Death
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Amazed by the Outpouring of Love for Haitian Orphans
Yesterday was an absolutely crazy day! I guess I should back up a bit to say it started at 9:30pm on Tuesday night when I got a call from a friend telling me that there were 300 Haitian orphans arriving the next day and they were looking for families to host them. I quickly got on the phone, sent out emails and prayed...before I went to bed I had $5000 pledged by a church, and 14 host families all in about a 2 hour span.
The next morning, my phone began ringing around 6:30 am and rang non-stop until 8pm last night. I also received about 100 emails, all wanting to help, to host or to adopt the 300 orphans arriving from Haiti. After a grueling day of fielding phone calls and emails, it came to light that the children were not coming right away as expected and that the details were not quite as we had been informed. However, it was wonderful to be a part of the response that people had. People from all over the United States were calling and emailing - it was touching to hear people's heart through their voice messages and emails......so many people wanted to help.
One thing I pointed out to Michele (our executive director) is that while the Haiti crisis is huge, there is an orphan crisis EVERY DAY. When there are over 145 million orphans needing care and families it is a crisis. Unfortunately, the response there is less than stellar...........I talk to so many people that call about hosting the Ukrainian children that are willing to host but when the full details are shared, they are not willing to do anything that truly costs them.
For some, the financial aspect of adoption is a deal breaker while for others it is the investment of their time, their emotions or their comfort that keeps them from being willing to give a child the future they deserve. I wish that people would truly grasp what Jesus was saying when he shared that the two greatest commands were to love God with all you heart, your soul and your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. If people were truly able to wrap their minds around that then there would be no obstacle to adopt.
While the response to the Haitian orphans was wonderful and real, I wonder how many would have committed to being willing to adopt if they knew it would cost them...........their money, their time, their emotions, their comfort........I would like to think all would still want to, but past experience has taught me that there are few who are truly willing to pay the price.
My prayer is that the crisis in Haiti will continue to touch hearts, and that the global attention on the Haitian orphans will shed light on orphans all over the world and their need for love and care. I pray for families to find the courage to adopt, to trust in God's provision for their finances and to see the orphan through God's eyes.
The next morning, my phone began ringing around 6:30 am and rang non-stop until 8pm last night. I also received about 100 emails, all wanting to help, to host or to adopt the 300 orphans arriving from Haiti. After a grueling day of fielding phone calls and emails, it came to light that the children were not coming right away as expected and that the details were not quite as we had been informed. However, it was wonderful to be a part of the response that people had. People from all over the United States were calling and emailing - it was touching to hear people's heart through their voice messages and emails......so many people wanted to help.
One thing I pointed out to Michele (our executive director) is that while the Haiti crisis is huge, there is an orphan crisis EVERY DAY. When there are over 145 million orphans needing care and families it is a crisis. Unfortunately, the response there is less than stellar...........I talk to so many people that call about hosting the Ukrainian children that are willing to host but when the full details are shared, they are not willing to do anything that truly costs them.
For some, the financial aspect of adoption is a deal breaker while for others it is the investment of their time, their emotions or their comfort that keeps them from being willing to give a child the future they deserve. I wish that people would truly grasp what Jesus was saying when he shared that the two greatest commands were to love God with all you heart, your soul and your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. If people were truly able to wrap their minds around that then there would be no obstacle to adopt.
While the response to the Haitian orphans was wonderful and real, I wonder how many would have committed to being willing to adopt if they knew it would cost them...........their money, their time, their emotions, their comfort........I would like to think all would still want to, but past experience has taught me that there are few who are truly willing to pay the price.
My prayer is that the crisis in Haiti will continue to touch hearts, and that the global attention on the Haitian orphans will shed light on orphans all over the world and their need for love and care. I pray for families to find the courage to adopt, to trust in God's provision for their finances and to see the orphan through God's eyes.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
What a blessed Christmas!
What a beautiful way to start Christmas! Waiting on the steps in anticipation of what is under the Christmas Tree! Of course the two older ones had to be dragged out of bed - but the 5 youngest were up at 5am!This Christmas was very special, it was Griffan's first. He shared with us he had never gotten a Christmas gift before. We talked about how great it was that he got Christmas gifts and a family this year! He agreed it was the best! What he doesn't know is it is our best Christmas too. Jeff got very emotional several times, thinking about what a special day it was for Griffan and that we were blessed with the opportunity to give him this gift of a family.
I pray some Christmas in the future, Griffan fully understands just how special this year was. I hope he discovers it isn't about the presents he had under the tree, but the true gift of this Christmas was........Jesus.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ukrainian American Hoosier!
I pray that for every child that is waiting, God is touching the heart of a family - I also pray that the family will be brave enough to weather the difficulties of the adoption journey. We are fighting for the very lives of these children - it isn't an easy task. But for those who are courageous enough - it is a journey that can be filled with hidden blessings.
My prayers go up for all those families who are struggling in their process and need strength and courage that only God can provide. I pray for the children that so desperately want a family and those that don't because they don't understand what a family is.
For today, I will concentrate on all the smiles, hugs, and "I love you Mama"'s that Griffan can give and tonight I will watch A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS and be thankful that our son is home.
Monday, December 21, 2009
After 50 hours of travel....we made it home!!!!!!!
While I got no sleep - Griffan grabbed some when he could (or would). When he found out we were almost to Indianapolis - he perked up and got silly! He was so excited. He told me on the plane he doesn't want to be called "Vadym" any more - he is now Griffan forever.
To kick off his first day in America - he had to go to the dentist and got a tooth pulled. He had a badly decayed molar that was in to the nerve and causing much pain. Poor baby...Hopefully tomorrow will be pain free! Either way - he seems to be the happiest boy on earth right now!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Prayers for Yulia...
Had fun today handing out the socks, gloves and hats I bought for a few of the kids. We then had a little party with cookies, fruit and juice. I love spending time with the children - Griffan stayed busy most of the time taking pictures which kept his pouting to a minimum (only once). We were wrapping things up to take Griffan and Luba with us to our apartment when one girl began to cry...at first she wouldn't tell us why, but she finally told us she was crying because she too wanted a mama and papa. My heart was breaking for her.
I truly wish at this moment I could win the lottery and bring her, her 3 sisters and brother home with me too but the odds aren't very good. Please say a prayer for Yulia, her large sibling group makes it very difficult to find a family that is willing, but it doesn't prevent her from wanting parents to love her and care for her. God is more than able to provide, and all 5 of the kids are amazing....beautiful, sweet, smart, polite, kind, .....
I am praying that this year, Yulia gets her Christmas wish.......a mama and papa who love her and cherish her for the beautiful girl that she is, as well as her beautiful sisters and brother. It is the season for miracles.
I truly wish at this moment I could win the lottery and bring her, her 3 sisters and brother home with me too but the odds aren't very good. Please say a prayer for Yulia, her large sibling group makes it very difficult to find a family that is willing, but it doesn't prevent her from wanting parents to love her and care for her. God is more than able to provide, and all 5 of the kids are amazing....beautiful, sweet, smart, polite, kind, .....
I am praying that this year, Yulia gets her Christmas wish.......a mama and papa who love her and cherish her for the beautiful girl that she is, as well as her beautiful sisters and brother. It is the season for miracles.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Life is good.......
Today when I got up, I had the opportunity to watch the sunshine (that has been absent since our first day in Ukraine) cut through the clouds and beam in my window. I sat there drinking my coffee and praying - a great morning!
Later, we got to the orphanage and asked if we could take the kids for the afternooon (12-6pm) and were given permission~! It was fun sitting with the kids, trying to play a game that teaches them English, and feeding them! I made Griffan take off his pants and mended them in 3 places (2 of them in an unmentionable spot!) and Lena mended his jacket.
After getting home, we discovered we had HOT water! Enough for all 3 of us to have a shower and wash our hair (no more furry legs!). I posted on Facebook that Christmas must have come early! I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be on this journey - and I pray that many others will follow me here - there are so many precious kids here.
Every day the kids greet us and are anxious for recognition and a hug. Their smiles are so beautiful! When we are visiting our kids in the assistant director's office, many children open up the door for a quick look and hello. Griffan's friend asked if I could help him come to America someday too - he wanted a family.....I wish I could touch enough hearts to empty all the orphanages around the world....but it is not within my grasp, only God's. I am just happy to be a small part of His plan.
So for now, powerless to solve the orphan crisis, I will concentrate on the happiness of one little boy, and sharing as many smiles, hugs, and hello's as I can during the rest of the time I am here and count my blessings. Life is good, God is amazing!
Later, we got to the orphanage and asked if we could take the kids for the afternooon (12-6pm) and were given permission~! It was fun sitting with the kids, trying to play a game that teaches them English, and feeding them! I made Griffan take off his pants and mended them in 3 places (2 of them in an unmentionable spot!) and Lena mended his jacket.
After getting home, we discovered we had HOT water! Enough for all 3 of us to have a shower and wash our hair (no more furry legs!). I posted on Facebook that Christmas must have come early! I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be on this journey - and I pray that many others will follow me here - there are so many precious kids here.
Every day the kids greet us and are anxious for recognition and a hug. Their smiles are so beautiful! When we are visiting our kids in the assistant director's office, many children open up the door for a quick look and hello. Griffan's friend asked if I could help him come to America someday too - he wanted a family.....I wish I could touch enough hearts to empty all the orphanages around the world....but it is not within my grasp, only God's. I am just happy to be a small part of His plan.
So for now, powerless to solve the orphan crisis, I will concentrate on the happiness of one little boy, and sharing as many smiles, hugs, and hello's as I can during the rest of the time I am here and count my blessings. Life is good, God is amazing!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
On the bright side...
Today we got up early and headed to Cherkassy! Less than $2 for a 1 1/2 hour ride! Looked around for souveniers but couldn't find any. It is so funny - people lined up all over the street selling outdated Avon products. It was a nice break in our schedule (even though our kids didn't like we weren't coming today).
Went for pizza - was so looking forward to it after a bad food day yesterday. We went to our main restaurant in town and it was closed for a funeral dinner so we went down the street to another place we had tried to go before but it was always closed. Music was BLARING and there was no one in there. The waitress came and gave us a menu and got us some hot tea (Lena thought she used the same bag for all 3 - very weak!). We started to order and they had nothing we asked for - so we finally asked what they did have! Between the 3 of us we ordered borscht, fries, pelmeni and meat. The borscht was lukewarm (oil had seperated from broth), the potatoes tasted moldy, the pelmeni was sticky - meat was so so -but afraid to finish it. We decided to just go home and have chocolate.
Back to the pizza - not exactly mozzarella cheese and it wasn't much to my liking. Julie and Lena liked it okay, but I was disappointed after the bad food day yesterday (we only eat one meal a day) - On the bright side though before we left Cherkassy we stopped at McDonald's and had a hamburger, fries and cherry pie! Tasted wonderful!!!
Bought a few things at the store today and stopped at the internet cafe as ours wasn't working last night or this morning. Got on the cold bus to go back to our apartment. The funny thing is - the situation was so "ukrainian"! The bus station sells bus tickets, but the driver also sells them on the side, the inspector comes to count how many people and how many tickets were paid for and there were 4 more people than had bought tickets. The bus driver negotiates it down to paying her for 2 (they both pocket the money!). As we are pulling out past the station - another 5 people got on the bus! Lena told us that bus drivers are wealthy! So funny!
We are hoping to be able to pick up the kids tomorrow and spend some time with just them. I bought some games to play with them and have some movies. We will see......
No hot water again tonight - I joked about not being able to shave my legs but on the bright side it is at least keeping me warm!
Went for pizza - was so looking forward to it after a bad food day yesterday. We went to our main restaurant in town and it was closed for a funeral dinner so we went down the street to another place we had tried to go before but it was always closed. Music was BLARING and there was no one in there. The waitress came and gave us a menu and got us some hot tea (Lena thought she used the same bag for all 3 - very weak!). We started to order and they had nothing we asked for - so we finally asked what they did have! Between the 3 of us we ordered borscht, fries, pelmeni and meat. The borscht was lukewarm (oil had seperated from broth), the potatoes tasted moldy, the pelmeni was sticky - meat was so so -but afraid to finish it. We decided to just go home and have chocolate.
Back to the pizza - not exactly mozzarella cheese and it wasn't much to my liking. Julie and Lena liked it okay, but I was disappointed after the bad food day yesterday (we only eat one meal a day) - On the bright side though before we left Cherkassy we stopped at McDonald's and had a hamburger, fries and cherry pie! Tasted wonderful!!!
Bought a few things at the store today and stopped at the internet cafe as ours wasn't working last night or this morning. Got on the cold bus to go back to our apartment. The funny thing is - the situation was so "ukrainian"! The bus station sells bus tickets, but the driver also sells them on the side, the inspector comes to count how many people and how many tickets were paid for and there were 4 more people than had bought tickets. The bus driver negotiates it down to paying her for 2 (they both pocket the money!). As we are pulling out past the station - another 5 people got on the bus! Lena told us that bus drivers are wealthy! So funny!
We are hoping to be able to pick up the kids tomorrow and spend some time with just them. I bought some games to play with them and have some movies. We will see......
No hot water again tonight - I joked about not being able to shave my legs but on the bright side it is at least keeping me warm!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The end is in sight!
One week from today I will be heading to Kyiv with Griffan and finishing up the US Embassy paperwork! I will be home on Saturday, the 19th! We have a really long connection in Frankfort and a short one in Philadelphia. Please pray we make our connecting flight! I have this dream of being stuck and not making it home due to holiday traffic!!!!
Julie had court yesterday and all went well. The judge is giving her the paperwork a day early which should allow Julie to make it home for Christmas! Praise God! Luba has also been very shy and quiet and after court she was like a different child! I think the poor thing has been worried about getting her hopes up too much...and felt the relief. Her personality change had Julie worried and when Luba opened up it went a long way to reassure Julie!
I miss my family so much - I can't wait to see them! I love the emails the girls send! I am so glad we have internet here! Reading their emails goes a long way in helping me get through this time!
Griffan is also so excited about going home......vsegda (forever!). He is so cute when he practices saying his name: Grrrrrrriffan Na-tan-ee-yell Tarrrrrrrrr (they roll their r's here and can't say the th sound!). :) He is such a loving little boy - likes to hold my hand, get hugged and kissed - no wiping them off yet and saying, "Mom!" like most boys his age! He can be a pouter but quickly gets over things. I sense a lot of frustration coming when he gets home - he doesn't like to do things he doesn't do well! AND like most boys - doesn't like school!
We continue to endure under less than ideal circumstances - limited availability of water and lately no hot water! But we will survive and be more grateful for where we live! Looking very forward to that LONG HOT shower! :)
Julie had court yesterday and all went well. The judge is giving her the paperwork a day early which should allow Julie to make it home for Christmas! Praise God! Luba has also been very shy and quiet and after court she was like a different child! I think the poor thing has been worried about getting her hopes up too much...and felt the relief. Her personality change had Julie worried and when Luba opened up it went a long way to reassure Julie!
I miss my family so much - I can't wait to see them! I love the emails the girls send! I am so glad we have internet here! Reading their emails goes a long way in helping me get through this time!
Griffan is also so excited about going home......vsegda (forever!). He is so cute when he practices saying his name: Grrrrrrriffan Na-tan-ee-yell Tarrrrrrrrr (they roll their r's here and can't say the th sound!). :) He is such a loving little boy - likes to hold my hand, get hugged and kissed - no wiping them off yet and saying, "Mom!" like most boys his age! He can be a pouter but quickly gets over things. I sense a lot of frustration coming when he gets home - he doesn't like to do things he doesn't do well! AND like most boys - doesn't like school!
We continue to endure under less than ideal circumstances - limited availability of water and lately no hot water! But we will survive and be more grateful for where we live! Looking very forward to that LONG HOT shower! :)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Still here...
Not really sure what to title the post today...other than we are still here. Jeff headed out Friday night to Kyiv and flew home Saturday, so Julie and I are left to finish things up. We had a new arrival to our routine - Anya (who is going to travel with the children coming in December) arrived late Friday night and it was nice to have someone new to talk to and have new conversations!
Julie had to go to the notary on Saturday and since we were going to get to the orphanage late, we got some kalbasa, cheese, ham, bread, drinks and fruit to take to the orphanage and had somewhat of a picnic with the kids. When we first got there, we had all the kids coming to Indiana later this month in and all the ones that had been this past summer in a small room - probably not more than a 10x10 room. Picture 3 adults and about 12 kids in a very small room - with a table and alot of chairs. Can you spell claustrophobia???
At first it got off to a bit of a rocky start - Vadym (who now wants me to call him Griffan :) was NOT happy about having all the kids in the room, there are a couple of kids that want to be in the room that he doesn't like. He began to pout and not make a very good impression on Anya! Not a proud mom at that point - so I took him outside the room and had Anya tell him he needed to behave. I assured him I was HIS mom forever and that out of all the kids in that room I loved HIM! I told him he would soon be leaving the orphanage forever and that the children in the room were still going to be there and that I wanted to get to know them and maybe help them also find a forever family. He listened and apologized and I gave him a hug and kisses (which I love that he lets me and seems to love it!). He came in and was a good boy the rest of the time - even told Anya he was sorry he got off on the wrong foot. I guess now that he has a mom and dad he wants to hold on tight.
We had a type of interview session with the kids - what do they like to do, their favorite colors, favorite foods, and asked if they had any questions about coming to America. It was alot of fun as the kids shared! I don't think any of them will be frightened coming - they are all anxious about it and looking forward to the adventure! All the kids wanted to know about their families - and that was hard..........I have one little 11yo girl who is so sweet and so beautiful (she has 2 sisters and 1 brother) that was asking about what "her" host family was like....I don't have one for her yet (and she is one of my favorites!) and I felt so bad...If you know anyone who would even consider the thought of 4 kids (ages 11,10,9,7) please let me know! They are wonderful kids - all of them.
Today is like the others - getting up early enough to try to catch the water on and waiting to go to the orphanage. Coming back and trying to figure out what to do until bedtime. At least we can enjoy Anya while she is here - she leaves tomorrow and Lena arrives. So again - new conversation and a break in the monotony. Also - Julie's daughter Alyona's older sister is here to visit a few days (which makes Julie feel better too).
Julie will have her 2nd court on Tuesday - please pray it will go well for her. I had told her I would stay with her if she wanted me to and she doesn't. I will not leave her alone though - we will make sure someone is with her the last few days. I leave on the 19th (which is a Saturday) and on Monday Julie will hit the road running with Victor to get all her paperwork for the visa. We are praying that Julie will make it home on Christmas eve.......please pray with us that she will get her Christmas miracle too.
I wish I could make the process smooth for everyone.....I wish there would be no Ukrainian or Italian couples to compete with, no officials who are trying to make a point, no judge that has the desire to wield their power, an adoption authority that was consistent, a country that would understand the why behind what we are doing, no delays, no stress, no pain........but unfortunately I can't...all I can do is to try to encourage and guide families along the way and trust that God ultimately knows best. There are days that my job is such a burden ... but then I spend time with the children...so beautiful, so wonderful, so in need of love, so worth all the struggle, stress, and pain that a family goes through and the burden of the job.
Helping these precious children is so worth the cost.........I wish I could help everyone understand that. Please pray that God would continue opening that door to help these children, that God would stir hearts of families to open their lives up to them, God's provision for each family, that each family would trust God to lead them to the child He knows is best for them and the strength for all of us to get through the rough patches in the process. All for God's glory.....
Julie had to go to the notary on Saturday and since we were going to get to the orphanage late, we got some kalbasa, cheese, ham, bread, drinks and fruit to take to the orphanage and had somewhat of a picnic with the kids. When we first got there, we had all the kids coming to Indiana later this month in and all the ones that had been this past summer in a small room - probably not more than a 10x10 room. Picture 3 adults and about 12 kids in a very small room - with a table and alot of chairs. Can you spell claustrophobia???
At first it got off to a bit of a rocky start - Vadym (who now wants me to call him Griffan :) was NOT happy about having all the kids in the room, there are a couple of kids that want to be in the room that he doesn't like. He began to pout and not make a very good impression on Anya! Not a proud mom at that point - so I took him outside the room and had Anya tell him he needed to behave. I assured him I was HIS mom forever and that out of all the kids in that room I loved HIM! I told him he would soon be leaving the orphanage forever and that the children in the room were still going to be there and that I wanted to get to know them and maybe help them also find a forever family. He listened and apologized and I gave him a hug and kisses (which I love that he lets me and seems to love it!). He came in and was a good boy the rest of the time - even told Anya he was sorry he got off on the wrong foot. I guess now that he has a mom and dad he wants to hold on tight.
We had a type of interview session with the kids - what do they like to do, their favorite colors, favorite foods, and asked if they had any questions about coming to America. It was alot of fun as the kids shared! I don't think any of them will be frightened coming - they are all anxious about it and looking forward to the adventure! All the kids wanted to know about their families - and that was hard..........I have one little 11yo girl who is so sweet and so beautiful (she has 2 sisters and 1 brother) that was asking about what "her" host family was like....I don't have one for her yet (and she is one of my favorites!) and I felt so bad...If you know anyone who would even consider the thought of 4 kids (ages 11,10,9,7) please let me know! They are wonderful kids - all of them.
Today is like the others - getting up early enough to try to catch the water on and waiting to go to the orphanage. Coming back and trying to figure out what to do until bedtime. At least we can enjoy Anya while she is here - she leaves tomorrow and Lena arrives. So again - new conversation and a break in the monotony. Also - Julie's daughter Alyona's older sister is here to visit a few days (which makes Julie feel better too).
Julie will have her 2nd court on Tuesday - please pray it will go well for her. I had told her I would stay with her if she wanted me to and she doesn't. I will not leave her alone though - we will make sure someone is with her the last few days. I leave on the 19th (which is a Saturday) and on Monday Julie will hit the road running with Victor to get all her paperwork for the visa. We are praying that Julie will make it home on Christmas eve.......please pray with us that she will get her Christmas miracle too.
I wish I could make the process smooth for everyone.....I wish there would be no Ukrainian or Italian couples to compete with, no officials who are trying to make a point, no judge that has the desire to wield their power, an adoption authority that was consistent, a country that would understand the why behind what we are doing, no delays, no stress, no pain........but unfortunately I can't...all I can do is to try to encourage and guide families along the way and trust that God ultimately knows best. There are days that my job is such a burden ... but then I spend time with the children...so beautiful, so wonderful, so in need of love, so worth all the struggle, stress, and pain that a family goes through and the burden of the job.
Helping these precious children is so worth the cost.........I wish I could help everyone understand that. Please pray that God would continue opening that door to help these children, that God would stir hearts of families to open their lives up to them, God's provision for each family, that each family would trust God to lead them to the child He knows is best for them and the strength for all of us to get through the rough patches in the process. All for God's glory.....
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