Departure Day

Angels Checking in for the Flight Home to Russia

Today we said good-bye to the precious Angels we have fallen in love with. What a hard thing to say to these little ones. One last hug, one last kiss on the cheek, and one last “I love you.” It has been an emotional and challenging day. They are now on their way back to Russia.

Elena and Host Father, Wayne

I stand in awe of what has happened in just two and a half weeks. I have seen some amazing things.  I have seen a group of host parents pour themselves into a group of Russian souls. These little ones quickly went from “orphan” to “family” while they were loved as if they have always belonged here with us. I have seen moments of tenderness that reached across cultural lines.  I have seen Host Families step up and become the voice of the silent who once were strangers and now are a huge part of their lives. I have seen the Lord at work, and it is incredible.

Sasha and Host Mother, Alyson

As I watched tears roll down the faces of Host Parents, Siblings, and Angels, I could feel a warm Presence lingering about. It was a sad day, but Love filled the room. These were the same children who walked off the plane from Russia. Something seemed different though. A transformation has taken place in the midst of their journey with their Host Families. Someway and somehow, the light in each child was rekindled.  It shines so brightly now, and it filled the room. 

Anastasia and Host Mother, Claire

In the midst of the sadness surrounding the moment, joy was oddly mixed in throughout the gathering. The children walked with a bounce as if they had just exchanged their label of “Orphan” for a new one that said, “Son” or “Daughter.”  Maybe it was from the realization families like this even existed. Maybe it was a dream come true of being loved like they were created to be loved.  Maybe it was the feeling that they finally belonged to someone, somewhere. 

Angel and Host Mother Holding Hands

There is an old Indian Proverb that says, “It is love that makes the impossible possible.” I believe that through our love and prayers for these children, their lives will be changed.  The Love that conquered death, is the same Love that places hope in the hearts of these children.  The impossible is possible with Him. The word, “Good-bye” seems so final. With Him it doesn’t have to be this way. Maybe this isn’t the end. Maybe, it’s only the beginning……

Good-bye Pool Party

David and James cooking hot dogs for everyone

This evening was our final good-bye party.  We did it “Angel Style” which means a pool had to be involved.  The children love to swim and with the heat soaring over 100, the adults happily joined in too.  We grilled out hot dogs and everyone brought a dish or two to share.  There were even Russian pickles and Russian potato salad. Nicole, an adopted Russian Teen, is the one to thank for that.  The fresh fruit was gone in a heartbeat.  As history tends to repeat itself, fruit tends to be the favorite dish for most of the Angels when they come. 

Plenty of great food for the crowd

Thank you to Christie and Michael Feighan for such a wonderful night. They made this night possible.  Christie and her family made sure so many details were just right. They even had a Christian Rapper come and entertain the crowd. I think the children AND adults were surprised by this.  Everything from the decorations to the inflatable waterslide was enjoyed by so many. Thank You!

Daniil and Sasha helping each other with a salad

As the end of the Angel’s trip has rapidly come, I can see how attached we have all become to them.  They seem to just fit in here. I see changes in the Angels too. Some were reluctant to smile at first, now those same little ones don’t seem to stop smiling.  They very quickly worked their way into our hearts. They have even let down their walls for us to peek in at their amazing personalities and hearts.

It’s a bittersweet feeling for all.  We feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know these children.  We have had the opportunity to love them as much as we possibly could in a short amount of time.  The hard part is that it’s almost time for them to go home to Russia. 

They have experienced what it is like to live in a family, have a vacation of a lifetime, and will walk away knowing they are being prayed for by people who love them from the bottom of their hearts.  They swam, they danced, they laughed, and played.  I hope the best part of all was that they walk away with a confidence in knowing they are important and loved so very much.  I pray they walk away with a sense of belonging to not only their host family, but to their Heavenly Father as well.

Maxim and his Host Sibling enjoying the pool

Monday the children will depart Dallas and go home to Russia.  This won’t be an easy day for our host families, staff, and especially the children.  To help us prepare for Monday, I ask you to pray.  Please pray for the Lord to prepare everyone for Monday.  Please pray for the children and families to have quality time together in the short time that is left.  Pray for the future forever families (wherever they are in the world) of each one of our 17 Angels.  Please pray for the children to hang on to the hope and faith the Lord loves them and has a wonderful plan for each one.

Trip to the Zoo

The typical child in the US usually makes a few trips to the zoo in their lifetime.  Some get to enjoy yearly family outings there, and some go on classroom field trips.  We often find some children in our Angel’s program have never been to the zoo before. 

Sasha taking a seat on the back of an elephant statue

It’s fun to see children experience “firsts” in life.  As we meandered through the Dallas Zoo, we saw the animals through their eyes.  It was hot, but worth the sweat to see the children excitedly run from one animal exhibit to the next.  My only regret was that I should have worn running shoes to keep up with them better. 

Michael (Adopted 2006 Angel) was practically the Angel’s tour guide.  He worked as leader and translator. He pulled double duty speaking to the adults in English and explaining the animals and instructions to the Angels in Russian.  Michael’s Mother talked about how much fun he has when the Angels come each year. She explained it also gives him chance to brush up on his Russian language. 

Sasha, Julia, Michael (Adopted 2006 Angel), and Kiril posing on an animal statue

As we made our way around the zoo, the Angels became more and more thirsty.  Water helped, but the thirst was always there due to the sun.  Then we reached the children’s playground where water was flowing in an area where the children could take off their shoes and run through it.  The water cooled them down.  Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4: 13-14  (NIV) I couldn’t help but think of this scripture as I recalled the day’s events. I pray all the Angels will never be thirsty in life. 

Julia posing with the Giraffes behind her

Giggles, laughter, and a zest for new experiences encompassed our small group today.  It was neat to see. Even the carousel operator had a heart for our Angel’s enjoyment of the carousel ride. He allowed them to have an extra ride!   

Angels and Host Siblings on the Animal Carousel

Thanks to the Dallas Zoo for a fun day of seeing animals and enjoying your park! 

A Day at the Pool

Tamara, Sasha, Kristina, and Anastasia playing in the pool

It was another warm day in Dallas. Nonetheless, fun was had by all.  Today, we had a pool party. Thank you to Neal Knighton for hosting our party! The children had a blast.  I was actually surprised how quickly the time went by as the children played.  Maybe it was because the host families are such great company. Maybe it’s because the giggles of the Angels playing makes it seem as if the world stops, even for just a short while.  Maybe it’s because the Lord was smiling down on the group of kids being kids and having fun.

Dennis enjoying time at the pool

As I write this post, Steven Curtis Chapman’s song, “Be Still” is flowing out of my speakers.  It’s a good reminder. “Be Still and know that I am God….” (Psalm 46:10) He has a plan for each one of these children.  He has a plan for hope and for a future.  My heart however, remains heavy for each one. 

Today, one child told us that he wasn’t sure about coming for this program in the beginning. He had fears that he might be given to someone that was mean.  He explained this experience has been totally different than what he was expecting.  He has loved it so very much.  He went on to express how badly he longs to be adopted.  His shoulders are tiny, but I sense he has carried the whole world on them at times.  Yet, his spirit remains so innocent and sweet.  I was reminded that no matter how many wonderful experiences we provide, it doesn’t fulfill the biggest one they long for. One hope and desire remains in the hearts of all these orphaned children….a forever family.  He went on to go splashing and playing in the pool with his friends. His words stay with me and have settled deep within my spirit. I pray for his dream to come true. Will you join me in that prayer?

Sasha enjoying her Happy Birthday song in Russian

I’m wondering if the Angels will sleep well tonight.  Tucked in their warm beds, will they be thinking about the fun they had at the pool?  Will they rest well without their normal day to day worries? Do they know how much they are loved?  Do they know the Lord has a great plan for them?  I hope so. I also hope it stays with them long after their summer trip to Dallas. Only the Lord knows what the future holds. In the moments in life where there is uncertainty, I pray they will be still and know that He is God.  

Nikita taking a break from swiming to eat a sandwich

Angels Video

The Angels have had such a great time this past week.  Check out this video to see what one day looked like for the Angels at VBS! Thank you to John Heiman for creating this great video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLwF32QRABk

Lake Day

Lake Day in Athens, TX

The snow cones weren’t the only things melting when the sun was shining down on Lake Day. Hearts were melting too. One word can describe the entire day, FAMILY.

Lake Day is an Angels from Abroad tradition. Lee and Susan Bush generously open their home to 150+ people. The backdrop for the day is beautiful Lake Athens at their home. First Baptist Church of Athens, opens its arms to put the event on for everyone involved.  Snow cones, bounce houses, boat rides, tubing, snacks, drinks, a fish fry and music are only a few of the highlights they provide. The biggest highlight of all is seeing the families.  It is a family reunion of sorts with the family getting bigger and bigger each year.

Boat Rides for Everyone

Past and present adoptive families arrive and spend the whole day reconnecting with loved ones.  Host families come with their Angles to make new friends and have one of the best days of their Angel’s experience.  Everyone is there to celebrate the children brought into our lives. 

Words cannot describe how thankful we are to the Bush family and our friends at FBC Athens.  One group of men stood over hot grease cooking fish in the Texas summer heat. Nothing beats a good fish fry at a celebration. These guys kept the food coming for the hungry crowd in temps reaching at least 100 degrees.

FBC Athens Fish Frying Crew Having a Pre-Fry Meeting

What did the Angels do at Lake Day? They swam, were pulled behind the boat on tubes, bounced, ate, and had as many boat rides as the day would allow.  I think the only time some didn’t have a life jacket on was for this final picture of the day.   

Some of the 2010 Angels and Russian Staff

Thank you to all those who made Lake Day an amazing experience for everyone!  It will be such a special memory for all. At the end of the day, I know our host families tucked in some tired little ones.  They were able to spend the day playing their hearts out. This is all because those mentioned gave so willingly from their hearts. Yes, it was the kind of day where snow cones had to be eaten fast from the warmth of the sun. However, the warmth from those who love these kids allowed each Angel to enjoy just being a kid and to have fun. For some, it was the best day ever.

Day Two of VBS

Sasha and his Host Brother, Brett enjoying the music at VBS

Today we concluded our second day of VBS at Lake Pointe Church.  What a great two days it has been!  Our friends at the church put on such a great VBS for the Angels.  They took part in songs, games, crafts, Bible stories, and snacks.  It took many people at Lake Pointe to put on such a great program for us.  We can’t thank them enough for the many ways they blessed us all! 

While the children were in VBS, a professional photographer came to take individual portraits of each Angel. One by one they each had several pictures taken at different angles. Some children were pretty shy about being in the spotlight. Others immediate struck a pose. Thank you to Rodney VanSickle for taking pictures for us today!

Oksana, an Angel's Russian translator, helping Dennis with his craft activity

One neat thing Lake Pointe did was to give each child a box of cards. On the cards, scripture was printed in English on one side and Russian on the other.  The children also seemed to enjoy the craft and recreation times. I think smiles were filling the room most during these two activites. When the morning was over, it was time to go home.  However, there was one last item on our to-do list. That one last thing was to take a group picture. How many adults does it take to get a picture of 17 Angels?  Let’s just say it takes a lot! 

Angels from Abroad 2010

There many parts to one body.  That’s why we call His followers the “Body of Christ.”  Each one in that group, plays a huge role. Put them all together, it results in some spectacular happenings.  We had the opportunity to see exactly this as the Lord assembled an amazing team the last few days. Photographers, VBS volunteers, Translators, and more.  Thank you for seeing the value in investing time, energy, gifts, and talents to our Angels.  The lives of many have been touched the past two days. 

VBS opening of song and dance!

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13

VBS is Today!

Today our wonderful friends at Lake Pointe Church are hosting a Vacation Bible School for the Angels.  We are so excited!  For some of these children, this may be the first time they hear the Gospel Message. It takes a lot of hands to make this event happen. We are so thankful for Lake Pointe being such a wonderful partner in our Angels program. They can’t do it alone though.  This is where your help comes in. 

Would you be willing to pray for our group the next couple days? Thursday, August 5^th and Friday, August 6^th the Angels will be participating in VBS.  Please pray for the following:

• The VBS teachers who will be teaching our Angels
• The translators who are making sure the children understand what is being said
• The volunteers that will be making this event happen in more ways than we can imagine
• The host families that will follow up with what the children learn at VBS
• The Angels to have open hearts to the most amazing Love story they will ever know

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We can’t thank you enough!

750,000

It’s easy to share pictures of the children being here, and to write about the happy times we are all sharing during the Angel’s visit.  Today, I’m called to post a more serious message. It’s not light hearted and doesn’t paint a pretty picture. It can however, have a happy ending.

It is estimated that there are more than 750,000 orphans in Russia.  That’s not just a number. 750,000 thousand lives are out there longing for a forever family. 

In the book, Fields of the Fatherless by C. Thomas Davis, a Russian orphan describes his life.  He tells of how he “hated his life,” felt worthless like a “cockroach,” and was  “unmercifully beaten” on a regular basis. When he met an American team that came to his orphanage, he was shocked at the love they showed him and others.  These people had children of their own and yet had hearts to give that “had room enough even for us little cockroaches,” he explains. He goes on to say, “Then I began to feel myself not a cockroach anymore that deserved to be killed, but a little human being. It is a wonderful feeling. Believe me.”

The pain in his words resonates in my soul.  I keep going back to that number, 750,000. How many of those children in that number feel just like this? I often think about how in so many ways, many of us were orphans once. We were spiritual orphans adopted by our Heavenly Father.  The day we said “Yes” to trusting Him, we were adopted into His arms and His home. How many in that number feel as if they are a cockroach deserving to be killed?  How many haven’t said yes to Him, only because they don’t even know about Him?

What I’m about to say may not sit well with everyone. I ask you, no, I beg you to keep reading. Ask yourself these questions. What if I can do more? What if there is a child out there the Lord has a beautiful plan for in my home? What if I do nothing? Will that child sit and wait for me to never come? What if I am being called to adoption? Those aren’t easy questions.  However, we live in a world where 750,000 orphans in Russia, forces hard questions to be asked. 

James 1:27 is a command to care for orphans. Notice it doesn’t come with exceptions to the command. It simply calls us to do it.  Everyone can do something.  For some it will require little. For some it will require more.  For everyone, it starts with a prayer.  Lord, what’s Your will for me to do?

I ask you to pray for the 750,000 in Russia longing for a forever family today.  I ask you to pray for the 17 Angels we have in our program.  Finally, I ask you to pray for direction in your role of the command in James 1:27.  Maybe your answer will be to serve on a mission trip. Maybe it will be to become Host family for Angels in the future. Maybe it will be to open your home and heart to the world of adoption.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

For More information on Angels from Abroad, please contact me at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

Three Things

There are several things one cannot argue when it comes to the Angels. Here are three:

1. They LOVE to swim.

Andrei, Sasha, Sasha, and Nicky. The young lady in this picture was an Angel from 2009. She has since been adopted and has an adopted older brother who was an Angel as well. Sasha may be the only girl here, but she has no problem taking the lead and showing these boys how things go in Texas!

2. They want to soak up every experience while they are here.

Sasha capturing memoires on camera

3. They are easy to fall in love with.

Kseniya with her Host Parent, James, at the Mesquite Rodeo

Please pray for our 17 Angels today.  Pray for memories to be made, for open hearts willing to love and to be loved, and for the Lord to work in each one’s life greatly these next two weeks.