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!

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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

The "Art" of Adoption

I enjoy finding comparisons between life experiences and tangible symbols of them.  This morning I was thinking about how adoption might be seen in art.  There are probably many ways, maybe many that are more appropriate than what I have found here, but two forms found their way into my heart today:

First is the mosaic - the photo is of a favorite work of art.  It was created by the people of my faith community during a response to a message there.  The stones were placed by men, women, and kids present, including me.  It was a very moving experience to watch this mosaic go from its plain beginning state to something beautiful.  As each person chose a stone and a location for it, the beauty grew.  This is the result, and I love it!  The picture doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea hopefully. 



the mosaic table from our church - which stone do you think is mine?

I see adoption as similar to the mosaic in that lives are intermingled to create something that is more intricate and amazing than they would be alone.  Some stones are shaped differently; some stones are tiny, others larger; some shine, while some have a deeper glow.  People really are not much different from that, are we?

Only one aspect of the mosaic was limiting me in my search for an art form to symbolize adoption.  The mosaic is set once it has been created.  It captures a moment, a commitment at a certain time, the beauty created by a unique group of people that represents relationships cemented by love.  However,  I was seeking a more fluid form....

Then, I remembered the KALEIDOSCOPE!!!  The unique pieces that are collected in the inner chamber are each necessary for the end result.  Every color and shape contributes to the design - actually, the more colors and shapes, the more layers of complex beauty.  Pieces added would only increase that.  What sold me on this as the expression that I was looking for, was the fluidity of it.  A kaleidoscope is MADE to change.  Relationships are not static.  Life happens.  When the slightest movement or a twist of the barrel jars the pieces, the design changes.  Not the beauty.  Not the dependence upon one another.  The relationships do.  The resulting design does. 


With adoption, we CHOOSE to add another element, one that is crafted from very differnt material, to the core of the family kaleidoscope.  The patterns created are breathtaking.

We really can't have too much beauty, can we??  So, an update...
Two of the children from my last post have been chosen for the summer!  So many remain... maybe there is one (or more) that might add something amazing to YOUR life.  Message me or contact New Horizons for Children for more information.

With growing hope,
Sue

Add caption

SURPRISE!

www.villagetovillageintl.com

Love the picture of V leaving the orphanage for the last time  before joining our family!  Given very little hope and very little chance for a full life, BUT God intervenes and we get to be a part of that miracle <3

I have loved mail since I was a child - oh, the possibilities!  Anything wonderful could arrive in that mailbox!  Well, that has now extended to email and facebook -- ya never know what might come :)

Today, I got home from work to find a message from the wonderful folks at Village to Village.  They have been collecting funds for us so that donations can be tax-deductible.  They had a special gift that they are offering to us as a MATCHING GRANT!!!!  We did not expect this at all because we hadn't asked, applied, or anything!  They will match, dollar for dollar, any donations made for our adoption between now and 9/18 - up to $500!  Basically, a donation is doubled - give $5 and it becomes $10!  If we fulfill the match, that will be $1,000 - almost the cost of Vitaly's ticket to Latvia and home.  How awesome is that??  Just click on the link, go to our picture, and you can donate by paypal (or check but please tell them it is coming if so - 'cause our deadline is 9/18)

This is our final fundraising opportunity for donations for V's adoption.  Trip 3 is upon us - whew!  If you are considering a contribution, this would be perfect timing.  If not moved or able to do so, please consider sharing the link.  And take a look at what amazing things this organization is doing - as well as the other adopting families (including another child from Latvia!)

One more tidbit -- so, the message on Sunday that was shared by Matthew, our pastor, was a challenge to examine our lives to see what might need a change, and what might be holding us back from living the most full and God-honoring lives.  I've been chewing on that ever since... and had concluded that, for me, one thing that I need to let go of is my constant attempts to control - people, money, housing, circumstances, weight - well, you get the picture!  When I try to control, I am limiting what He can do, and I don't always recognize the difference between what is brought about on my own and what is a gift that is given with more love than I can imagine.  This is just the beginning of our several week discussions about "hope and transformation" but on day 2, I'm pretty much blown away :)  Looking forward to the days ahead and all that I have to learn.  That said, if you are curious about the message and questions, check out the link at www.crcc.org and think about joining me on the journey <3

Surprised by grace,

Sue

This is HARD!!!!

******This is a vent blog post - be warned.******

This is HARD!!!!!!!

*Seems like too much to do.

*Seems like never enough money.

*Seems like not enough respect.

*Seems that what I say is not heard.

*Seems like messes are everywhere.

*Seems like problems, sometimes serious problems, are a daily occurrence.

*Seems like I can't do this.

*Guess I'm a parent!

Okay, the above is written basically to say that if I am a parent, then I will experience the above things, and occasionally the above expression/action.

That is the case for every PARENT I have ever known.  There are no perfect parents and no perfect kids.  Those who think that they are or that they have - are not being honest I'm afraid.

I say this because there are those who FEAR that hosting and adoption will bring about the above mentioned issues - and then some.  Well, that is true.  However, becoming a parent will do that to you, regardless of how you become one.  Sometimes there are additional factors or issues are more complex with an older child who has had a rough start.  But that does not mean that we don't parent them!  Be informed, be prepared with resources, be prayerful, and be willing to risk your "perfect looking" life, then dive in.  I guarantee that you WILL feel all of the above.  But I also guarantee that you will experience these:

*Seems like you can't get enough of trusting hugs that are from the heart.

*Seems like progress toward a longtime goal requires celebration!

*Seems like God gives more strength and peace and joy even though you have taken on something far beyond what you can handle.

*Seems like you find friends who understand that will take up the slack for those who don't or who criticize.

*Seems like money isn't really so important anymore when compared to greater things.

*Seems like perfect love casts out all fear.

*Seems like acceptance goes a long way toward defeating any problem.

*Guess I'm a parent!

Finally, I am venting mostly because there are a LOT of amazing boys and girls who need a family!!  Also because there is a TON of fear surrounding folks hosting and/or adopting them.  I don't know what else to do with my frustration over this, so I'm dumping it here.  Parenting is HARD - any parenting of any child!!! If you are willing to take on this role, just know that. If you are willing to take this on with an older orphan, you will find that they need the same as every other child - patience, love, acceptance, time, energy....   All else will fall into place.  Whatever the issue, it is lessened and more likely to be healed if there is a loving family involved.  Without a family the chances of that issue increasing or causing more trouble for the child are exponentially greater!

There are hosting organizations that are preparing kids to come to families over Christmas.  If you are clear about the facts - it won't be easy but will be worth it - and you are willing to FIGHT THE FEAR, please contact me to find a child.  Not a perfect child, mind you, but one (or two or more!) who are worth every ounce of effort that you are willing to put in - and then some!!!

Okay, back to my more typical self..

a little shaky, but pressing on :)

With a hopeful heart,

Sue

Obsession - plain and simple

As we are making plans to finish our final adoption trip for our son, I find myself pouring once again over the photos of amazing children who have so much to give.  My family would likely say that I'm obsessed.  That may be true.  I check daily to see what children have found a home for the Christmas holidays - and hopefully forever in many cases - once moms and dads fall in love with them!

I have been known to cheer or leap up and down when one of the kids I'm praying for is chosen.  I would host and adopt as many as possible until no longer permitted by any government or my hubby.  Right now, we have no beds left and plenty of bills remaining for our V's adoption.  So, I will:  pray, give what I can, post pictures, and continue to scour the New Horizons photos for treasures just waiting to be found and cherished!

If you or someone that you know is willing to learn more about hosting one of these kids or about donating to a fund to help a family who wants to do so, please contact me at pittcrew1@comcast.net or check out the New Horizons for Children website.  Single women or couples can apply.  There are suggested options for help with costs of airfare and travel if needed.

Oh, and please don't stop reading until you get a glimpse of why I am so drawn to these children.  Here are a few that I'd bring home in a heartbeat! Hmmmm.....wonder how many rooms I'd need?

Nikolajs
Host-only because of his age (meaning that he is beyond the possibility of adoption, but can still experience the love and support of a family for this season, possibly from afar after), this young man is so polite!  His interests include music - singing and writing, bodybuilding, going to the library, fishing...and much more.  

Armands
This soft-spoken, shy young man is from a rural area.  He looks out for his foster mom and would love a dad who could help him to ride a bike!

Kristine
This sweetheart is so so shy!  She loves art - especially drawing.  She says that she has been in an orphanage "forever."  The love of a family would soak right in!

Kitija
This little cutie pie has some similarities to our son.  She needs lots of love and support, energy and direction.  Since she isn't yet in school, she has so much time to grow and develop!  Special needs treasures are some of the most dear to me.

Julija and Ksenija
These sisters aim high!  One hopes to be a translator, the other an attorney!  Their foster parents have done an amazing job of preparing them to join a family.  Have to wonder what is in store for two with such a special story at such a young age....

Kjiva, Veneta, Ruta
These 3 are social, supportive of one another, active, and intelligent.  I'd love to scoop up all of them and even out the numbers a bit more in my very guy-oriented home :)  Something about their photo speaks of confidence.  Would love to meet them and see if that is true.

Solvita, Solvija

Two sisters with a lot of energy would bring life to any family.   Humor, dress up, and beautiful smiles would be a wonderful balance for the structure and guidance needed to give them what they need.

On a mission here!!  There are so many awesome kids and so many wonderful potential moms and dads out there - just need to find each other!  So, I'll post and pray. Anyone want to join me??

With a hopeful heart,
Sue

The Finish Line!

                                                          


 East bound and down.... we've got a long way to go and a short time to get there...we're gonna do what they say can't be done!

Can you hear the song? I grew up listening to country music. My brother is a trucker. I can hear Jerry Reed singing "East bound and down..." in my head even now. Yeah, yeah, I know that some of the lyrics don't fit. We'll just go with these bits and pieces, okay? So what in the world do they have to do with Vitaly's adoption?

 Well, we just received our travel dates for the third, and final, required trip to complete his paperwork! Dad and V leave on 9/22! When V sets foot on American soil after this trip, he will be our newest American citizen! That trip is reminding me of the song because:

Heading EAST to Latvia - Bryan and V

Got a LONG way to go - financially speaking, we'll have about $6,000 in expenses to complete this journey

A SHORT time to get there! - found out today (8/23) that they leave on 9/22, so we have 1 MONTH to pull this together.

Most would say that this CAN'T be done - but then, most would say that the first 4 legs of the journey couldn't either. We are trusting that God, who started this, will help us to complete it too. If you'd like to join us in getting to the finish line, you may click on the chipin link above to use paypal and donate any amount. For a tax deductible donation, click on the Village to Village link.

We have come SO far - almost there! Heartfelt thanks to all who have helped along the journey so far!

Singing away,
Sue

Leaving Latvia (for now)

eating at Lido with V's friend A

Last day in Latvia  - 8/8.  Will miss this beautiful place and the amazing people!  Truthfully though, this trip was tough as we tried to be a family in a place where that type of interaction wasn't the norm for V.  Not gonna lie - exhausted through those challenging times.  Thankful that Nate and Trey were along to assist.  Appreciate all of the other moments that will be treasured forever.

My hope for this trip was:
1. complete V's adoption
2. serve the kids who are still waiting for their families
3.  make memories with my two boys and our family friend

I can truthfully say that those all occurred!  Loved being a part of those moments that were so special!

Some of the special moments are represented  in these photos:
Kinda out of order and conglomerated, but I am whooped.  So, all here, just a bit mixed :)

one of v's first caregivers - got to visit with her before we left

another boater 

rowboating at night on the river in Riga

flying at the aerodium

higher and higher!

catching our breath after climbing the mountain at Sigulda

K, A#2, and V chill at the apartment

A, baby T, and M visit then take V and me to Jurmala or a night walk in the pouring rain; M was an older guy at v's first orphanage who watched out for him

cave with carvings - Sigulda

some of the gazillion steps up in Sigulda

a and v taking a breather

in front of Sigulda Castle

v and a are under these

look who else we found at Sigulda castle

Ran into the Russian luge team's van and equipment

ready to fly!

visit at one of v's chidren's homes; always think this guy is a
mini-v

goodbye visit to friends at v's old orphanage

zane - used to be one of v's caregivers

dinner at lido's with friends - a, v, a, and vitaly; with nate, trey and mom

You may be wondering - what is next?  Well, there is a 20 day period where an adoption can be contested.  Not expecting that to happen.  Then Bryan and Vitaly return to to Latvia, probably mid-September to care for his new passport and embassy paperwork.  He is now Vitaly Peterson officially, but we need the papers that go along with that.  If you know of any who'd like to help us finish this final step, please see the village to village link at the top of the blog to donate in a tax deductible way.  Have plane tickets, room charge, embassy fees, lawyer fees to go.  Getting there though!  Thanks to all who have helped us to get this far <3

Now for a little rest, then only God knows what is next.

Looking forward to whatever it is :)
Sue

Otra Elpa Orphan Camp - "Second Breath" - Thriving!

Second chances...we all need them...

Welcome to Otra Elpa, Ergli, Latvia!!

tons of rain left us with this rainbow - right over my buddy Dz!  Hmmmm....rainbows speak of HOPE to me :)

fun camp games - NHFC families, look closely :)

Catching up a few days because of computer issues and crazy amounts of fun and challenges in Latvia.

Wednesday began with some icky issues that basically caused us to miss the bus to Ergli, where Otra Elpa (translated "second breath") camp was being held.  This will sound insane to many of you, but I KNEW that we needed to get to that camp!  Only options as it is far far from the city, wait for the evening bus - no way, because we'd end up with only and hour or two at camp :( Boo to that!  So, yes, option two was all I had - pay a taxi to drive us about an hour and a half to Ergli!  ****Note to friends who follow us to Latvia - use the green Baltic Taxi cars.  They are reasonable.  The others, ack!  Like two or three times the price.  Anyway, we made it!!!  And I am sooooo glad that we did!  Also had a cool connection where people we didn't know picked us up to take us to camp and back.  Never met them, but someone who hosted Latvian kids this summer knows them and made the connection!  Oh my, coincidences?  No way!

full of love and courage - following Jesus - susan and jaycee

arturs and v

v and dz

futbol with a brother on your back??

drenched nate and trey don't want to go

dining area - one of two groups fed; milk soup and mini pizzas ; little squished but nobody seemed to care. they were hungry!

group music and speakers - surprised how long they really listened; 18 year old anna 's story of hope after being abandoned by her mom had the place silent as she spoke of pain and grief and trouble and then the healing of God

vitaly, trey, and nate

typical shot of Ergli area

more of Ergli - camp is a bit away from here; did i mention the taxi drove for MILES on dirt roads?  oh my, bet he was wishing someone else had picked up our call :)

across from the Ergli bus stop

traditional breakfast - cheese, meats, egg, tomato, cucumber

and fruit!  ps - the jug of white stuff might not be cream.  my tea didn't take too well to having YOGURT poured into it - haha! the yogurt should have gone with the fruit - oops!

We stayed at the one hotel in the tiny and beautiful town.  Felt bad for the very wet and very cold kids and leaders, but that is camp for you :P  Many of you sent some of the items that they were using too.  Thanks so much for that!

donated camp supplies

Jaycee is coordinating the camp, with awesome volunteers from Latvia, America, England, and maybe more.  It will be really hard to describe the vibe there.  A place of healing and peace and hope I think, but the undercurrents of so much sadness and hardship and need too.  We were welcomed immediately - to the point where Nate and his friend, Trey, didn't even want to leave!  V and I left at 10pm with our ride to the little hotel, but Jaycee promised to get the other guys home later.  They wouldn't leave until after saying goodbye to so many new friends.  I focused on a few volunteers who were amazing, as well as two very special boys that were at camp.  They had returned to Latvia from being hosted over the summer.  Families in the US will get pictures of kids that they miss, as well as messages from them!  The kids got hugs and encouragement from host families through me.  It was such a heart-wrenching but heart-warming experience.  Those boys were different - all I can say.  They KNOW what life could be like in a family that loves them.  Praying that they will find that to be a permanent situation for themselves and not just a treasured memory.  They are in some of these pics, but don't want to go too far in description for privacy.  Some of you will know though :)

Actually, no coincidence that  those two boys were at this camp.  God knew.  He also knew how much they needed a connection to their families.  He also knew how much I love these kids and families, love what Jaycee and crew are doing.  So, He very kindly allowed me the wonderful surprise of being the connection between them.  Something I will never forget.

V jumped in with some of the activities, knew some of the kids, tried to figure out how to be a "past orphan, here with new family" in this setting.  Kind of confusing for him to know how to act.  He loves Jaycee though.  Enjoyed the tree house making and swimming.  Think he liked showing off his new brother and friend Trey too :)

This was one of the highlights of our week.  Worth every penny of that crazy cab ride.  Would have paid more than that to experience what we did.  Once again, don't let money stop you from what you believe in your heart needs to be done.  If I went with the "responsible" option, we would have cancelled or missed most of this whole wonderful time!

Leaving was not easy - felt like we were just getting started there.  But the next morning the bus arrived at 6:20 am and i prefer to be more "responsible" when I can :)  so didn't want to miss the bus again.  Up and at em - next blog entry for the final day in Latvia coming up!

Loving Latvia and every one of the most valuable orphans there - ever hear of the guy who sold all he had to buy what he discovered?  Well, I'm letting you in on the treasure map here - there is treasure in these boys and girls right in the tiny country of Latvia!  If it takes all you have, guarantee it is worth every bit!

Blessed beyond measure,
Sue