Friday, August 31, 2012

Message Me!


Earlier this week I mentioned that encouraging words have been the thing that have helped me to survive lately.  So today, I wanted to share just a few of the encouraging, sweet messages we’ve received over the last little while.  It’s kind words like these that help get us through the difficult and discouraging days (And believe me, we experience them! Not to mention, we miss our kids SO much!). Thanks to all of you that are making/have made a difference!

Message #1:

Just wanted to write you a quick note and tell you how moved I was by
your blog post from Sunday.  I have now read your post 3 times (once
myself and twice more to two other people) and have cried each time.
My heart is so full of love and hope for you and your family.  When
you said that God would send people to help you along your way I
realized I could be one of those people.  We don't have much right now...and if I had all the money you needed I would donate it all to you, but sadly I don't.  I do however have some money that I can spare.  It’s all I can give right now...wish I could do more.

Message #2:

We understand adoption and we are so excited for you. We are at the end of a pay period, but I will set a little aside each month to help out. You say you are not saving a country, but you are saving 3 precious souls. You are courageous (as adopting children is a huge leap of faith and brings its own challenges) and you are following the example of our Savior and in turn setting an example for all of us. May God be with you on your journey.

Message #3:

Your story has touched me, and I sincerely hope that your family reaches your goal, and soon!  I recently graduated with my B.A. in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and over the past four years have learned of the atrocities of human trafficking, and the women and children who are targeted in these disgusting industries. Unfortunately, these stories do not always reach the masses, which means the human trafficking epidemic is seriously under-addressed.  You and your family are doing a beautiful deed for these three children. I hope that they are able to join you here, in the US very soon. I am sending you good energy, and will keep your family in my thoughts.

Message #4:

I just felt the need to tell you that I think you are truly amazing. I don't even know how you can be so selfless to have 4 kids of your own and have such love for these 3 kids to want to give them a better life, to love them like your own. I have been thinking how could I help because honestly we don't have a lot of money. We have debt, bills, cost of our own kids, etc.  But then I read the blog you posted about Micah’s friend who was so excited to just give $1, and you were saying how every amount helps, that there is no donation too small, and I decided even if I could give $20 or something like that then I will have helped out in some small way. I want you to make your goal so badly, and soon! I don't get paid for another week, but when I get my check, the first thing I want to do is mail you a donation.  I am thinking about you and your family and praying for you.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Spiders!


We learned early on during Albina’s stay with us that she HATES spiders (and all bugs).  We also learned that Maks loves spiders and all bugs.  He’s completely fascinated with them.  When we asked Albina why she hated them so much she just shivered and indicated how gross they were.  Then she asked if she could show us something on the computer:





 
PS  Recently we were introduced to a man that wanted to help us with our fundraising.  He works for the Thrifty Nickel.  He contacted person #5 and she created a flyer for him.  Last night I received an email telling me to pick up a Thrifty Nickel today and check out page 4.  You should check it out too.  THANK YOU Thrifty Nickel!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

August 31: Graduation


 

Every year on August 31st, an entire graduating class of orphans is sent out of the orphanages all across Eastern Europe.

Most without adequate life skills, without much more than the bags on their backs, and well wishes to find a place at trade schools.

No family, no mentors, no chance for adoption, ...no hope.

Within a few years over 80% will find themselves trapped in lives of poverty, crime, prostitution, addiction, incarceration, or dead.

Our oldest daughter, Toria, graduated from High School in June.  We had family travel from great distances and enjoy the graduation ceremony.  We took pictures.  We went out for dinner and ice cream.  We talked about the awesome future she has ahead of her with college and career and family.  We CELEBRATED!

Our Ukrainian daughter, Albina, is 16 and we are dreading her "graduation".  It will not be the celebration that Toria experienced.  Fortunately, she has gotten an extention to stay in the orphanage.  We don't know how long they'll allow her to stay, but we are praying that we can get the funds raised that are necessary to go and bring her home to our family before she graduates.

Wouldn't you like to help her join her forever family so she can enjoy a celebratory graduation in a few years?