Those special people given as gifts in our lives!

As we each travel the roads of our lives there are people who enter and make a profound impact on our very soul. Maybe it is all this gray hair, maybe it is standing on the cusp of this new chapter in my life, but I'm struck by the realization of the gift of friendships I have been given.

Last night I had the great joy of spending time with three women and their husbands who have spoken great truths into my life as well as giving me the gift of their friendships. Edith, Lois and Chip have joined me at various points on the journey to Kazakhstan, but each have added significantly to the process. Lois and Richard stepped into my life over 10 years ago and as a struggling single mother they came along side me in more way than I could ever list. Their compassion, empathy, and kindness not only made a huge difference in the reality of life, but encouraged me in ways I can barely articulate.

Edith and Rip came into my life when Edith was assigned to be my mentor as part of the application process to join Interlink's staff. That was almost 2 years ago. For over six months Edith and I met almost weekly for her to get to know me and process through the large application package with a million and one questions. Edith and Lois were there when I cried about giving all my stuff away, when I was overwhelmed with grief over giving my sweet dog K.C. away and so much more.

Chip is one of the teachers/facilitators in North Carolina that I meet this fall. Her knowledge and wisdom in so many areas added to what had been building in my life these pass 9 years. Like building blocks each building on the other, my heart was ready to receive the new insights and wisdom. In a lot of ways I was like a sponge in North Carolina. For the first time in ever so long I was just me and focused on redefining who I was and what these next steps were really all about.

Last night Edith and Rip hosted us at their beautiful home for dinner. It was a time to laugh, have good conversation, enjoy good food, and celebrate where I am because of their willingness to join me along the way. We ate and laughed to the point of tears sometimes, shared fond memories, and hopes for the future. What a special time I will treasure in my heart.





I spoke to both my children yesterday and loved the chance to enjoy hearing their thoughts and ideas about various topics. To listen not with my "mom" hat on thinking "what wisdom do I need to impart." or "what do I need to do or fix" but just enjoy their point of view at the place in life were they are. To hear the enthusiasm, hope and expectation of life as well as their apprehension and hesitation. I love listening to my children share what is in their hearts. Again I will say what a precious gift they have been to me.

May each of you take the time to connect with those special people in life. Don't let the business of the everyday life steal those moments. Most of you probably aren't closing up your life preparing to move to a new country, but take the time dear friends to let those around you who have spoken into your lives how precious they are to you. None of us know the number of our days. With all the material things, electronics, and "modern" conveniences I think it is easy to forget how special how valuable relationships are. That personal interactions between people. Put down the iPod, turn off the TV, step away from the computer and spend some time really listening to those around you who you love and treasure.

Enjoy today my friend.. Enjoy one another. Thank you for the gifts of friendships I have been blessed with..
Vicki

A Visit with Pam

Sunday I had the privilege of spending time with a dear friend, Pam. We don't live in the same city so face to face meetings are rare. We went to Cafe Caturra a new locally owned restaurant. They roast their own coffee beans, have fabulously good food with a great comfortable artsy atmosphere. I've had coffee and tea there, but this was the first time to try the food and we were both very pleased. It is fun to experience new places, especially when the food is so good. We arrived around 1 and stayed till after 6 and the staff was quite hospitable. If you are even in the Richmond area give them a try.



It was fun to catch up with what is happening in each of our lives. She has a small four legged "child" named Emma and I enjoyed seeing her joy over this small furry companion. It did make me miss KC though. I'm hopeful to have a dog at some point once I get to Kazakhstan. I love the companionship a good dog offers.

It was fun to share about my training and preparations for Kazakhstan. Pam has witnessed the desire, commitment and passion for the children of Kazakhstan grow over the years. Her encouraging words have been a great gift and to hear her say it is evident in all she sees and hears that I am most definitely on the right path touched my heart. I tuck things like that away for those rainy days when the clouds of doubt move in. Then I pull out all these jewels of encouragements. It is amazing how while reviewing them the sun will break through the clouds and a rainbow of promise will appear.

I am excited and feel very honored that I get this privilege. Thank you each one who have played a part through the years helping me grow, mature, and prepare for just an adventure as this. I could have never imagined 10 years ago that this would be where my journey would take me. But here I am...And Oh! What a gift it is..

What a gift each and every person has been along my path. I know I have said this often, but this season of life has me thinking a lot about those folks along the way who have encouraged, inspired, brought joy into my life. Thank you each and everyone.

I finally received in the mail pictures that were taken right before Sarah left. These are the last family portraits I'll have of the three of us for awhile. Bitter sweet in so many ways. To look and see young adults not babies is still a surprise for me. Oh, how my heart burst with love for these two. A chapter has ended and a new one has begun for all of us. It is exciting and sad all at the same time. Life is always changing. These pictures are a great reminder to me to enjoy this day that has been given to me. Once it is gone there is no going back. Sometimes I set goals and set my sites on that, then forget to enjoy the journey as I'm heading that way. I desire to treasure today not just long for the day I board the plan to head to Kazakhstan. To enjoy today not just long for a place that I will stay more than a week or two. To enjoy today with all the joys and blessings given just for today no matter what storms may be brewing around me. I have a choice. I choose to treasure each moment of the life I have been given. To treasure the day that is before me.
I look at these pictures and see so many images of my sweet children laughing and some of them crying, the joys and heartaches we had along the way. But my heart overflows with gratitude for the years we have had together. How truly blessed I am in so many ways.




My beautiful children


My Family!

Enjoy this day and each day given you. Let those around you know how much you treasure them too.
Each of you are a gift to me.
Vicki

Ember stops by and shares about her year in Kazakhstan!

Wednesday, Ember, who has just returned from a year long Internship in Kazakhstan stop by on her way to from her parents to her home. It was so good to have her here for a couple days. I'm cat/house sitting for friends and they graciously let me host Ember in their home with me.

It was great to hear all about her adventures last year, hear what was the best, what wasn't as good. She tried to convince me the cold wasn't all that bad to live in, but I can tell you I'm still not totally convince and plan on bringing several pair of good long john. I loved hearing all the wondrous details of life in a foreign land, in a place I will soon call home.

Marci who had gone on a recent short term trip to Kazakhstan had brought back a truck full of Ember's things. Thursday evening we had the pleasure and joy to spend time with Tom, Marci and their silly dog Maggie. It was a sweet time with friends.



Earlier that evening I had the great privilege to take a family picture of one of my favorite families. Lois and Richard have been dear friends for so long. Their friendship is a precious gift, a great treasure and I will miss seeing the in person once I board the plan. I am ever so thankful for the internet.





Ember headed out Friday afternoon and has made it home. What a treat to have the time to reconnect and hear about her wondrous year in Kazakhstan..

On Friday evening I spent a glorious evening with Liam, Mariss, Miranda and Jason. Liam and Mariss are such loving, funny, sweet children. Liam showed me all his new Christmas toys. What a treat to see life again through the eyes of a 4 year old. Miranda is a talented, gifted artist and is oh so ever gifted with graphic images. I have Photoshop on my Mac but am still on that steep learning curve. Miranda helped me get my business card finally done. YEAH!!! Everyone probably wondered if I had done that. It will go off to the printers on Monday.. YEAH!!


The picture I used.
Thank you everyone for your help in picking the picture.













Again I'm thankful for the friends in my life. My support raising is coming along so well for which I am also thankful. I only need about $2000.00 more in one time expenses and $600 more in monthly support. That is less than 20 people giving $35 a month. Isn't that absolutely amazing. I can't wait to be in Kazakhstan and work among the Kazakh people. I'll be working in the Youth Department and you can read more of what they do by going to Interlink's Blog.

Thank you each for joining me in the great adventure. Thank you for your encouraging words, your homes to stay in, your support, and your precious friendships.
Vicki

Saying Good-Bye to my little girl!

I took Sarah to the airport this morning and told her how proud I was of her, how much I loved her as she expressed her sadness over leaving. It's funny now that it was time to go back she realized that we don't know when the next time we will hold each other in our arms, when we will be under the same roof and wished she had more time "home".



This is such a normal part of life. Children grow up and things change. Chapters close and chapters begin. Knowing that this is normal doesn't stop the sadness that wraps my heart. It is hard sometimes to sit with the sadness and know that it will be okay, that it won't consume your being and color all of the day. So many things can bring sadness and I for one try to tuck it safely away as appose to sit and let the feeling penetrate my being for awhile. Will the tears stop or flood a river to the sea or will they help heal the growing pains of life?

When I think about my son and daughter and how they have made me want to be a better person, how they brought joy, fun, lots of gray hair and oh, so much love into my life. How my heart burst from the love they filled me with. How thankful I am for the privilege and great honor of being their mother.



So, the sadness I'm feeling today is a small price for the great love I have known. It is a small price for a life so full of love. And at this cross roads of life - of chapters closings and new beginning I am excited, hopeful, and sad all at the same time and it is okay.








See you later my sweet baby girl.... xxoxxoo my love will be with you across miles and time...