In less than two hours we will be at the SDA for our appointment to find our children. I am nervous, but In less than two hours we will be at the SDA for our appointment to find our children. I am nervous, but not too bad, knowing that so many are praying with us. God placed this calling in our heart and soul and it has been faith building to see Him provide and make this possible. Now we are starting the process if knowing the children He has picked out for us. A few weeks back I was stressing, doubting and worrying in prayer. God spoke to me in His still small voice, "I have a plan for you!". Instantly I recognized the verse He was speaking to me threw and looked it up. Jeremiah 29:11-13. Now, we are going to see our lovely children which He has planned for us. We are trusting Him to clearly reveal them to us. I am going expectantly.
Thank you all for covering us with your prayers! Love, Monique
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Gods plan
Vision for the Children International (VFTCI) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing hope to at risk children and their families. It is our belief that children need to have a vision for their futures. This cannot be fully accomplished without also providing hope and a future to parents, families and the communities they live in. Without this vital aspect of hope, a child, parent, family and community cannot begin to see past their present circumstances to be able to pursue a better future.
At VFTCI, we deliver ministry through a combination of indigenous local support, community, Christian leaders, government officials, US and International supporters and volunteers.
VFTCI believes in putting faith to action as expressed in Mathew 25:31-40. For many, it is impossible to see a future without first helping them through their current needs and circumstances.
Vision for the Children International is focused on preventative action. We are dedicated to breaking the cycles that a hopeless environment creates by providing opportunities for the creation of healthy families, education systems and communities.
To Learn more visit: www.VFTCI.org
Day to in Kiev
Day two: slept til noon. Ventured out and exchanged money. I have no idea what the money clerk said to me or why she was grouchy but she gave me money and that was good enough for me. Next we ventured into a grocery store. I think tomorrow we will buy food. Monique stared a long time at the milk looking bottles trying to figure out which one might be cream. She thinks she knows by how thick it looks or else it could be just curdled we will find out soon. Non the less our via starbucks coffee tastes just fine black. Next we tried to find some of the tourist spots that Valentin marked on our tourist map. We found a couple but just one of the ones we set out to see from the start. This city is amazing and so rich in history. It would totally help if we knew the language. We saw the golden gate which I believe was the original entrance to the city as well as numerous other churches and monasteries. We never got lost and made it back to our apartment to wait for our taxi to meet and go to dinner with Karen Springs. The taxi drive was an amazing adventure and I took Matts advice to always pay in advance. What a ride, fast lots of lane changes, honking and braking! Some of the largest and busiest car intersections I have ever seen with 6 lanes and three major streets entering it and NO street lights ! Still I would rather drive in a taxi then ride our elevator! Taxi driver got lost but eventually we met up with Karen. As everyone who has meet Karen will confirm, she is a special person. We took the subway and ate at a nice buffet style restaurant so we could try some local cuisine. We enjoyed it all and the conversations with Karen were fun and enlightening. We hope we will be able to see her again soon! This city is amazing and captivating with all of it's history, culture and unknowns. I can't wait to get out and do more exploring and to see who yells at me next as I learn to navigate this rich and complex landscape. Our SDA appointment is at 9 am tomorrow. We need your prayers for guidance as we choose our two new children. Thanks for your ongoing support and prayers. I will try to post some pics on our blog tomorrow.
Vision for the Children International (VFTCI) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing hope to at risk children and their families. It is our belief that children need to have a vision for their futures. This cannot be fully accomplished without also providing hope and a future to parents, families and the communities they live in. Without this vital aspect of hope, a child, parent, family and community cannot begin to see past their present circumstances to be able to pursue a better future.
At VFTCI, we deliver ministry through a combination of indigenous local support, community, Christian leaders, government officials, US and International supporters and volunteers.
VFTCI believes in putting faith to action as expressed in Mathew 25:31-40. For many, it is impossible to see a future without first helping them through their current needs and circumstances.
Vision for the Children International is focused on preventative action. We are dedicated to breaking the cycles that a hopeless environment creates by providing opportunities for the creation of healthy families, education systems and communities.
To Learn more visit: www.VFTCI.org
Monday, June 6, 2011
We have arrived.
We arrived safely via plane from london into Kiev at 3:00 pm today. After stumbling through customs and being yelled at only once, we met Valentin. We followed him outside after a quick cordial greeting. Outside we again got yelled at but found car. Valentin quickly assessed that car was too small for all of us so he and i took off leaving Monique and Jeremiah with his wife who drove them to our apartment. I on the other hand had no clue that i would be getting to apartment by local van, train and by foot. Walking as fast as I could I was amerced in the local transit system. It seemed just to get to the train we traveled a half mile underground via escalators (what an experience) and then we hoped on our crowded old train. Valentin continued to amerce me with token buying, money changing, buying water and ordering dinner at local restaurant. When we finally got to our destination Jeremiah and I hauled our 200 plus pounds of luggage up to our apartment on the seventh floor in the tiniest scariest elevator I have ever been in! They insisted we shove 150 lbs of luggage, Jeremiah and myself into a 3.5 x4 dark wood paneled space called an elevator. The door shut and we hit the #7 button and everything went pitch black and nothing happened. Sad to say two cuss word slipped out of my mouth and my fear of tight spaces kicked in. I remained as calm as i could after screaming and trying to scratch my way through steel and wood (just kidding but that's what i was doing inside). Finally our facilitator opened the door, which seemed to take an eternity and then before i could object he closed our door again and with my finger shackingly hovering over the number 7 button we sqeeked our way up 7 flights to our apartment. I have yet to go back into that elevator and instead i have ran down seven flights of stairs and climbed up seven flights after dinner. I think I might try it again tomorrow though. We have a beautiful view of Kiev from our downtown apartment. We have a nice apartment with toilet shower dish washer clothes washer kitchen living room etc ceilings are at least 12 feet tall. We are paying about $75 US dollar. The accommodations are very modest for American standards but its comfortable. I am a little nervous that we have to have a steel door to lock then heavy wood door as well for our entrance and we have been told we must always have it locked. We are in awe at were we are and of the unknown. Mostly we feel in a dream and a surreal one at that (could be jet lag though) We have a busy schedule but will keep you all posted as the time permits.
Vision for the Children International (VFTCI) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing hope to at risk children and their families. It is our belief that children need to have a vision for their futures. This cannot be fully accomplished without also providing hope and a future to parents, families and the communities they live in. Without this vital aspect of hope, a child, parent, family and community cannot begin to see past their present circumstances to be able to pursue a better future.
At VFTCI, we deliver ministry through a combination of indigenous local support, community, Christian leaders, government officials, US and International supporters and volunteers.
VFTCI believes in putting faith to action as expressed in Mathew 25:31-40. For many, it is impossible to see a future without first helping them through their current needs and circumstances.
Vision for the Children International is focused on preventative action. We are dedicated to breaking the cycles that a hopeless environment creates by providing opportunities for the creation of healthy families, education systems and communities.
To Learn more visit: www.VFTCI.org
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Going blind?
For those who have been following our story, you already know we do not have children picked out before we go and that we will be choosing from pictures presented to us from the SDA. Through very interesting and wonderful series of events we may be going for 2 known children. We are still in the very early stages and know very little. Please pray for us and those involved as we begin to pursue these children. Pray that God will make our paths straight and we will know his will. Thanks to all of you who hold us up in your prayers.
Vision for the Children International (VFTCI) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing hope to at risk children and their families. It is our belief that children need to have a vision for their futures. This cannot be fully accomplished without also providing hope and a future to parents, families and the communities they live in. Without this vital aspect of hope, a child, parent, family and community cannot begin to see past their present circumstances to be able to pursue a better future.
At VFTCI, we deliver ministry through a combination of indigenous local support, community, Christian leaders, government officials, US and International supporters and volunteers.
VFTCI believes in putting faith to action as expressed in Mathew 25:31-40. For many, it is impossible to see a future without first helping them through their current needs and circumstances.
Vision for the Children International is focused on preventative action. We are dedicated to breaking the cycles that a hopeless environment creates by providing opportunities for the creation of healthy families, education systems and communities.
To Learn more visit: www.VFTCI.org
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Long and winding road
I can easily relate to the Jews as they wandered around the wilderness for 40 years. Seeing miracles and knowing the call on their lives and yet doubting He will come through this time. I lost count of the days I wake up stressing and wondering will He provide. When I am not stressing I am doubting and I begin to wondering what are we doing and this is going to be tough and uncomfortable and I like my life the way it is (it was better in Egypt). Last night I was praying for some encouragement and I got it in an email this morning from "Ransomed Hearts":
Venturing Forth
It's better to stay in the safety of the camp than venture forth on a wing and a prayer. Who knows what dangers lie ahead? This was the counsel of the ten faithless spies sent in to have a look at the Promised Land when the Jews came out of Egypt. Only two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, saw things differently. Their hearts were captured by a vision of what might be and they urged the people to press on. But their voices were drowned by the fears of the other ten spies and Israel wandered for another forty years. Without the anticipation of better things ahead, we will have no heart for the journey.
One of the most poisonous of all Satan's whispers is simply, "Things will never change." That lie kills expectation, trapping our heart forever in the present. To keep desire alive and flourishing, we must renew our vision for what lies ahead. Things will not always be like this. Jesus has promised to "make all things new." Eye has not seen, ear has not heard all that God has in store for his lovers, which does not mean "we have no clue so don't even try to imagine," but rather, you cannot outdream God. Desire is kept alive by imagination, the antidote to resignation. We will need imagination, which is to say, we will need hope.
Julia Gatta describes impatience, discouragement, and despair as the "noonday demons" most apt to beset the seasoned traveler. As the road grows long we grow weary; impatience and discouragement tempt us to forsake the way for some easier path. These shortcuts never work, and the guilt we feel for having chosen them only compounds our feelings of despair.
Venturing Forth
It's better to stay in the safety of the camp than venture forth on a wing and a prayer. Who knows what dangers lie ahead? This was the counsel of the ten faithless spies sent in to have a look at the Promised Land when the Jews came out of Egypt. Only two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, saw things differently. Their hearts were captured by a vision of what might be and they urged the people to press on. But their voices were drowned by the fears of the other ten spies and Israel wandered for another forty years. Without the anticipation of better things ahead, we will have no heart for the journey.
One of the most poisonous of all Satan's whispers is simply, "Things will never change." That lie kills expectation, trapping our heart forever in the present. To keep desire alive and flourishing, we must renew our vision for what lies ahead. Things will not always be like this. Jesus has promised to "make all things new." Eye has not seen, ear has not heard all that God has in store for his lovers, which does not mean "we have no clue so don't even try to imagine," but rather, you cannot outdream God. Desire is kept alive by imagination, the antidote to resignation. We will need imagination, which is to say, we will need hope.
Julia Gatta describes impatience, discouragement, and despair as the "noonday demons" most apt to beset the seasoned traveler. As the road grows long we grow weary; impatience and discouragement tempt us to forsake the way for some easier path. These shortcuts never work, and the guilt we feel for having chosen them only compounds our feelings of despair.
Vision for the Children International (VFTCI) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing hope to at risk children and their families. It is our belief that children need to have a vision for their futures. This cannot be fully accomplished without also providing hope and a future to parents, families and the communities they live in. Without this vital aspect of hope, a child, parent, family and community cannot begin to see past their present circumstances to be able to pursue a better future.
At VFTCI, we deliver ministry through a combination of indigenous local support, community, Christian leaders, government officials, US and International supporters and volunteers.
VFTCI believes in putting faith to action as expressed in Mathew 25:31-40. For many, it is impossible to see a future without first helping them through their current needs and circumstances.
Vision for the Children International is focused on preventative action. We are dedicated to breaking the cycles that a hopeless environment creates by providing opportunities for the creation of healthy families, education systems and communities.
To Learn more visit: www.VFTCI.org
Friday, May 6, 2011
You decide....
As we now have entered a major milestone with our dossier in the hands of our facilitator in Ukraine, I reflect on some interesting dates and numbers. Monique tells me it was Fathers Day that we decided to pursue adoption but it took until the end of july to put words into action. I remember that because it was the day after my birthday (july 31) that I withdrew money to begin the process. It then took us almost 9 months exactly from then to get our completed documents into Ukraine. This weekend is Mothers Day. So if your not following this curious time stuff. Father gets twinkle in eye, 9 months later its Mothers Day. Coincedence? You decide .....cg
Vision for the Children International (VFTCI) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing hope to at risk children and their families. It is our belief that children need to have a vision for their futures. This cannot be fully accomplished without also providing hope and a future to parents, families and the communities they live in. Without this vital aspect of hope, a child, parent, family and community cannot begin to see past their present circumstances to be able to pursue a better future.
At VFTCI, we deliver ministry through a combination of indigenous local support, community, Christian leaders, government officials, US and International supporters and volunteers.
VFTCI believes in putting faith to action as expressed in Mathew 25:31-40. For many, it is impossible to see a future without first helping them through their current needs and circumstances.
Vision for the Children International is focused on preventative action. We are dedicated to breaking the cycles that a hopeless environment creates by providing opportunities for the creation of healthy families, education systems and communities.
To Learn more visit: www.VFTCI.org
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dossier is done and on route to Ukraine
Yesterday, Tuesday the third of May, we with great hesitation relinquished our dossier into the hands of Fedex. It is a very scary process to let go of a document that took us almost 9 months to complete. On that note, I also find it funny and interesting that it took 9 months. That explains the contractions and labor pains I have been feeling ever since! Can't wait til the morning sickness stops...LOL. Chris
Vision for the Children International (VFTCI) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing hope to at risk children and their families. It is our belief that children need to have a vision for their futures. This cannot be fully accomplished without also providing hope and a future to parents, families and the communities they live in. Without this vital aspect of hope, a child, parent, family and community cannot begin to see past their present circumstances to be able to pursue a better future.
At VFTCI, we deliver ministry through a combination of indigenous local support, community, Christian leaders, government officials, US and International supporters and volunteers.
VFTCI believes in putting faith to action as expressed in Mathew 25:31-40. For many, it is impossible to see a future without first helping them through their current needs and circumstances.
Vision for the Children International is focused on preventative action. We are dedicated to breaking the cycles that a hopeless environment creates by providing opportunities for the creation of healthy families, education systems and communities.
To Learn more visit: www.VFTCI.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)