It's been some time since I've blogged. ( Steve) We have been pushing forward with the room for the kids, getting everything ready for there arrival. I will be painting the room this weekend and the carpet goes in end of next week. Should have everything ready by Xmas. This will be a special xmas for our family, being it will be the last in which it will be us five. I believe that Kristina, Igor and Denys are going thru some similar feelings, knowing if that it will be the last with there friends as well. the waiting time has not been fun but necessary. Caroline felt bad when she heard that Igor had his tonsils removed, she wishes she could have been his mother during that recovery time.
We were invited to share our story with the production company "Many but one" who puts on an xmas performance every year for the community. They were responsible for creating the video for us. If you haven't seen this one please view, it moves me every time. I can't wait to the day when were all on the plane landing in Miami. Caroline has been nesting at the house, if your a mother or a father of a child you know what I'm talking about. Anyway, having fun trying to keep up with her thoughts and projects. All good !
During this journey, for myself, I have been able to fuse together more with my wife. I always want to be with her. I look at each day slightly different, I wake up before the sun, I enjoy all my work, I love this life we have been blessed with by our Lord, and I thank You for leaving your Spirit to guide us.
I will have much to talk about when the journey takes us to their home town. I will try to blog daily so you whom are ready can walk with us and see how God has orchestrated this uniting of these three with us.
I already feel it in my spirit that God is going to use us to bring joy to all we meet.
I am also already saddened for the ones we will get to know but will not be able to bring with us. How do you look into their eyes and leave them hope ? How do you continue on with your life when those ones left behind are locked into soul ? How is it that not everyone with these same feelings is not saying yes we can do this? How is it that you do not love the Holy one enough, to take care of one of His own. What will you say when your in eternity with Jesus and you had the opportunity to do this, (while he promised he would take care of you ) and you reflected upon yourself and your own giftings rather then on His graces and mercies.
How will you walk with Him in the Garden ?
I was watching an older movie the other nite, " Contact " with Jody Foster. The beginning scene was a shot in space starting from the sun and traveling backward past all the planets in our solar system and it just kept moving revealing tens of thousands of galaxies and stars. I thought, this must be one of the mysteries or privileges that God is going to allow is lovers to see and perhaps travel thru, who's to say . . . Getting in to heaven is just the start or elementary. Many of us say we Love God and or Jesus, but how many of us are in Love with our Lord, savior, king, friend and brother ? This journey is moving at an accelerated stream directly to his heart. There is no other anything or substitute. We do this because we love you...( Jesus)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tuesday's Big Day
11/28/10 Happy Thanksgiving to all! We shared our thanks this year with Steve's family. We were all at his parents home in Tampa. All of his siblings were there except for his brother Greg who lives in Texas. Our kids played great with their cousins who they unfortunetly only see about once a year. I cant wait till our new children can experience all the "larger" family activities. We watched some you tube videos on Ukraine orphanages, and after wiping many tears, my thoughts were we are so blessed to be able to adopt! We are all excited and cant wait till they come home! So Tuesday is the big day of submitting paperwork. Our friend and translator, Galya, will be hand delivering the documents to the SDA and they will within 1 - 1 1/2 weeks give us an interview date and then a court date. We will be traveling very soon. Please pray with us that it will be supernaturally speedy and smooth. The more I read, the more "stickly" and complicated it can seem over there. Every i needs to be dotted and every t crossed just right. I was reminded today at home fellowship, that it those who have gone before us and paved the way, that enables us to reap what they have sown. So THANK YOU to all those pioneers! We are ever so grateful. Still we hope that you will agree with us in prayer that our paperwork will go miracoulsly quick. The time away will be the hardest obstacle so far. Its not Ukraine in the winter that is longsome, or the many trips to government offices that dont run the way America does; but it's the time away from our home, from eachother, our work and animals that will be tricky to manage. But it's for the prize we run after. The eternal glory. Its the treasures storing up where we cant see them.
Room update: The construction of their bedrooms is coming along great. Steve works every night on it and we are about 2 weeks from finished. It looks really good. I cant wait to paint and decorate it.
Room update: The construction of their bedrooms is coming along great. Steve works every night on it and we are about 2 weeks from finished. It looks really good. I cant wait to paint and decorate it.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Paper Trail
11/23/10 PAPER TRAIL BEGINS: 1st packet of Apostilled docs get to Ukraine on Monday past. Everything checked out and good. Second package; a bit troubling. Gathered the last 5-7 things needed, had them notarized, thanks to someone special, and off to fed ex lunch time on Friday. Monday comes and check tracking info. Bad news, no info. Call CAT of Cincinnati – they help customers track and are the liaisons between corporate and us. Our envelope is on a truck somewhere? Not quite. Turns out our packet was never picked up on Friday. She sends a driver over to check the box and I walk over to the Fed Ex box across the street too. Just as Heidi and I were praying, the fed ex guy pulls up. He opens the box and there is our packet. Yay! Except now we are a day late. So the packet is on the way scheduled to arrive Tuesday at Tallahassee by 10:30. I track again – and no packet! Meanwhile I have been in contact with and awesome lady at the Secretary of State and shared our dilemma. Time is running out quickly. If our papers aren’t in Ukraine by thus Friday they can’t be translated and turned into the adoption department there. They need to be submitted on Tuesday, November 30th or we’re basically dead in the water. (If you are a prayer, please please pray for this!) Back to the facts. Finally after much help from CAT and another local fed ex guy from Broward, the packet is in my new friend’s hands in Tallahassee. She is so unbelievably kind that she gets my stuff done in 5 minutes and we send for another fed ex pick up. It’s now on its way back to Boca. Tomorrow at 10:30 my dear and trusted friend will transfer to a DHL envelope and mail 48 hours express to Kiev. Friday Jane will receive and get to another new, but old friend, to get translated. Then into the city on Tuesday. And God will bless His people with Peace!!! And we will dance in a river!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Listening
1 John 2:5, "If anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him." (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27 (NIV)
My morning devotion was perfect: I sat on the couch looking out the window, wondering what the future held. Some opportunities were on the horizon. My excitement, mixed with the fear of getting over-committed, ignited a rapid firing of thoughts: What would I say yes or no to? What was God calling me to do? How would I figure out His plans and purpose for my schedule?
Wondering and worrying wasn't getting me anywhere, so I decided to start praying. I wrote questions in a notebook: "Lord, what should I say yes to? Where do You want me to spend my time? Will You please show me Your plans for me this coming year?"
I wanted a sneak peek into God's calendar so I could adjust mine. Instead, I sensed Him telling me not to worry about tomorrow but to live each day in the hear and now.
My morning devotion was perfect: I sat on the couch looking out the window, wondering what the future held. Some opportunities were on the horizon. My excitement, mixed with the fear of getting over-committed, ignited a rapid firing of thoughts: What would I say yes or no to? What was God calling me to do? How would I figure out His plans and purpose for my schedule?
Wondering and worrying wasn't getting me anywhere, so I decided to start praying. I wrote questions in a notebook: "Lord, what should I say yes to? Where do You want me to spend my time? Will You please show me Your plans for me this coming year?"
I wanted a sneak peek into God's calendar so I could adjust mine. Instead, I sensed Him telling me not to worry about tomorrow but to live each day in the hear and now.
Monday, November 15, 2010
US approval is in
11/15/10
We are so blessed and privileged to be the family adopting these great kids. We have gotten the US approval and now submit docs to Ukraine. Please pray for accelerated timing. We'd like to be able to send documents this week so we could maybe submit in Kiev on Tuesday. It needs to be quick from here on out. We are still holding on to the hope of sharing Christmas all together. A new friend and pilot will probably have to fly us around personally (just kidding) but God can do anything and we can atest to that personally now. What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
I just love God! He is moving people strategically, like pawns on a chess board, for His Kingdom set up.
Hand raised - "Use us Lord!"
Thank you to all who have supported His adoption and for your prayers.
You are family!
We are so blessed and privileged to be the family adopting these great kids. We have gotten the US approval and now submit docs to Ukraine. Please pray for accelerated timing. We'd like to be able to send documents this week so we could maybe submit in Kiev on Tuesday. It needs to be quick from here on out. We are still holding on to the hope of sharing Christmas all together. A new friend and pilot will probably have to fly us around personally (just kidding) but God can do anything and we can atest to that personally now. What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
I just love God! He is moving people strategically, like pawns on a chess board, for His Kingdom set up.
Hand raised - "Use us Lord!"
Thank you to all who have supported His adoption and for your prayers.
You are family!
We really need your prayers!
11/2010 Please pray for all the children that need families...that we would all say yes and they would all have permanent homes. Governments all over the world need divine visitations, dreams of God, and hearts bent to please God. We lift up all organizations that help children - to show love and kindness and mercy for all officials. Thank you.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Final Countdown ... and an update!
11/10/10
Well, just call me a lame blogger since it’s been quite awhile since I updated our page. So much exciting stuff is happening in God’s adoption process. I’m going to start with our awesome garage sale. Within 3 weeks, we had so many great donations that it filled up our entire 2 car garage and dining room. After sorting through it all, we decided to have a 2 day blow out sale. Thanks to Dianne, Lisa, and Angela who had a vision of how it should be organized and spent nites before the sale rummaging and pricing and hanging the unending supply of clothes. Friday morning rolls around and at 6:30am my great and giving friends show up ready to conquer the day.
We had a great first day of sales, and then Rori and Mel save the day by supplying bagels, coffee and then subs for lunch. At about 4:00 we wrap up the day and put away what we can for Saturday. In the dark of the next morning, my friends and supporters show up again for round 2. Carol, Sandy, Tanya, Rori, Angela, Lisa, Dino, Steve, Mike, Eric, Jane, Michele, Becky, Christina, Annmarie and many more came to serve all day! If you ever have an event this us the team you should have. Dino was on traffic control and security. He was great. Annmarie showed up right when people started questioning about rare old books - and she was on it! They were unified, selfless and had just ready hearts to serve and minister to all in their paths that day. 2 couples from Ukraine came to shop, and when Rori started to tell them why we were having this sale, they cried. 2 were from my kids home town. They just couldn’t believe it. Almost everyone was shared with and some didn’t buy but donated anyway.
By the latter part of the day, people who were buying stuff, would go home and then return with new stuff to sell. It was calling people from all walks of life to give. Somebody bought a table and then brought a table back to sell, my dining room chairs went and a dining room set came back, a bedroom suite sold and then a bigger set was resold. It was unbelievable. Folks were constantly checking back because there was such anticipation of what would come back in. It was so God! Continually filling up the storehouses!!! One guy’s testimony who bought furniture, was that he was previously incarcerated, saved in prison, married and working now, declares that it is better to give then receive so he returned with more for us to sell. It was an incredible sale. My friends were so giving of their time that that alone blessed us forever. What an amazing body of believers that we are surrounded with. So at the end of the day, another garage sale fundraiser that was going on the following week to support a local family in great need, showed up with a box truck and neighbors helped load it with what didn’t sell. Great finish to the weekend. The money was counted by 4 primary servants and ….$4,600!!!!!!!!!
We needed $4000 for construction on the garage to convert it to a bedroom, and with the sales of my table, couch, buffet, chairs and the extra $600 we were able to purchase a bigger dining room table and couches to accommodate our larger family. Thank you God and all those who participated in some way.
On Sunday we checked our emails, and Jane and Barbara from the Ark left one. They told the kids! We were like - woah! They were very happy and ask many cute questions about their new life. Does is snow there, do we celebrate Christmas, will they change their names?… We are so looking forward to starting the real adventure of having them home.
So far its been all work. Paperwork, financials, appointments, testing, fingerprinting, more paperwork. But now that it’s a waiting game while USCIS has our file, I can help but look forward to the day they come home. I am thankful that they are in a safe and loving place in Kiev. I couldn’t imagine worrying where they are or what’s happening to them. Please pray for speed in the final processing. Our docs are in the national adoption place here in the US then we will DHL them Ukraine. We need favor and speed on our side right now. We haven’t bought the airline tickets yet but are still hopeful to be there all of December.
We got to speak at church on Sunday for Orphan Sunday and I cant tell you how blessed I felt. Every time when people speak about orphans and how we can help, I always was wrecked. Just really always had such a heart for them. This year, we got to be up on stage giving our testimony and not in the chairs crying about helping. It was such a gift! We spoke after Tom from 4Kids and Jane and Barbara from Father’s Care. So honored to be there. God is doing so much in the hearts of His adopted children. We are graphed into His family because of what Jesus did for us. As I look back on my life, the not so desirable things, I know it’s to help me relate to Kristina. At the same age she is now, I was “left” by my dad due to divorce. I am able to share now that I realize my identity in Christ, how it felt for me. And Steve will be such a great figure of a loving, caring, and sensitive dad because he knows my sorrows too.
God is so good and He is faithful! He doesn’t leave us where we are but brings us to the fullness of His love and grace in our lives.
Well, just call me a lame blogger since it’s been quite awhile since I updated our page. So much exciting stuff is happening in God’s adoption process. I’m going to start with our awesome garage sale. Within 3 weeks, we had so many great donations that it filled up our entire 2 car garage and dining room. After sorting through it all, we decided to have a 2 day blow out sale. Thanks to Dianne, Lisa, and Angela who had a vision of how it should be organized and spent nites before the sale rummaging and pricing and hanging the unending supply of clothes. Friday morning rolls around and at 6:30am my great and giving friends show up ready to conquer the day.
We had a great first day of sales, and then Rori and Mel save the day by supplying bagels, coffee and then subs for lunch. At about 4:00 we wrap up the day and put away what we can for Saturday. In the dark of the next morning, my friends and supporters show up again for round 2. Carol, Sandy, Tanya, Rori, Angela, Lisa, Dino, Steve, Mike, Eric, Jane, Michele, Becky, Christina, Annmarie and many more came to serve all day! If you ever have an event this us the team you should have. Dino was on traffic control and security. He was great. Annmarie showed up right when people started questioning about rare old books - and she was on it! They were unified, selfless and had just ready hearts to serve and minister to all in their paths that day. 2 couples from Ukraine came to shop, and when Rori started to tell them why we were having this sale, they cried. 2 were from my kids home town. They just couldn’t believe it. Almost everyone was shared with and some didn’t buy but donated anyway.
By the latter part of the day, people who were buying stuff, would go home and then return with new stuff to sell. It was calling people from all walks of life to give. Somebody bought a table and then brought a table back to sell, my dining room chairs went and a dining room set came back, a bedroom suite sold and then a bigger set was resold. It was unbelievable. Folks were constantly checking back because there was such anticipation of what would come back in. It was so God! Continually filling up the storehouses!!! One guy’s testimony who bought furniture, was that he was previously incarcerated, saved in prison, married and working now, declares that it is better to give then receive so he returned with more for us to sell. It was an incredible sale. My friends were so giving of their time that that alone blessed us forever. What an amazing body of believers that we are surrounded with. So at the end of the day, another garage sale fundraiser that was going on the following week to support a local family in great need, showed up with a box truck and neighbors helped load it with what didn’t sell. Great finish to the weekend. The money was counted by 4 primary servants and ….$4,600!!!!!!!!!
We needed $4000 for construction on the garage to convert it to a bedroom, and with the sales of my table, couch, buffet, chairs and the extra $600 we were able to purchase a bigger dining room table and couches to accommodate our larger family. Thank you God and all those who participated in some way.
On Sunday we checked our emails, and Jane and Barbara from the Ark left one. They told the kids! We were like - woah! They were very happy and ask many cute questions about their new life. Does is snow there, do we celebrate Christmas, will they change their names?… We are so looking forward to starting the real adventure of having them home.
So far its been all work. Paperwork, financials, appointments, testing, fingerprinting, more paperwork. But now that it’s a waiting game while USCIS has our file, I can help but look forward to the day they come home. I am thankful that they are in a safe and loving place in Kiev. I couldn’t imagine worrying where they are or what’s happening to them. Please pray for speed in the final processing. Our docs are in the national adoption place here in the US then we will DHL them Ukraine. We need favor and speed on our side right now. We haven’t bought the airline tickets yet but are still hopeful to be there all of December.
We got to speak at church on Sunday for Orphan Sunday and I cant tell you how blessed I felt. Every time when people speak about orphans and how we can help, I always was wrecked. Just really always had such a heart for them. This year, we got to be up on stage giving our testimony and not in the chairs crying about helping. It was such a gift! We spoke after Tom from 4Kids and Jane and Barbara from Father’s Care. So honored to be there. God is doing so much in the hearts of His adopted children. We are graphed into His family because of what Jesus did for us. As I look back on my life, the not so desirable things, I know it’s to help me relate to Kristina. At the same age she is now, I was “left” by my dad due to divorce. I am able to share now that I realize my identity in Christ, how it felt for me. And Steve will be such a great figure of a loving, caring, and sensitive dad because he knows my sorrows too.
God is so good and He is faithful! He doesn’t leave us where we are but brings us to the fullness of His love and grace in our lives.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
You ... you are God's Plan
You are God's Plan For The Orphan |
The United Nations reports that the number of orphans around the world waiting for help is more than 140 million.
This global crisis is present even in the United States where over 120,000 children now wait to be adopted from the foster care system.
But God commands every Christian to act and to care for orphans and we would like you to join us this fall as we serve the orphan.
An Update of Good News!
10/19/2010
Another totally amazing couple of weeks in our journey. We have so many amazing people in our lives that have donated recently.
We’re up to like $22,500!
About 8 weeks ago, we were looking at the money being the largest obstacle – and we’re almost there! That is so unreal. When God asks you to do something and you say “yes God”, He truly takes care of every detail.
Thank you to all those who donated great items to our huge garage sale this past weekend. With the help of my amazing friends, we pulled off quite the event. Everyone pitched in some way, directing traffic, carrying out goods bought, bringing bagels and donuts, pricing, selling and letting the community now why we are having the sale. 2 couples who shopped were from Ukraine and one of them from my kids hometown. She cried when she learned of the adoption. Even neighbors were donating more as the day went on. It was like the endless supply of items to sell. God provided us with $500 more than we needed to convert our garage to their new bedroom. He is so faithful and true!
Jane from Fathers Care couldn’t hold it in anymore and told the kids we were filing all the necessary paperwork to adopt them! They were like “Yes!” and had HUGE smiles on their faces. We cant wait! Please pray that the USCIS/ NBC assigns us a Christian who will take our paperwork and process asap. We are so close, all we need is that to accelerate. Thanks for reading and I will try to not go this long without blogging something!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Half a World Away
Half a world away
Sometimes it seems we're so far apart
But a half a world away
Is not too far for a journey of the heart
Sometimes it seems we're so far apart
But a half a world away
Is not too far for a journey of the heart
Our little ones, our precious joys
We're waiting for you
Our precious girl, our young son's
We know you're waiting too
Half a world away
Children wait for a family of their own
While a half a world away
A family waits to come bring them home
Our little one's, our precious joys
We're whispering a prayer
Our precious girl, our young boys
We hope to soon be there
Half a world away
So many miles to bring you home at last
And half a world away
So many months of waiting are past.
Our little girl, our precious joys
You'll finally be home to stay
Our precious girl, our young son's
We'll celebrate this day...
Knowing we will no longer be
half a world away.
We think of Igor, Denys and Kristina
every moment of every day ...
Sunday, October 10, 2010
They are always in our thoughts ...
May you be safe and sleep soundly through the night
May you be safe as you wake to the morning's light
May you feel our love from so far away,
May it comfort and protect you throughout each day.
We will pray for you my little one,
Until our time of waiting is done.
We will pray that the Lord keep you safe from harm,
Until the child of our hearts becomes the child in our arms.
May you be safe as you wake to the morning's light
May you feel our love from so far away,
May it comfort and protect you throughout each day.
We will pray for you my little one,
Until our time of waiting is done.
We will pray that the Lord keep you safe from harm,
Until the child of our hearts becomes the child in our arms.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Every penny paves the way to Kiev!
9/28/2010
So a great lady suggested that we put a flyer with a change bucket around local establishments and say “We’ll take your change”. Because not everyone wants to part with dollar bills, but everyone has change they don’t mind dropping in. I thought that was a great idea, but haven’t started it yet. Then today my friend randomly drops off 3 piggy banks at my door! I guess I’m supposed to do it. How great! God is using everyone, in big and little ways, to sow into this calling of caring for orphans. It’s so encouraging. Every day we receive a donation it helps chip away at the total cost. It truly, literally warms my heart. And even when I feel slightly down that it’s not just “pouring in”, I get a little reminder that God always in control. BUT, if we can raise the funds very soon, and we Fed Ex every thing, and keep on top of all the paperwork getting circulated to USCIS and SAD in Ukraine, then this could happen by Christmas. I had a great talk with Jane again today, and she can’t wait to tell the kids they’ll have a family and home very soon. We tracked what needs to happen still and it is possible, if we get things done quick enough and God fast tracks this (as He has so far) we could bring our kids home on December 22! We speak and pray every day about them and really are so very excited to be with them. Not a day goes by that either Steve or I say, “I wish Kristina, Igor and Denys were here”. Please help us by spreading the word to everyone in your address book or facebook.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Our Faith,our friends ...
9/24/10
Last nite I had “date night” with my best friend, Dawn. We had such a lovely time together. Later as I was walking the dog, I was praying for God to “confirm” this desire for Kristina, Igor and Denys again to me, either thru His Word, or thru somebody.
First thing this morning I’m notified of another $1000 deposit for the kids, and just as I am like wow God! I open this forwarded email from my faithful and great friend Rori: As things unfold before you, take nothing for granted. Recognize divine providence. These are days when you can see purpose in what has taken place in your circumstances as a reference point to where you are going. Refuse to allow the attacks of the enemy to bring discouragement. Let Me establish you in greater discernment and vision as I open your eyes and heart to view your choices and possibilities, says the Lord.
This could not be more clear!! I thank and praise you God!
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Thank you all for reading, following and donating – please pass the word on to your friends.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Steps in our journey
I begin my day, taking my boys to their first practice baseball game. I had taken along with me one the several books that we have been encouraged to review during the home study phase of this journey. As I open the book (fields of the fatherless by Tom Davis) and began to read the very first sentence along with the following page, he writes the identical thought we had when we first received this feeling in our hearts. I immediately felt a connection with this author. Tom Davis is a wonderful example of what God’s heart looks like. One who said yes, even when the world, and the Christian community, had reservations and excuses. A great read, backed up by the Word.
I often think about the day when we arrive at the Ark to finalize the paper work for the children. I review in my mind the first time they see us in their community, how it will look and feel. I consider the time we spend together at their home, the times of laughter, joy and the love we will experience. In the very depth that it moves my heart; I can’t help to see this thru the children who will witness this love connection, and how they will feel, knowing they still will be waiting for a family, even now, my heart aches for them. My desire is that it will give them great hope that someone is coming for them as well.
I see a great celebration when we return to our and their new home. I see the entire church body coming together to receive their new brothers and sister, an immediate fusion of spirit. I see the home schooling community welcoming these three with open arms and acceptance as their own, like they have been with us for years.
Kristina, Igor and Denys will have a river of emotions run thru them upon their first few months but I believe that some time later, when they realize how much God loves them and from where He has delivered them. They are being launched from despair and hopelessness, to Gods glory and goodness, His love, tenfold over their lives. At times it may feel like a dream, I mean, can any of us really fully understand the fullness of His glory, and what he wants to give to those who will say yes. Steve (SS)
Our father puts the poor, widow and orphans in our lives so we will reveal compassion, it’s a test for us and a promise to them. ( Tom Davis )
Stepping out into this heart of adoption opens up a new way of thinking, what it means to love, to accept and to parent. Our life as we know it is going to change. It’s going to be harder in the sense of a complete dying of ourselves for these six. I know that God will not give us anything we and He knows we can not handle. So if this for us, then I know He is along side of us too.
Father, allow us to be the vessel that the spirit can work thru and bless these children to a new life in you.
For His glory and for the kingdom . . . .
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Had to share ...
We are so excited! We were very encouraged on Sunday by our Home Fellowship friends that felt burdened to pray for us and our new kids. It was really needed. I was feeling just slightly down the other day. I thought for some reason, the funds would pour in and we would be on our way to Ukraine. After spending all day on Friday with our great case worker, Missy, and then on to Life Point Counseling for our psyche evaluation, I think I was just a bit tired. We took a 440 question, bubble true or false quiz. To think some mentally disturbed and paranoid people really feel the way most of the questions were, is sad to say the least.
Then a good day: Saturday at work, a wonderful and generous new client just hands me $100 towards the kids – wow!
And then - WOW WOW WOW – we received a large donation via pay pal! Unbelievable – people care and are behind us!! Thank you so so much – you know who you are!
We Skyped Kristina on her birthday and it felt really cool to see them again!! Denys asked to come and visit. I could barely keep from telling them, “We’re coming for you!!”
I must remember that this is a faith walk and not to get ahead of God and His timing.
These are our three cherubs that God has already so richly blessed us with. We are truly counting the days until we can have ALL of our blessings in the nest. We imagine the feeling of kissing all of our children 'Goodnight', our faith is in God.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Guess who?
Guess we must be Papa Bird and Mama Bird ...
can't wait to have all our 'chicks' in the nest!
can't wait to have all our 'chicks' in the nest!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Our Chip In account is on the move!
and we are on the way raising the money we need to get to Kiev!
Please send an e-mail with our Website and Facebook fan page, or hit 'suggest to friends'
to your friends.
this is the Facebook address
Thank you for being here and for your support,
may the Lord bless you and keep you xxx
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
An Evening of Blessings
9.8.10
Gathering for Nathan, Courtney and the girls.
As the evening was winding down, I was scanning the group of the people who had come over to bless and pray over the McConnell’s. I thought to myself, what an awesome God we have and how blessed I was and my family along with everyone here. We are all part of the homeschooling network whose families love the Lord and also in a church body who has fruitful relationships with God. How blessed we are!
Knowing that we have two solid communities backing and praying over our desire to have these children come into our home with hope of restoration for their hurting, empty hearts.
This is what the bride looks like, what God had intended for us all. Having the security of knowing that we have families supporting us is precious, something we need to protect and guard, its something worth fighting for.
I see Christina, Igor and Denys as our children; I have come alive in stepping out for the kingdom. I see more of our destiny unfolding.
The Lord showed me an image last Sunday during worship. He was standing in front of many warehouses, and every warehouse had a name over the entry door. Above this particular door was my name. It read “ My favorite one Stephen” The emotions alone that ran thru my soul were overwhelming.
Our Lord had a warehouse full of blessing and gifts, more then I would or could ever hope for just sitting there waiting for me to step thru the door and receive them, freely. We, together in unity are doing something for His kingdom, purely on faith and trust in Him. There is so much excitement walking on the edge of this world and living on the edge of His kingdom. All new talents and opportunities will be launched for us because we were obedient in saying yes, and stepping out. I hope God gives me many more years to work for him. I am alive . . . .
Gathering for Nathan, Courtney and the girls.
As the evening was winding down, I was scanning the group of the people who had come over to bless and pray over the McConnell’s. I thought to myself, what an awesome God we have and how blessed I was and my family along with everyone here. We are all part of the homeschooling network whose families love the Lord and also in a church body who has fruitful relationships with God. How blessed we are!
Knowing that we have two solid communities backing and praying over our desire to have these children come into our home with hope of restoration for their hurting, empty hearts.
This is what the bride looks like, what God had intended for us all. Having the security of knowing that we have families supporting us is precious, something we need to protect and guard, its something worth fighting for.
I see Christina, Igor and Denys as our children; I have come alive in stepping out for the kingdom. I see more of our destiny unfolding.
The Lord showed me an image last Sunday during worship. He was standing in front of many warehouses, and every warehouse had a name over the entry door. Above this particular door was my name. It read “ My favorite one Stephen” The emotions alone that ran thru my soul were overwhelming.
Our Lord had a warehouse full of blessing and gifts, more then I would or could ever hope for just sitting there waiting for me to step thru the door and receive them, freely. We, together in unity are doing something for His kingdom, purely on faith and trust in Him. There is so much excitement walking on the edge of this world and living on the edge of His kingdom. All new talents and opportunities will be launched for us because we were obedient in saying yes, and stepping out. I hope God gives me many more years to work for him. I am alive . . . .
Monday, September 6, 2010
Our very first post, on our very own BLOG!
8.12.10 was the day that 'our' kids that were visiting from Ukraine went back home. I went to work and my first client, comes in. We make pleasant small talk, and then I hit him with, “so we’re thinking about maybe adopting 3 kids from Ukraine.” He easily replies, “Great!” As we talk on further, he is full of encouragement and gives me so many good examples of the fruit it will bring. Like a table full of children enjoying laughter and sharing stories will far outweigh any restaurant dinner. And the years it may take of us putting extra money in that jar for a family vacation, will be better than the vacation itself. The dreams shared, and the bonds that we will form are unlike anything else. So the thru the whole haircut, I am on the receiving end of a “charge” and backed with scripture verses from God’s Word, I can’t go wrong! Upon checking out, he tells me about a job he used to have selling storm shutters. He was showing a prospective buyer how well the shutters hold up to a hose spraying water full force on them. Then for fun he says, “lets get a firehouse on them!” and still the shutters hold up. The verse he shares next is the house built on the sand falls down when the wind and storms come; but the house that is built upon the rock, the storms come, and it won’t fall down. Not “if” they come, but when they come. So at this point I am feeling full of encouragement and confirmation in my heart that this is the right thing. He leaves, walks out of our sight past the salon, and I say to Cindy, “wow did you hear all that!!?” Then he swings open the door to Back Bay and says, “ by the way, I was adopted in 1966”, and leaves again.
Oh my!! I was just blown away. I mean Holy Spirit bumps, tears, you know, the whole thing! I couldn’t believe that during his whole 40 min appt he never mentioned it. It was like he was holding back till the Spirit led him to tell me! What hope I received that day!!!
Oh my!! I was just blown away. I mean Holy Spirit bumps, tears, you know, the whole thing! I couldn’t believe that during his whole 40 min appt he never mentioned it. It was like he was holding back till the Spirit led him to tell me! What hope I received that day!!!
Steve and I have both been in agreement for over a year now, that caring for orphans is non- negotiable. It’s an obligation to all who love Jesus. In some way or another, we can all help out orphans, homeless and widows. It’s what He would do.
8.20.10 So the journey begins…
8.20.10 So the journey begins…
Donations come in today equaling $200! Thank you Jehovah Jireh for providing not only monetary confirmation, but the realization that this could come to fruition. All in all, the first day raised $350.
8.22.10 Home fellowship. I tell Gus about our hopes, and very non chalauntly he says “its already done”!!
8.23.10 $80 more donated!
8.27.10 $65 more! The momentum and energy is palatable.
8.28.10 while sharing this story with another great person in my life, she just hands me a check for $750 which matches what I had raised at home and is what we need to start the home study!
9.1.10 I'm telling another friend who has also met these great children and has a special place in her heart for them and she writes me a check for $500! This is what we need to finish the home study! Now we have $310 raised for the doctor’s appointments which is the nest step. Then on to INS for fingerprinting. That will be $670.
9.3.10 Home Study appointment goes very well! Missy Campo is excellent! Such a pure and honest heart! It is a blessing that she is our caseworker as we have been emailing a few weeks before this. My best friend in the whole world since forever says to me today as we were talking after our morning meeting at Shepherds’ Care; that God has put in me a heart for rescue. It has been there since I was little. AMEN! She said laughingly, that a few days before when her sister had heard what we were up to, she thought …yeah she has moved from animal rescue to people! lol
9.4.10 we had a live recording of worship at the Harbour Church and it was awesome to be in His presence! I have awestruck wonder at what He is doing in the earth. To realize that Jesus sings over me when I sleep is so amazing… I could hardly breathe at times during worship. He has such good and wonderful plans for us all if we just step into the river! I feel so alive! Its like when I said, “yes God” (and obeyed Him specifically in a previous issue), He opened the floodgates of Heaven. Bring them home here Lord!
9.5.10 Steve has the revelation that God has given him a heart of restoration. He has always had that desire in him since he was like 16. Very cool! Earlier in the day I said to him how I am so excited because he will be so, so important to Igor and Denys. He says he knows and is very excited too!
In all this, we must remain humble and Bless His name for bringing us even to this place… being prepared for whatever God’s plans are for them.
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