We have been praying about this for weeks. Who, where, why and when, were all questions we were waiting on God's answer. A friend has offered to go with me to see what God is calling us to do. I am humbled by his offer. God is working out all the details. We don't know all the answers yet...but God knows the big picture. I think our minds are just to small to grasp the future.
My oldest daughter will be traveling with us. We will need at least one interpreter and a driver or plan to get around. We fully believe God knows already what the plans are for the trip. We are simply waiting on His revealing them to us.
We hope to carry things to the different orphanages. Some needed items are blankets (which we hope to buy in bulk), gloves, hats, jackets, embroidery thread, needles, candy, toothbrushes, toothpaste and lots of prayer. We are humbled by God's calling and excited by it too.
Please be praying for us as we prepare to go. This trip is going to be alot of traveling. We hope to take or send others later. We feel it is best for us to go ahead and see what each city is like before carrying a group.
We volunteered with a hosting group. We decided God was calling us to adopt from Ukraine. We started the adoption. We obeyed God and hosted 8 orphans in our home. Now God is giving us the next job assignment. So .... we are going to Ukraine.
Phil 4:13
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Things not said, peace
I typed an email for a long time the other day. Then it disappeared. Too tired to retype it I decided there must have been something in it that did not need to be said. A shorter version was sent. God heard what I had to say in the email. He's the only one that really should have heard my heart on the matter. I liked it was not sent. Again trusting in His timing.
God's just a growing and stretching me and my family. I still laugh at us all sitting, at one of the kitchen tables and the children saying the house is empty. Empty? For years we have had people say, "you've got 4 kids". My reply, "yes we only have 4." To some 4 is alot. Somedays to me 4 is alot. But once you've met so many without loving parents 4 is not enough.
I wondered if I could love adopted children as well as my birthed children. Just being honest. But once you spent time with children hungry for love, God's love flows through you and there is enough love for hundreds of precious children. (Although I'll say there is not enough time in the day for hundreds).
Side story: Andrew said we could adopt 50 boys. Not to be outnumbered Heather said then we would have to adopt 100 girls. This way the girls would still out number the boys.
Hosting 8 we told them we were one big family. I watched over them as my own. Yes they were even punished, at times. You knew they weren't happy to do a chore even if you didn't know the language. We got the point. But before they arrived we discussed that if they were here for a month that they must obey some rules. Most of the time things went very good.
I'd say we had 3 hard days. I could not call them bad days. Most of the problems those days were due to planning problems. One home day was a rain day. Very few visitors came. So the next day we went to get rid of energy indoors and it worked. They ran jumped and played for 2 hours. They had a blast.
One night Amy cried herself to sleep. The next morning Andrew received a black eye. How Satan was attacking. I felt inadequate to do a quiet time. I was just going to remind the of the "Be kind" rule. I told the children of Amy crying herself to sleep and how sad it made me. I began to cry. And then the Holy Spirit reminded me of God's Holy Word. I shared verses from the Bible with them sitting on the ground by the lake. What turned out to be victory for Jesus. I don't know how many prayed to receive Christ for the first time that day...but I know what Satan meant for evil God used for good and what a peaceful day we had after that.
We all miss them terribly. We are praying for each of them.
We are praying about God's perfect provision and timing in trying to visit all the orphanages that we had in our home. We hope they will all allow us to visit the children. We are praying about hosting next year and God's provision and timing for that also.
The best thing I received out of the experience was a stronger confiedence in God. When it's God's will He will be there every step of the way to comfort, provide and lead. What an awsome peace comes from that knowledge. I knew that everyone would not help and support us. I did not know God would send "surprise" people to be the helpers. It became "ok God who's coming next and what are they going to do". I was so thrilled with my Heavenly Father's care for my family and the children. Again thanks to all that blessed the children and our family.
We cooked breakfast every morning. I realized after week 3 they had not tried our cereal or poptarts. Some never did try them. What a sweet time with the children in the mornings. At first I was sad nobody helped with breakfast. Then I rejoiced in the sweet time we had with the children in the morning. I felt selfish. It was so wonderful to have them here. Later I realized it was the "down time" we all needed with such a busy schedule.
Praying God's will and timing. Praying to be filled with His perfect love and peace. I LOVE God's perfect peace that comes from obeying and serving Him.
God's just a growing and stretching me and my family. I still laugh at us all sitting, at one of the kitchen tables and the children saying the house is empty. Empty? For years we have had people say, "you've got 4 kids". My reply, "yes we only have 4." To some 4 is alot. Somedays to me 4 is alot. But once you've met so many without loving parents 4 is not enough.
I wondered if I could love adopted children as well as my birthed children. Just being honest. But once you spent time with children hungry for love, God's love flows through you and there is enough love for hundreds of precious children. (Although I'll say there is not enough time in the day for hundreds).
Side story: Andrew said we could adopt 50 boys. Not to be outnumbered Heather said then we would have to adopt 100 girls. This way the girls would still out number the boys.
Hosting 8 we told them we were one big family. I watched over them as my own. Yes they were even punished, at times. You knew they weren't happy to do a chore even if you didn't know the language. We got the point. But before they arrived we discussed that if they were here for a month that they must obey some rules. Most of the time things went very good.
I'd say we had 3 hard days. I could not call them bad days. Most of the problems those days were due to planning problems. One home day was a rain day. Very few visitors came. So the next day we went to get rid of energy indoors and it worked. They ran jumped and played for 2 hours. They had a blast.
One night Amy cried herself to sleep. The next morning Andrew received a black eye. How Satan was attacking. I felt inadequate to do a quiet time. I was just going to remind the of the "Be kind" rule. I told the children of Amy crying herself to sleep and how sad it made me. I began to cry. And then the Holy Spirit reminded me of God's Holy Word. I shared verses from the Bible with them sitting on the ground by the lake. What turned out to be victory for Jesus. I don't know how many prayed to receive Christ for the first time that day...but I know what Satan meant for evil God used for good and what a peaceful day we had after that.
We all miss them terribly. We are praying for each of them.
We are praying about God's perfect provision and timing in trying to visit all the orphanages that we had in our home. We hope they will all allow us to visit the children. We are praying about hosting next year and God's provision and timing for that also.
The best thing I received out of the experience was a stronger confiedence in God. When it's God's will He will be there every step of the way to comfort, provide and lead. What an awsome peace comes from that knowledge. I knew that everyone would not help and support us. I did not know God would send "surprise" people to be the helpers. It became "ok God who's coming next and what are they going to do". I was so thrilled with my Heavenly Father's care for my family and the children. Again thanks to all that blessed the children and our family.
We cooked breakfast every morning. I realized after week 3 they had not tried our cereal or poptarts. Some never did try them. What a sweet time with the children in the mornings. At first I was sad nobody helped with breakfast. Then I rejoiced in the sweet time we had with the children in the morning. I felt selfish. It was so wonderful to have them here. Later I realized it was the "down time" we all needed with such a busy schedule.
Praying God's will and timing. Praying to be filled with His perfect love and peace. I LOVE God's perfect peace that comes from obeying and serving Him.
Monday, September 8, 2008
I've worked about an hour typing this. So let's try again. Computers do delete too much sometimes.
We are at the beach. God's perfect timing had Ricky working in Mobile on the weekend I wanted to spend alone with my children. Thanks be to God for this time.
A time of healing. Some physical healing if you look at the bruises on my children. But for me to take a breath. Regroup and start the school year. Yes, I did bring school work with us and they are getting the joy of doing their school.
God's got plans for all of us. I needed the alone time with God to see what the next step is for our family.
Rachel and I would like to go to Ukraine to visit the 8 orphans that were here. We believe it to be God's plan. But does that mean 1 or 2 trips to Ukraine for me? Rachel only 1 trip. But still there is the expense and the planning. Some have expressed and interest in going to visit the orphanages. Praying God's timing and perfect plan.
We are at the beach. God's perfect timing had Ricky working in Mobile on the weekend I wanted to spend alone with my children. Thanks be to God for this time.
A time of healing. Some physical healing if you look at the bruises on my children. But for me to take a breath. Regroup and start the school year. Yes, I did bring school work with us and they are getting the joy of doing their school.
God's got plans for all of us. I needed the alone time with God to see what the next step is for our family.
Rachel and I would like to go to Ukraine to visit the 8 orphans that were here. We believe it to be God's plan. But does that mean 1 or 2 trips to Ukraine for me? Rachel only 1 trip. But still there is the expense and the planning. Some have expressed and interest in going to visit the orphanages. Praying God's timing and perfect plan.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Be kind
My biggest struggle with these children is breaking a pattern of hitting each other. We all know it starts out small but someone gets hurt and mad. Habits are hard to break.
I don't pray for patience. God thinks I need more. He is working on that rough area in me.
What kindness am I showing. Am I patient enough with those that offend me? What example am I to these children.
I've told them not to waste their time being mad. What a fool I am to waste a second complaining. What a waste of my time.
Be ye kind one to another. Not just for kids.
I don't pray for patience. God thinks I need more. He is working on that rough area in me.
What kindness am I showing. Am I patient enough with those that offend me? What example am I to these children.
I've told them not to waste their time being mad. What a fool I am to waste a second complaining. What a waste of my time.
Be ye kind one to another. Not just for kids.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Time flies
We are incredibly busy here. It is wonderful, tiring and a blessing. We are meeting new people. It is sooo interesting to see who God brings here. Also new people we meet and the way God has us all connected.
The children are all asleep. Yeah. Ok it is 12:30. We have had many full days. We are still working on Doctors and Dentist. God is good and His provision in perfect.
I'm soo excited I can't sleep. I must finish schedules and arrangements. I can't sleep in the morning because I want to see them. I think when they leave my family will sleep all day? Oh yeah, that school thing. Huh?
All is going better than I could expect. Nobody majorly injured (well yet). The 4 orphanages have blended into a family. I never know who God will provide to drive or bring a meal. I'm ok with all that.
God is growing and stretching each one of us. Is 40:31 is the verse of the day. God is my strength. No, I could not do this. No, I am not crazy. Just trying to obey God in what He calls me to do. Yes, I'm already trying to figure out how to visit 4 orphanages in Ukraine.
Come join us on mission in AL for the Ukraine. Watch God work.
The children are all asleep. Yeah. Ok it is 12:30. We have had many full days. We are still working on Doctors and Dentist. God is good and His provision in perfect.
I'm soo excited I can't sleep. I must finish schedules and arrangements. I can't sleep in the morning because I want to see them. I think when they leave my family will sleep all day? Oh yeah, that school thing. Huh?
All is going better than I could expect. Nobody majorly injured (well yet). The 4 orphanages have blended into a family. I never know who God will provide to drive or bring a meal. I'm ok with all that.
God is growing and stretching each one of us. Is 40:31 is the verse of the day. God is my strength. No, I could not do this. No, I am not crazy. Just trying to obey God in what He calls me to do. Yes, I'm already trying to figure out how to visit 4 orphanages in Ukraine.
Come join us on mission in AL for the Ukraine. Watch God work.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Heavenly hosting
Love, joy and peace with a house of 12 children. This is wonderful. Yes, sometimes very demanding. Not much sleep. It's 1:38 a.m.
God's blessings don't cease. The first day I prepared breakfast. A friend brought lunch and her parents dinner. Awesome! Sat and Sun we had meals here we prepared. Now on Mon the week is full of food. Friends are bringing fruit. 3-4 bunches of bananas are eaten by the children dailey. Plus a whole watermelon for dinner and apples and grapes for snack. Wow.
I'm glad they are getting the nutrition. They need more veggies. They ate a plate of cucumbers in less than 5 minutes.
Some ask "why by them new clothes?" Because for $4.00 (t-shirt and shorts) they are provided maybe with their first new outfit ever. They don't have to walk around looking poor. They are a part of our family for the month. I can't count the number of new clothes my children have gone through. I want them to be blessed too. I'm blessed by seeing them in what my children and I take for granted. We have so much we don't need.
I need to get them tennis shoes and long pants, winters coming.
All came with only a backpack, maybe a change of clothes.
I've had the best time looking at these beautiful children. All girls in pink, including mine. Boys matching each other. This way they are easier to keep up with. With my children matching they are thrilled.
Friends have been great to drive and help out. Such a blessing. Thanks for the meals, rides, hand me downs, clothes, fruit and swimming!!!
Our dailey bread, one day at a time. That's God's provision. I don't know who will help next or how. The surprises are thrilling blessings. We are being flexible, yet trying to stay with the schedule. Depending on God for all things. For God's perfect provision. Living on the mission field that is now our home. Join us if you dare to be blessed.
You will be surprised by God too.
God has worked out so many things. Fear Not. His ways are not ours... they are better.
Living, laughing and loving out loud.
God's blessings don't cease. The first day I prepared breakfast. A friend brought lunch and her parents dinner. Awesome! Sat and Sun we had meals here we prepared. Now on Mon the week is full of food. Friends are bringing fruit. 3-4 bunches of bananas are eaten by the children dailey. Plus a whole watermelon for dinner and apples and grapes for snack. Wow.
I'm glad they are getting the nutrition. They need more veggies. They ate a plate of cucumbers in less than 5 minutes.
Some ask "why by them new clothes?" Because for $4.00 (t-shirt and shorts) they are provided maybe with their first new outfit ever. They don't have to walk around looking poor. They are a part of our family for the month. I can't count the number of new clothes my children have gone through. I want them to be blessed too. I'm blessed by seeing them in what my children and I take for granted. We have so much we don't need.
I need to get them tennis shoes and long pants, winters coming.
All came with only a backpack, maybe a change of clothes.
I've had the best time looking at these beautiful children. All girls in pink, including mine. Boys matching each other. This way they are easier to keep up with. With my children matching they are thrilled.
Friends have been great to drive and help out. Such a blessing. Thanks for the meals, rides, hand me downs, clothes, fruit and swimming!!!
Our dailey bread, one day at a time. That's God's provision. I don't know who will help next or how. The surprises are thrilling blessings. We are being flexible, yet trying to stay with the schedule. Depending on God for all things. For God's perfect provision. Living on the mission field that is now our home. Join us if you dare to be blessed.
You will be surprised by God too.
God has worked out so many things. Fear Not. His ways are not ours... they are better.
Living, laughing and loving out loud.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The future
I have heard that our year of registration will begin in August. I had hoped that it had already begun. I know many of us would like the adoption process to go quicker. We must all trust in God's perfect timing. We must use our time wisly while waitng. We will be waiting and working.
I am praying about God's plans for us. We are praying knowledge. Should we host next year, how many to host and from which orphanage(s)? It is time consuming and costly. But we believe it is an oppurtunity of a lifetime for these children. I am also praying about visiting the Ukraine. I'm praying about when, how and who. If you would be interested in visiting the Ukraine please contact me.
We are thankful to those planning on helping and to those that have helped already. You are a blessing. Please visit the orphans in August. We do suggest you call first. We live in the country.
I am praying about God's plans for us. We are praying knowledge. Should we host next year, how many to host and from which orphanage(s)? It is time consuming and costly. But we believe it is an oppurtunity of a lifetime for these children. I am also praying about visiting the Ukraine. I'm praying about when, how and who. If you would be interested in visiting the Ukraine please contact me.
We are thankful to those planning on helping and to those that have helped already. You are a blessing. Please visit the orphans in August. We do suggest you call first. We live in the country.
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