Happy Thanksgiving Dear Friends!

Mike, Amy, Ben, Amanda, Alex, Pete & Cindy in the kitchen ready for dinner to begin.

Happy Thanksgiving dear friends. I have so much to be thankful for.
I am thankful for Marc and Sarah who have blessed and enriched my life beyond measure. They have made me want to rise above what I thought I could. They are a most precious gift.

I'm thankful for dear friends. Sometimes I forgot just how blessed I am with friends who have stood with me during great joys and sorrows, who have willingly walked with me when my path grew dark and I fear I would not make it to the light, who have loved me enough to ask those hard questions and keep loving me as truth shone into my heart bringing healing.

I am ever so thankful that I had the opportunity and privilege to travel to Kazakhstan in 2000 and 7 times since. I am thankful for the love I have received from the precious children in the orphanages I have visited. I am even more thankful that I am on this journey which is leading me to living in Kazakhstan full time working with the children who have captured my heart. I have had to give up much, most of my "stuff", a place to call home, giving away my beloved dog K.C. and cats, saying good bye to my home town and many friends and more. When all that I am sacrificing and giving up is placed on the scales they still don't begin to off set the great joy that fills my heart as I draw closer to that moment in time when I board the plane and move to Kazakhstan. I am ever so thankful that I have this great privilege and honor to go and serve the people of Kazakhstan and especially the children.

Yesterday I was thankful for the opportunity to spend time with family whom I haven't seen for awhile. My cousin Amy, her husband Mike and their two kids Alex and Amanda offered for me to ride with them to Staunton, Virginia to spend the day with my Uncle Pete (Amy's Father), his wife Cindy and my cousin Ben (Amy's brother). It was a time to reconnect and catch up with family and count my many blessings. I heard from both my two precious children and even though I didn't get to spend the day with them I was ever so thankful for the people they are and that they are such blessings in my life. I love you Marc and Sarah and am so proud of you each.


Family around the table

Ben and his buddy Abby

Walking downtown Staunton, Virginia after a feast



Alex patiently listening to old folks talk


Listening to family stories

Today I am working on lining up work for the next two months and setting up appointment with people who I hope will want to partner with me in the work to reach the children in the orphanages in Kazakhstan. This is not something I can do alone. It will take a team to reach these precious children touching their hearts and changing lives one child at a time. During these economically hard times it may be difficult to think of others especially when they are half way around the world but I can promise you the rewards of seeing a life changed far out weighs any small sacrifice made.

Thank you each for your encouragement and friendship. You each are such a great blessing to me. I am so thankful for the many joys and blessings I am given each day no matter what storms are raging around me. I choose to accept the joys and blessings given just for today.
Thank you dear friends
Vicki

Sarah Graduated from Navy Boot Camp!

I'm back from the windy city of Chicago. When they say windy they mean windy. I thought I'd freeze to death while there. I don't know how Sarah has survived except she is tough. It was so good to see, hold and talk to my daughter. The ceremony was quite impressive, but nothing compares to just being with my girl. Her Dad, step-Mom Cindy, brother Marc and I were her four guest and we had a great time visiting with her Friday. So much healing and grace has been poured out onto our family and it was so good to have this sweet time together. Thursday evening Kit, Cindy, Marc and I had a fabulous steak dinner together then they picked me up Friday morning at 6:45 so we could go to the base for the ceremony. There was lots of pomp and circumstance, but very touching all around.









Sarah has matured into a young woman and I am so proud of her for making in through something so difficult. It was amazing she didn't whine and complain like I might of as she shared stories of her time there. She actually cried when we left base as emotions over came her. It was the first time she'd left base since arriving the 29th of Sept.







After graduation and stopping to get a bite to eat we headed to the Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. Walking around the outside of the pier would be a fun activity in the summer, but not in November. The icy cold wind tore right through us. We quickly moved to the inside of the central building and window shopped. Near the food court they had a stage with several performers doing acts. Cindy and Marc were called up onto the stage to help with some magic acts. We got a kick out of seeing them on stage especially Marc. Sarah laughed and laughed. It was such sweet music to my ears.









Saturday, Sarah and I got to spend the entire day together. We just enjoyed being with each other. Doing nothing all that exciting, but treasured the time together. I loved hearing all her stories and thoughts. A time I will always treasure in my memories. I am so proud of my daughter. I'm proud of both my children. They are incredible, talented, caring young adults. It is my great honor and privilege to be part of their lives.

















Thank you my dear friend for joining me on this journey. Thank you for celebrating with me during this time of great joy. To have friends who will shout for joy and shed tears with me as life is lived is one of the greatest treasures in my life. This week that we each think more of what we are thankful for I am especially thankful for my dear dear friends.
Thank you dear friends.
Love
Vicki

Bidding Farewell to North Carolina

With mixed emotions I drove away from Union Mills, North Carolina yesterday. I had settled in and it felt like home. I had a corner of the world to relax in, good friends and a community to be part of.. Yet, I missed my son and dear friends back in Richmond so much...

Jon & Bonnie and their 5 kids were my next door neighbors and they came over to send me off and generously help with last minute details. The girls took my garbage for me and Bonnie finished cleaning for me. Thank you so much guys. The good thing about good friends is miles or time doesn't decrease the friendship, but sweetens it like fine wine. Many great friendships developed during my time in North Carolina that I will treasure for may years. I will also treasure the sweet memories made there in addition to all I learned.
Here are a few pictures Bonnie took as I finally headed out.







I'm staying with friends in Richmond and doing some work for them before heading out to see Sarah graduate from Navy boot camp. I'm thankful for good friends who open their hearts and homes to me. Thank you Bill and Susan. I have been richly blessed since June with great friends who let me into their lives, who have made me feel part of their family helping me through this time of transitions as I prepare to move to Kazakhstan.
Before I know it will be time to board the plane, leaving one home, in exchange for another. I am so looking forward to learning the language, learning more about the culture that has captured my heart and settling in. The children are especially dear to me and I look forward with great anticipation seeing what I will learn from them. Their great patience and kindness to me always moves my heart sometimes bringing tear to my eyes. My heart burst with great love for them and am anxious to continue to build relationships with them.

The treasured friendship I've made up till this point give me encouragement to face the many "farewells" I have to make in order to reach the destination calling to me. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. You, my dear friends, are one of the things that gives me strength to continue forward.. Thank you for the your friendship.
Love
Vicki

Last Day of Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills!

Hurray!!! Last Day of Training.. I've been here in North Carolina since September 9th. This has become like home. It is the longest I've stayed in one place since I closed up my house in June. Now, I'm back to the like of a nomad until I leave for Kazakhstan.

Ending is bitter sweet. I've made many dear friends and have enjoyed immensely being in close community to many. Some things that this new adventure brings are many good-byes, but that is balanced with more hello's as well as the great gift of new friends.

On Thursday we had a "Girl's Night" out. We piled into two cars and first headed to Bangkok Delight for dinner. The food was quite tasty. We then headed to George and Kathy's house. George is out of town which left Kathy, Beth (their daughter) and Cami (Beth's dog) making a truly " Girl's Night". Beth's dog, Cami is the sweetest little dog and loved the attention she received from all of us. Kathy had cookies, coffee, hot coco, hot cider and tea for us. We played some crazy word - hot potato - game. Like the worse possible game for me. I'm not competitive, quick with words not a good combination in a high stress, highly competitive group. ugh.. A good time was had by all.

















Friday we finished up our Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills Class. This class gave us tools to use in our relationships. Things like; How not to kill your relationship , Loving Listening, Drawing people out, Confronting well, Building Trust, Living in Community, Managing Stress (I never have any of that!!!) Being and Encourager, and many more topics. I think I have knowledge oozing out my ears about now..





This weekend I work on the mural in the administration building and the apartment I've been staying in. Here are a couple pictures of them each.


Mural in the Administration Building

Mural in Sorenson Apartment

I will always treasure the sweet memories I built during my time there as I prepare for the next part of the adventure. Thank you for joining me in this journey. We are all part of an Epic Adventure whether we know it or not. There is a great story going on all around us and we can each choose to be part or sit on our sofas and watch the world go by. I am ever so thankful for each one who chooses to join in this grand tale..

Thank you dear friends.
Vicki

Need Your Help!

Okay Everyone:
As you probably have noticed I like to take pictures. I also like "NOT" to be in pictures.. It usually works just fine, BUT I need a photo for a business postcard I need.. Ugh.. I had a friend take some pictures today for this specific reason. I don't like any of them particularly.

SO!!! I'm coming to you for help. I need your help to help me pick which picture to use. The postcard will have my name, business logo, and some other basic information. So, please, everyone weigh in and leave your vote on the comment and let me know which one you think I should use.

Thank you for your assistance..
What would I do without my friends...
Vicki


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