April Informational Meeting

The date has been set for the next informational meeting for this year’s Angels from Abroad.  If you are interested in hosting or getting involved in other ways, please plan to attend. Details are below.

What- Angels from Abroad Informational Meeting
Where- Buckner Adoption Office (5200 South Buckner Blvd. Dallas, Texas)
When- Tuesday April 6th from 6-8:30 PM
Who- Anyone who is interested in becoming a host family

This is a free event and is open to anyone wanting more information on becoming involved.  Please RSVP to Sharon Hedrick (shedrick@buckner.org).  If you have any questions, please let me know.  bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org or 214-906-4547.

Easter Season Prayers

I’m happy to report we had a great first informational meeting on March 2nd. We had several families in attendance. Tiffany Wilkins shared her story of hosting Angels and her adoption process with Buckner/Dillon. What an amazing story of a family lovingly assembled through this program by the Lord!

If you missed the informational meeting, there’s no need to worry. We are currently planning another informational meeting for the near future. We are also close to getting the Angel’s pictures on this site as well. I was able to see a few pictures recently. Let me just tell you, the children look absolutely precious! I can’t wait to meet them in person and for you to meet them too. Please keep checking this site for updates and dates to mark on your calendars.

It’s hard to believe we are just a few weeks away from celebrating Easter. I once heard an old Indian Proverb that said “It is Love that makes the impossible possible.” Because of Love, a ransom was paid for each and every one of us. Because of Love, death was conquered on Easter morning. Because of Love, we are offered the gift of eternity with Him. Because of Love, the impossible was and is possible!

The One who conquered death is the same One who loves and cares our children in Russia. Will you join me in praying this Easter season for us to see the Lord work in amazing ways once again? Will you join me in praying for the children in Russia that will soon be preparing to come for the hosting program? There are no limits on what He will do this year in the lives of these children. Please join me in praying for them, and for Him to guide you in ways you can be involved. 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

Mark your Calendars!

Welcome to the 2010 Angels from Abroad blog! My name is Beth Brinkmeyer and I will be coordinating the program this year.  I am very excited and looking forward to meeting you, keeping you informed, and sharing the events of this amazing program.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

What- Angels from Abroad Informational Meeting
Where- Buckner Adoption Office (5200 South Buckner Blvd. Dallas, Texas)
When- Tuesday March 2^nd from 6-9 PM
Who- Anyone who is interested in becoming a host family

This is a free event and is open to anyone wanting more information on becoming involved.  Please RSVP to Sharon Hedrick (shedrick@buckner.org).  If you have any questions, please let me know.  bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org or 214-906-4547.

The Angels will be here the first two weeks in August. We need all the prayers and support we can get to provide an amazing experience for them, and to let the Lord do some awesome things in the lives of everyone involved!

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!