Twists and Turns

Our summer includes this young man...

...we think....

He is the third child that we committed to hosting this year.  Three boys from three countries.  Two are no longer coming, but that is good. Why?  They have homes.  And without the changes in direction, we wouldn't have found Leo.  Unless God has other plans, we will share our lives with him for at least a month.  I say it this way because the two other boys came before him - boys that we will not even meet most likely, this side of heaven.  There is no guarantee that he will come either, though I am hopeful! I am learning that the twists and turns of life are a part of the journey - not to be feared but to be relished.  

We spent a lot of time praying and talking and debating about who would fit our family.  We have some circumstances which would lead us away from, say, a girl right now.  Anyway, after ages it seems we settled on a very young boy from V's birth country - Latvia.  We are comfortable with that culture and language.  The age seemed right.  We completed paperwork and were on our way!

Then came the phone call...his previous family wanted to rehost.  Ummmm...well of course!  They already love him!  There was no question that we relinquish our plans for what is clearly best for him.  But that left us back at the start.  Hmmmm....

After more rounds of discussion and many connections with the hosting coordinators, the best fit was a slightly older boy from a different country.  A tad out of the old comfort zone for all of us.  We know many who have hosted or adopted from Ukraine, but it was a new path for us.  Okayyyyy, we can stretch.  Paperwork filled out again.  Funding begun.  Met S's previous host mom, who was thrilled to have him come.  She was so helpful, as they couldn't rehost but wanted him to have a family.  Excitement building!  Phone call!!!  Same wonderful friend who called with the news about our first boy...  Maybe I shouldn't answer????  Just kidding, but the thought went through my mind!  Yep, this boy couldn't come.  He now has a family in his home country.  Well, that is the goal - a family!  So maybe we don't host this time?  There are many children left who wouldn't work out in our home.  Maybe the funds we raised can help them come to someone who just needs finances.  So, S's money was sent out to two beautiful girls who are now coming to someone else for the summer - love that!

Just to keep track on this winding road - there are now 4 children placed in homes for the summer, but none are with us!  

As the final hosting deadline looms, my hubby mentions a child on the China program who would be a sweet addition.  I will be honest - this was the biggest stretch for me.  You see I fear this program.  FEAR!!  The reason?  We don't appear to qualify beyond hosting - and I fear that I will end up loving a child that I can't mother for life.  Hubby isn't sure that we can handle funding again from scratch with only a short time to bring the money together.  Soooooo, I sit in the corner of our comfy couch and pray.  Lord, if this is to be the next turn that we take on the path, we will need some help.  What do you think?

In less than two hours, $2,600 was made available for Leo.  Wow!!  That is humbling and crazy, at least for me.  Guess my fears about the China program can be put in the hands of He who makes all things possible too.  

As of this moment, Leo will come.  We could receive another call in 5 minutes. If I see "that" number again, I may hand the phone to Bryan!  Another twist or turn in the story.  Or not.  You see, I'm learning to love with abandon and not fear what "might" be ahead, what I MIGHT lose.  If I do, there is so much that I'll miss FOR SURE!!!  

I truly hope that Leo comes and that those qualifications become open doors for a future together.  But if they don't, I can live with knowing that we were willing.  I can trust God with Leo's life and ours.  What I can't live with is not following the signposts that say "this way" just because I don't know if pain is on that path.  The reality is that pain of one kind or another is on every path.  But so is beauty and joy and pleasure. 

I am looking forward to walking along this one with my family and friends - and some of you.

There are a few children who will need a back-up family to host them at the last minute when challenges arise.  Chaperones will need a place to stay for a week or more - no cost to you, just hospitality.  And there will be another host season this winter with many more children who are in need of blessing you.  Families are still fundraising for hosting fees or adoptions right now.  Many just need encouragement along their journeys.  If you know someone who is hosting or adopting, please be that for them.  It is a wonderful way to live, but can be discouraging at times.  I'm happy to share more information about any of the above if you are drawn toward one or more.  Just let me know through comment or email at pittcrew10@gmail.com.  (that is pittcrew followed by the numeral one, @gmail.com)

Hope remembers that perfect love casts out fear....

Traveling on,

Sue

Many small things with great love...add up to BIG things

Friends,

This morning my heart is overflowing - and coming right out my eyes!  Much is behind that, but one of the biggest sources is the lack of time remaining to find summer (and maybe longer) homes for children in greater need than I can express.

Just days remain for them.  I have no way to help them other than to bring them before everyone I know and plead on their behalf.  These 8 have especially touched me.  I'm praying for the following:

**One or more of my friends will step out in faith and commit to hosting this summer

**All 8 will be chosen!

**Ten friends (or more) will give to one or more of their scholarship funds to help someone else to bring the children home

**Ten friends will share to spread the need further than I can myself

Only God can cause these to occur, but He will use us...if we are willing.

I've seen what 5 college students can do in a matter of hours  to come alongside hurting kids.  What can hundreds of adults do in a few days???

So, here they are - will you be a part of changing these lives??

2 L284 $325 scholarship Andris is a funny guy per his orphanage director. He’s in 8th grade and likes math but doesn’t really like music. He speaks both Latvian and Russian. He was quite nervous during his interview and had trouble expanding on his answers but he gave lots of smiles. His director said he sometimes paces when he’s nervous but he is not aggressive, even when angry. Pizza is his favorite food but he’d prefer not to eat soup or anything with mushrooms. Basketball is his favorite sport, he also likes riding bikes. He desires to learn about American culture. He likes both dogs and cats and chose rock music as his favorite genre. He wishes to be a cook when he grows up and would like to help his host mother in the kitchen. When asked what he’d like to improve about himself he said he would like to be more courageous. He says he’d prefer to be playing basketball rather than using a computer. Andris is a very trustworthy young man and is trusted with the orphanage keys by his caregivers and has proven he is responsible! If given the choice he would like to be hosted a family with other teenagers, but also said if the family had elementary aged children he would be happy to play with them as well. Andris would be an excellent addition to any family!! Would you give this trustworthy young man a chance?

2 L232 $400 Scholarship a/b Inese and Zanna- are cute sisters and Inese was rather shy at first but warmed up quickly! She enjoys singing, dancing and loves animals. She would like to see the ocean and her favorite color is red. If she was allowed to choose the colors for her own room, it would be red, pink, green and white and it would also have a family photo! ☺ The team feels like she would do well in any family. Zanna is the younger of the two and enjoys music, sports, dance and LOVES to sing! She likes small animals like cats and would like to be a nurse when she grows up. Her favorite color is pink and if given a choice, would like to share a room with her sister so she wouldn't be alone.

1233 L233 Juris is such a character! He was reserved, quiet and did not interact at first, but then...watch out! He just needed to warm up as he started posing for pictures, getting us to laugh out loud! In the end, he thanked US for the interview! He plans to work with wood as a profession, maybe you could show him all the careers that are possible! Juris thought about his answers, and was very thorough. If given three wishes he would ask for clothing, a remote car and an MP3 player. His favorite colors are yellow and grey, and his room would have pictures of nature, and friends from school. This boy would be such a blessing to any family this summer!

2 L137 $630 Scholarship Nadia is to be considered as HOST ONLY & SPECIAL NEEDS - She was one of our favorite children. Nadia was wonderful to talk with and we really enjoyed speaking with her. She would love to visit America and see the ocean, a swimming pool, and a theme park. Her Director said when she asks her to do something, Nadia always does it right then and goes above and beyond to make sure it is done right. She loves working in the garden and really loves spending time with adults. She is such a special little girl who deserves to be blessed this summer. You'll soon realize that Nadia will be the one blessing you!

C069 Lin is a shy little boy who loves the color red. He has a skin pigment issue (dark spots and light patches on his skin) and has been diagnosed with learning delays but is improving with steady work. He is a good, sweet boy that needs a gentle host family. He was our first interview with a crowd of adults all watching closely! He did very well and was very calm and content to be first.

2 L287 $140 Scholarship Kristine is one of the most trusted children in the orphanage. She did visit America 2 years ago and her director asked us to please offer her again. She is HOST ONLY due to her age. Kristine is in need of a family to love her, to introduce her to God, and to show her that God most certainly has a plan for her life!

2 E145 $150 scholarship Yaroslav (Yaric) was hosted during the winter program. Host family reports that Yaric is a special young man who is VERY affectionate. He loves to give and receive hugs and kisses. Yaric is respectful at first when in new or unfamiliar surroundings, like first visits in someone else's home. However, once he gets comfortable with you, he does not listen well to rules or follow instructions. He must be constantly supervised with other children, especially younger ones. He will play very rough, especially overly stimulated. It is extremely difficult to bring him back down to a normal level once excited. He is not afraid to try new foods or activities. He talks incessantly in Ukrainian and does not care whether or not anyone is listening! He did well in our home once we established VERY adamant boundaries.

He is clearly in need of a loving family to continue teaching him about self control, kindness, compassion, etc. He has had a hard time accepting grace and forgiveness, and sometimes I think he thrived on what he was used to so he tried to create chaos. Yaric has a lot of great qualities! He just needs a family that can provide discipline, patience, boundary enforcement, and understanding of the unique way of parenting a hurt child.

Our faith community has been hearing about this quote from Mother Teresa...

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
― Mother Teresa

Hoping for just that today,

Sue

To donate, contact me at pittcrew1@comcast.net for the fastest way to get funds in before the deadline.

To host, contact me as well or go directly to www.newhorizonsforchildren.org and call the coordinator for your area!

Stages

Sitting in the hospital with my mom as she fights and struggles through a very difficult illness.  Much going through my mind as I wait and watch and wonder.

More and more in moments that aren't filled with family or teaching, my thoughts turn to the children who have grown to fill the rest of  my heart to overflowing with love and a passion that is beyond me.  They are orphans by definition, but are oh so much more.  So many children fit this description.  They are in America and every other country on our little planet.  But, my heart is drawn to a tiny country far, far away.  The orphans of that country have become somewhat of an obsession for me - ask my hubby!  Maybe God gave me a love for a small country and its kids because He knew that I can be a little intense, and bigger or more would overwhelm me.  Anyway, you may see a bit of what I mean below, if you have the gumption to get that far :).    I've been trying to find a way to explain a little more of what I see in these little and not-so-little treasures.  Here is one attempt...

Here are just a FEW of those dear ones who have blessed me through their courage and will to survive.  Some of you may know of them.


****  Alina, Vadims, Sasha, Martins, Martins, Kristine, Amanda, Arnolds and so, so many more!
These kids remind me of the eggs in the life cycle above.  I know very little about them - a picture and short description is about it.  They are all waiting for families to host or adopt them.  They have enormous potential and beauty within, but have yet to be nurtured in an environment where that can emerge.  I see so much hope and possibility!!  They may be VERY far from what could be right now, but it is there!  Where are their families?

****Romalda, Kristine, Juri, Dana, Alisa, Kate, and so, so many more!  Here are a few of those I know about and follow who seem to be in the caterpillar stage.  These sweethearts have been hosted and are being pursued by those who love them - they will not be orphans much longer!  During their hosting, they've changed (as have their families).  They are individuals.  Their personalities have begun to shine.  They are cherished, fought for, and loved more than they can imagine. Within months, these six and many more will be HOME.

****Azaiah, AJ, Janis, Vita, and so, so many more!
Yep, the pupa people :)  Once home, there is a waiting period before the adoption is final.  It is a huge time of transition, reality checks, honeymoon phase, and testing.  Do my parents REALLY love me?  REALLY?  Do I have the courage to leave all that I know to join this family?  How?  Parents and siblings ask too.  More questions than answers sometimes.  Hard questions.  The delicate and often hidden, internal work of transformation is occurring.  We might not see all that is happening inside, but amazing changes are taking place!!

****Vitaly, Grace, Rita, Lera, Janis, Alex, Aleks, Eddie, Lilija, Laura, Noah, Dima, and so, so many more!  The emerging caterpillars.  They have just begun to break through all that holds them back.  They are safe and loved.  They can become all that God has created them to be.  What a wonder to behold.  Beautiful, each one.

So, I ask over and over, what do I do with this burning passion?  You get a little dumped out on you here occasionally.  I can't help advocating for at least a few kids on social networks.  I pray for and give to as many as I can.  We have hosted and adopted one of these amazing children.  Yet, I can't seem to accept the fact that so many are still unchosen.  I'm glad that I can't accept that, but bottled up passion needs an outlet.  I'm open to ideas if you have any :)  PM me at Suzan Peterson or email at pittcrew1@comcast.net.  Maybe you can help me to connect the passion with the need!

With great expectation,
Sue

NEVER too late

Age at hosting: 14  Too late for him to have a family?  No!  He is now 15 and home!

Our son is one of so many children who have spent years, some their entire lives, without a family to grow with and love them.  The older they get, the less chance that they WILL.  As I get to know more of these amazing survivors, I feel more determined to be a voice for them.  For today, the words that come to mind are, "It is NEVER too late!"

We hosted V over the summer before adopting.  However, I am learning that there are many avenues of loving these kids.  Here are a few - #6 is a way that I hadn't comprehended until recently:

1.  Adopt a younger child - the younger he or she comes into a loving family, the less years of trauma, the faster healing can begin.

2.   Adopt an older child - most have until 16 or 18, depending on the country, until they are on their own.  The fear of bringing in a new family member who is older than 2 or 3 stops many in their tracks.  The challenges are real, but so are the supports and the rewards for all involved.  

3.  Give to and pray for the children and families - hosting or adopting is so very expensive because of all of the fees and regulations in place to keep the kids safe.  Most families are fine financially once the child comes home.  Getting home is the tough part!  A donation of time, money, or a meal will go far to encourage the family to keep moving forward.

4.  Host a child for summer or winter break.  Even if you are not able to or planning to adopt, there may be a connection between the child and the family who can when you bring them for a visit!  You won't know what divine paths will cross during your time together, but you can be sure that the love you pour out will go a long way toward healing.  Could be that a neighbor, an extended family member, a fellow employee, or someone from your church may be their family!

5.  Adopt a "last chance" child.  These kids are quickly approaching their final months or weeks as available for an official paperwork legitimate family.  Some say that it is too late for them as they'd be on their own soon anyway.  But what a horrifying thought!  To head out on your own without the support of loving parents?  They may or may not be at their adoptive home for long, but the support lasts a lifetime.  No, it is NOT too late for them!  Fast track families who are willing to be the final chance for traditional adoption are few, but crucial!

6. Choose a "host only" child!  Some are host only because they still have some ties with other family members and aren't free for adoption.  Some are "too old" to be adopted.  For those with ties, there is still a need for loving family experiences.  

But it is the "host only" children who are TOO OLD to be adopted that I'm drawn to these days.  I used to skip right over them in photolistings because they couldn't be officially brought into a family.  That was until I was praying about their situation recently.  Paperwork isn't required to love, encourage, and support someone.  I have friends who are "family" though not related to me in any way.  So, I am seeing these "host only" children with new eyes - HOPEFUL eyes.  I believe that there are those who would mentor, "parent," and support from an unofficial capacity.  It isn't too late for that!  Kids stay in their own country, perhaps, but with today's possibilities for international connections, an ongoing relationship IS possible.  Imagine someone choosing YOU to walk alongside as you transition to young adulthood - after you and others say your opportunity has passed!  I think that we may be missing the chance to love a huge group of hurting kids when we dismiss those who "age out."   

7. Become a foster parent, missionary, or in some way GO and LIVE WITH the kids where they are.  Let caring for them become your work and life.

I'm sure that there are other ways too, but I think that, for me, it is important to understand that there isn't only one way to a family for an orphan.  There isn't one way to be family to an orphan.  Sometimes we get stuck in our thinking.  God works in mysterious and out-of-the-box ways.  I shouldn't assume that a number on a paper cuts off the possibilities for a child - it is NEVER TOO LATE for them or for those who'd be their parents, whatever that looks like.

There are many agencies and groups that assist with all of the above.  Do some research if something intrigued you.  I can direct you to the organization that we used if you are interested in 1-6.  We also know a missionary organization in our son's birth country who might be a place to start if you are considering #7.  

I'm currently advocating for a young lady from V's former orphanage.  She is beyond the age for adoption, but IT ISN'T TOO LATE for her!  If you would be willing to give toward a scholarship to bring her here for the summer of '13, I can connect you to the tax deductible location for that.  If you accept the opportunity to be her summer family, with potential to influence FAR beyond those few weeks, I will happily send you the link to Kristine's hosting group.  Just leave contact info or email me at pittcrew1@comcast.net.  Hosting matches are accepted in Feb. and March.

With hope that has no end,

Sue

long ago in latrobe...

Long ago and far from where we live now, I took two classes in Chinese.  Yep, Chinese!  Loved them, too. Why?  Because we were considering adopting from that country, so I was hoping to learn more about the language and culture.  At that time we didn't qualify for the program...actually some say we still don't.  I don't accept a "no" from anyone but God anymore though.  I will never forget the end of class assignment - a short play, written and performed (pretty poorly probably!) all in Chinese.  It was basically a dialogue between me and a young girl who was waiting in China for us to come and bring her home.  

New Horizons for Children has begun hosting children from China, so in a way, I can help to connect some of those young ones with families now after all of these years.  The little girl in that play never left my heart....

Here is LaShay.  She is hoping for a family to host her in February of 2013.  I am committing to pray for her, give to her scholarship fund (she has been given $500 so far), share about her, and be willing to do more should God intervene and move the mountains present.  Anyone want to join me?  

She has until December 15th to be chosen by a family on the East Coast only (first program from China can only host in this area).

Several boys are still waiting for the same program.  Contact me or New Horizons before 12/15 if you are interested in more information about them!

From her photolisting with New Horizons - Another of China children we hope to place for the February host program: Meet LaShay: She is 12 years old. Her favorite subject is Chinese and she was awarded with being the 2nd in her class as far as overall grades! She likes to sing and dance and draw. If she could improve one thing, she said she would like to improve her dancing. If she could change one thing, LaShay wishes she were a bit taller! She gets along great with others and is happy, smiles and gives good eye contact to whoever she is talking with. LaShay’s favorite color is purple and she thinks she would like a smaller family with just one or two other children if given a choice.

Before and After - to the point

BEFORE - V is in the middle holding onto the chaperone.  This shaky photo was taken by another dad who tearfully sent his child back to the orphanage while she waited too.  She is now home with her family forever!  Look closely at V's face and the faces of the others leaving America after being loved by families for a little more than a month.  Many are asked to join the families in adoption later, but can't be told yet.  Horrible moments captured here - but the stories aren't over!

\

AFTER - Adoption complete and the "new normal" has begun.  Look closely at the face again.  What do you see?  There is a difference of about a year in time, but age alone can't bring these changes about.

So, the point is - I keep advocating for kids who are not yet to the "after"stage.  They are orphans who are over the most usually adopted age.  Their chances without being hosted first are minimal - rarely adopted and rarely survive in a happy and productive way if not adopted.

Some of the kids I've pictured for winter hosting have families now!!!  Yippee!!!  But, not Kristine :(  And there are way too many more for me to think about.  So, I will keep praying and posting.  Maybe someone, somewhere, will see and respond.  Maybe someday her before and after pictures will grace my screen.  She has a lovely smile already.  Imagine what she'd radiate with a family surrounding her....

 Contact me or www.newhorizonsforchildren.org to get more info on Kristine or the others.

The End...The Beginning

THE END!  The last adoption step required before heading home from Latvia - with new birth certificate and as an American citizen!

THE BEGINNING!  A brand new school where so many possibilities are waiting...a family to support and love him...and a safe place to let God do some healing....

So much more could be said about Vitaly's adoption.  So much happened on this last trip and since then.  However, he is home.  The rest will come about one day at a time.  We are forever grateful for each of you who has encouraged and supported us through this process which lasted about 18 months from applying to host through the final adoption trip.  Whew!  Exhausting in so many ways, but wouldn't change a moment - even the most stressful ones.  They are all a part of this unfolding story :)  

Because V is every bit our son as our other 3 boys, the blog is moving now to having a bit more of an advocating role.  I will never forget the amazing men, women, and children that we have worked with and met on our journey.   I also believe that every single child in every orphanage needs a family.  Money and ignorance and fear prevent this.  I may not be able to adopt endless numbers of those amazing kids, but I sure can do something.  Right now, the something includes bringing to the attention of any who will listen or look a few of the children who want to come and spend Christmas with a family.  You can learn more about these kids and others at  newhorizonsforchildren.org


1.  This is the child that I would host this winter if I could.  She has my heart!  I am praying for funds to help her with some scholarship money so that someone might be able to host her more easily.  If you can't host, could you help a little toward her scholarship?

Kristine age 11
tine shared she also likes to watch cartoons.

2.  Ritvars is not a fan of liver!  If it is your favorite, don't worry.  I'm sure that you'll find many other things in common lol!  This child likes legos, sledding and snowball fights.  Those would be wonderful hosting memories this winter.  If you live where there isn't much snow, take a little drive and find some!

Ritvars

3.  When life is touched by tragedy, it is not over.  This child has seen more than many adults can imagine, but he could have a very different future!  A glimmer of hope and joy this winter might give him the strength he'll need to overcome the past.  And maybe he'll meet his forever family, who would have the privilege of walking a healing path with him.  Praying for a very special mama and papa for this young man.

Normunds - age 12

Three of so many, but these three are my focus for this hosting.  Should they all find a family, then I will happily choose some others!!!  Please join me in praying for them, giving for scholarships, sharing their stories, or getting more info on welcoming one (or more) this Christmas.

With hope X 3,

Sue