Salon Day

Kristina taking her turn for a new hair style

For many children in the US, a beautician is a common role taken on during play. They braid their doll’s hair and even enjoy getting their own hair done on a regular basis at a salon. “Most orphan children living in Russia, almost never get the opportunity to have their hair cut and styled like this,” said Stacy Jenkins an adopted Russian teen. For so many, the idea of getting their hair done at a salon by a beautician is just a fantasy. For several of our Angels from Abroad, that fantasy became a reality today. Stylists, Cynthia McGee and Amy Bacon of the Rockwall Salon, generously took time to pamper our young lady Angels and to make them feel very special.

When asked what kind of hair cut she wanted, “I want bangs,” one Angel responded in Russian. Adorned with a leopard print drape, she sat quietly while she received her hair cut and was the center of everyone’s attention. 

Anastasia giving a smile for the camera about her new hair cut

Kristina after she had a wash, cut, and style

One by one, each Angel had their hair washed, cut, and styled. One Angel giggled as she stood up the from the chair and touched her wet back where a few drips of water had run down. Another Angel kept taking peeks at herself in the mirror at her new style while she waited for her friends to get their own. One last picture was taken of the group, and off the families went for a group lunch date together. 

Proud Host Mother taking a picture of Anastasia

No, no major hair makeovers occurred today. These Angels looked perfect when they walked in the door. However, a trim here and a curl there provided memories that will last a lifetime. I think this day at the salon will be one they won’t forget. Who knows, maybe one will become a beautician themselves one day. 

Angels and Host Families at the Rockwall Salon

 Thank you to Cynthia and Amy at the Rockwall Salon. We had a great afternoon with you!

Mesquite Rodeo

Trying Hot Peppers and Nachos at the Rodeo

In a small Rodeo arena on an ordinary Saturday night, extraordinary things were happening. Section 116 was packed with matching t-shirts and far from ordinary conversations were taking place. Children were having first time experiences with one of the world’s greatest creation for children, Cotton Candy. I caught one young Angel trying a jalapeño pepper for the first time. It’s Texas, he’s brave, and a new notch can now be put on his belt. I’m not sure he will ever be trying it again, but he sure impressed many with his courage.

Friends Enjoying the Rodeo

As I scanned the crowd, I was shocked. The children seated there had sparkles in their eyes and a confidence I hadn’t seen just one day before. I hadn’t expected to see that so soon. It brings a tear to my eyes even just thinking about it. Host families spoke of a fun day of taking the children shopping for clothes. I couldn’t help but wonder how many of these children have never experienced something like going shopping and picking out their own clothing. One host parent described sweet and tender moments such as coloring with her Angel. The value of one on one attention each Angel receives is immeasurable.

Throughout the crowd, so many God sightings were jumping out at me. Previous Angels, that have since been adopted, were gathered and there to support our new Angels. Past adopted families came to show their support. New host families were building relationships with our families that have hosted multiple times. The Russian staff was reunited with the children they brought to Dallas the day before. The children were eager to tell them all that has happened in the last 24 hours with their host families. Camera shutters were clicking, flashes were going off, and the love for these children filled the arena.

Host Family and Angel Sharing a Snack

We were all there for one reason. We were all there for the Angels. What a blessing to be able to love these children and be a part of their lives. The highlight of the night for me was watching one Host Family leave with their Angels.  Holding the hand of her Angel, the Host Mother skipped out the doors of the Rodeo. It was a good night. God is good and far from ordinary. These exceptional children are proof of that. The work He is doing is so apparent. We have an exciting week ahead and look forward to what else He has planned.

 “Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard.  No mind has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him”  1 Corinthians 2:9

Angels Taking in the fun of the Mesquite Rodeo

Thank you to the Mesquite Rodeo for providing a fun filled evening for our Angels and Host families!

The Angels Are Here!

The Angels Arriving at DFW

As the minutes on the clock slowly clicked away, we waited.  Each time a small face appeared through DFW’s International Arrival’s door, our hearts fluttered.  It felt like an eternity before our Angels finally appeared. 

Each carried a small bag of belongings on their back. The Angels were all smiles as they were welcomed to Texas. We loaded up in our two vans and took off to our anxiously waiting staff and families at Buckner.  We called to report how close we were every ten minutes or so. I could feel their excitement over the phone with each report.  

After such a long flight, a sleepy ride to where the families awaited was expected. This was not so in our van. Little voices singing,” Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way” bounced off the walls of the van. Christmas songs in July?  It was the only song we all knew in the same language, so we went with it. All went well until our van’s driver clapped his hands to show the children they had done such a nice job singing.  In gestures and looks, I realized they did not like him clapping and wanted to make sure he kept his hands on the steering wheel at all times. We all shared a laugh about that.

When we arrived at Buckner, smiling staff, family, and volunteers were waiting for the children.  The Lord had assembled a great group that warmly welcomed our Angels. We quickly took them to a debriefing room for a time to explain what was going to happen next and to get some much needed refreshments.  Next, the children were fitted with a new pair of shoes from Shoes for Orphan Souls. Some were fitted for some western clothing, and everyone was shown their very own suitcase given from our friends at Lake Pointe Church. The suitcases were full of supplies for their stay here in Texas.

Next the most precious time of all took place. The children met their host families.  Paired up with a translator, each family member introduced themselves to their Angel and explained how excited they were to meet them.  I could tell immediately some children that walked into the room were not the same that walked out. The smiles were still on the faces of these children. However, something was different.  Was it hopeful anticipation of what the next few weeks will be like? Was it the realization they will be cared for in a way that they may never have experienced before? I think it was the feeling of their hearts preparing to grow. That feeling automatically shows in a beaming face. The children weren’t the only ones beaming. They host families were too. What a beautiful picture of Love.

Less Than 24

There is a buzz in Dallas this evening.  That buzz is about the seventeen children that will be landing in this city so very soon.  In less than 24 hours, the Angels will be here!  Months of planning have gone by. Countless prayers have been sent up. Hundreds of items on all of our to-do lists have been checked off. It all comes down to this.  The Angels are almost here. Words cannot describe the emotions within our staff and families tonight. The Lord is working, stirring our hearts, and preparing us for an awesome few weeks ahead. Something tells me life will never be the same once these Angels finally arrive.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 It’s going to be an exciting few weeks!

Angels from Abroad Seminar

Natasha giving tips and advice on hosting a child from Russia

This weekend our host families participated in our Angels Seminar.  They learned about the adoption process, Russian culture, how to get prepared, what to expect from the experience, and what fun we plan to have with the Angels! 

We were blessed with one young woman adopted through Buckner’s Russia program speaking about her experiences.  She spoke to the families about life in the orphanage, being adopted with her older brother, and her family adopted two siblings through the Angels program later. We also had a former Angel host family come and share their experience with hosting and adopting two children over the past few years. 

Not only did the families get to go over the events and receive some education on the program, they bonded with each other.  It is so neat to hear the families talk about getting the rooms ready for their Angels.  “I’m almost done painting her room,” one host mother excitedly reported.  Another host mother described how she has been shopping at Russian markets to get foods and recipes that will be familiar and comforting to her Angels. 

How amazing it is to see the Lord preparing the hearts and homes of those willing to provide for the Angels for the weeks they will be in Texas.  He is good and we can’t wait to see what all He has planned for them!

Matching Week!

This is a very important week for the Angels from Abroad program.  This week our families are being matched with their Angels!  They will be learning all about the child they will spend time loving and caring for during their time here in the US. 

Right now we have 17 beautiful children preparing to walk off the plane at DFW airport and walk into the arms of their host families.  We have ten boys and seven girls coming. Also within our group, we have two sets of siblings!  Their interests include: singing, dancing, playing sports, helping others, and creating art.

As the children are no doubt day dreaming right now about what the next month’s time will bring, the host families are too. The families will also spend time getting to know each other this week.  July 23^rd and July 24^th will be two days full of education, discussion, group bonding, and hearing about the Angels experience from those who have walked the same journey before!

We can’t describe how excited we are that the Angels will be here before we know it. The countdown is on for when they will arrive! 

Please keep the Angels, Host Families, and staff in your prayers this week.

Prayers for:

• Families- as they receive the information and picture of the child they will be hosting
• Families- preparing their homes for each Angel’s arrival
• Angels- as their hearts are being prepared for the love of each family
• For feelings of any anxiousness to be replaced with peace for Angels and Host Families
• For Russian staff working to prepare for the trip to the US and to leave their families behind in Russia 
• For the Buckner/Dillon staff preparing for the weeks ahead
• For the Angels education seminar taking place this Friday and Saturday for Host Families 

The Angels Are Coming!

It’s hard to believe the Angels will be here soon.  We have a wonderful group of children getting geared up to make their way to Dallas.  I can’t help but wonder what is going through their minds.  Do they realize how much they are being prayed for? Do they realize how they are about to be showered with love? Do they realize the Lord is going to use them in mighty ways while they are here?  Then I think about the families that are preparing to host these precious children. I wonder if they realize how much their hearts will grow in ways they never imagined.  It’s exciting to think about all that is before us in the months ahead!

 Plans are being put in place, events are being scheduled, and we are all working diligently to get things in order for the two weeks the children will be here.  The 17 Angels will be here July 30^th-August 16^th.  If you would like to be involved in this year’s program, please email me at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

• The Angels arrive with only the clothes on their backs.  Host families are asked to provide all the clothing they will need while here. Are you able to donate a gift card to help families provide clothing to a child? 
•  Do you speak Russian and are willing to volunteer translating during our events?
•  Would you be willing to put Angels from Abroad on your church’s, Sunday School Group’s, or personal prayer list? 

 There are many ways to be involved. Please let us know if you are willing to donate your time, services, or gifts.  The children are ready to receive those blessings!

Informational Meeting at Lake Pointe Church- Cancelled

The Informational Meeting at Lake Pointe Church has been cancelled.  If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the program, please contact me.  bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org or (214)-906-4547. 

We continue to accept applications for host families at this time and look forward to a great Angel’s program this August!  Please continue to keep all the children and staff in Russia in prayer as we proceed with plans for this summer.

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)