The Angels Take Off

It was a sad day, as we watched the 10 precious Angels load themselves, their new suitcases and backpacks in to the Buckner van today.  Many tears were shed by Host families and kids.  One little Angel was crying so hard and clinging to his host Papa.  These kids have been provided the vacation of a lifetime.  I am so thankful for every dollar, gift, hug, prayer, etc. given to these kids.  They were already sharing photos of their trip with one another.  I watched one Angel describe in detail every picture in her album, it was so cute!  I would have loved to have understood what she was saying.  From the time the kids arrived until their departure, you see their countenance change after being loved so intentionally and unconditionally.  They are going to have so much to share when they get back to St. Petersburg.                                                        

Good-Bye Swim Party

This evening was our final swim party, hosted by the Shewchuck’s.   The host families met together first at Buckner to talk about departure plans and shared funny stories about their hosting experience. 

At the Shewchuck’s there was a magic show, great food, and lots of time to spend with new and old friends swimming and laughing. With the older Russian adoptees around there is always plenty of joking around and throwing each other in the pool too.  Not a boring moment, that is for sure!   Many of the families (like us) are starting to feel sad about the departure of the kids.  It is an amazing experience to see how at home the kids can become in your family.  If you are reading this blog, please begin or continue to pray for the kids.  We know that God has a good plan for each of them (Jeremiah 29:11).  I’ll end on that note tonight.  Spakoya Noche.

Outdoor Movie Night

I am sad to say that I have no photos from the Outdoor Movie Night.  A great couple from Lake Pointe Church opened their home for an outdoor movie, serving popcorn and delicious homemade ice cream.  It was a real treat for everyone!  Thank you!  The kids did not want to leave!

A Day at the Arboretum

The Angels had a great time today visiting the Arboretum.  They played in the play houses, the fountains and learned some history of the early settlers. Our gracious tour guide explained and presented “show and tell items” and the children listened intently, most of the time.                                               

Just a regular day…

Vlad being attacked by 2 Angels

One of the host families has been so awesome to let us swim with her family.  It really is the favorite activity for the kids!  One Angel (the youngest) was afraid to swim when he first arrived (even with a life jacket), but today we saw him venture out on his own!   It was very exciting!  In the photo on the left, 2 of the Angels were attempting to get my son Vlad, off of the float.  We swam and ate lunch (salads, which the kids loved).  It has been another fun week! 

Ready-Set-Go!

      

Airborne!

            

LAKE DAY 2009!

Angels & some host parents

Once again Lee & Susan Bush and First Baptist in Athens did an outstanding job in putting on a fabulous day at the lake!  It is always my favorite event.  Over 100 people came out, new & old Angels with their families, Buckner staff, people interested in the Angels program and of course the amazing people of First Baptist, Athens.  The Bush’s have a beautiful home on the lake and the perfect amount of space for bounce houses, inflatible water slides and tables for visiting and eating.  There was a small presentation where Debbie Wynne (director of adoptions in Dallas) presented some beautifully framed photos of the kids to some special people we wanted to thank…Dr. Albert Reyes, president of Buckner, Deniese and Jerry Dillon and Lee & Susan Bush.  We are so thankful for all they do!  Natasha Potts briefly shared her adoption story and her Angels experience of adding a brother and sister through the program in 2004/2005.  She is an outstanding young lady who is headed off to college this year (on a scholarship).  She helped translate, and has been since the Angels arrived.  Many of the other older kids from Russia helped too.

 People started arriving around 11:00am and we appeared to be one of the last to leave around 8:15.  What a blessing to get to be a part of such a wonderful event!

Lee & Susan Bush with Deniese & Jerry Dillon and Gynger

The Angels

A Day at the Dentist

Some of the Angels with the dental hygenists

Many of the angels received complimentary dental work today by Dr. Michael Fisher in Rockwall.  Some were a bit apprehensive and others weren’t phased at all.  The staff was so helpful and friendly.  Some of the kiddos got a little rowdy in the waiting room while visiting with each other and the translators.  They also enjoyed the mints stationed close by the “Treasure Chest” of goodies on the way out the door.  The children don’t receive the excellent dental care that we do in the USA, while living in Russian orphanages, nor do they have mints and toys sitting out for their choosing!  Many people were blessed today!  Thank you Dr. Fisher and your awesome staff!

VBS at Lake Pointe Church

Working on a craft during the story of Joseph

Today at VBS the Angels heard the story of Joseph, played on the indoor playground and heard the gospel clearly articulated by an excellent teacher.  The teacher closed by encouraging the kids to talk with their host families tonight about what they thought about Jesus and His story of redemption.  Thank you again Lake Pointe! 

Listening to the Gospel

Tuesday Night Swim Party

Packed in the pool!

Everyone had such a great time at the swim party hosted by Lester and Bridget Bell! Once again, all of the 2009 Angels were there, as well as previous Angels to hang out and help translate.  The kiddos favorite activity has to be swimming!  They did not want to get out of the pool, and some said over and over, “Kupatsa, Kupatsa”  Meaning, “Swimming, Swimming.”  Before leaving the pool, our Angel asked if we would be swimming tomorrow.  :)      

Brothers

The youngest of this sibling set, kept doing front flips off of my son Vladic’s shoulders, super cute!  The boy is quite gutsy, especially for a 7 year old.  The youngest of the Angels had been a little shy around the water, but became brave at the party. 

VBS

Lake Pointe Church put on  a great Vacation Bible School for the Angels Monday morning.  The kids heard the gospel as their instructors helped them make resurrection eggs.  I was so thankful for all of the volunteers that showed up to help!  Thank you volunteers!                      

Singing a Russian song