So much has happened over the last 5 days! I feel so blessed and also burdened from my experiences with Wilshire Baptist church.
The interns and our driver left Nairobi with the team's luggage from Wilshire. We drove about 10 1/2 hours to the very western border of Kenya. Busia is located about 6 miles from the border of Uganda. The further we drove away from Nairobi, I could not help but feel as though I was traveling backwards in time. We saw many women carrying huge loads of firewood on their heads, donkeys pulling loads of fish and even shepherds wearing the traditional tribal dress. Along the drive we saw zebras, monkeys, baboons and the Rift Valley. How wonderful is God's creation! I felt like I was inside National Geographic.
The team from Wilshire came to do a Vacation Bible School with the foster children in Busia and also to hold a medical clinic. Jeff Jones and Lyndee from Buckner lead the trip. I was so thankful that our team of three could accompany them. I was not sure what to expect. Everything looked so different from Nairobi. The people were even more shocked to see "mazungus" (white people) in their home.
The VBS was a blast. The kids were so much fun. I loved singing songs, playing games, learning scripture verses and just spending time with the children. I am continually amazed at their joyful smiles. The nurses in the group even came and provided AIDS education for the children. That was very interesting because most of these children's parents died of AIDS. Some of their questions were heartbreaking.
We had the opportunity to go to church on Sunday morning in a tiny village called Mudoma (?) where the medical clinic was taking place. It was raining that morning pretty steadily. I was amazed that some of the people we passed on the dirt road in the rain arrived later at church. I shook hands with one woman who was slowly walking with a large walking stick that must have been 80 years old. The church was held underneath a few tents that were placed together. Hundreds of people were gathered under and outside of the tents in the rain. All of the foster children (orphans) with Buckner came to church. I had the priveledge of holding Rosemary in my lap during the service. The pastor from Wilshire spoke on Jesus feeding the 5 thousand. What an excellent reminder that God meets everyone of these peoples needs. He knows the deepest parts of their heart.
Later on Sunday, the medical team began to work. The day before, over 500 people were registered. The team was truly incredible. The doctor and three nurses did not even stop to take any kind of lunch break. The need is overwhelming. So many people walked hours by foot to be seen by the doctor. There were huge crowds of people surrounding the tent. In the beginning, I just did anything I could to help with crowd control. Later I was called to help lead the children in songs. Michael, Tom (the missions coordinator) and I sang for over one hour. All of the people gathered to hear and attempt to sing praise songs. It was a really neat outreach ministry. I was reminded of the verse in the Bible that says "silver and gold have I not, but what I have I will bring to you." That was my prayer the entire day. I was open to any way that the Lord could use me. The most difficult part of the trip was when the pastor George and I decided to set up an area for prayer. I had mothers come to me with their very sick infants and just hand them to me with tears. All I could do was hold the children, cry beside them and pray to Jesus the true healer and author of life. I prayed for over a hundred people the afternoon. I saw so many terrible things: skin diseases, muscle pains, swollen legs, huge cysts, people with malaria and people starving. At the end of the day, the medicine ran out. Not everyone was attended to, but over 350 patients were seen by the doctor/nurses and provided medicine. AMAZING! It would be easy to get discouraged, but God is good all the time and all the time God is good. I have to trust him to provide like he promises in scripture for the sparrows.
Bwana Asifiwe...Praise the Lord,
Becky
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Monday, July 31, 2006
Buna from Romania! Week Three (Entry Two)
Things have been so busy here...this last week was probably our busiest yet...but it was great! We have already had 2 church groups come and go, and they both put on great programs for the kids! We just finished a week doing VBS with children who live in group homes in the mornings, then we would go out to special needs group homes in the afternoon and play with them. We didn't really know what to expect with these children, but we ended up falling in love with them, and had the best time! They are so sweet, and so funny! They entertained us more than we entertained them i think, but they were so welcoming and loving towards us, and we were able to get close with alot of them.
We were able to take about 7 of them to the zoo yesterday morning, and we had a great time. All the interns and I thought the zoo was hilarious! It is a little different than zoos in america. In Romania, they have deer, cows, and horses in their zoos...haha...not too exoctic...but still very fun!
I can't beleive this will be our last week here...the time really has flown by so fast! Our plans have changed again (flexibility is the theme this month...haha) which turned out to be a blessing, because we will get to spend more time with the special needs children, and then we will be going to Zau again!!! We are all SO excited about this, because we spent our whole first week here and got really close with the girls, so we are really glad that our last 2 days in Romania will be spent with them. Those girls are so amazing and they love the Lord, which is SO comforting as we prepare to say goodbye.
We will then drive to Budapest on Friday morning, and fly home Sunday...so crazy! But, God has done some amazing things on this trip, and it has been filled with lots of laughs, some tears,new friendships, and many memories.
Thank you so much for your prayers,
Amy
Buna from Romania! Week Three
Week 3 has come and gone and we're about to begin our last week in Romania. This past week was spent with a visiting church group with participants from Florida to Texas to Massachusetts. Talk about diversity!
Each morning we, the interns, went with the group to a local church where we helped lead VBS for orphans from three group homes. Despite communication barriers, the kids seemed to really enjoy themselves - especially when it came to snacks and sandwiches. Each afternoon we split up and spent two hours playing with and loving on special needs children in three group homes. I must say, I really love those kids! They are so sweet and just plain old fun! We definitely got some laughs!
One boy, Virgil, is especially passionate about vaccum cleaners. He has actually created his own vaccum, which he uses to sweep the playground for hours on end. Yanust loves a "pistola" - the more the better! Claudia loves to be tossed up in the air, while Cristi smells everything he can get his hands on. Another little boy smells and eats hair, while another played with my watch for two hours straight everyday. Each one of these children is very special - I will miss them when we say goodbye.
The needs of these children are so great, and yet they are so loving and satisfied with so little. Working with the special needs kids has served to remind me that despite the seemingly hopeless situation, God's hope is at work and completely applicable to their lives, as well as my own. His promises ring just as true in Claudia's life, as they do in my life. God is indeed good, and we mustn't forget that, especially when working with those who seem to live with many needs.
Rachel
Each morning we, the interns, went with the group to a local church where we helped lead VBS for orphans from three group homes. Despite communication barriers, the kids seemed to really enjoy themselves - especially when it came to snacks and sandwiches. Each afternoon we split up and spent two hours playing with and loving on special needs children in three group homes. I must say, I really love those kids! They are so sweet and just plain old fun! We definitely got some laughs!
One boy, Virgil, is especially passionate about vaccum cleaners. He has actually created his own vaccum, which he uses to sweep the playground for hours on end. Yanust loves a "pistola" - the more the better! Claudia loves to be tossed up in the air, while Cristi smells everything he can get his hands on. Another little boy smells and eats hair, while another played with my watch for two hours straight everyday. Each one of these children is very special - I will miss them when we say goodbye.
The needs of these children are so great, and yet they are so loving and satisfied with so little. Working with the special needs kids has served to remind me that despite the seemingly hopeless situation, God's hope is at work and completely applicable to their lives, as well as my own. His promises ring just as true in Claudia's life, as they do in my life. God is indeed good, and we mustn't forget that, especially when working with those who seem to live with many needs.
Rachel
Friday, July 28, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week Three (Entry Two)
A Glorious Reunion.....
On Monday of this week, we celebrated a much anticipated reunion with the boys at San Gabriel. They came running out to us yelling and screaming with excitement. They didn't know that we were returning this week. I'm not sure who was happier.....the boys or the team of interns. We are spending this week with a team from South Texas Children's Home. It's another amazing team! Best of all (and most impressive) is that the team is lead by four teenagers from the South Texas Children's Home. The other members of the team completely submitted themselves to these youngsters. It's been so exciting watching them lead our team. They are doing a phenomenal job!
We had a busy week at San Gabriel. We had a great time reconnecting with the boys while continuing to build relationships with them. Each day, one of the teenagers shared their testimony and a Bible story with the boys. On Wednesday, the gospel was presented to the boys, and 24 boys committed their life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Yes, 24 boys have started a new life!! We are honored to call them our "brothers in Christ." On Wednesday, we also brought new shoes to the boys. I've never seen a group of people so excited to get new shoes. Many of the boys' shoes had holes and were torn. All of them needed to be replaced! Thank you to everyone who has donated shoes to the Buckner "Shoes for Orphan Souls" project. Again, it was an honor to be a part of this mission.
We spent the mornings this week at community homes in Guatemala City. We enjoyed seeing familiar faces and playing with the preschoolers. We also went back to the Buckner Baby Home. There are now 6 babies in the home. Two of the babies are from the orphanage in Xela. It was so fun seeing these precious children again!
On Tuesday of this week, the team of interns went on a special "intern only" field trip. Where, you ask? We all went to the doctor! Pretty much all of us had been sick off and on for over a week, so it was time to get some prescription drugs. Eight of us were given medicine! Praise God, we are all almost completely healthy now!
Please continue to pray for us and the other teams of interns in Russia, Kenya, and Romania. As we enter our last week, pray that we would finish strong. Pray for endurance, energy, and excitement. Pray that each person we come in contact with will see the face of Jesus, not us. Pray that we will see everyone through Jesus' eyes, not our eyes. We are honored to be able to spend one last week with our boys at San Gabriel. Pray that God would continue to do miracles there.
We have an adventurous weekend ahead of us....more details on the next blog! Thanks for checking in and thanks for praying for us!
For His Kids and For His Glory,
Sheena
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Jambo from Kenya! Week Three
Hello everyone!
I am excited and sad today because this marks the end of the first leg of our trip. Yesterday, we said goodbye to all of the children from the school that live in the slums and the staff at the Baptist Children's Center. Tomorrow we are leaving for Busia (western Kenya, bordering Uganda) with a team from Wilshire Church. We will be working with a medical team and also with children in Busia. I am looking forward to the drive tomorrow and seeing more of the Kenyan countryside. After Busia we will go on a two-day Safari and then attend "camp" at Brackenhurst with the orphans from the Baptist Children's Center. I am so thankful that we will have more time with the children from the orphanage in Nairobi!
I am not sure if you have ever heard of Kibera slum in Nairobi, but it is supposed to be the second largest slum in Africa and the largest in Kenya. I know Kibera from watching the movie the Constant Gardener and reading articles from National Geographic. The statistics that I have read say that Kibera is 4 square miles and more than a million people are crammed into a space with no running water, electricity, etc. There are supposedly over 50,000 + documented orphans in Kibera.
Earlier this morning, I had the opportunity to visit Kibera. Tom, the missions coordinator, lead us in a stroll along the railroad tracks that ran through the slums. Trash and mud were covering the ground. As we walked, the children would smile and say "how are you, how are you?" They would also yell "mazungu" which means "white person!" I have been told that when they say "mazungu" they are commenting that the person is either crazy or lost to be there. Most of the shelters were made of mud, cow dung or tin. Everything was crammed in very close together. I saw many people working very hard at carpentry, sewing shoes, selling bananas or shoveling dirt. No matter where I have traveled, I am reminded that people are people wherever you go. I loved getting to make eye contact with women there and send them a smile. I pray that they could somehow be encouraged by our greetings. Walking through, I heard praise and worship music coming from one of the market stands. I am reminded that our God is a big God. He is alive and well in the hearts of his children in Kibera.
Thank you for your prayers.
May Jesus bless you today as I am blessed daily by his grace...
Becky
I am excited and sad today because this marks the end of the first leg of our trip. Yesterday, we said goodbye to all of the children from the school that live in the slums and the staff at the Baptist Children's Center. Tomorrow we are leaving for Busia (western Kenya, bordering Uganda) with a team from Wilshire Church. We will be working with a medical team and also with children in Busia. I am looking forward to the drive tomorrow and seeing more of the Kenyan countryside. After Busia we will go on a two-day Safari and then attend "camp" at Brackenhurst with the orphans from the Baptist Children's Center. I am so thankful that we will have more time with the children from the orphanage in Nairobi!
I am not sure if you have ever heard of Kibera slum in Nairobi, but it is supposed to be the second largest slum in Africa and the largest in Kenya. I know Kibera from watching the movie the Constant Gardener and reading articles from National Geographic. The statistics that I have read say that Kibera is 4 square miles and more than a million people are crammed into a space with no running water, electricity, etc. There are supposedly over 50,000 + documented orphans in Kibera.
Earlier this morning, I had the opportunity to visit Kibera. Tom, the missions coordinator, lead us in a stroll along the railroad tracks that ran through the slums. Trash and mud were covering the ground. As we walked, the children would smile and say "how are you, how are you?" They would also yell "mazungu" which means "white person!" I have been told that when they say "mazungu" they are commenting that the person is either crazy or lost to be there. Most of the shelters were made of mud, cow dung or tin. Everything was crammed in very close together. I saw many people working very hard at carpentry, sewing shoes, selling bananas or shoveling dirt. No matter where I have traveled, I am reminded that people are people wherever you go. I loved getting to make eye contact with women there and send them a smile. I pray that they could somehow be encouraged by our greetings. Walking through, I heard praise and worship music coming from one of the market stands. I am reminded that our God is a big God. He is alive and well in the hearts of his children in Kibera.
Thank you for your prayers.
May Jesus bless you today as I am blessed daily by his grace...
Becky
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week Three
Hola!!!
Team Guatemala is in full swing as we start week 3. We had a phenomenal ending to our time in Xela ("Shay-la"). We had a huge beach party for the kids on the last evening. It was miraculous reflecting back on the week and seeing the changes that occurred in the children. Many of the changes were so great that it could have only been God working through us in the life of the children. Several interns spent time in the medical clinic giving lice treatment, washing feet, and assisting Dr.Bobby. There is a picture of Denise washing the feet of one of the children. After cleaning the children's feet, we clipped their nails and applied an anti-fungal cream. It was such a privilege, honor, and a humbling experience to do this for the children.
On Saturday morning, we went to Lake Atitlan. It was definitely one of the most beautiful places that I've ever visited. One of the pictures is from the lake. Even though the picture is really pretty, it doesn't give justice to the true beauty of the lake. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a restaurant overlooking the peaceful water. Afterwards, we spent some time relaxing in hammocks while listening to music. On Saturday night, we had our farewell dinner with High Pointe Community Church. Wow, what an amazing body of believers! The interns were continually in awe watching this church and seeing their passion for the children in Xela. This church has been visiting this orphanage for four years. On Sunday, we went back to beautiful Antigua. Once again, we had a great time hanging out with the girls at the girls' orphanage in Antigua (Manchen). It's so great seeing the children several different times.
It's so hard to believe, but we are at our midpoint of the trip. Each day, God has taught us so many things. Below are some of the things that God has taught a few of the interns:
"How humbling it was to be at my weakest point physically and for God to speak to me. I was so broken and was often reminded that I am nothing and can do nothing without Christ. I've seen many times that none of what we're doing is because of us, but because of God. We have to continually die to ourselves every day, so Christ can be seen and live in us. I've also learned that because of the language barrier and culture, Christ can't be seen in us without God's grace." ~Laura
"I have learned what an incredible gift love is. We all try to figure out what gifts God has given us and how we can use them in our lives, but we often overlook the best gift of all that we have to give- love. And it's such a simple thing to give, yet I often get too absorbed in my own life and forget how important a simple smile or hug can be." ~Shauna
"God has been teaching me His crazy sovereignty in taking care of these little orphans. He totally broke my heart for the babies in Xela. It has just been incredible to allow God to use me to bring smiles and joy to the sad, crying, lonely faces of the babies. BUT, God has been revealing to me that He is still taking care of them, and still has their names written in the palm of His hand." ~Becky
"The time in Guatemala has revealed God's vastness and sovereignty over His entire creation. Entering into the orphanages has been hard to even begin to comprehend the realities that these children face day to day, week to week, even year to year. But He has revealed that He is sovereign over their lives and their future -things that we can't even begin to worry about. It has been amazing to know that we can give these children nothing of our own strength, but only that which God has set ablaze in our hearts to overflow into their lives. We have been at Christ's feet for strength and energy, and that has been a truly amazing experience; in our weakness, He is strong!" ~Noelle
"I have been in utter amazement of how God has used diverse personalities for His Glory!!! His plans are so timely!!! His love is overwhelming and beautiful. I thank my God for teaching me how to submit and encourage those who are becoming leaders. I thank him that He has allowed me to see others through His eyes and not my own. Praise God for the power of prayer!!!"
~Lorraine
"After praying that God would make me incredibly alert to the needs of His children on this trip, I think He's teaching me to serve immediately upon seeing needs instead of waiting to be asked to serve. More importantly, He's teaching me not only to be perceptive of needs in the orphans here and to be praying for them when we can't be with them, but to be serving in this way each day of my life. As God is tearing my pride apart over & over, I'm learning to value my family more than ever, to strive to bathe each day in prayer, and to let Him be the one to heal broken hearts. One of the biggest ways I've learned here is through observing the passion of this incredible team of interns, so thanks for your support of the team!" ~Denise
As I've said before, I am surrounded by an incredible team of interns. I've never been so encouraged and supported as I am in Guatemala. This week, we are going back to the boys' orphanage at San Gabriel. What an exciting reunion for us and the boys as they don't know we're returning. Pray that their hearts will be open and receptive to us and most importantly to God.
Pray that God would use us in mighty ways to impact every child at the orphanage. Pray that all of the children would desire a relationship with Jesus or would desire to deepen their current relationship. Also, please pray for the health of all of the interns. Thanks for checking in and for your prayers.
~For His Kids, Sheena
Team Guatemala is in full swing as we start week 3. We had a phenomenal ending to our time in Xela ("Shay-la"). We had a huge beach party for the kids on the last evening. It was miraculous reflecting back on the week and seeing the changes that occurred in the children. Many of the changes were so great that it could have only been God working through us in the life of the children. Several interns spent time in the medical clinic giving lice treatment, washing feet, and assisting Dr.Bobby. There is a picture of Denise washing the feet of one of the children. After cleaning the children's feet, we clipped their nails and applied an anti-fungal cream. It was such a privilege, honor, and a humbling experience to do this for the children.
On Saturday morning, we went to Lake Atitlan. It was definitely one of the most beautiful places that I've ever visited. One of the pictures is from the lake. Even though the picture is really pretty, it doesn't give justice to the true beauty of the lake. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a restaurant overlooking the peaceful water. Afterwards, we spent some time relaxing in hammocks while listening to music. On Saturday night, we had our farewell dinner with High Pointe Community Church. Wow, what an amazing body of believers! The interns were continually in awe watching this church and seeing their passion for the children in Xela. This church has been visiting this orphanage for four years. On Sunday, we went back to beautiful Antigua. Once again, we had a great time hanging out with the girls at the girls' orphanage in Antigua (Manchen). It's so great seeing the children several different times.
It's so hard to believe, but we are at our midpoint of the trip. Each day, God has taught us so many things. Below are some of the things that God has taught a few of the interns:
"How humbling it was to be at my weakest point physically and for God to speak to me. I was so broken and was often reminded that I am nothing and can do nothing without Christ. I've seen many times that none of what we're doing is because of us, but because of God. We have to continually die to ourselves every day, so Christ can be seen and live in us. I've also learned that because of the language barrier and culture, Christ can't be seen in us without God's grace." ~Laura
"I have learned what an incredible gift love is. We all try to figure out what gifts God has given us and how we can use them in our lives, but we often overlook the best gift of all that we have to give- love. And it's such a simple thing to give, yet I often get too absorbed in my own life and forget how important a simple smile or hug can be." ~Shauna
"God has been teaching me His crazy sovereignty in taking care of these little orphans. He totally broke my heart for the babies in Xela. It has just been incredible to allow God to use me to bring smiles and joy to the sad, crying, lonely faces of the babies. BUT, God has been revealing to me that He is still taking care of them, and still has their names written in the palm of His hand." ~Becky
"The time in Guatemala has revealed God's vastness and sovereignty over His entire creation. Entering into the orphanages has been hard to even begin to comprehend the realities that these children face day to day, week to week, even year to year. But He has revealed that He is sovereign over their lives and their future -things that we can't even begin to worry about. It has been amazing to know that we can give these children nothing of our own strength, but only that which God has set ablaze in our hearts to overflow into their lives. We have been at Christ's feet for strength and energy, and that has been a truly amazing experience; in our weakness, He is strong!" ~Noelle
"I have been in utter amazement of how God has used diverse personalities for His Glory!!! His plans are so timely!!! His love is overwhelming and beautiful. I thank my God for teaching me how to submit and encourage those who are becoming leaders. I thank him that He has allowed me to see others through His eyes and not my own. Praise God for the power of prayer!!!"
~Lorraine
"After praying that God would make me incredibly alert to the needs of His children on this trip, I think He's teaching me to serve immediately upon seeing needs instead of waiting to be asked to serve. More importantly, He's teaching me not only to be perceptive of needs in the orphans here and to be praying for them when we can't be with them, but to be serving in this way each day of my life. As God is tearing my pride apart over & over, I'm learning to value my family more than ever, to strive to bathe each day in prayer, and to let Him be the one to heal broken hearts. One of the biggest ways I've learned here is through observing the passion of this incredible team of interns, so thanks for your support of the team!" ~Denise
As I've said before, I am surrounded by an incredible team of interns. I've never been so encouraged and supported as I am in Guatemala. This week, we are going back to the boys' orphanage at San Gabriel. What an exciting reunion for us and the boys as they don't know we're returning. Pray that their hearts will be open and receptive to us and most importantly to God.
Pray that God would use us in mighty ways to impact every child at the orphanage. Pray that all of the children would desire a relationship with Jesus or would desire to deepen their current relationship. Also, please pray for the health of all of the interns. Thanks for checking in and for your prayers.
~For His Kids, Sheena
Monday, July 24, 2006
Zdravstvuyte from Russia! Week Three
Zdrastya!
We got back from Orphanage # 60 yesterday and it was by far the "roughest" orphanage thus far. Aside from the rock-hard mattresses, there were about 50 kids there and only one caretaker with little control over the kids. Even though it was rough, I found that my three days at this orphanage have been some of my best since I've been in Russia.
I want to share a particular story about two girls in the orphanage who I spent the majority of my time with, Natasha and Alyona. Both of them are 14 and have lived in the orphanage system for a long time.
They were the orphanage bullies, very hard girls and hard to reach - physically and spiritually. When we first arrived at the orphanage I was drawn to Natasha because she had several long, deep scars on each of her forearms, which I later found out had been self-inflicted.
After the first day of camp with the kids, some members of our group took a walk to the nearest store four miles away, and Natasha and Alyona went with us. During that time, I got to meet them and they opened up a little to me. Both were very sarcastic and tough kids, with each other and us, yet they were still kids. Deep down they were scared and wanted hope and love more than anything else in the world.
After the walk, I spent about an hour with them and some of the other kids and actually gave Natasha a hug (Alyona would let me get close to her) before saying good night. The next day at crafts Natasha wrote me poem which said - paraphrased; it rhymed in Russian and was very well written:
"I can not wish you love, I know love will find you. I can not wish you happiness because what is happiness? I can not wish you success, I know you will be successful. My only wish for you is that you will be a good man."
Of course, I will keep that poem forever. During the next two days we spent together we sang praise songs in Russian and Natasha was actually singing the words and requested that we sing a certain song over again.
We talked for about four hours on Saturday night after dinner, laughing and joking around because underneath the hurt and the pain, they both are just kids, only 14 years old, and in their heart they both want love and hope and a future - things that only a life in Christ can bring.
During our short time together I tried to hug them and hold them as much as I could, and by the end of the three days, they were actually giving me hugs. I wrote them each a card and gave them each a bracelet. As we were leaving, I had to hold back tears as they were waving goodbye. My heart breaks for these two kids, and I hope that you will pray for them.
I know I will be praying for them.
God bless you,
Ben (Venya)
We got back from Orphanage # 60 yesterday and it was by far the "roughest" orphanage thus far. Aside from the rock-hard mattresses, there were about 50 kids there and only one caretaker with little control over the kids. Even though it was rough, I found that my three days at this orphanage have been some of my best since I've been in Russia.
I want to share a particular story about two girls in the orphanage who I spent the majority of my time with, Natasha and Alyona. Both of them are 14 and have lived in the orphanage system for a long time.
They were the orphanage bullies, very hard girls and hard to reach - physically and spiritually. When we first arrived at the orphanage I was drawn to Natasha because she had several long, deep scars on each of her forearms, which I later found out had been self-inflicted.
After the first day of camp with the kids, some members of our group took a walk to the nearest store four miles away, and Natasha and Alyona went with us. During that time, I got to meet them and they opened up a little to me. Both were very sarcastic and tough kids, with each other and us, yet they were still kids. Deep down they were scared and wanted hope and love more than anything else in the world.
After the walk, I spent about an hour with them and some of the other kids and actually gave Natasha a hug (Alyona would let me get close to her) before saying good night. The next day at crafts Natasha wrote me poem which said - paraphrased; it rhymed in Russian and was very well written:
"I can not wish you love, I know love will find you. I can not wish you happiness because what is happiness? I can not wish you success, I know you will be successful. My only wish for you is that you will be a good man."
Of course, I will keep that poem forever. During the next two days we spent together we sang praise songs in Russian and Natasha was actually singing the words and requested that we sing a certain song over again.
We talked for about four hours on Saturday night after dinner, laughing and joking around because underneath the hurt and the pain, they both are just kids, only 14 years old, and in their heart they both want love and hope and a future - things that only a life in Christ can bring.
During our short time together I tried to hug them and hold them as much as I could, and by the end of the three days, they were actually giving me hugs. I wrote them each a card and gave them each a bracelet. As we were leaving, I had to hold back tears as they were waving goodbye. My heart breaks for these two kids, and I hope that you will pray for them.
I know I will be praying for them.
God bless you,
Ben (Venya)
Friday, July 21, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week Two (Entry Two)
Hello everyone!
The Guatemalan team of interns has been very busy, yet we still remain in awe of our wonderful God and His mighty works. It's been so encouraging to hear how God is working through each of us and through the children that we encounter.
Over the weekend, we visited a transitional home in Guatemala City and an orphanage in Antigua. The transitional home has girls from the ages of 14 to 22. The girls are in finishing school and starting their careers. We took the girls to see "Super Man." They loved the movie, and it was a great time to get to know the girls better. It was very encouraging to hear the girls' stories. We asked the girls how their life has changed since they first came to the Buckner Transitional Home. One of the girls started crying and told us that since she came there, she realized that she has a future and can achieve her dreams. We shared testimonies with the girls, and they shared their hearts and personal stories.
On Saturday, we drove to Antigua, which used to be the capital city of Guatemala. The city is so beautiful!!! Ancient churches and buildings abound along the cobblestone roads. When we first arrived, we visited Manchen (a girls orphanage). We sang songs with the kids and told stories. We had so much fun hanging out with the kids and playing with them. Several of the girls know how to knit and sew. I thought it was interesting watching the young girls knit purses together. After having lunch at Mono Loco ("Crazy Monkey"), we went shopping at the (very popular) market in Antigua. We had so much fun bargaining with the vendors. We bought skirts, purses, blankets, and more. The market is filled with brightly colored, handmade items. It's a matter of finding what you want and then bargaining to get the best price. My skirt started at 90 Qs (about 12 US dollars), and we bargained until the price was 50 Qs (only $6!!!). Its fun bargaining, yet very tiring!!!
On Sunday, we drove about 6 hours west of Guatemala to Xela ("Shay-la"). We drove over and around many mountains (including the highest point in Guatemala). It was such a beautiful ride through the mountains. This week, we are with a team from Puyallup, Washington (High Pointe Community Church). We walk to the orphanage each day (it's about a half mile each way). There are about 70 children at the orphanage....from infants to orphans in their 20s who have special needs. We meet for devotional at 8:30 and then walk to the orphanage. The boys are with us in the morning and the girls in the afternoon (they are at school during the other part of the day). We are doing a wide variety of things at the orphanage. Each child is seen by the doctor (from the High Pointe team). The doctor and assistants also give each child lice treatment and foot treatment. All of the children get a new pair of clothes, new pajamas, new socks, and new underwear. The kids were so excited trying on their new clothes. I was again reminded of life as an orphan when I found out that each kid may only have 3 pairs of clothes at any time. Wow, we have so much to be thankful for...especially the things we take for granted each day. The children also participate in VBS stories, crafts, and songs. All of the children are going to a dentist this week for a cleaning and checkup. Several of the men have already spent many hours this week fixing toliets, rewiring lights, changing hinges, and many other much needed repairs. It has been so easy for us to see how the whole body of Christ pulls together. We each are talented in different ways and make an incredible team when we combine all that we have.
Please continue to pray for us...several team members have been sick these past couple of days. Pray that we will be healthy and will be filled with energy and excitement each day. Pray that the children will see Jesus in us and that we will see the children through Jesus' eyes. Pray that we will be a positive witness to the caregivers and will continue to encourage them.
We will travel back to Guatemala City on Saturday night....pictures coming soon!!!! (as soon as we get back to the Buckner House). Thanks for checking in and thanks for your prayers and encouragement!!!!!
For His Kids,
Sheena (or "Chee-na" as the kids here refer to me as) :)
The Guatemalan team of interns has been very busy, yet we still remain in awe of our wonderful God and His mighty works. It's been so encouraging to hear how God is working through each of us and through the children that we encounter.
Over the weekend, we visited a transitional home in Guatemala City and an orphanage in Antigua. The transitional home has girls from the ages of 14 to 22. The girls are in finishing school and starting their careers. We took the girls to see "Super Man." They loved the movie, and it was a great time to get to know the girls better. It was very encouraging to hear the girls' stories. We asked the girls how their life has changed since they first came to the Buckner Transitional Home. One of the girls started crying and told us that since she came there, she realized that she has a future and can achieve her dreams. We shared testimonies with the girls, and they shared their hearts and personal stories.
On Saturday, we drove to Antigua, which used to be the capital city of Guatemala. The city is so beautiful!!! Ancient churches and buildings abound along the cobblestone roads. When we first arrived, we visited Manchen (a girls orphanage). We sang songs with the kids and told stories. We had so much fun hanging out with the kids and playing with them. Several of the girls know how to knit and sew. I thought it was interesting watching the young girls knit purses together. After having lunch at Mono Loco ("Crazy Monkey"), we went shopping at the (very popular) market in Antigua. We had so much fun bargaining with the vendors. We bought skirts, purses, blankets, and more. The market is filled with brightly colored, handmade items. It's a matter of finding what you want and then bargaining to get the best price. My skirt started at 90 Qs (about 12 US dollars), and we bargained until the price was 50 Qs (only $6!!!). Its fun bargaining, yet very tiring!!!
On Sunday, we drove about 6 hours west of Guatemala to Xela ("Shay-la"). We drove over and around many mountains (including the highest point in Guatemala). It was such a beautiful ride through the mountains. This week, we are with a team from Puyallup, Washington (High Pointe Community Church). We walk to the orphanage each day (it's about a half mile each way). There are about 70 children at the orphanage....from infants to orphans in their 20s who have special needs. We meet for devotional at 8:30 and then walk to the orphanage. The boys are with us in the morning and the girls in the afternoon (they are at school during the other part of the day). We are doing a wide variety of things at the orphanage. Each child is seen by the doctor (from the High Pointe team). The doctor and assistants also give each child lice treatment and foot treatment. All of the children get a new pair of clothes, new pajamas, new socks, and new underwear. The kids were so excited trying on their new clothes. I was again reminded of life as an orphan when I found out that each kid may only have 3 pairs of clothes at any time. Wow, we have so much to be thankful for...especially the things we take for granted each day. The children also participate in VBS stories, crafts, and songs. All of the children are going to a dentist this week for a cleaning and checkup. Several of the men have already spent many hours this week fixing toliets, rewiring lights, changing hinges, and many other much needed repairs. It has been so easy for us to see how the whole body of Christ pulls together. We each are talented in different ways and make an incredible team when we combine all that we have.
Please continue to pray for us...several team members have been sick these past couple of days. Pray that we will be healthy and will be filled with energy and excitement each day. Pray that the children will see Jesus in us and that we will see the children through Jesus' eyes. Pray that we will be a positive witness to the caregivers and will continue to encourage them.
We will travel back to Guatemala City on Saturday night....pictures coming soon!!!! (as soon as we get back to the Buckner House). Thanks for checking in and thanks for your prayers and encouragement!!!!!
For His Kids,
Sheena (or "Chee-na" as the kids here refer to me as) :)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Zdravstvuyte from Russia! Week Two
Zdrastya!!
I’m sitting in an internet café located on the Nevsky Prospect, the most famous street in St. Petersburg. This morning we prepared for our next mission to camp #60 and we visited the Church of the Spilled Blood in the afternoon. It’s the church that everyone thinks about when they think of Russian Orthodox Churches (the one with the bright colors and swirling domes on the top).
We got back from orphanage camp #9 on Tuesday. It was a camp that the follow-up staff here in Russia had never gone to and some of the children had never heard the gospel message before. It really was an incredible experience how God changed the hearts of the kids at that camp. They were mostly older kids who earned their keep in the orphanage by working on the farm that was attached to the camp.
One story I’d like to share is of a young girl named Anya, who is 19. She was in my small group where I had an opportunity to give the gospel message. While it was being translated, I could see that God was speaking to her heart. After our small group was over Anya approached the translator and me to ask more questions about God, Christ, and her life. I’m not sure if she accepted Christ at that point or not (most of the older kids do not open up that easily), but as we were leaving and I was just about to get on the bus, I looked over at her and she was at peace.
The kids at this camp are pretty hard and jaded. Most have lived a rough life and they’re only teenagers. Some of them had never heard of Jesus, which was really a neat for our group because the kids were so eager to hear what we had to say. When we left on Tuesday after only two days, most of them were waiting at the bus to say goodbye to us. We will be going back to orphanage #9 in about a week so please pray that we are able to connect with these kids and complete the good work that we have already started with this group. Our group really has a heart for the orphans at this camp and we can see God working in their hearts. I gotta go cause the rest of the group is waiting for.
From Russia with Love in Christ,
Ben
I’m sitting in an internet café located on the Nevsky Prospect, the most famous street in St. Petersburg. This morning we prepared for our next mission to camp #60 and we visited the Church of the Spilled Blood in the afternoon. It’s the church that everyone thinks about when they think of Russian Orthodox Churches (the one with the bright colors and swirling domes on the top).
We got back from orphanage camp #9 on Tuesday. It was a camp that the follow-up staff here in Russia had never gone to and some of the children had never heard the gospel message before. It really was an incredible experience how God changed the hearts of the kids at that camp. They were mostly older kids who earned their keep in the orphanage by working on the farm that was attached to the camp.
One story I’d like to share is of a young girl named Anya, who is 19. She was in my small group where I had an opportunity to give the gospel message. While it was being translated, I could see that God was speaking to her heart. After our small group was over Anya approached the translator and me to ask more questions about God, Christ, and her life. I’m not sure if she accepted Christ at that point or not (most of the older kids do not open up that easily), but as we were leaving and I was just about to get on the bus, I looked over at her and she was at peace.
The kids at this camp are pretty hard and jaded. Most have lived a rough life and they’re only teenagers. Some of them had never heard of Jesus, which was really a neat for our group because the kids were so eager to hear what we had to say. When we left on Tuesday after only two days, most of them were waiting at the bus to say goodbye to us. We will be going back to orphanage #9 in about a week so please pray that we are able to connect with these kids and complete the good work that we have already started with this group. Our group really has a heart for the orphans at this camp and we can see God working in their hearts. I gotta go cause the rest of the group is waiting for.
From Russia with Love in Christ,
Ben
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Buna from Romania! Week Two
Hello!!!
Wow...I can't believe we have been here almost 2 weeks....it is crazy! We had an AMAZING week at Zau girls orphanage and it was very very hard for us to leave...alot of us were in tears and we became so close with so many of the girls...the week was a neat experience for all of us to start out with...some of the girls were surprised at how close they got with the girls and how real their bonds became...the Lord really blessed us with memories of these girls that we will never forget.
Since then, the team from FBC Euless has been here and they are SO GREAT! We all got along instantly and they have been a huge help and blessing for us this week....it has been great working together and learning so much from them as well. Their leader, Dave has also been extremely supportive and has been very comforting and encouraging to our team of interns this week also. We have had many laughs and good times so far, and we'll be really sad to see them leave on friday.
We just got done with our group devotionals/reflection time tonight and it is so neat to see how we have only known these people for a short time, but I feel like i could talk to them about anything. I think that because of this, the week has gone very well and we have been able to be more confident as a team because we have so many people working together and supporting one another.
But, the kids have been great, we have been working at a day center in the morning, and Ludus orphanage in the afternoon, and today was our second day, and went alot better than yesterday, because we are getting to know the kids better and they are opening up alot more. We were a little worried about how Ludus would go, but God really is working there and things have gone alot better than we expected...which is usually the case! We are just praying for continued trust and that we would have complete faith and not let satan intimidate us in any way.
It is really hard to sum up a week, because SO much happens here everyday! Some other girls will be posting in the next few days to give more insight to what is going on, so hopefully you will get a better picture of what we are doing everyday....but whoever is reading this...your prayers are much needed for the children of Romania! Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Amy
Wow...I can't believe we have been here almost 2 weeks....it is crazy! We had an AMAZING week at Zau girls orphanage and it was very very hard for us to leave...alot of us were in tears and we became so close with so many of the girls...the week was a neat experience for all of us to start out with...some of the girls were surprised at how close they got with the girls and how real their bonds became...the Lord really blessed us with memories of these girls that we will never forget.
Since then, the team from FBC Euless has been here and they are SO GREAT! We all got along instantly and they have been a huge help and blessing for us this week....it has been great working together and learning so much from them as well. Their leader, Dave has also been extremely supportive and has been very comforting and encouraging to our team of interns this week also. We have had many laughs and good times so far, and we'll be really sad to see them leave on friday.
We just got done with our group devotionals/reflection time tonight and it is so neat to see how we have only known these people for a short time, but I feel like i could talk to them about anything. I think that because of this, the week has gone very well and we have been able to be more confident as a team because we have so many people working together and supporting one another.
But, the kids have been great, we have been working at a day center in the morning, and Ludus orphanage in the afternoon, and today was our second day, and went alot better than yesterday, because we are getting to know the kids better and they are opening up alot more. We were a little worried about how Ludus would go, but God really is working there and things have gone alot better than we expected...which is usually the case! We are just praying for continued trust and that we would have complete faith and not let satan intimidate us in any way.
It is really hard to sum up a week, because SO much happens here everyday! Some other girls will be posting in the next few days to give more insight to what is going on, so hopefully you will get a better picture of what we are doing everyday....but whoever is reading this...your prayers are much needed for the children of Romania! Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Amy
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Jambo from Kenya! Week Two
What an interestingly wonderful week we've had.
There are many things I can write about for this week. The monotony of grinding maize stalks. The joy of impromptu skits. The little boy starring at the white guy behind him even as I write this. But I would have to say, the best thing I can write about would have to be my preaching experience. This was not my first time preaching, but it was my first time preaching in a foreign country. This was not my first time preaching, but it was my first time preaching with an interpreter. This was not my first time preaching, but it was my first time preaching were I am the minority (and what a big minority!)
I think I might hold the record for the shortest sermon at BCC's chapel. A quick 15 minutes is all it took for me. But it was a great experience! I am called to be a foreign missionary, so being given this opportunity was truly awesome. The lessons I've learned cannot even be listed (I'm to keep this to 200 words if possible), but I tell you, for the rest of my life, I will be able to remember back to the day I preached at BCC.
Well, goodbye for now!
Michael
There are many things I can write about for this week. The monotony of grinding maize stalks. The joy of impromptu skits. The little boy starring at the white guy behind him even as I write this. But I would have to say, the best thing I can write about would have to be my preaching experience. This was not my first time preaching, but it was my first time preaching in a foreign country. This was not my first time preaching, but it was my first time preaching with an interpreter. This was not my first time preaching, but it was my first time preaching were I am the minority (and what a big minority!)
I think I might hold the record for the shortest sermon at BCC's chapel. A quick 15 minutes is all it took for me. But it was a great experience! I am called to be a foreign missionary, so being given this opportunity was truly awesome. The lessons I've learned cannot even be listed (I'm to keep this to 200 words if possible), but I tell you, for the rest of my life, I will be able to remember back to the day I preached at BCC.
Well, goodbye for now!
Michael
Monday, July 17, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week Two
"MI TESORO, MI TESORO, MI TESORO, MI TESORO ESTAN AQUI, MI TESURO......."
Team Guatemala has had an amazing first week in Guatemala! We have continually been in awe of our indescribable God. The team of interns has bonded so well. It's like we've known each other forever. Each of us have many different strengths. It's so encouraging to be surrounded by so many Godly people each day.
This week, we spent the mornings visiting different community homes in Guatemala City. Most of the children were between the ages of 3 and 6. We sang songs, shared a Bible story, and played with the kids.
In the afternoon, we went to San Gabriel Boys' Orphanage. The second day through the last day at San Gabriel, we were greeted with one of the guys shouting, "MI TESORO, MI TESORO, MI TESORO, MI TESORO ESTAN AQUI, MI TESORO......." In English, "my treasue, my treasure, my treasure, my treasure is here, my treasure!"
Our Bible School theme this week was "Bible Heroes." We studied Noah, Daniel, and Joshua. We played with the boys for a little bit and then started our program. We sang songs and shared a Bible story. Then, the boys started rotations (prayer/snacks, soccer, arts & crafts, and basketball). We shared our personal testimonies with them and shared some of our favorite Bible verses. We have prayed so hard for the boys this week and have seen God work in so many ways. We built many relationships with these guys. Many of the guys are still very broken-hearted, angry, and sad.
However, by the end of the week, several of the guys opened up and shared stories with us. Several of the boys were very interested in learning English. One of the boys asked Denise how to say "Dios con nosotros" in English. Denise told him "God with us." She taught him many more phrases in English, however, his favorite was "God with us." He went around the orphanage and told all of the Americans, "God with us." Even at the end of the week, he still remembered and constantly repeated "God with us." On Tuesday, some of the boys really started opening up and sharing with our small group. They started telling us their background and their stories.
We listened to Elmer tell about how his dad choose his stepmom over him.
Elmer's dad told him that his stepmom could give him a normal child (as opposed to one who has epilepsy). Elmer told us how he was called worthless trash. He told us stories about being physically abused by his dad. We listened to Tedy tell about how he formerly looked to drugs to satisfy the void in his life. Tedy told us numerous abuse stories. It was so hard to hold back the tears and be strong. All of a sudden, life as an orphan seemed so real to me. My heart broke in two for these kids. Then, they started telling us how they pray every night and the things they pray for. The next thing we knew, Tedy and Elmer were telling us how they've been praying for us and how grateful they are for us visiting them. They told us they pray for our safety, our relationships with God, and they thank God for us every night. Tedy told us that when he grows up, he wants to be a pastor to spread the word of God (see picture below...Tedy is holding a picture that he drew of Jesus). Wow! It's like we were speechless listening to the boys' past stories, then blown away by their prayers for us, and finally in complete awe of God's sovereignty. Later in the week, Denise was talking to Samuel and asked him who was his best friend. Without hesitation, he pointed up and said Jesus.
Ahh, and our big surprise.....Thursday we had a surprise birthday party for all of the boys at San Gabriel. It was EVERYONE'S birthday!!! While the boys and the team from Bellcroft sang songs and acted out the Bible story, the interns decorated the cafeteria. We had posters with encouraging words and balloons. We had pizza for the boys and a huge birthday cake. After the food, we had a huge water balloon fight. We ended the party with birthday gifts for all of the boys! What a day! Best of all, we will be returning to San Gabriel the last two weeks that we are in Guatemala. Please continue praying for all of the boys at San Gabriel. Pray that God would soften their hearts and that all of the boys would seek God with all of their heart. Pray that they would be overwhelmed by the love of their Heavenly Father even though an earthly father isn't part of their lives.
Pray that God would work miracles through us when we're at San Gabriel.
Feliz cumpleanos!!!
~For His Kids, Sheena
Team Guatemala has had an amazing first week in Guatemala! We have continually been in awe of our indescribable God. The team of interns has bonded so well. It's like we've known each other forever. Each of us have many different strengths. It's so encouraging to be surrounded by so many Godly people each day.
This week, we spent the mornings visiting different community homes in Guatemala City. Most of the children were between the ages of 3 and 6. We sang songs, shared a Bible story, and played with the kids.
In the afternoon, we went to San Gabriel Boys' Orphanage. The second day through the last day at San Gabriel, we were greeted with one of the guys shouting, "MI TESORO, MI TESORO, MI TESORO, MI TESORO ESTAN AQUI, MI TESORO......." In English, "my treasue, my treasure, my treasure, my treasure is here, my treasure!"
Our Bible School theme this week was "Bible Heroes." We studied Noah, Daniel, and Joshua. We played with the boys for a little bit and then started our program. We sang songs and shared a Bible story. Then, the boys started rotations (prayer/snacks, soccer, arts & crafts, and basketball). We shared our personal testimonies with them and shared some of our favorite Bible verses. We have prayed so hard for the boys this week and have seen God work in so many ways. We built many relationships with these guys. Many of the guys are still very broken-hearted, angry, and sad.
However, by the end of the week, several of the guys opened up and shared stories with us. Several of the boys were very interested in learning English. One of the boys asked Denise how to say "Dios con nosotros" in English. Denise told him "God with us." She taught him many more phrases in English, however, his favorite was "God with us." He went around the orphanage and told all of the Americans, "God with us." Even at the end of the week, he still remembered and constantly repeated "God with us." On Tuesday, some of the boys really started opening up and sharing with our small group. They started telling us their background and their stories.
We listened to Elmer tell about how his dad choose his stepmom over him.
Elmer's dad told him that his stepmom could give him a normal child (as opposed to one who has epilepsy). Elmer told us how he was called worthless trash. He told us stories about being physically abused by his dad. We listened to Tedy tell about how he formerly looked to drugs to satisfy the void in his life. Tedy told us numerous abuse stories. It was so hard to hold back the tears and be strong. All of a sudden, life as an orphan seemed so real to me. My heart broke in two for these kids. Then, they started telling us how they pray every night and the things they pray for. The next thing we knew, Tedy and Elmer were telling us how they've been praying for us and how grateful they are for us visiting them. They told us they pray for our safety, our relationships with God, and they thank God for us every night. Tedy told us that when he grows up, he wants to be a pastor to spread the word of God (see picture below...Tedy is holding a picture that he drew of Jesus). Wow! It's like we were speechless listening to the boys' past stories, then blown away by their prayers for us, and finally in complete awe of God's sovereignty. Later in the week, Denise was talking to Samuel and asked him who was his best friend. Without hesitation, he pointed up and said Jesus.
Ahh, and our big surprise.....Thursday we had a surprise birthday party for all of the boys at San Gabriel. It was EVERYONE'S birthday!!! While the boys and the team from Bellcroft sang songs and acted out the Bible story, the interns decorated the cafeteria. We had posters with encouraging words and balloons. We had pizza for the boys and a huge birthday cake. After the food, we had a huge water balloon fight. We ended the party with birthday gifts for all of the boys! What a day! Best of all, we will be returning to San Gabriel the last two weeks that we are in Guatemala. Please continue praying for all of the boys at San Gabriel. Pray that God would soften their hearts and that all of the boys would seek God with all of their heart. Pray that they would be overwhelmed by the love of their Heavenly Father even though an earthly father isn't part of their lives.
Pray that God would work miracles through us when we're at San Gabriel.
Feliz cumpleanos!!!
~For His Kids, Sheena
Friday, July 14, 2006
Zdravstvuyte from Russia! Week One (entry 2)
Priviet from Russia!!
It was so good to hear from a lot of you via email. Thanks for all your prayers and concerns. It has been an amazing trip so far. Our group has bonded really well and Buckner’s Russian staff are such great people. I’ve spent the last week at a camp located outside of St. Petersburg with about 50 Russian orphans. It has been so incredible that words cannot describe what it was like, but I’ll try.
The age group of the kids was from 5-13 year olds and of course they loved us as soon as we saw them (the older kids take a lot longer to warm up to us, or so I’ve been told). Our group did a tremendous job with the Vacation Bible School and everything worked so well, praise God. In the afternoon, we had free time with the children and I taught them how to play football (American football.
The kids, of course were the best part of the trip. They were constantly jumping all over me and asking me to throw them up in the air. I’d usually have at least 3 or 4 kids hanging from my neck and arms and since I’m the only guy (the other 9 American interns are girls) all the boys wanted me to play with them. The kids are starving for male attention because all of the caregivers are women. I had an opportunity to get close with a number of the boys and just hug them and play with them and build them up. One little boy in particular had a special bond with me because we saw each other when he was in Dallas and I told him that I would see him when I came to Russia. His name was Vitaly, please pray that he gets adopted. I’ll never forget on the first day when we arrived, he remembered me and what I said back in Dallas. After the first day, when we were all waiving goodbye, I looked up and saw Vitaly smiling down at me from the balcony with a look of shear joy. It’s a moment that I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.
The orphanage that we visited (#2) has some of the best caregivers in all of St. Petersburg, but the kids are still so starved for attention and just basic love. Any time I’d go anywhere, they’d want me to hold them or play with them or just hold their hand and smile at them. One little girl named Ella stole my heart. She’s 10 years old and lives in the orphanage with her brother Kostya, she has bright blue eyes and blond hair (always wears a bandana), such a cute little girl. I didn’t even meet her until the second day and even then she was very shy and would hardly let me touch her. Slowly she warmed up to me and I got to spend some time with her during our Bible story time and craft time. By the end of the week she wanted me to hold her during our times together and would sneak a kiss on my cheek from time to time. When we left this afternoon, I wrote her a little card and she gave me a big hug, while holding back tears. Words really can not express the love I had and have for this little girl. She is so sweet and innocent and I pray that a Christian family will adopt her.
Well I gotta go cause I’m holding up the group. My time so far has been challenging and so rewarding. We start again on Monday at orphanage #9. Till next week, we remain Strong in Christ,
- Benjamin (Venya)
It was so good to hear from a lot of you via email. Thanks for all your prayers and concerns. It has been an amazing trip so far. Our group has bonded really well and Buckner’s Russian staff are such great people. I’ve spent the last week at a camp located outside of St. Petersburg with about 50 Russian orphans. It has been so incredible that words cannot describe what it was like, but I’ll try.
The age group of the kids was from 5-13 year olds and of course they loved us as soon as we saw them (the older kids take a lot longer to warm up to us, or so I’ve been told). Our group did a tremendous job with the Vacation Bible School and everything worked so well, praise God. In the afternoon, we had free time with the children and I taught them how to play football (American football.
The kids, of course were the best part of the trip. They were constantly jumping all over me and asking me to throw them up in the air. I’d usually have at least 3 or 4 kids hanging from my neck and arms and since I’m the only guy (the other 9 American interns are girls) all the boys wanted me to play with them. The kids are starving for male attention because all of the caregivers are women. I had an opportunity to get close with a number of the boys and just hug them and play with them and build them up. One little boy in particular had a special bond with me because we saw each other when he was in Dallas and I told him that I would see him when I came to Russia. His name was Vitaly, please pray that he gets adopted. I’ll never forget on the first day when we arrived, he remembered me and what I said back in Dallas. After the first day, when we were all waiving goodbye, I looked up and saw Vitaly smiling down at me from the balcony with a look of shear joy. It’s a moment that I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.
The orphanage that we visited (#2) has some of the best caregivers in all of St. Petersburg, but the kids are still so starved for attention and just basic love. Any time I’d go anywhere, they’d want me to hold them or play with them or just hold their hand and smile at them. One little girl named Ella stole my heart. She’s 10 years old and lives in the orphanage with her brother Kostya, she has bright blue eyes and blond hair (always wears a bandana), such a cute little girl. I didn’t even meet her until the second day and even then she was very shy and would hardly let me touch her. Slowly she warmed up to me and I got to spend some time with her during our Bible story time and craft time. By the end of the week she wanted me to hold her during our times together and would sneak a kiss on my cheek from time to time. When we left this afternoon, I wrote her a little card and she gave me a big hug, while holding back tears. Words really can not express the love I had and have for this little girl. She is so sweet and innocent and I pray that a Christian family will adopt her.
Well I gotta go cause I’m holding up the group. My time so far has been challenging and so rewarding. We start again on Monday at orphanage #9. Till next week, we remain Strong in Christ,
- Benjamin (Venya)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Jambo from Kenya! Week One
Here a few of the blessings that I experienced today:
1.When we walked into the orphanage, Josia (eight year old boy) was leading the song:
"I have a living hope, I have a future, God has a plan for me, this I am sure. Jesus your my firm foundation. I know I can stand secure. Jesus your my firm foundation. I put my hope in your holy word."
How precious and what a true testimony to hear the children loudly singing this song together. I am reminded of what a tight grip that their Lord Jesus has on their lives.
2. The children had a running race at school. Shirro (a five year old girl) was racing another little boy. She ran to the fence and was leaps ahead of the boy. All of the girls were chanting "Shirro, Shirro..." She had the hugest smile on her face as she ran across the finish line and straight into my arms. I pick her up in a huge hug and began to spin her around. I felt so privileged that she would run that hard to me. This reminded me of how the father in the parable of the prodigal son might have felt as he received his son. All of life's worries fade away and you see the face of someone you love. Those of your who are parents know what it feels like to have a child pick you out in a crowd and run to your arms.
3. The poverty in Nairobi is so extreme. We saw a few ladies digging through huge piles of trash today looking for any food to eat. Again, how blessed am I not to worry about the next meal that I will eat.
Thank you for your prayers. Our team is healthy and has a wonderful attitude. Tomorrow the children are doing a performance of the traditional songs at school for us.
Much love,
Becky
1.When we walked into the orphanage, Josia (eight year old boy) was leading the song:
"I have a living hope, I have a future, God has a plan for me, this I am sure. Jesus your my firm foundation. I know I can stand secure. Jesus your my firm foundation. I put my hope in your holy word."
How precious and what a true testimony to hear the children loudly singing this song together. I am reminded of what a tight grip that their Lord Jesus has on their lives.
2. The children had a running race at school. Shirro (a five year old girl) was racing another little boy. She ran to the fence and was leaps ahead of the boy. All of the girls were chanting "Shirro, Shirro..." She had the hugest smile on her face as she ran across the finish line and straight into my arms. I pick her up in a huge hug and began to spin her around. I felt so privileged that she would run that hard to me. This reminded me of how the father in the parable of the prodigal son might have felt as he received his son. All of life's worries fade away and you see the face of someone you love. Those of your who are parents know what it feels like to have a child pick you out in a crowd and run to your arms.
3. The poverty in Nairobi is so extreme. We saw a few ladies digging through huge piles of trash today looking for any food to eat. Again, how blessed am I not to worry about the next meal that I will eat.
Thank you for your prayers. Our team is healthy and has a wonderful attitude. Tomorrow the children are doing a performance of the traditional songs at school for us.
Much love,
Becky
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Buna from Romania! Week One
Buna!
Yay we are finally here!!! haha...30 hours of traveling is insane! We are having a really good time here so far. Yesterday was our first day working in an orphanage, called Zau. It is an all girls orphanage with girls from 4 years old to 20! So, we are having different programs for the older and younger girls. We have been doing VBS in the morning and play time in the afternoon. The girls are all so precious, and our team was all so surprised how sweet and welcoming they are! We were all getting kisses on the cheek about an hour after we got there! Everyone on the team is doing well, and are laughing a lot...so that is always good!
Today we got to have a picnic outside and enjoy the beautiful mountains here! We had no idea there would be so many mountains, trees, and animals walking around. The orphanage is about an hour away in a small village, so it has been really neat to see a completely different way of life.
We will continue working with the girls until Saturday, when a church team comes and we will start at Ludus next Monday. We are all having a great time getting to know the city and one another, and especially the girls. Personally, I have become friends with a girl named Lucia, and there is nothing better than getting her hugs every time we arrive! Please pray for the rest of this week and that we can form deeper bonds with the girls...they are wonderful, and we are so lucky to be able to spend time with them this week!
Ciao,
Amy
Yay we are finally here!!! haha...30 hours of traveling is insane! We are having a really good time here so far. Yesterday was our first day working in an orphanage, called Zau. It is an all girls orphanage with girls from 4 years old to 20! So, we are having different programs for the older and younger girls. We have been doing VBS in the morning and play time in the afternoon. The girls are all so precious, and our team was all so surprised how sweet and welcoming they are! We were all getting kisses on the cheek about an hour after we got there! Everyone on the team is doing well, and are laughing a lot...so that is always good!
Today we got to have a picnic outside and enjoy the beautiful mountains here! We had no idea there would be so many mountains, trees, and animals walking around. The orphanage is about an hour away in a small village, so it has been really neat to see a completely different way of life.
We will continue working with the girls until Saturday, when a church team comes and we will start at Ludus next Monday. We are all having a great time getting to know the city and one another, and especially the girls. Personally, I have become friends with a girl named Lucia, and there is nothing better than getting her hugs every time we arrive! Please pray for the rest of this week and that we can form deeper bonds with the girls...they are wonderful, and we are so lucky to be able to spend time with them this week!
Ciao,
Amy
Zdravstvuyte from Russia! Week One
Priviet Comrads :)
Well our group made it to St. Petersburg safe and sound. No problems along the way or getting through security. It was a long trip and we got to experience the "White nights" (because our flight path was so far north, the sun never went down completely all throughout the night) on the way there. It was so nice to hit the sack last night after being up almost 36 hrs straight! We have got a terrific team with us here. Besides the 10 interns from the US, I've met 3 other Russian nationals who will be helping us in our mission to the orphans, Olga, Lena and Yan. Yan is totally classic; he's my roommate and the only other guy on the trip, so we've been spending a lot of time together. He has an amazing story about how he became Christian. Also, coincidently, he is from Shymkent Kazakstan, the same city my brother Zack stayed at when he was in Kazakstan two years ago. We had a really good time of worship and Bible study last night and I think the team is bonding pretty well already.
Church this morning was really cool; we went to a Russian church. I think it's one of the most amazing things to hear songs that praise God in other languages. The people at the church were really nice and I got to talk to (and practice my Russian) with a number of them.
The Russian people (in general) on the other hand, are not so friendly. One of the biggest things I've noticed is no one talks. It's so weird, we'll be walking down the street and there will be lots of people everywhere but the whole place is silent. St. Petersburg is a beautiful city and they are doing repairs on it which is good, because it is a little run down in some parts. It reminds me of Paris or Vienna in its architecture.
Well I gotta go cause the group is waiting for me. Everything is going well and thanks for all your prayers. We head out tomorrow for our week at the first orphanage camp. Will be in touch soon, also, getting a phone card tomorrow.
Dasvidanya Y Slava Bogo (Goodbye and Praise the Lord)
Ben
Well our group made it to St. Petersburg safe and sound. No problems along the way or getting through security. It was a long trip and we got to experience the "White nights" (because our flight path was so far north, the sun never went down completely all throughout the night) on the way there. It was so nice to hit the sack last night after being up almost 36 hrs straight! We have got a terrific team with us here. Besides the 10 interns from the US, I've met 3 other Russian nationals who will be helping us in our mission to the orphans, Olga, Lena and Yan. Yan is totally classic; he's my roommate and the only other guy on the trip, so we've been spending a lot of time together. He has an amazing story about how he became Christian. Also, coincidently, he is from Shymkent Kazakstan, the same city my brother Zack stayed at when he was in Kazakstan two years ago. We had a really good time of worship and Bible study last night and I think the team is bonding pretty well already.
Church this morning was really cool; we went to a Russian church. I think it's one of the most amazing things to hear songs that praise God in other languages. The people at the church were really nice and I got to talk to (and practice my Russian) with a number of them.
The Russian people (in general) on the other hand, are not so friendly. One of the biggest things I've noticed is no one talks. It's so weird, we'll be walking down the street and there will be lots of people everywhere but the whole place is silent. St. Petersburg is a beautiful city and they are doing repairs on it which is good, because it is a little run down in some parts. It reminds me of Paris or Vienna in its architecture.
Well I gotta go cause the group is waiting for me. Everything is going well and thanks for all your prayers. We head out tomorrow for our week at the first orphanage camp. Will be in touch soon, also, getting a phone card tomorrow.
Dasvidanya Y Slava Bogo (Goodbye and Praise the Lord)
Ben
Jambo from Kenya! Week One
This week, well, really day, was splendid.
It was quick; it was slow; it was perfect.
Today my biggest worry was that they wouldn't remember me. But all that vanished when we got to Baptist Children's Centre (BCC) for church. We walked into Sunday school this morning and right away I was Hillum (my main man from the December trip)... and Hillum saw me. I watched with almost blinding joy as he mouthed, through full grin, "Michael". All the anxiety I had had now fled with the beam from his face.
The faces that I remembered, and that remembered me, only increased as the day progressed. And it felt like a long awaited homecoming.
Then it was time to leave. What felt like only a momentary meeting was now over; but not to worry my little orphans, I'll see you tomorrow.
-Michael
Dear friends and family,
I have arrived safely in Nairobi, Kenya and am so thrilled to return here again.
This morning we went to church at the orphanage. I was so excited to see all of the familiar faces. The children remembered me by name and it took everything in me not to break down with tears of joy. Everyone looked so healthy and their smiles were even larger than I had remembered. I couldn't help but scan the crowd for my little friend Regina, but she was no where to be found. I asked the school teacher where she was and I found out that she was moved to a different orphanage. Regina and another little girl with AIDS were taken to a special medical orphanage. I will miss her, but know that her life is still in the Lord's hands.
The church service was very encouraging. I love getting to sing hymns and here the Bible read in Kiswahili. There is something really special about getting to praise God in different languages. I think this morning at church is a little glimpse of what heaven will be like.
Tomorrow we will begin our daily routine of visiting the orphanage. Today, we are still recovering from Jet-lag. I hope to send weekly email updates. I value your prayers above all!
Many blessings and Bwana Asifiwe (Praise the Lord!)
~Becky
It was quick; it was slow; it was perfect.
Today my biggest worry was that they wouldn't remember me. But all that vanished when we got to Baptist Children's Centre (BCC) for church. We walked into Sunday school this morning and right away I was Hillum (my main man from the December trip)... and Hillum saw me. I watched with almost blinding joy as he mouthed, through full grin, "Michael". All the anxiety I had had now fled with the beam from his face.
The faces that I remembered, and that remembered me, only increased as the day progressed. And it felt like a long awaited homecoming.
Then it was time to leave. What felt like only a momentary meeting was now over; but not to worry my little orphans, I'll see you tomorrow.
-Michael
Dear friends and family,
I have arrived safely in Nairobi, Kenya and am so thrilled to return here again.
This morning we went to church at the orphanage. I was so excited to see all of the familiar faces. The children remembered me by name and it took everything in me not to break down with tears of joy. Everyone looked so healthy and their smiles were even larger than I had remembered. I couldn't help but scan the crowd for my little friend Regina, but she was no where to be found. I asked the school teacher where she was and I found out that she was moved to a different orphanage. Regina and another little girl with AIDS were taken to a special medical orphanage. I will miss her, but know that her life is still in the Lord's hands.
The church service was very encouraging. I love getting to sing hymns and here the Bible read in Kiswahili. There is something really special about getting to praise God in different languages. I think this morning at church is a little glimpse of what heaven will be like.
Tomorrow we will begin our daily routine of visiting the orphanage. Today, we are still recovering from Jet-lag. I hope to send weekly email updates. I value your prayers above all!
Many blessings and Bwana Asifiwe (Praise the Lord!)
~Becky
Monday, July 10, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week One
Hola! Estamos en Guatemala! The Guatemalan team of interns safely arrived in Guatemala City Friday night. We are staying in the Buckner House in Guatemala City this week. One of the pictures is from the roof of the Buckner House. What an amazing view to wake up to each day!
Yesterday, we went to the Buckner Baby Home. This orphanage is a new baby home that is completely ran by Buckner staff. There are currently three children living there. Below you will see two pictures of the kids from the Baby Home. The interns were so excited to spend some time loving on those precious kids.
This morning, we went to church at La Verdad ("The Truth"). It was my first experience at an all Spanish church. It is so amazing to reflect on the fact that the God that we worship in English is the exact same God that we worshipped in Spanish this morning (as well as the same God that other interns are worshipping in Kenya, Russia, and Romania!!!). I think that sometimes it's so easy to put God in a "box" and minimize who He really is. However, God doesn't even recognize the language difference, because He looks at our heart. What a big God!
We met Bellcroft Church from Maryland this morning. We will be teaming up with Bellcroft Church this week while we do Bible School at San Gabriel Boys' Home. Here's a little background about some of the boys from San Gabriel. Several of the boys came from Elisa Martinez Boys' Home which was recently closed. As you can imagine, this was a very hard transition for those boys. There are many boys there that are sad and have broken hearts. It is truly Divine appointment that we planned many months ago to go to San Gabriel this week. It is our prayer that the boys' hearts will be open and excited to hear the Word of God. We have a BIG surprise for the boys on Thursday! More details on the next blog . . . :)
~Sheena
Yesterday, we went to the Buckner Baby Home. This orphanage is a new baby home that is completely ran by Buckner staff. There are currently three children living there. Below you will see two pictures of the kids from the Baby Home. The interns were so excited to spend some time loving on those precious kids.
This morning, we went to church at La Verdad ("The Truth"). It was my first experience at an all Spanish church. It is so amazing to reflect on the fact that the God that we worship in English is the exact same God that we worshipped in Spanish this morning (as well as the same God that other interns are worshipping in Kenya, Russia, and Romania!!!). I think that sometimes it's so easy to put God in a "box" and minimize who He really is. However, God doesn't even recognize the language difference, because He looks at our heart. What a big God!
We met Bellcroft Church from Maryland this morning. We will be teaming up with Bellcroft Church this week while we do Bible School at San Gabriel Boys' Home. Here's a little background about some of the boys from San Gabriel. Several of the boys came from Elisa Martinez Boys' Home which was recently closed. As you can imagine, this was a very hard transition for those boys. There are many boys there that are sad and have broken hearts. It is truly Divine appointment that we planned many months ago to go to San Gabriel this week. It is our prayer that the boys' hearts will be open and excited to hear the Word of God. We have a BIG surprise for the boys on Thursday! More details on the next blog . . . :)
~Sheena
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Buna from Romania! Week Four
We're in Budapest!! This city is amazing. We've spent our whole last day here taking pictures and trying to cram in all the culture and beauty that we can. We took a bus tour in the morning (to figure out how to get to all the places we wanted to go back to), took a boat tour midday (included in the bus tour price), took several metro rides to get to a museum that closed five minutes before we got there, visited the sweet zoo, shopped like crazy people, and managed to find time for food here and there.
It's strange to think that just two days ago we were spending all of our time with the kids. (These last three days we were at a great group home with only nine kids - wonderful!) I don't think it's really hit us yet that we probably won't ever see those kids again. I'm not even sure it's registered for me that I'll be seeing my family so soon.
I never really know how to handle ending these kinds of short-term trips. It doesn't feel right to just go back to living the life I had before all of this, but I know that dwelling on the past and longing for it will accomplish nothing. The hardest yet most important thing that should be done is to continue praying fervently. Yes, we've all been praying while we're there, and even before we came, but after we get back into our routines? after we push these memories to the backs of our minds? Paul constantly urged the early Church to pray for one another, present all kinds of requests to God, be united in prayer (even when distance is an obstacle). What a challenge! Please continue praying year-round for all of the work being done by Buckner's in-country staff (Anca, Dacian, Cristina, Ioana, and others). And pray for the children - that they will come to know our Father and stand firm in their faith through the many obstacles that come their way.
In Doamne's hand,
Sara
It's strange to think that just two days ago we were spending all of our time with the kids. (These last three days we were at a great group home with only nine kids - wonderful!) I don't think it's really hit us yet that we probably won't ever see those kids again. I'm not even sure it's registered for me that I'll be seeing my family so soon.
I never really know how to handle ending these kinds of short-term trips. It doesn't feel right to just go back to living the life I had before all of this, but I know that dwelling on the past and longing for it will accomplish nothing. The hardest yet most important thing that should be done is to continue praying fervently. Yes, we've all been praying while we're there, and even before we came, but after we get back into our routines? after we push these memories to the backs of our minds? Paul constantly urged the early Church to pray for one another, present all kinds of requests to God, be united in prayer (even when distance is an obstacle). What a challenge! Please continue praying year-round for all of the work being done by Buckner's in-country staff (Anca, Dacian, Cristina, Ioana, and others). And pray for the children - that they will come to know our Father and stand firm in their faith through the many obstacles that come their way.
In Doamne's hand,
Sara
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Chau from Latvia! Week Four
It was so hard leaving Tervete last week, but God has really blessed our team. This week was such an amazing week. First, we returned to the Jelgava orphanage where we started out, so it felt good to see all of the familiar faces. We really missed the kids there. We also got to experience a lot of Latvian cultural traditions because we celebrated a holiday called Janis. We went camping with the Jelgava Baptist church Friday and Saturday. There was singing, games, a talent show, a fashion show, lots of food, bible studies and history lessons, a scavenger hunt, a bon fire, and some other fun traditions. We stayed up until 6 a.m. the next morning!
God really revealed himself to us during this celebration because we arrived only knowing about three people, but we felt like they were family almost immediately. Love really is a universal language! Thank you once again for all of your prayers. It becomes more and more evident everyday how God is working through us to pursue and fight for his children.
I want to share a letter with you from one of the girls at the orphanage that we have developed an intimate friendship with. She has been hanging out in our room a lot and has gone to church with us twice.
"Dear Summer, That was unique to hang out with you! Thanks for praying over me. I am praying for you too. You are so sweet and I am crazy in love with you! I especially enjoyed the nights when we would get some bible stories. That was really good for me. I love them. I have been devoting everything to God especially in these two weeks. I love Him with all one's might and heart! . . . I especially enjoyed the night we did hair and nails and then in church . . . I love you very much . . .”
We have been covering this place with prayer and God's word. These kids have nobody to fight for them, so we must! Thanks, see you soon!
Summer Shaw
God really revealed himself to us during this celebration because we arrived only knowing about three people, but we felt like they were family almost immediately. Love really is a universal language! Thank you once again for all of your prayers. It becomes more and more evident everyday how God is working through us to pursue and fight for his children.
I want to share a letter with you from one of the girls at the orphanage that we have developed an intimate friendship with. She has been hanging out in our room a lot and has gone to church with us twice.
"Dear Summer, That was unique to hang out with you! Thanks for praying over me. I am praying for you too. You are so sweet and I am crazy in love with you! I especially enjoyed the nights when we would get some bible stories. That was really good for me. I love them. I have been devoting everything to God especially in these two weeks. I love Him with all one's might and heart! . . . I especially enjoyed the night we did hair and nails and then in church . . . I love you very much . . .”
We have been covering this place with prayer and God's word. These kids have nobody to fight for them, so we must! Thanks, see you soon!
Summer Shaw
Monday, June 26, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week Four
This past week has been hard but so good. We spent the majority of our time at Elisa Martinez boys' orphanage. If I had to sum up this week in as few words as possible, I would say "heart change." It was incredible seeing the interns' change of heart as the week progressed. After hanging out with the boys on Sunday, most were worried about really being able to connect with them in the coming days and about the anger they showed towards each other. By the end of the week we didn't even want to leave the boys that we had gotten to know so well, and the boys didn't seem to be fighting as much.
Here's a sweet picture of how God has been moving at Elisa Martinez: A boy named Lester got to leave the orphanage and go home at the end of the week. Despite how awesome that was, he told one of the translators that this had been the best week of his life because he accepted Christ as his Savior! Yay!!!
A lot of things broke my heart this week too. One day my group took prayer requests with the boys, and a little guy named Mario asked us to pray that his dad would miss him. I loved being at the boys' home, and I'm excited that we will get to go back there for an afternoon next week. For our last week here, we'll be at Manchen girls' orphanage with Park Cities Baptist Church.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Buna from Romania! Week Three
Last week, Jamie and Hannah both recuperated very quickly, so they were able to go to Leaganul (the baby orphanage) on Thursday and Friday. Some of the babies and toddlers there are quite healthy, and we were able to play with them and take them on walks - so much fun!
This week began a more straining schedule for us - traveling over an hour to and from the orphanages, working with two different groups a day. We were so excited about this new schedule though, because we had been feeling like we could be doing more with our time. Our focus this week (and for the rest of the trip) will be on teenage girls, leading discussions on various aspects of temptation. It requires much more preparation time than planning Bible stories, crafts, songs, and games, but I am so excited about it! Discussing this topic with them opens up a lot of other doors to share the roots of our faith. We also realize that there are a lot of temptations that these girls face every day in orphanage life, that they may not know how to handle.
Our fourth member of the team, Kelsey, will be joining us on Thursday night. We are so excited about meeting her! I'm sure that she will add a lot to our team and our ministry.
Please keep praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us in everything we do - it is then that the love Christ has for these girls can be truly reflected in us.
So much more to say, so little internet time to say it! :)
In Doamne's hand,
Sara
This week began a more straining schedule for us - traveling over an hour to and from the orphanages, working with two different groups a day. We were so excited about this new schedule though, because we had been feeling like we could be doing more with our time. Our focus this week (and for the rest of the trip) will be on teenage girls, leading discussions on various aspects of temptation. It requires much more preparation time than planning Bible stories, crafts, songs, and games, but I am so excited about it! Discussing this topic with them opens up a lot of other doors to share the roots of our faith. We also realize that there are a lot of temptations that these girls face every day in orphanage life, that they may not know how to handle.
Our fourth member of the team, Kelsey, will be joining us on Thursday night. We are so excited about meeting her! I'm sure that she will add a lot to our team and our ministry.
Please keep praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us in everything we do - it is then that the love Christ has for these girls can be truly reflected in us.
So much more to say, so little internet time to say it! :)
In Doamne's hand,
Sara
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Chau from Latvia! Week Three
We joined the Tate Springs team from Dallas in Tervete this past week. The kids there were so amazing and loving. We absolutely fell in love with all of them, and it is obvious God is at work there. We really learned the meaning of God's grace. I just want to give you a taste of their sweet spirits.
One boy, Edmunds, didn't come around until about mid-week, but he wrote me this note. "Hi Vasara (Summer), I was very happy that you came to us and gave us your love. Every evening you just hugged us and taught us something new. Thank you for just loving us, and I am very happy that you were honest with us. The best thing was that we could pray to God together. Don't worry be happy."
Also, a 15 year old boy named Janis really got attached to me and Jon. We got to go upstairs at night and tuck the kids in bed, sing them songs, and tell them bedtime stories. Janis decided to tell us a story last night. He said, "There was a boy named Janis who met a girl named Summer and a guy named Jon. They moved to America and lived in a big summer house with lots of food and a pool in the backyard."
God really broke our hearts for these kids. It was so hard to leave. I want to ask you to pray for one of the boys. His name is Andris and he is 17. He held on so tight to Jon and just kept telling us that he would miss us so much and would not be there next year. He has to leave the orphanage that he has lived in for 8 years. Just pray that God will give him hope and protection.
In His Grip,
Summer Shaw
One boy, Edmunds, didn't come around until about mid-week, but he wrote me this note. "Hi Vasara (Summer), I was very happy that you came to us and gave us your love. Every evening you just hugged us and taught us something new. Thank you for just loving us, and I am very happy that you were honest with us. The best thing was that we could pray to God together. Don't worry be happy."
Also, a 15 year old boy named Janis really got attached to me and Jon. We got to go upstairs at night and tuck the kids in bed, sing them songs, and tell them bedtime stories. Janis decided to tell us a story last night. He said, "There was a boy named Janis who met a girl named Summer and a guy named Jon. They moved to America and lived in a big summer house with lots of food and a pool in the backyard."
God really broke our hearts for these kids. It was so hard to leave. I want to ask you to pray for one of the boys. His name is Andris and he is 17. He held on so tight to Jon and just kept telling us that he would miss us so much and would not be there next year. He has to leave the orphanage that he has lived in for 8 years. Just pray that God will give him hope and protection.
In His Grip,
Summer Shaw
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Jambo from Kenya! Week Three
Today we have worshiped for the second time with the BCC church and congregation. As usual, it is a lively experience. There is lots of singing, dancing, and laughter throughout the service. Everyone-visitor or member is treated as family once they walk through the door. I imagine that heaven will be the same way in a more glorified manner. In Africa, God's presence seems so much more available-not that He never isn't. But I guess here, we're not afforded the distractions of cell phones, internet, busyness, work, etc. to cause us to miss the sweet communion with our Lord and Savior. You can't help but to slow down and take the time to just breathe Him in! Thank the Lord that here in Kenya our brothers and sisters know how to relax and take it easy! Anything and everything that needs to get done will, so what's the hurry? I realize I have a long way to go to slow down, but I do strive to simplify my life while making sure the things I do have meaning. Anyway, today I did sing a song called Perfect Praise in front of the whole church. Talk about SCARY! But I said, "Lord, You did not give me the spirit of fear-so here goes! I hope you enjoy!" That was the greatest feeling-to sing and give back to them a song, as they have given so many beautiful ones to us while we've been here. Plus, I'm all about stepping out of my comfot zones-makes life much more exciting to see what God will do! They enjoyed the song-so that was good! God is my AWESOME FATHER and I love Him so much! Psalm 8:1
Your Sister! k
Your Sister! k
Monday, June 19, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week Three
I can't believe we're halfway done with our trip already. This week we haven't had a church team here so the schedule has been very different. We spent one morning at a community home, and the kids there were hilarious. They love to dance, and it made me happy to see the joy in their faces as these preschoolers danced and did cartwheels to Spanish pop music.
Each afternoon a small group of girls from the transitional home (ages 14-18) came to our Buckner casa, and we got to read through Scripture together and discuss the topic of temptation. It was awesome getting to pray with them and get to know the girls.
We spent a couple of mornings painting the outside walls of Buckner's new baby home.
On Thursday afternoon the interns got to surprise the girls at Manchen. We stopped by and brought them lunch from Pollo Campero which was a big treat to them. It was awesome seeing their faces again and a blessing to see their excitement.
On Friday morning we left at 6 a.m. to hike up a volcano in Antigua called Pacaya. It was an amazing experience, and God's creation is incredible. We got within feet of lava, saw breathtaking views, and got a good workout hiking up.
Northpark Church from Abilene, TX arrived late Thursday evening so we're starting to get to know them. We went with them to Manchen on Friday and also spent today with Northpark Church, Celeste, Susy, and Gabbi from the transitional home. Next week we'll be at a boys' orphanage called Elisa Martinez.
It's amazing being here in Guatemala. The people are precious. So many different emotions flood me each day- so much joy overwhelms me when I see familiar faces at Manchen; there's so much heartache when I hear some of the orphans' pasts; so much encouragement from listening to and just getting to watch other interns with the kids; so much awe when I see all that God has done and is doing here. Thanks for praying for us.
~ Holli
Each afternoon a small group of girls from the transitional home (ages 14-18) came to our Buckner casa, and we got to read through Scripture together and discuss the topic of temptation. It was awesome getting to pray with them and get to know the girls.
We spent a couple of mornings painting the outside walls of Buckner's new baby home.
On Thursday afternoon the interns got to surprise the girls at Manchen. We stopped by and brought them lunch from Pollo Campero which was a big treat to them. It was awesome seeing their faces again and a blessing to see their excitement.
On Friday morning we left at 6 a.m. to hike up a volcano in Antigua called Pacaya. It was an amazing experience, and God's creation is incredible. We got within feet of lava, saw breathtaking views, and got a good workout hiking up.
Northpark Church from Abilene, TX arrived late Thursday evening so we're starting to get to know them. We went with them to Manchen on Friday and also spent today with Northpark Church, Celeste, Susy, and Gabbi from the transitional home. Next week we'll be at a boys' orphanage called Elisa Martinez.
It's amazing being here in Guatemala. The people are precious. So many different emotions flood me each day- so much joy overwhelms me when I see familiar faces at Manchen; there's so much heartache when I hear some of the orphans' pasts; so much encouragement from listening to and just getting to watch other interns with the kids; so much awe when I see all that God has done and is doing here. Thanks for praying for us.
~ Holli
Friday, June 16, 2006
Zdravstvuyte from Russia! Week Two
TEARS -- Today was our last day in our first orphanage (Volkhov, Russia). The littlest kids acted out a fairy tale for us and little Sasha (he’s four) was in it. He was adorable. He played a dog so he had a little tail sewn to his pants. I stayed with the little kids for a little bit and helped them get dressed to go outside. I took a few kids to the sandbox once they were dressed and we pretty much stayed outside the rest of our time there. When it was time to go get all of my stuff together to leave, I did just fine. I went back outside with all of my stuff and some of the group was starting to say goodbye. I held it together pretty good even seeing some of the girls crying. We started walking down the path toward the street to catch the bus and ALL the kids started following us and coming with us to the bus stop. It was horrible. Everyone was crying. I finally had to struggle to hold back the tears when all the babies started yelling Dasvedanya (goodbye) from the sandbox. Knowing that I will never see little Sasha again and knowing that he doesn’t understand why we’re leaving and that we’re not coming back, breaks my heart. At this point I was miserable. But me being my usual self, I wouldn’t allow myself to cry. The caregivers and director thanked us so much for all we had done for their kids. It was really sad to leave.
Earlier today I pulled aside Peter and Andrei (two of the greatest kids in the world) and had Yan (our translator) talk with them. I love those boys so much and they have so much potential. I love them both.
The worst part of leaving was leaving Peter and Andrei. As we went across the street to the bus stop, I couldn’t bring myself to look at them. I felt so sorry, as if I had failed them in some way and knowing that everyone in their lives has walked out on them. I had so many tears that wanted to come out, but I just would not let myself cry. I just didn’t know what to do with my emotions.
The girls in our group were crying today, some more than others. But seeing the Russian kids cry so much is what broke me. Even some of the little boys were crying. One little boy yelled at his leader, “Can’t you take me with you?” Another little boy, who was so tiny and only six, had bonded so much with one of our girls. He was crying so hard. His caregiver had to hold him in front of her with her arms wrapped around him in comfort so that he wouldn’t come after us.
As our bus drove away some of the younger kids started to chase after us from the side of the road, yelling and waving goodbye. My tears filled up my eyes, but I only let a few fall.
It is only now that I am able to fully release all my emotions. As I am writing this, alone in the dark in my bed, that I cry out to God for comfort!
~Amanda
Earlier today I pulled aside Peter and Andrei (two of the greatest kids in the world) and had Yan (our translator) talk with them. I love those boys so much and they have so much potential. I love them both.
The worst part of leaving was leaving Peter and Andrei. As we went across the street to the bus stop, I couldn’t bring myself to look at them. I felt so sorry, as if I had failed them in some way and knowing that everyone in their lives has walked out on them. I had so many tears that wanted to come out, but I just would not let myself cry. I just didn’t know what to do with my emotions.
The girls in our group were crying today, some more than others. But seeing the Russian kids cry so much is what broke me. Even some of the little boys were crying. One little boy yelled at his leader, “Can’t you take me with you?” Another little boy, who was so tiny and only six, had bonded so much with one of our girls. He was crying so hard. His caregiver had to hold him in front of her with her arms wrapped around him in comfort so that he wouldn’t come after us.
As our bus drove away some of the younger kids started to chase after us from the side of the road, yelling and waving goodbye. My tears filled up my eyes, but I only let a few fall.
It is only now that I am able to fully release all my emotions. As I am writing this, alone in the dark in my bed, that I cry out to God for comfort!
~Amanda
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Buna from Romania! Week Two
Both of my girls - Jamie and Hannah - are still sick, and I've been showing the same early symptoms for about three days that they did when we first arrived here. We went to the doctor yesterday, and he told us to just keep taking the medicine we'd already started. Please continue to pray for our healing - it can be frustrating to be kept from the work we came to do, especially when our time is so limited here.
Thankfully though, this week we were scheduled to go to a baby orphanage, so it's not like we'll be disappointing children who were looking forward to our coming. I may be able to go later in the week with Anca - one of Buckner's full-time staff here - but it's looking like Hannah and Jamie will need the whole week to recuperate.
Hannah and I were well enough to go to church on Sunday morning, and it was amazing. Our interpreters helped us out on one of the sermons (there were three, though I think the first two were more like devotionals/short scripture readings), and it was so good. I don't know if the pastor knew we were coming, but one of the passages of scripture he used in one of the first devotional times was Psalm 19. The first four verses are what stood out to me: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." I have no idea what he talked about concerning this passage, but when reading along, my eyes were caught on this first part. I've been in such awe of the beauty that surrounds us here, and we've all talked about how God is so evident in His creation. Though we may not be able to communicate (in words) to the people here the glory of God, the whole earth is constantly declaring His awesomeness - in every language!
In Doamne's hand,
Sara
Thankfully though, this week we were scheduled to go to a baby orphanage, so it's not like we'll be disappointing children who were looking forward to our coming. I may be able to go later in the week with Anca - one of Buckner's full-time staff here - but it's looking like Hannah and Jamie will need the whole week to recuperate.
Hannah and I were well enough to go to church on Sunday morning, and it was amazing. Our interpreters helped us out on one of the sermons (there were three, though I think the first two were more like devotionals/short scripture readings), and it was so good. I don't know if the pastor knew we were coming, but one of the passages of scripture he used in one of the first devotional times was Psalm 19. The first four verses are what stood out to me: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." I have no idea what he talked about concerning this passage, but when reading along, my eyes were caught on this first part. I've been in such awe of the beauty that surrounds us here, and we've all talked about how God is so evident in His creation. Though we may not be able to communicate (in words) to the people here the glory of God, the whole earth is constantly declaring His awesomeness - in every language!
In Doamne's hand,
Sara
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Chau from Latvia! Week Two
This week has been very busy for us here in Latvia. We have had VBS every morning, play time in the afternoon and planning at night. The kids keep us out until around 8 p.m. every night because it doesn't get dark until around 11 p.m. It has been so much fun! We have had a great time being creative and silly with the Bible stories. When we told the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan we made new words for three popular American songs: "I Love Rock and Roll," "Complicated” (Avril Lavigne), and "Rolling on the River” (Tina Turner). The kids loved it, and we even got to perform again at the youth service at the church that night. We have really connected with some of the kids, too. One girl in particular, Lola, joined us for our nightly devotional the other night. I stayed up talking with her until 2:30 a.m. She is a Christian and was just telling me what a blessing we have been in her life. She writes us little notes everyday telling us how much she loves us. There is no doubt God is moving in this place. Thank you for all of your prayers and love.
In His Grip,
Latvian Team
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Jambo from Kenya! Week Two
This has been a good week! I was having difficulty deciding what to write about. Should I write about the fact that the three of us are learning the words to Dolly Parton's songs all the way in Africa, since our driver listens to her tape as we ride? Should I write about the many young children who run alongside the truck waving as we ride to the orphanage shouting greetings of "How are you? How are you?" Or should I write about the jokes our Kenya team leader gives us in the morning? For example, one of his jokes was, "Why was Eve never thirsty while she was in the Garden of Eden?" Being a DTS student, I was thinking all theologically and stuff -- bottom line, none of us came up with the answer! But for wondering minds, the answer to the riddle was, "Eve never became thirsty in the Garden of Eden, because she had A-dam!" Get it! A-dam/Adam! Talk about corny! It was fun! Lastly, I was wondering if I should write about how friendly and hospitable the people here are! We have so many invitations to other people’s houses for Sunday dinner and tea! We'll be there! This is my kind of country -- food and fellowship all the time! Well, that will be all for now! We will be seeing you soon!
~ Kanika
~ Kanika
Monday, June 12, 2006
Hola from Guatemala! Week Two
This week has been spent in fellowship with Northside Baptist Church. We helped them with VBS and carnivals they planned for the orphanages, went with them to meet the First Lady of Guatemala, explored the city, shopped and ate meals together. It's hard to sum up this week in a few words, but the times my heart has felt most alive were definitely when we were with the orphans. I got to work with the special needs group at Manchen girls’ orphanage in Antigua for a few days, and those girls are so loving. They latch onto you as soon as you walk in the door. Giving hugs, holding hands, playing with their hair, dancing, hearing them sing, holding them when their feelings got hurt, getting to know them, laughing, and just sitting beside them are times that I will never forget. I've loved little moments: jumping around laughing so hard and yelling "pizza" with a girl named Maria as we waited for dinner (one of the few times we understood what the other was saying); when a sweet girl that can't speak named Ruth brushed my hair out of my eyes; when a tough girl named Elena smiled while I scratched her back and then started scratching mine; seeing how excited the special needs girls got as they dressed up in costumes for Bible story time; and watching the other interns love on the kids with all they have. On Thursday we went to a boys' orphanage, and seeing the conditions they live in each day hurt my heart. Despite the surroundings, God blessed me so much there. I met a boy named Eduardo, and he spent time trying to teach me Spanish words. He was so patient with me as I butchered pronunciations. Next week will be much different – we don't have a church team coming in, so we'll be spending time building relationships and leading Bible studies at the transitional girls' home. Thanks for all of your prayers, and we have an awesome God.
~ Holli
~ Holli
Friday, June 09, 2006
Zdravstvuyte from Russia!
Well, it’s been a crazy couple of days here in St. Petersburg! Within the first few hours of being in the country, one of our guys, Eric, busted his head open. Our translator, Lyena, and I took Eric to the clinic to get it looked over. I went back into the exam room with him and when the doctors came in, they wanted to know exactly how he did this to his head. After trying to explain that he hit his head on the skylight in the ceiling, they started laughing at him. I think something got lost in translation. Needless to say, it was an interesting experience and Eric ended up with four stitches. He’s doing fine and gets them taken out in a week, but it sure made for an interesting first day. Today will be our first day at an orphanage. I think everyone is a little nervous of the unknown, but really excited. Our group has been working together really well and I know things are going to be great today.
Yesterday morning I woke up for church and looked out the window to see a huge cruise ship sitting across the street! Someone had said that some ships dock around here, but I wasn’t expecting something that large to be outside my window! We are staying on Lieutenant Schmidt Street and across the street is the Neva River. There are many ships and boats of all sizes that dock along our street. We continually see Russian sailors walking around and men that work on the different kinds of boats.
Our first days in Russia have been very exciting. We can’t wait to spend time with the kids and get to love on them for a week.
~ Amanda
Yesterday morning I woke up for church and looked out the window to see a huge cruise ship sitting across the street! Someone had said that some ships dock around here, but I wasn’t expecting something that large to be outside my window! We are staying on Lieutenant Schmidt Street and across the street is the Neva River. There are many ships and boats of all sizes that dock along our street. We continually see Russian sailors walking around and men that work on the different kinds of boats.
Our first days in Russia have been very exciting. We can’t wait to spend time with the kids and get to love on them for a week.
~ Amanda
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Buna from Romania!
I keep trying to come up with a clever first line, but it's just not coming to me. Oh well. Things are going wonderfully here; we definitely feel and see your prayers being answered from across the world!
In the mornings this week we've been working with children in a day center - a school for children from impoverished families who can't afford to send their children to regular school - and it is so encouraging. These children were very attentive, even during the Bible stories(which are where we tend to lose most kids in VBS). I really appreciated getting to see how the government is funding such a great program. Please pray for continued support, and the growth of this program and others like it. It's a good start, but they are always in need of things.
In the afternoons, we've been going to group homes - homes for special needs children. The "parents" that care of these kids do it in 8-hour shifts, so there's always someone awake to care for them. There are 12 kids in each home, so I'm sure it's a very tiring job. Please pray for those who are so willing to care for these children, whose deficiencies range from blindness to Downs Syndrome to severe physical/mental handicaps. Thank the Lord that they are so obedient in God's call for us to care for "the least of these."
Other things to be praying about - our team only has three people, and both of my girls have been a bit under the weather almost since we arrived. I know it's very difficult trying to adjust to a completely different environment, even when you're feeling just fine! So I know it's been tough on them. Please pray for their healing and rejuvenation. And it's been pretty cold and rainy all week, so prayers for warmer, sunnier weather would not be unwanted! :)
I know this was a long first post - multumesc (thanks) for all of the prayers!
In His hand,
Sara
In the mornings this week we've been working with children in a day center - a school for children from impoverished families who can't afford to send their children to regular school - and it is so encouraging. These children were very attentive, even during the Bible stories(which are where we tend to lose most kids in VBS). I really appreciated getting to see how the government is funding such a great program. Please pray for continued support, and the growth of this program and others like it. It's a good start, but they are always in need of things.
In the afternoons, we've been going to group homes - homes for special needs children. The "parents" that care of these kids do it in 8-hour shifts, so there's always someone awake to care for them. There are 12 kids in each home, so I'm sure it's a very tiring job. Please pray for those who are so willing to care for these children, whose deficiencies range from blindness to Downs Syndrome to severe physical/mental handicaps. Thank the Lord that they are so obedient in God's call for us to care for "the least of these."
Other things to be praying about - our team only has three people, and both of my girls have been a bit under the weather almost since we arrived. I know it's very difficult trying to adjust to a completely different environment, even when you're feeling just fine! So I know it's been tough on them. Please pray for their healing and rejuvenation. And it's been pretty cold and rainy all week, so prayers for warmer, sunnier weather would not be unwanted! :)
I know this was a long first post - multumesc (thanks) for all of the prayers!
In His hand,
Sara
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Chau from Latvia!
We all arrived safely here in Latvia on Saturday. The trip went smoothly, and we had a warm welcome. We got settled into the orphanage in Jelgava on Saturday and started planning right away. The food is good and everyone is really nice. We have learned some basic words like chau (hello), ludzu (you’re welcome), and paldies (thank you). On Sunday, we attended a Latvian church service and sang some of our favorite songs in their language like “Amazing Grace” and “Open the Eyes of my Heart.” After the church service, we played all day outside with the kids. We loved it! We played our first real football (soccer) game. The kids enjoyed teaching us their games, helping us learn some Latvian words and showing us around the orphanage. It has been amazing so far, and we look forward to all God has planned for us here. The first day of VBS was today, and it was a little crazy but was fun. They really loved the balloons and the singing. We appreciate all of your prayers. Please keep praying for our strength and for God's message to reach the children's hearts.
In His Grip,
Summer Shaw
In His Grip,
Summer Shaw
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Jambo from Kenya!
Before leaving Dallas my mind was already fried! I was thinking about those things I wish I could have taken, should have taken, who I needed to call to tell them I was leaving, etc., etc, as was the case even when the three of us - Ande, Brooke and I arrived in Chicago. On top of that my backpack was weighing me down and my carry-on was "carrying me up a wall" since it was so heavy too! However, the Lord provided some peace for us momentarily as we walked around Chicago's airport waiting to connect to London. There in the midst of the sea of people from all over the world stood the most melodious group singing some good old-fashioned gospel music! It reminded me of the home that none of us will be seeing for a month. We just had to stop and listen! Their singing, joy and love for the Lord were obvious as others began crowding around them with us. I sang along and temporarily the physical weight of my bags left me and the joy of the Lord renewed my strength! Hallelujah! I don't know the name of the group, but I will always remember how they encouraged me that day and made moving a little bit easier.
~ Kanika
~ Kanika
Monday, June 05, 2006
Hola from Guatemala!
Hola! Our team arrived safely in Guatemala Friday night after a fun, turbulent flight. We ate McDonald's for dinner, and I got to order in Spanish for the first time in my life. We're starting to get settled into the Buckner home where all of us interns will be staying for the next month, and I'm so excited to get to know all of these amazing people's hearts. Today we met the Northside Baptist Church team from Atlanta that we'll be working with for the rest of the week. It was encouraging getting to hang out and visit with them for a little while. We went with the church team to the girl's transitional home. Going there was a blessing but also overwhelming. It was such a blessing listening to the church team encourage and pray over the girls, and I loved how much joy and humility fills those girls' hearts. The girls at the transitional home gave us a tour of where they live. I felt overwhelmed because my Spanish speaking abilities are lacking, but I know that God is so much bigger than language barriers, and I can't wait to continue forming relationships with these girls. While we were there, the girls and interns played "pato, pato, gonso" (duck, duck, goose), card games, danced, talked, and laughed together. I'm so thankful that we arrived here safely and that God is already stretching us so early into the trip.
~ Holli
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