tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208773536236188332024-03-12T17:20:12.597-07:00The Little Red House'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.' Matthew 18:5babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-64499865979218217022016-12-26T15:53:00.001-08:002016-12-26T15:53:20.568-08:00 The Govenor's Mansion and Giant Bucks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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November and December were full of chorus concerts for Noah and hunting. Noah's singing class got to sing at an assisted living home as well as an invitation to sing at the Governor's Mansion. He was so very excited and did well despite being under the weather and a super cold day. Gov. McCrory even came in to talk to them and was very gracious.<br />
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Mike shot his dream monster buck in an early morning hunt. Noah chose to sleep in so he missed it but came out and celebrated. We have lots of venison to eat this year!<br />
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We are chugging along slowly and surely with our adoption. The homestudy process has taken much longer than we hoped due to changes we were not aware of happening in our agency. Our last homestudy visit will be January 4th. After that, we will finish compiling our dossier and submit it to the country V is in. We are hoping for a April/May travel date. We have been in contact with V and he asked Mike the other day if he could come now and get him. THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us with our adoption!! If you feel lead, there is a tax deductable link on the right hand side that will go directly into our account.Or follow the link below...<br />
http://reecesrainbow.org/112896/sponsorevans<br />
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<br />babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-75638487057763906282016-12-04T15:29:00.001-08:002016-12-04T19:42:52.784-08:00Here We Go Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V at the home he lived in before the orphanage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V with myself , his birthmother and the family that cares for him now. A humbling experience.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V with our kids on our trip to his orphanage</td></tr>
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We always knew we weren't done having kids... well I knew I was done the normal way but adoption wasn't off the table. :) We adopted Laurel at age 22 months and it was pretty seamless. She is my mini me and so well adjusted. Noah is an awesome big brother and loves his sister (most days.)<br />
Many of you know we hosted "V" 2 years ago and it was a less than stellar experience. We were left feeling as if we had failed him. He was a confused, scared, hurt boy. That wasn't the end of the story. BUT GOD is all I can say. We organized a trip to his orphanage and brought supplies we knew were very needed. The conditions were heartbreaking. A lot of behaviors we witnessed that summer fell into place and made sense. But now, he knew he was loved. He had a wonderful missionary girl watching over and caring for him. He was a much more confident, happy child.<br />
A few months after returning from the trip, he contacted us and asked us if we would re host him for the summer. I am not lying, our stomachs were in knots. We sought the Lord. We discussed it many times as a family. We all received the same answer from the Lord. Yes, we were suppose to rehost him for the summer.<br />
This time it all went much much better. He arrived in better shape, smiling this time instead of sick and terrified. He knew we would not hurt him (he was told before by some workers that we would harvest his organs :( . For the most part, the 6 weeks flew by. We had a few issues as expected when blending cultures and ages but nothing like 2 summers ago.<br />
He indicated to a close friend who speaks the language that he wanted us to adopt him. The rules of hosting are that we are not allowed to talk about adoption because this is a HOST ONLY program. So we prayed. A lot.<br />
We were torn. Not only would be be adopting another child, this child would be our oldest. It would throw us ungracefully into the teen years. We would have to get a direct word from the Lord to move us forward. That is exactly what God did. On the same day, Mike and I both seperately got an answer and nudging from God to start V's paperwork.<br />
So here we are..... working towards adopting a 14 soon to be 15 year old "manchild". He has been in contact with us and is desperate to leave his orphanage. He knows we are working on the paperwork and trying to raise the money to get him to a forever family. We still have about $11,500 left to raise to pay for the adoption. Adoption is costly to everyone involved. Not just money, but loss of a culture, family, friends, a language and way of life. It's loss of some children being the oldest and time with mom and dad that will be taken up dealing with issues that may arise. We do not have all the answers. We know problems will arise and have to be worked through. One thing we do have peace about is that this is something we were CALLED to. It is unmistakable or we wouldn't be touching it with a 10 ft pole. This child needs and wants a family. He needs and wants someone to show him how to become a man who can work and one day support himself. So we walk in obedience. Nervous, yes but also confident in the one who called us. If you feel lead to support our adoption we would be grateful! Just follow the Reeces Rainbow link on the side bar to our tax-deductable account. God bless you!babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-74322487372707878132016-06-03T18:56:00.001-07:002016-06-03T18:56:25.107-07:00MAY HAS COME AND GONE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah and his Airplane</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah's Cub Scout Crossover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rach & John</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hay Ride </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Gunner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloon Festival</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah Rocked out the bull ride</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="background-color: white;">We have gone into Summer with a bang! Noah crossed over from being a Bear Scout to a Webelo. He took the crossover very seriously. Then, Gunner had a birthday on the farm. He requested a hayride and pinata and a "excabator" cake (which Aunt Carroll made". Mustaches were worn by all!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="background-color: white;">Next came the Balloon Festival. 72,000 people came from miles around to see the Hot Air Balloons. Dear friends who are adopting from Ukraine were given a chance to run the Balloon Walk and keep the proceeds. For 2 days we helped work it and had a wonderful time! We are so thankful for people who will help the cause of the orphan! Looking forward to June! V comes back to visit and we have lots of fun planned!</span></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-40203001213616845552016-05-28T12:22:00.001-07:002016-05-28T12:22:24.821-07:00Some Farm Beauty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-55442563643922522432016-02-25T15:31:00.000-08:002016-02-25T19:06:00.206-08:00Team Kovel Ukraine Orphanage Visits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The morning we left for Ukraine with 7 Duffel bags full of goodies & a wheelchair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buying Supplies for the first orphanage in Odessa, sponsored by Marina's Kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eugenia's mother's Apartment in Odessa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locks added to the Odessa Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Odessa all lit up for Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odessa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Laura (Nasdelie Foundation) & Eugenia at the Beautiful Black Sea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delivering Supplies to the first orphanage, Odessa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 hr Train Ride to Kovel,,,,,, it was HOT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brainstorming about what Supplies we need for the second orphanage in Kovel. Anya was the mastermind!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing 130 bags full of supplies for the Orphanage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurel helping add socks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">130 pairs of shoes donated by local Churches!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kovel Church Planting School Team that went with us to the orphanage</td></tr>
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Precious kids singing</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sasha handing out shoes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eugenia with some cuties!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is "S". She ages out this year. She LOVED her bag of goodies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike, Noah & Valik with some friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the kids how the toys work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving on some Precious Babies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She just LOVED her shoes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were saying Thank You!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At "V"s Bio Mothers house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"V" and his Bio Mom, the family that now cares for him & his American "mom"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house where "v" lived</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papa Victor, Anya & Mama Luba</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such wonderful Hospitality!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Members of the Church Planting School. Absolutely wonderful youth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking us for a ride on his wagon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The. Most. Fun.:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ukrainian Pizza.....with Maynonaise!! It was delicious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Sweet Katya. Noah is in love with her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying Goodbye to this sweet family was one of the hardest things we have ever done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike & V. Goodbyes are hard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My babies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layover in London!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picadilly Circus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eye</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Huge Surprise Welcome Home!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why we do what we do. V learned this song while here at Bible Clubs. He wanted to sing it for us. He knows he is loved by Jesus!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I have no clue where to start in trying to describe all we experienced and saw while on our trip to Ukraine in December. We had wonderful, humbling support from our churches and community and are so excited to see eyes and hearts open to the orphan crisis. Team Kovel had some specific prayer requests going in to this trip and I can honestly say that God answered EVERY. SINGLE. ONE of them over and abundantly! </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Our first leg of the trip involved flying into Odessa. This was no small feat with all our carryons, 7 gigantic duffel bags full of donated supplies, a wheelchair and 2 kids. Our first prayer was for all of our bags to make it. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. did! Even the wheelchair that was a donation to a local children's hospital! We also were not hassled by security and managed to miraculously (really) avoid being detained for a minor parking violation that could have gotten ugly & expensive. We were so blessed to be able to stay with Eugenia's mother who put on the whole Ukrainian spread for us and we never left the table hungry.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The next morning, with NO jetlag, (answered prayer), Eugenia & I took the donations of 200 pr of socks, 100 toothbrushes, 200 sensory blankets and went to a store and bought detergent, soap, feminine hygiene items (which are very much in need), and toilet paper to take to a local orphanage that is regularly visited by Marina's Kids. The kids greeted us warmly and came out to help bring in the supplies. It was apparent that this orphanage, due to being in the city, was well cared for and had more supplies than others. The director allowed us to visit the school rooms and a few bed rooms. Several organizations had recently been in to paint, replace windows and fix up the meeting room. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The next night, we boarded the 16 hr overnight train from Odessa to Kovel. It was an older train and the heat was stuck in the "on" position. Eugenia's mother had packed us a feast because meals are not provided on the train. We ate fish, sausages, hot tea, boiled eggs, smoked cheese and a whole array of other yummy foods. We were hot, but not hungry! The train was relatively uneventful minus the very drunk older man who tried to kick us out of our bunk at 3am because he said we were in his car. I was so thankful for Eugenia who could argue with him in Russian and send him on his way!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We were met at the train station in Kovel the next morning by 6 smiling faces! Anya, the young Christian girl who has cared for V these past few years, and her family met us and treated us like long lost brothers and sisters! They helped us haul all our stuff to their vans and headed to their house. Another prayer answered! Walking in to their house, felt like coming home. The love of the Lord was so obvious. If you have ever visited Ukraine, you will know that it is a definate "light and dark" situation. This place was filled with Light! They fed us well and sent us to rest for a while.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>That evening, we started planning for the supplies we needed to buy to bring to the orphanage. Let me tell you, Anya dots her "i's" and crosses her "t's". Shopping in Kovel is very different from here. There is no Walmart or Sam's Club. In order to find 130 of anything we had to go to about 6 different stores. Anya also knew where the Christian shop owners stores were and they could get discounts for buying things for the orphanage! It took all day but we were able to get all of our supplies.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>After a huge, long, sweet dinner filled with laughs and singing (these people looove to sing), we started packing each of the 130 bags. Upon Anya's request, we divided them up by age & sex so the older kids could gets some very needed hygiene items such as razors and feminine hygiene supplies. We had an assembly line going counted and recounted. We packed each bag with; socks, toothbrush,paste, shampoo, soap, hat, gloves, toy, stickers, candy, washcloth. We also, donated a bunch of Physical Educational Supplies and bulk items like toilet paper, pencils an notebooks. This took until about 1am and then they told us then that they wanted Mike to give a message to the kids and me to lead singing. Oh My! We did some praying!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The day was here. We got up early and had a wonderful breakfast. My stomach was in knots not knowing what to expect at the orphanage AND knowing we were going to see V again! Who knew how he would react?! He had at one point out of frustration told us not to come (did I mention he doesn't do transitions well) ;) </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The drive to the orphanage is about an hour from the town we stayed. The roads are not good and gas is not cheap. I have a whole new respect for these people who go and pick V up consistently and bring him things and minister to this orphanage. It all comes out of their pocket and takes up an immense amount of time.Once again, the Light is so evident.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We arrived at the orphanage and were met by the young people of the church planting team. These youth come from all over Ukraine to go to the churches 5 month school where they teach them how to minster to the elderly, widows, children and orphans and addicts. They then send them off in teams of 3 to remote villages that have no evangelical church. These young people were the biggest blessings we have ever met. They were serious about things of the Lord yet still youthful and cheerful. Their love for the kids was unlike anything I have ever seen. They truly live the Gospel every day and have none of the bells and whistles that we think we have to have to make a difference.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The orphanage looks like what you would expect. Very large and drab but very clean. It even had a verse hung up on the wall. We walked into the performance hall and the kids started to pour in. The director had allowed them all to have an hour out of their school day to come hear us! (another prayer answered). In walked V. He was skinny, taller and wouldn't look at us. The older kids were yelling at and a few slapped some of the younger kids to move. It's a harsh place. It is a special needs orphanage for kids who have a physical or mental handicaps or who run away from school. Many are very typical though. Out of the 130, only about 60 don't go somewhere for the summer. They are "social orphans" meaning their families cannot afford to keep them at home or are not allowed to for some reason. Most are not free for adoption so the orphanage is their only option. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The youth group started a song and got the kids involved (see the video). Then, Mike got up to give a short message. We had prayed for a "object lesson" because Hey, all kids love that right? Through Eugenia, the Lord brought to mind the Francis Chan lesson when he uses a rope to show our brief life here on earth vs our eternity. He did a fantastic job and Eugenia said the Lord just allowed her a clear mind to translate easily (Another prayer answered). We then taught them "Awesome God" and "Jesus Loves Me" with the motions. These were V's favorite the summer he was here.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The leader of the youth group spoke and told the kids that they were loved so much by God, that he had told these people in America to come bring them things! It was so moving. Then, we started the process of passing out the bags. We had no idea how many of each age, sex etc.. we needed but when all was passed out, we had 1 of each category left over!!!! (another answered prayer). Loaves and fishes anyone?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>It was a free-for-all. These kids grabbed and begged and laughed and some even held their bags and cried. It was surreal to be able to minster to these precious children. We were told afterwards that no one had ever brought them individual things before. That when humanitarian aide brought items, it would just be a big pile and they would rifle through what they could get. Survival of the fittest. What a privalege it was to be the hands and feet of Jesus!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Next, we were taken to meet the director. We brought her gifts (because that is what you do) and sat and talked for a while. She noticed Laurel's Cochlear Implants on her head and Eugenia was able to explain that we had adopted her as a 2 yr old from Ukraine. She was fascinated at why we would come and pay money for a child who in her eyes was "defective". She asked us why we would do that..... Ahem.... insert Gospel message here! We were able to tell her that God had told us to adopt her, that she was a loved child of God and that he loves us that much. She actually thanked us for adopting her. Laurel's story opened so many doors to tell WHY we were told to adopt and why these children have value in God's eyes.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Now, all this time, V had been sitting outside the door waiting and listening. We had asked if he could leave the orphanage and come stay with us at Anya's house while we were there. We broached the subject and the director said a firm "No". Anya's sweetly persisted and it became a...."well, maybe for a day or two" and she sweetly persisted and it became a "sure, keep him the whole time"! I looked over at Noah, who had become very pale at this point listening to it all. When she said yes, he burst into tears and said "Mommy, I have been sitting here praying she would change her mind since she said No" (Another huge prayer answered!)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We went joyfully out of her office and saw V sitting there who was also crying. He still wouldn't look at us or speak to us :O</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>When we left the orphanage, the kids begged us to come back and actually chased our van down the road as we left. Hopefully, we will be back! They are precious, hungry for touch and unconditional love. Are they easy? No way..... we met a boy with no front teeth...he was 15 and had been cussing out a girl and wouldn't stop so she whacked him in the mouth with a metal soup ladle. He will never get top teeth replaced. We met a sweet girl, S, who is mentally handicap and will age out of the orphanage this year. She will never be able to make it on her own. She cares for her brother who is 8 in the orphanage and he is nonverbal. The stories are heartbreaking. We met a sibling set who are new arrivals and Gypsy which are not liked in the community. They have no mother but do have a father who visits but they won't call him father but "caregiver". This little boy never smiled, he cried when he received his gifts. I don't know all their names but God does and he wants a relationship with them.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The next day: V had asked if he could visit his biological mother who lived about 1 hr away. He was taken from her at age 2 and had only visited her one other time. Their relationship is not a healthy one and we were hesitant but Anya's family supported the idea. So, Mama Luba, Papa Victor, Anya , Eugenia & I loaded up the van to go with him to meet her. We bought 2 bags of food items that she could use to cook as a gift. We knew her situation was bad, but had no idea how bad. Nothing could have prepared me for what we experienced. After going through her house which was in shambles and not finding her, we feared the worst. It was FREEZING and the house's windows were out and the stove was burned up. There was no furniture in the house but a bed. We finally found her down the street in someone else's 2 room house. She has to stay there in the winter because her house has no windows or heat. The house was shocking. It was so cold you could see your breath. It had nothing in it but 1 pot on the small stove, the only source of heat. No running water or bathroom was to be found. The meeting was awkard at best, I have never been more uncomfortable. Here we were with a little boy who had a biological mother he couldn't live with, his Ukrainian family who cares for him in the orphanage and his American family who cares for him from afar. God sure has a sense of humor.We found out she is only 46 but looks 30 years older. This hard life and poor choices have not been good to her. She found out I was an American and wanted money, which they quickly squashed. Begging has become a way of life.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I was worried how all this would affect V. This was a lot to take in and it was apparent his mother had no intention of changing even if she could. On the ride home however, he seemed at peace. Apparently it had been good for him to see this, put some things at rest and maybe show her that he had a support system. She had told him that he would grow up to be just like her. :( This family never ceases to amaze me though.... they graciously told her to read the Bible they had given her and if she every wanted to change, they would help her start over showing her true Mercy,Grace & Forgiveness.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The next few days were filled with lots of friends, fellowship, fun and food. V did warm up and did fantastic! (another answered prayer) The family has poured into him, prayed over him and loved him unconditionally and it is showing!! Ukrainian families have a hard time making ends meet as it is so to adding another mouth to feed can be a burden. We are so thankful that this family has been obedient to the calling of the Lord and is helping V! </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>It was all too soon time to say Goodbye. We all stood outside the train station and just sobbed. My children sobbed, We sobbed, V sobbed. We were truly leaving family but knowing how much unity we shared in Christ made it easier to know that this was just "see you later". As I hugged V, I said, "you are a blessed boy. You have 2 families. A Ukrainian Family and an American Family!." He said , "No, I have 3 families. I am also in God's family". Praise God!! Hosting changes lives!!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We boarded the long train ride back, this time to Kiev and headed to London for our overnight layover. We were tired, smelly and our heads and hearts were so full but we felt like we couldn't miss this opportunity to see London! Thankfully, Mike had visited here while in the Army so he navigated the streets and we hit most of the highlights. We ate fish n chips at Picadilly Circus, saw Big Ben and The Eye, rode a double decker bus and road the Underground all in 6 hours. To say we were exhausted when we had to leave for the airport at 6am was an understatement but we made memories for a lifetime!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>On the plane ride home, we had been discussing what exactly were the "holes" in the orphanage system. We all felt that the kids that were aging out at 16 with an 8th grade education, never having any support or done anything for themselves, was a huge gap. These kids needed a transition place. Somewhere they could safely go, and watch and learn how to be a family, here about Christ, learn a trade or get help in trade school. Halfway through our flight the man behind Mike leans over and says to him" do I know you from somewhere?" It turns out, he is an American missionary working in Ukraine, who (drumroll please) has created a model and runs a transition home for aging out orphans (another answered prayer!!). So, needless to say, some follow up will be happening. God does the most amazing things!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We finally made it back home and were greeted by the sweetest sound of yelling and whooping from some friends and family who welcomed us back at the airport. While we were gone, sweet people had cleaned my house, built and painted my kids treehouse, fixed our driveway, and brought tons of food for my refrigerator! We are so humbled by your outpouring of love, before, after and during the trip. This was our community and Body of Christ showing love to the least of these! May it not stop. To God be the Glory, Great things he hath done!</i></b></span><br />
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babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-81710509430543959642015-10-15T17:13:00.000-07:002015-10-15T17:13:51.805-07:00Stepping through the Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just when you think the story can't get any crazier, it usually does! We have kept tabs on "V". Almost monthly, we have called his friend who graciously cares for him when he is not in the orphanage and checked in to see their needs. Over 6 months back we broached the subject of taking supplies to his orphanage. From his time here, we knew the conditions and while they try their best, so much is needed. The last director was closed to allowing in anyone to bring things to the kids. However, the new director is extremely welcoming and has even given us a list of things desperately needed.<br />
----Shoes, hygiene items (toothbrush, soap etc..), toys, exercise equipment, socks<br />
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Between 2 churches we have collected 140 of the 200 shoes needed. These are rubber slide in shoes that can be worn in the shower room. Also, a company has donated ALL of the socks needed. Two dentists have donated the toothbrushes. A group of wonderful ladies are working on sensory blanket squares. It truly has been amazing and humbling to watch the Body of Christ at work. "V" helped so many eyes open to the reality of living without parents!<br />
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So, in December, our family plus a wonderful friend (who just happens to be Ukrainian) will travel to Ukraine and deliver these gifts, attempt to forge new relationships and friendships and pour out Jesus' love to some very special children.We so appreciate your prayers as we have an "agenda" and itenerary but we truly want the Lord to guide our steps and complete what He wants completed.<br />
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If you feel lead to donate on our Youcaring site (See button on sidebar), the money will be used for hygiene items, supplies for a party for the kids, soap, toilet paper, toys etc. Above all PLEASE pray for us. We need wisdom, strength and stamina to complete the work he has set before us. Thank you!babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-11977430482780776952015-10-10T16:53:00.000-07:002015-10-10T16:53:40.533-07:00September Slipped by...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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September is gone! Not sure where it went but it was lovely! We hiked Raven Rock State Park and had a wonderful time together. We never tire of seeing what God created.babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-88141100488703525412015-09-03T11:43:00.001-07:002015-09-03T11:43:59.796-07:00Firsts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First Day of School & First Cub Scout Meeting for Noah as a Bear! My babies are growing up. :(babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-24136365795480458092015-08-23T19:03:00.001-07:002015-08-23T19:03:21.248-07:00 Ships, Trips & "See you Sunday"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">August has FLOWN. I cannot believe we are now facing starting school again and heading in fall! (I happen to love fall so that makes me happy) :) We just took an impromptu trip to the beach to see a Spanish Galleon Ship that had docked for 10 days. The line was long and it was hot but we got to board it and tour it. The kids loved it and it was well worth the time. Then we headed to the beach for a few hours. As you can see by the photos they went screaming into the water as fast as they could. No sharks were sighted but a lot of fun was had. We finished the trip by having a wonderful seafood dinner but having our car break down and having my parents come pick us up all the way at the beach! It was a long but fun day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">As to the "See you Sunday" part of the post.... We have some dear friends that were here resting up and visiting for a few months. The kids all really bonded this time and they are greatly missed! We have always said to them that we don't say "goodbye". We say "See you Sunday" because hopefully, eventually that will be true again. Strangely it helps but we still miss them. They are not forgotten!</span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-54651826533319953072015-08-02T12:07:00.001-07:002015-08-02T12:07:38.771-07:00The "Rock House"<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Years ago, when I was very young, an important part of my childhood memories include a little "Rock House" out in the woods near the family farm. This was before video and computer games and we used our imagination and could play for hours in this little grove made up of rocks that looked like furniture</strong><strong> in a house. We had a refrigerator, couch, TV, beds, chairs and even a piano!! I am so happy to still have access to the farm and this special place. My kids have seen it but I didn't know if they remembered it. Yesterday, we were able to go through the woods and find it. They loved "seeing" each thing I remember "seeing" in the rocks. Of course, the piano was the biggest hit. So thankful for little, happy memories</strong></span>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-10639722188403271952015-07-02T15:51:00.003-07:002015-07-02T15:51:58.034-07:00Summer Camps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>Shew!! We have had a busy week. The kids both wanted to do a summer camp so first thing in the mornings, Noah did Lacrosse Camp. He absolutely loves it and will continue in a mini league for the next 3 weeks. After his camp we would head over to Aunt Rach's house and she would do a horse camp for Laurel. She got to ride 2 different horses and learned how to ride independently. It brought back memories of all the summer horse camps we used to teach and Laurel loved it! </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>In other news, the little boy "D" that we were planning to host this summer was not able to come.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b> :( It had to do with paperwork not being signed and some complicated matters but we are at peace with it. God knows all the ins and outs that we do not. </b></i></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-11966480999956613212015-06-21T15:22:00.004-07:002015-06-21T15:22:55.449-07:00Cowboys, Indians & a Little Biking Adventure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our View from the Mountain House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweetsie Railroad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins..... AKA Thugs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan didn't want to watch but Gunner was all for it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the train makes me sleepy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I had one of these at home :0</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Ready to take Tweetsie by storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I almost threw up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A good old fashioned Cowboy & Indian fight</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not part of the trail but he took a detour :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Nana!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the trail.....NASTY</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>We are in the throws of summer here. HOT HOT HOT. So, both our families got together and rented a house in the Mountains where it truly is 10 to 15 degrees cooler. Our Mountain house was beautiful and the highest point in the area..... but the catch was the driveway. It rivaled anything we had ever seen. You literally took your life into your hands to try and drive up it. I may be exaggerating a little, but only a little :) However, in this family our men are brave (good thing because us women are chickens) and we made it up and down safely.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>First stop was Tweetsie Railroad! I remember going as a small child and completely being terrified at the Cowboy & Indian fight and the result was my sister and I finishing the ride underneath the train seats, black with soot. We figured it was high time our children shared in this joy.... it's kind of a right of passage. We were disappointed however that the Cowboy & Indian show is now pretty tame and family friendly and even comical. Oh well.... we have the memories. In spite of this however, Tweetsie Railroad is my most favorite family friendly park (besides Disney World of course). The place is clean, not crowded, no lines and *gasp* the park workers are so friendly! In fact, we had been 4 years ago and saw many of the same workers still working cheerfully. It is small enough that you don't die from all the walking but large enough you don't feel hemmed in. We just love this place and so did the kids.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>The next day we went to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail. It is a 34 mile downhill bike ride that started as an Indian path & was travelled by Daniel Boone and later turned into a railroad. Then it was turned into a bike,walk, horse path. We just rode the 17 mile trip (saved the full 34 for another time) from White Top to Damascus. If you have never done it you are in for a treat and I highly recommend it (when it's not raining). It is downhill through the most beautiful country you have ever seen, right down the mountain. We were having a lovely time until about mile 6 when the bottom fell out and in monsooned on us. I mean a blinding, driving rain where you could see nothing. There was no shelter or cell service so you just keep riding, until I hit a bridge but I recovered nicely. After the rain passed, we then rode the last 10 miles in mud. Ever ridden a bike behind someone in the mud? Try it, it's quite the experience! All I can say is that my family are troopers! Yes, we whined & complained but we were so excited to have accomplished something. It took us 3 hours and I wouldn't trade the memories for the world. I will however look at the weather and take rain gear next time.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>The last day we woke up liesurly (ok we were sore from the ride) and we went to Mystery Hill where your gravity is all thrown off and water flows up hill and a ball will roll uphill. I kid you not. Look it up.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>We had a blast. We are exhausted but very blessed to have wonderful family and live so close to so many things!</b></span></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-13586503345600295212015-06-01T06:47:00.001-07:002015-06-01T06:47:41.750-07:00Support Laurel's Lion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Laurel won an art contest! 50% of the proceeds from the sales go to www.reecesrainbow.org, the organization that helped us find her and bring her home! This only runs June 1st through June 14th!Just go to www.papercloudsapparel.com and pick her picture. You can order hats, shirts & bags with her AWESOME LION on it. And it's for a great cause! Thanks so much! She is so excited!babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-58205309743379723312015-04-10T16:37:00.000-07:002015-04-10T16:37:34.078-07:00Easter Blessings..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Easter is such a bittersweet holiday for me. In 3 days you go from sadness and mourning to extreme joy and thankfulness. Perhaps its just me getting older or perhaps it is closeness of my heavenly Father during this time that makes me so reflective. Easter is quickly becoming my favorite celebration.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">We have many little traditions we do to help the kids remember what Easter is truly about and we do some fun, silly traditions that I did as a kid. However, I want them to remember it is about New Birth. It is about a debt that we owed and could not pay, being payed for us.....willingly. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;">This year we had Easter celebrations with both sides of the family. We also added something new on Easter Sunday. After church, we went to a nursing home where our church speaks and ministers frequently, and we were so blessed to be able to worship with these elderly saints. We sang 'Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross and Because He Lives". To see them in the state that their bodies are in now looking forward to a day where there will be no more pain and tears was simply beautiful. It's an Easter tradition I would love to continue.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;">BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">BECAUSE HE LIVES, ALL FEAR IS GONE</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">BECAUSE I KNOW HE HOLDS THE FUTURE</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">AND LIFE IS WORTH THE LIVING, JUST BECAUSE HE LIVES</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;">May you know the Peace Jesus can bring.</span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-25915774774411197582015-03-01T16:47:00.002-08:002015-03-01T16:47:29.244-08:00DISNEY WORLD<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took a camper and this was the anticipation of going in the gate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike got to be in the Indian Jones Show :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana pulled off something amazing and Noah got to fight Darth Vader...and meet him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic Kingdom was our Favorite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming in February!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fireworks show really was magical!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurel's favorite! Rapunzel. We were the last to make it in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finished up the trip with Sea World. The shows were amazing.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">We took a trip to Disney World. A friend helped us get a wonderful deal and we saved for about a year but we did it! We took a camper down so we could cook throughout the week and save some money and not stop every 5 min for a bathroom break :)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">We did Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom (2 days), Animal Kingdom and Sea World. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios was our favorite. We found out we LOVE roller coasters! We loved the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Noah hated Expedition Everest but it was Laurel's favorite (backwards roller coaster in the dark while being chased by a Yeti). The Sea World shows were amazing.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">We were up earlier each day than we ever get up at home and stayed out waaay to late but we had a blast! Yes, we were exhausted but it really was magical. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">My favorite was the parade and fireworks at Magic Kingdom and then running to do a few more rides before they closed and watching the 10pm parade again. It felt like we had the park all to ourselves. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our kids hung with us incredibly. They were awesome and a pleasure to be with. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">We had a wonderful time with Nana, Poppy and Aunt Michelle. It is definately a trip we will always remember. They rightly call it "The Magic Kingdom". If you stay there long enough, you start believing in the magic yourself :)</span></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-30321567261026210082015-02-03T19:38:00.000-08:002015-02-03T19:39:47.011-08:00Bits & Pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurel & cousin Duncan at the family farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting with Santa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah getting ready for his Singing Recital</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">It has been a little while since I've posted. Homeschooling and life just seems to get in the way :) Christmas was filled with family parties and wonderful times......except we all got the stomach flu. :( It made for some interesting times and I definately missed the wonderful food that came with the holidays. We still had great times together and managed some wonderful memories between the bucket runs ;) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Noah had his first singing recital. He was so cute and loves to sing. Laurel is enjoying her little filly and hoping to move it here to the farm in a few weeks. So what's coming up soon? A long awaited trip to Disney World. I'm sure there will be LOTS of pics to post of that. The kids are so excited!</span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-80401042545652097602014-12-05T20:48:00.002-08:002014-12-05T20:48:52.571-08:00On Hearing Impairment.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>I have been asked by a reader to write about Laurel's hearing impairment and how that impacts her daily life as well as what our therapy schedule looks like. Yippee! I get to talk about two of some of my favorite topics, adoption & hearing loss! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>A little background for those who may not know. Laurel was adopted from Ukraine in 2009. She was almost 2 years old and had no hearing aids or therapy prior to adoption. We knew she was deaf and may have some other medical issues when we pursued her. It was a clear calling from God. Deafness terrified me (how would we communicate?, how would I get basic concepts across to her much less concepts about God & Jesus!). However, the Lord clearly told me "I know you can't do this but I can!" So, off we trotted to Ukraine to find our treasure. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Laurel was born very prematurely which is most likely the cause of her HI. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>When we met Laurel, she had NO speech/language. She would make noises or scream. However, I knew cognitively she was ready to learn it because the first day I visited her I put her hand to my throat and said "Mama" and she repeated it. She also learned to sign, "cracker", "mama" and "cat" the first day I met her and could use them appropriately. We took some signing cards with us and taught her basic signs to reduce frustration for everyone. She was so ready to communicate! She learned so fast. As far as behavior was concerned, she was very stubborn ( which would serve her well), and was all into everything! Most of that was the fact that she was in an orphanage and unable to explore at all so new freedoms were overwhelming. We truly had very little transition issues when home. Once she learned food was always going to be there and started understanding the Signs for "No, Yes, Eat, Drink, names of ppl, bed etc" tantrums decreased. She was very good at reading body language and lips and did not like to stray far from us which helped. I can imagine with a child who is resistant to being near the parent that this would be a challenge.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>In Ukraine, Laurel had numerous medical issues on her chart (most of which are not in play at all now) and a few which were surprises. One of those was that when she got to the US, she was put under anesthesia for an ABR (hearing test) and they found she had something called Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. Even back in 2009 it was a relatively new finding and there was not much information on it. I was scared! She didn't have just Sensorineural Hearing Loss or Conductive Loss but it was this other less known kind. Basically, it means the nerves were "misfiring" somewhere in her ear/brain. It is like a frayed lamp cord, sometimes she would be "on" and sometimes not. I charted her good and bad days and would see that days that a weather front (rainy, windy,cloudy) would be more "bad hearing" days. It is not scientifically backed up at this point but many AN mama's I have talked to notice the same thing. Within 2 months of arriving home, Laurel received and evaluation from our local Developmental Evaluation Services which showed she was behind in all areas of development (duh!) and set her up from OT, and HI services. She received in home therapy 2 to 3 times a week through them until the age of 4. Within 2 months of being home she was also finally given hearing aids. It took a while because unless she could show on paper an impairment she would not qualify. So, she had to learn to "take the test".(When you hear the beep, a toy will pop out and play so eventually conditioned response would show that she would look back expectantly at the toy when she heard the beep). We were warned that kids with AN may not respond to hearing aids. It was kind of a try and see. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Now, before we adopted Laurel, we had made the decision that if at all possible we would bring her into a hearing and speaking world. My mother had worked at a school for the deaf and saw the challenges a non speaking/non hearing child would face. We were preparing ourselves for the fact that she may not be able to ever speak or hear but our choice and prayer for her and we believe HER choice would be that she could come as close to "normal" speech and language as possible. By doing this, it would greatly broaden her circle of friends and family that could communicate with her. That was a decision we had to tell many therapists. Once we made that choice, we were told to quit signing and concentrate on her hearing only. There were times that we were in noisy environments or she was too far away to hear me and I would still supplement signs for her. This decision proved to be a great one for Laurel as she started to really pick up speech and language. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>When Laurel was 3 she was referred to a local hospital's clinic that specializes in hearing impairments and therapy. She was accepted and started once a week therapy there. It is a wonderful place that teaches the parent to do the therapies at home and we practice. Around the age of 4, it became evident that while Laurel was making some progress, she had plateued and there were some sounds she just could not hear (ex: "s", "f"). We began to think about Cochlear Implants. This was a scary venture for us because in order to do this, all of her residual hearing had to be destroyed to put in the implant. Laurel's right ear was her "good" ear (Moderately Severe). We were reluctant to do this because she could hear some in that ear. However, a few months later, God made up our minds for us which had been our prayer! Her testing showed a gradual decline in that ear. She was losing her hearing. So She was implanted with a Cochlear Implant. It was 3 hr. surgery and she came home that day. She recovered quickly and we eagerly waited the 4 weeks until we could turn the ear on. The big day finally came and when they turned it on, she could hear the beeps!! It was overwhelming to her at first and we started slowly but she gradually started back over with the therapy and made her way back up. It became evident months later that she could hear much more clearly with this implant!! </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>During this time, she was accepted into an integrated preschool classroom for hearing impaired and typical children. She had 1 hearing aid and 1 Cochlear Implant. All of the teachers wore microphones and it was a great fit for Laurel. She went to this class for 1 year until Kindergarten. A year after the 1st implant, Laurel was implanted with the 2nd implant. We had to start over on the speech and language chart to catch this ear up but as promised, progress came much more quickly.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Laurel is now 7 years old. Unless people know she is hearing impaired, they usually cannot tell anything is different in her speech. She sounds pretty typical. Her Cochlear Implants made a HUGE difference. She needed them in order to get a clearer signal and be able to process as quickly as she can. She still has days that are harder for her to process speech and language than others. Some days it truly takes several times to tell her something before she understands it. Those days she seems more irritable as well and I believe it is her Auditory Neuropathy. But, those days are much less than with the hearing aids and we have told her about this disorder in order to help her cope with it better. It seems to help her to understand what is going on inside her body She has always had a lot of trouble with music and singing (getting the words in order). The new Music program on her Implants have helped with that. Most of what she struggles with now is not from the hearing impairment but from the process disorder part of the impairment. She is learning to read, likes math and is a very smart little girl! She is the hardest working thing I know!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>So, our journey has been amazing with Laurel although not always easy or clear cut. God has always shown up and helped us when we didn't know which path to take. From what I have observed, hearing impairment is kind of an "invisible disability" and it can also mask other issues. However, we live in an amazing age with wonderful devices and therapies to help one live as easily as possible. We are so thankful we took the leap and rescued this girl!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>If anyone has any specific questions, please feel free to email me at wrensnest01@hotmail.com.</b></span></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-60293790312829586892014-11-29T18:03:00.002-08:002014-11-29T18:03:42.633-08:00CAMPING TRIP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We took a much needed getaway camping trip. No phones, no computers, no tv. We had to pack in all our stuff and hike several miles just to get to our camp. The kids did amazing. We had a lot of laughs and fun. The kids can't wait to go back.babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-36258800101184854742014-11-08T17:54:00.001-08:002014-11-08T17:54:13.933-08:00Chock Full of October<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: white;">October was wild! Both of the babies birthday's are in that month so they got to choose what they wanted to do. Laurel chose a small family party at the Bowling alley complete with bowling, cake, presents and the arcade games. Noah chose a larger party with friends and family at Uncle John & Aunt Rachael's house for a hayride and pinata and a bonfire. What a wonderful blessed woman I am to have these babies!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: white;">Fall is finally here and the leaves are beautiful. We have taken a few field trips this month and enjoyed the outdoors. Halloween was wild this year as well. We started off by doing our local downtown walk and then went to our cousins house to trick or treat with them in their neighborhood. We had an absolute blast!We did however see about 1000 Elsa's! :)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: white;">October was busy but I say go big or go home! We are so blessed beyond what we deserve.</span></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-78106996252826034302014-09-23T20:28:00.002-07:002014-09-23T20:28:47.741-07:00"A Rose for Janie" AKA "Rose"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Laurel is the proud owner of a brand new filly!! Yes, we are crazy, but a bit of backstory.<br />
My sister bought a mare in the spring. She rode this mare right up until a few months ago when she got off of her one day and said "Hmmm..... her stomach looks lopsided". Lo and behold, the mare was not only pregnant but within a month of giving birth. She had been told specifically that "there was no way this mare was pregnant" so she had not been watching for the signs and she was underweight when she bought her. So...... out popped a bright white little filly. Rachael's husband said No Way Jose' to keeping it and Laurel fell in love.<br />
Years ago when I was young, my mother had someone tell her that if she bought her girls a horse, it would keep them away from boys. Worked well for us and Laurel needed a hobby that would not require an immense amount of listening (because of her hearing impairment) so she could relax and enjoy it. This little filly is so sweet and we are hoping it will turn into a pretty nice show horse for Laurel.<br />
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Now for the name. Less than 2 years ago, my Aunt Janie went to heaven from cancer. We named this little filly "A Rose for Janie" and will call her "Rose". Aunt Janie was so supportive of our horse shows and us riding horses and she had a bunch herself. Laurel loved the name. So there we have it. Rose will come live at our house after she is weaned. Hoping to build her a nice little shelter and pasture. Noah and myself will be scarce because we are both highly allergic to horses :( but Laurel's little take charge attitude will serve her well. Exciting times!babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-18987705705965383862014-09-11T20:57:00.000-07:002014-09-11T20:57:15.310-07:00A hard post to write...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night in USA. Steak & Lobster! </td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> I don't know why we think when we obey God's call that things will be easy but we are guilty of it. We think just because it is right, things will go smoothly. Experiences has shown me it usually is the opposite. Things get HARDER, more out of my control. That is where the beauty of Christ comes in. When we are weak, HE is strong. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. It is then that people can see these "good" things, done for Christ were not done in our power at all. He started and finished the good work.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> V was with us for 10 weeks. Sometimes these weeks were extremely long and sometimes we went along just great. Mike remembers where he was standing in the woods when he heard the Lord say "This is the child you are to host". We went kicking and screaming at first. We had specifically told God "no older boys". Ha!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>V is a very sweet, shy and sensitive child. He is also very scared, insecure, untrusting and broken. Living where he lives has made him this way. He has to be this way to survive in his world. We saw behaviors that to most would cause your hair to curl. We had prepared for the worst and were still shocked. God continually took us back to his command to Mike "He is the child". We needed the directness. He made huge strides the last 2 weeks he was here!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> While he was here, we had to call the translator several times to try to calm V down when he would get upset. We look back and see he really had a rough time with transitions of any sort as well as anticipation of events (even good ones). He truly did not know what to expect. During one of these calls, the translator had to call the orphanage and get them involved. V told us they told him he would get in trouble got back. He was scared. This was the sole reason he did not want to go back.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> We took V to Atlanta to meet the plane. The night before we had a blast playing in the pool and eating steak and lobster. He didn't want to leave but he said because he was afraid of what would happen. He was brave at the airport. He and Mike talked and he had a good long cry and then looked up and said "OK, I am brave now." He truly is. He told us he was going to work hard in school, get a job, save money and come back to America to work. We told him if he did we would pick him up from the airport :) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> V left here with HOPE of a better life. He has Jesus in his heart. He knows what a family is and that there is life outside of his orphanage walls. This is the reason that hosting programs exist. Not every child is adoptable either due to parental rights not being revoked, paperwork issues, age, or even the child's own preferences to not leave their birth country. Hosting programs (like cultural exchange programs) gives a child, who would otherwise never leave their hometown, a chance to see the world. V has HOPE. He knows he is loved. We and our family made that very clear.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now for the rest of the story................</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> A young lady at a shoe store who is from V's country offered to translate for us. So, we called his missionary friend, A. A told us that she has not been allowed to see him and his phone is lost. He also has a broken bone in his arm from "messing around". Hopefully in 2 weeks she will take him a phone so we can call him. We hung up heartbroken. We do not want to believe he was mistreated but we know what goes on inside the walls. BUT GOD. That night, I was googling his orphanage and found a young woman who had been to an orphanage in his city. Lo and behold, right there on her blog, is his picture!! She is with Little Lambs, a ministry who ministers to orphanages. V was in her Bible study group. She was able to fill us in on the challenges of the orphanage life. She has written a wonderful blog post to V. Please hop over and watch the video she has of him! Her group has a wonderful ministry that helps the kids aging out of the orphanage get in a home instead of the streets! That is EXACTLY what we have been praying for him. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>http://playnopartinforgetting.blogspot.com/2014/09/valik-be-restored.html</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>V has an army of people praying for him. Even though it was challenging, it is no mistake he was chosen. We love him and are committed to helping him make a life for himself. Please join us in praying for him. Hopefully sometime soon we will have more concrete ways we can support him. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thank you for following our journey! I know not everyone agrees with hosting or even adoption. However, please know we are doing what the Lord has called us to do. I challenge you to find and do what God has called YOU to. There is such peace in obedience, even in the hard times.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-43137887882446684402014-08-02T17:38:00.001-07:002014-08-02T17:38:04.141-07:00Never too old to learn....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white;">We are halfway through our hosting commitment to V. What have we learned? Well, for one, that we are NEVER to old to learn :) Parenting two totally different kids we mistakenly thought we had all the tools we needed to parent a third for the summer. However, this special boy comes with some very unique challenges. He comes from a world with no "I'm sorry's". Humility and weakness are the WORST things you can display in an orphanage. You will be a huge target. So, thousands and thousands of children grow up not knowing how to resolve conflicts (even small ones). They only know how to escalate situations. These kids only know how to withdraw, fight and distance themselves from the one thing they want the most, LOVE!! We have been struggling, for the past 4 weeks with V with conflict resolution. The slightest disappointment would set him off and he would sulk, pout, refuse to eat, hide in the bushes etc..... for HOURS. He is a pretty dedicated pouter :) Now my inner parent knows just how to take care of such things from my typically raised younguns' but alas some things are not allowed for host kids. So, we sought God like never before. We were exhausted from his meltdowns, he was exhausted and so were our kids. God is so good and faithful! My heart was tapped out. I was ready to be done. BUT GOD. He put a new song in our hearts and set our feet on solid ground. God showed us that emotionally V is like a 2 yr. old. Once we started addressing the behavior like you would a 2 yr. old things started to change. He had no word for "I'm sorry". So, we practiced, he did it and he was amazed the incidents were over and didn't end in hiding under the bed for hours or midnight calls to his translators. We are practicing breathing techniques to calm down. We talk about what the roles of men and women are (NO CLUE). He is very teachable which helps. Amazingly, God brought me the "feelings" I wanted to have to get through the next 4 weeks. I know we will have setbacks, but he has gone 6 days with no major instances and that is huge. Our prayer is that he will take these lessons back with him and grow in the Lord. He has a hunger for God's word and we know God will not leave his children.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white;">One last thing, yesterday, V asked me for a baby doll. He has never asked me to buy him anything at the store but cherries but he wanted a baby doll. He is 12, and a boy. But, it further proved to us just how emotionally stunted these kids are. He has loved on, fed, kissed and rocked that baby. He named it after his father who passed away last year. He has learned that when it cries, you don't just walk out of the room and shut the door but rock it and give it a bottle. Things he would have never learned in his orphanage, we have the privilege to teach him, hopefully helping to end the cycle of orphans having orphans. We are so thankful for a God who answers a prayer for wisdom and gives us stamina to do what is right when we are empty. We are so glad we didn't give up when it got bad. We appreciate your prayers for the rest of the hosting. We can't wait to see how much more he will grow and learn and how much more we will grow and learn.</span></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-20771596591825401172014-07-03T07:03:00.001-07:002014-07-03T07:03:20.030-07:00Hosting V.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Hosting has been an extremely emotional experience for me. We prepared a lot physically for this little visitor who would be in our home for 11 weeks but probably not as much emotionally. Or maybe there is no preparing for seeing a child recoil in horror as you try to touch them or cry because they are so overwhelmed, even with good things. "V" has come so far in just 2 weeks. When we picked him up from the airport it was one of those stories you read about.....and I do NOT mean the good kind. He was airsick, completely exhausted (to the point of almost collapsing), overwhelmed and overstimulated. He did not want to come with us but he obediently did. He did not want to eat or drink even though he had been traveling nonstop for 2 days but fell into a 12 hr. sleep. The next morning was much better. I am actually thankful this was our experience so we can use it to help others. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">From what we have seen and understand, "V" has a wonderful missionary friend who takes him to church and visits him. WHAT AN AMAZING BLESSING!! He really takes his beliefs in God seriously, never missing an opportunity to pray or talk about the Lord. However, this does not erase the hard things he sees and lives everyday that weigh on him. They are his story so I will not share them here but living in an orphanage is not a cheery life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;">One week here we saw the typical reaction a hurting child displays when they are feeling too comfortable, lashing out, anger and fear. While we wanted to handle these behaviors like we would our other kids we could not. They have to be navigated with the understanding of what is going on inside the child that is making them do this. I am telling you, my head wanted to call it quits but my heart, the part we knew God had called us to this particular boy for the summer, screamed keep loving and pushing through. PRAISE GOD he answered in a big way. We have seen no more of the behaviour, even though we aren't expecting a kid to be perfect ;)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">"V" loves the trampoline, swimming, playing soccer and eating. Did I mention he LOVES to eat!! Oh and 30 min. showers are the norm but who's counting :) We are so blessed to have seen him go from a quiet, stoic boy to a funny, silly, little boy who is enjoying a safe place. Healing is a process, but one that the end result is so worth it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-9409320085355815642014-05-26T19:53:00.000-07:002014-05-26T19:53:15.832-07:00The Magic of Childhood<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: lime;">It's times like this that I truly believe the camera is one of the most genius inventions of man ever.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">Life can go by in such a blur....especially with young children. Each day can lapse into the next and one can slip into the feeling of monotony, but for the invention of the camera. I have to remind myself that these little people entrusted to me will not be little for long. Whoever said "The days are so long but the years are so short" knew what it was like raising children. So, I have made a conscious effort to grab my camera during these sweet moments sandwiched in between feedings, laundry, schoolwork, housecleaning, time outs etc... These pictures show the Magic of Childhood. Why do we adults forget what it is like? When does that happen? I am so thankful for these snapshots that help us remember.</span>babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3820877353623618833.post-22810905721219519872014-04-21T19:05:00.001-07:002014-04-21T19:05:26.118-07:00Kindergarten Graduation!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Laurel graduated Kindergarten in her Co Op today!! I can hardly believe it! She is such a miracle kid. We were so blessed to find a great Co Op that had a wonderful teacher and a small class (she had about 6 kids in her class-a few weren't here).</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Noah had his State testing this week for First Grade and Rocked it! I am so proud of him. He didn't get nervous and tested at grade level to very advanced in everything. Smart Boy! It is such a relief to this Homeschooling Mama to know we are on the right track! Blessed!</b></span></div>
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<br />babyarniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801071790359330595noreply@blogger.com0