The New Direction

We have gotten some news on our upcoming trip to Russia, in June. Originally, we were hoping to visit our orphanage, and stay there for the duration of the trip. However, because of some recent events and government restrictions, we will not be able to go to our orphanage.

I think the thing I was having the most trouble with all of this is that it completely breaks my heart. It really does. Our team was SO looking forward to getting to see our kids, and spend some time with them. BUT I know who is in control. I was really struggling with the two... and I realized...

its ok. I can be both.

I can be completely heart broken over the situation. It means that God has broken my heart for these kids, and that He has given me a passion to love them. BUT I can also hope because ultimately, HE is the one who is in control.

__________________________________________

the new direction

Even though we did not get clearance to go to the orphanage, we still got permission to visit Ryazan and stay in the city.

In the city, Children's HopeChest sponsors a Ministry Center. This MC is a place where teens who graduate the orphanage can go to find refuge. They can watch TV, work on school work with the computers there, get dental assistance, counseling, etc. A majority of the kids who graduate orphanages are about 16 years old. I imagine myself at 16... being out in the city by myself, being faced with major life decisions.... ones that even now, being 23 I still haven't had to face.

The kids live in government housing... the statistics for girls to be sexually abused, raped, etc in the first few weeks of living there are through the roof. A lot of girls from orphanages that graduate end up in prostitution, or sex slavery. Just last week we heard a story from Children's HopeChest about a girl that started coming to their Ministry Center after being rescued from forced prostitution. Many of the boys fall into alcoholism, drugs, and even work for the mafia.

By any means, these teens have many hard decisions to make, and they need hope. A hope that we can bring them.

So... that is what we will be doing this summer. We're going to be working at the MC in Ryazan. We'll be hanging out with kids that have graduated from our orphanage, and hopefully meeting some new faces! We are so excited to get to spend time with these precious teens. Please be praying for our team as we continue to seek direction. Also, be praying for the kids we will come in contact with while we are there. We're also hoping to get to spend some time with some local churches, and encourage and fellowship with them!

We are still praying that we will be able to see the kids at our orphanage...

More updates to come!

Trip News

For those of you who did not know, our team has been waiting on one final "approval" from the minister of education for our trip to our orphanage in June. I got a phone call today - we did not get that approval. The Russian government put a "halt" on all recreational activities at Russian orphanages until the end of June. We could still be involved at the ministry center in the city, but not travel to the orphanage. If we are to travel to Russia in June, we would not be able to visit our orphanage. Not be able to see the sweet children that we are so longing to see. My heart is SO burdened for these kids, and I love them SO much... hearing word that we may not be able to see them just breaks my heart.

So what does this mean? We're not quite sure... we understand there a few scenarios that could take place, so we're praying for guidance and praying that God move in a big way to get us to see our kids.

#1) We have asked about moving the dates for our trip to July. In July, the kids will be at a 'camp' which is basically an orphanage that is in the woods. Russian orphans go to 'camp' during the summer to give the orphanage care givers and staff a vacation. So, the children will be at camp, which is about 2 hours outside of the city. We could stay in the city, work with the graduates at the ministry center, and maybe go and visit the kids at camp and still get to spend some time with them.

#2) To go in June for the dates we already have planned, and have bought plane tickets for and work with the graduates at the ministry center. My heart has been breaking for these teens who graduate the orphanage. Some of them graduate as early as 16 and are out on their own in the city, left to make 'adult decisions' at such a young age. These kids need support. They need role models. They need Jesus. Really.

AGAIN, MY GOD IS IN CONTROL!

As hard as it may be to get this news, and as much as my heart breaks, I know God has a plan for us... and for me. and for these sweet kids. I Know He is in control. This is, yet again, another opportunity for me to trust Him.

Pray with us that HE will mold and shape our next step, whatever it may be, and that HE would give us peace and guidance for the days to come. Pray that He will move in the hearts of the officials to allow us to come to Russia and visit these children, and pray that He would comfort our sweet kids during this time. Our whole team is SO excited to get to love on these orphans... and to grow closer in our relationship with Christ by doing so... we want to be used, and we want HIM to show us where, when, how, etc.

Right now, we will be waiting to hear from the minister of education about our request to come in July. Please be praying for these officials and that God would prompt them and lead...

In what seems to be chaos... and in a world that seems to be shaken. My God stands firm. My God is sovereign. My God is my rock.

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land . Psalm 95:1-5

And a sweet friend reminded me of this verse also...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philipians 4:6

The Words I Would Say...

Ok, so I don't listen to KSBJ that much, but recently I tuned in, and heard this song... I heard it a while back but never really listened to the lyrics. Of course, the first thing I thought while listening is that this is a perfect song for my sweet orphans in Russia... and I just broke down. The lyrics speak truth perfectly, and I only wish they could hear it right this moment.

Please take a look at the lyrics, and then when the Lord puts someone on your heart that needs to hear these words, don't be afraid to speak these truths into their life!

The Words I Would Say - Sidewalk Prophets

Three in the morning,

And I'm still awake,

So I picked up a pen and a page,

And I started writing,

Just what I'd say,

If we were face to face,

I'd tell you just what you mean to me,

I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,

You said you were hurting,

And I felt your pain in my heart,

I want to tell you,

That I keep on praying,

Love will find you where you are,

I know cause I've already been there,

So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,

I will say,

Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

Thank God for each day,

His love will find a way,

These are the words I would say

Here are a few faces of the sweet kids at Solotcha...