Sarah enlisted in the NAVY!

Yes! My baby girl enlisted in the Navy this week. As I stood outside this glass room waiting to be allowed in to watch her (along with one other girl and about 15 guys) I started to cry. I remember when I first held her in my arms and how small she was. I remembered how I carried her forever because she didn't like to walk. (I'm serious she was 10 when I finally said "no more pick-ups!".) Thinking about how hard Sarah had worked in school. Talking and reading didn't come easy for her. Now, we joke that I prayed so many times for her to talk years ago and now I pray for her not to talk sometimes.. :o) I stood there looking at this beautiful young woman and remembered back across time and marveled at it all. I am so incredibly proud of her and her decision to join the Navy even if I didn't like when I was told she is now property of the United States Military.

 At first Sarah was told the job she wanted wasn't available to her. But then it was in addition Sarah had desired not to leave till September so she could have her summer here. Guess when her boot camp begins? September... Isn't God so good... She is an Operation Specialist which means she is in communications... just perfect for her...

Of coarse I had my camera and took pictures.

Waiting! (and she wasn't talking:o)!)

I forget his title, (I guess I'll learn a lot about military "lingo" soon.) but he was gracious to stop for a moment after he swore them in to do a photo shot.. Only one other mother was there and thankfully she wanted a picture of her son with him, so I wasn't the only mother embarrassing their child!

May your joy bubble over to all those you meet.

Victoria

Katie, Michael and Sarah Mac

I had fun spending time with two of my nieces and nephew on Saturday. To hear what they are interested in and ideas on life was fun and entertaining. All three are very bright and full of life. Katie loves to read and write, Michael love sports of all kinds especially basketball, and young Sarah Mac loves to dance. Sarah Mac especially had all kinds of questions about the children in Kazakhstan and why I am moving there in light of all that I will be leaving behind. We talked at lenght about having to find a new home for my dog and two cats and the possibilities of taking them with me. Also talked at great lenght about how I would stay in touch with her. She finally decided that it would be okay for me to go and that she would come visit and see these children for herself. I'm not sure what her parent think of this idea!! :o) It was also great to be given permission by an 8 year old.

As I was leaving she begged me to stay saying I was very entertaining. I'm not sure what that says about me!?! After promising her I would come "play" again she agreed to let me leave. To be so young and think you have so much control on the world around you.

I took some photos of these three while I was visiting.

Katie

Michael

Sarah Mac

Treated by my Daughter and Son!

There are days I miss "my" babies.... The cuddles, sloppy kisses and early bedtimes! :o)
Then other days I enjoy insightful conversation and getting one of my two to pick something up from the store. (they both can drive now)



Friday - Sarah and I enjoyed a meal out together. I sat across the table and was amazed to watch this beautiful young woman with her excitement for life and wondered how that tiny peanut of a girl grew so quickly into this young woman.


Sarah right after we brought her home. Sarah being Sarah!!!

Sarah with her cousins Christmas 2007
On Sunday Marc treated Sarah and I to the movies. He wanted to spend time with his mother and sister!!!! How that touched my heart. He is almost 20 years old and what a handsome thoughtful young man he is. I enjoyed hearing about his plans, his friends, and his ideas on life.
The first pictures I saw of Marc.
Marc being Marc!
Such a handsome young man.

I am so proud of both my children and what they are doing as they move forward in their lives.
What a blessing to spend time with both my children this weekend and really connect. Not that I don't talk to them on a daily basis, but to sit back and admire the people they are sometimes gets lost in the details of life.
I have been richly blessed with the honor and privilege of being their Mother...

This next year will bring changes for all of us. I am excited to be moving forward in the next chapter of my life to work with the children in Kazakhstan, to be part of Marc and Sarah's life in a different way as they emark on adulthood, and look forward to the adventures we all will have.

I am also so thankful for all our good friends and family who have been with us through the years. Through the many good times, laughter and celebrations, as well as the heart aches, tears, and valleys.. We couldn't of made it without your prayers, support and encouraging words. Thank you.. It also bring great comfort as Marc, Sarah and I are about to have life change in so many ways.
Thank you dear friends and family.
Love
Vicki

What/Who is Interlink Resources?

Many have asked me about Interlink Resources and what they do. They have a great web site and blog.
http://www.interlinkresources.org/
http://interlinkblog.blogspot.com/

Through these two links you can learn more about the work Interlink does and about the team in Kazakhstan. They offer a great Intern program anywhere from 3 months to 12 months. They have a Child sponsorship program for orphans and much more. On the blog you will get to know the national employees as well as the Americans. You'll read heart warming and heart breaking stories about the children in the orphanages they are building relationships with.

On Wednesdays, a member of the Interlink team will write a post to introduce themselves in a series called "The People Behind Interlink". Another series called "What Exactly Does Interlink do?" on Fridays, will introduce a different Interlink program.

I encourage you to check out these to sites. I think you will find them interesting, encouraging, and hopefully motivating.

Thank you for joining me on this next journey in my life.
Victoria

A day off!

Today I had the day "OFF"!! Not that I don't have a mile long list of things I need to do on my "day off", but today was my first day off since November 07... a long time... Today I just putzed... took K.C. to the dog park, cleaned the house (it had gotten way out of hand and the dust bunnies were about to take over).. :o), sorted through stuff, and did some much needed paper work.

Sarah has been home all week sick with the flu. We joke that I prayed for years for Sarah to talk (she didn't till she was almost 5 yrs old) and that now I pray for her to be quiet.. She only stops when she is sleeping.

Well this week I definitely missed the music of her constant chatter. Between Sunday evening and Wednesday she said about 5 words, Wednesday she seem to rally of coarse in the doctor's office then about 5 more words till today. She is quiet for Sarah, but I am most definitely enjoying her chatter again... We both have enjoyed a relaxing day at home.

One of the projects I was working on was sorting out stuff in my "art" room. --Take to Kazakhstan, Give to Marc or Sarah, Give to a friend, yard sale, store until I return, Etc -- .. ugghh... I'm a pack rat by genetics...

As I was going through I realized that I'm probably at or near the half way mark of my life.. that is mind boggling... I'm still not caught up on the fact I don't have little kids anymore...

I came across a couple of pictures of my sisters and I.. Can you recognize me?

One sister then two sisters....

The Mudd Girls in the early 80's

The Mudd Girls 2008....

Where has the time gone...

The years have been marked with overwhelming sorry, fear, anger, sadness, and confusion. At the same time overflowing with great joys, love, friendships, and laughter. The tapestry that makes my life is woven from these, contrast and contradictions. I've made terrible choices, mistakes to many to count, and just been plain stupid in so many things.  I wish the gray hair reflected the amount of great wisdom I've acquired, but I think my gray far out numbers the wisdom I've gleaned.

As I look forward to this move I don't want to forget to enjoy each moment I have today!! That is all I am promised and I've wasted far to many days either looking back in regret at what I'd lost (or thought I'd lost), or looking forward to what I thought I wanted and would make me happy. Most times they were just illusions of what I thought not reality anyway. I no longer wish to waste a single day by not enjoying the many joys and blessings that are given just for this day.

This has been a great day to spend time with Sarah, enjoy K.C. playing at the dog park, corral the dust bunnies for today, work through the pile of papers on my desk, read a good book and enjoy the beautiful sun shine.