Victoria's Adventures in Kazakhstan

New blog page!

2010-03-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hello dear family and friends;

Here in Kazakhstan things have been finally settling down into somewhat of a normal routine. Due to some difficulties with not being able to access blogger I from Kazakhstan I have had to start a new one at http://kazakhvictoria.viviti.com . I will try to update them both when I can but you may want to check them both.

I’ve been back in Taraz for almost three weeks now and I definitely hit the ground running. I’ve loved being back in Kazakhstan and am ever so thankful for restored health. It has also been great to have spent the last two weekends in the same location which is something I haven’t done since November. Even better, that location has been here at home!! I did visit with some friends but kept things pretty low key after some very busy weeks.

During the last two weeks, the team and I have had fun at the orphanages with the children. I want to share some pictures and tell you about one particular boy.

Arman is a sweet boy who was new at Ulan Orphanages when I returned from my time in the States. He is bigger than the other children in his group and didn’t come running when we entered their room. When I asked about him, I was informed that he was deaf, dumb and mute. Well, he most definitely is deaf. He doesn’t make many noises but does have the ability to make sound because I have since heard him make many. He is trapped in his own world with little or no attention having been paid to him. This young child is not dumb by any means, from what I can tell.

With a little work he will give eye contact. I was thrilled to see him pick up a crayon when I directed him to the table and demonstrated with a crayon what to do. Arman explored the many colors and made many marks on his paper before turning his attention to playing with the crayons like Lincoln Logs. He lined up 5 side by side and, using his hand, rolled them simultaneously back and forth. Then he stacked 4 crayons on top in the opposite direction and again rolled them, observing how they rolled back and forth depending on how he pushed them.

The next week the class decorated book covers and title pages with stickers and their names. We wrote their names both in Kazakh and in English but they did all the decorating. I placed the pages in front of Arman, then handed him a foam sticker and placed the sticker side towards his fingers. After several minutes of exploring the stickiness against his face and hands, he placed it on the cover. I was so pleased to see him work right along with the other children who were decorating.
It has been a challenge getting the other children to realize that we will not tolerate their grabbing things from Arman or hitting him. Whenever a hand goes near him, he flinches. It breaks my heart.

I also let him explore the buttons on my camera. This is not something I generally do! Many of the children in the younger groups have impulse control issues and are not very gentle with things like expensive cameras. Arman very methodically and gently pressed the buttons and soon it became evident to me that he was searching for the button that caused the flash to go off. Once he identified the button, he stood in front of the camera getting it to flash several times. He also found the button that allowed him to scroll back through the pictures I had taken. He touched an image of a child and then searched the room looking for that particular child. Several times he looked directly into my eyes, seemingly to ask me a question and then he turned back to the camera. Oh, how I wanted a way to communicate with this child.

I started researching, looking for resources to help reach Arman. American Sign Language wasn’t what I needed. I needed Kazakh or at least Russian. I talked to Beth and send several emails to various people. This past Monday I found out that Gulnar, who works here at Interlink with the older orphans after they leave the orphanage, actually knows Kazakh sign language! And her mother is a translator for the deaf community right here in Taraz. Amazing!! What an answer to my prayers! It turns out there also is a deaf boarding school here in Taraz. We are looking into seeing what kind of facility this is and if Arman could go there and what kind of services we can get for Arman right now. I am so excited about this.

Last Thursday I was greatly encouraged when Arman let out a heartfelt giggle while I was playing with him. To see this precious boy smile and laugh made the hardships I encounter living here more than worth it.

Thank you, dear friends and family, for your continued support and encouraging words. I love hearing from each of you.

Love,

Vicki

2009 "Many Blessings and Adventures"

2010-01-06T10:45:00.000-08:00

2009 in Pictures - The Many Blessings and Adventures from Victoria Charbonneau on Vimeo.

Remembering a year so full of blessings and adventures!

2010-01-01T03:12:00.000-08:00

This past year was bursting at the seams with an abundance of blessings and treasured memories. I've started this new year in the same place I started last year! In Virginia! And my travels since my return 15 December to the States are taking me back and forth from Virginia to Pennsylvania and soon to Indiana and then returning to Virginia to leave again for Kazakhstan on 2 February. Last January I went from Virginia to North Carolina back to Virginia to Indiana back to Virginia then to Texas back to Virginia down to North Carolina to Virginia to Pennsylvania and then back to Virginia before boarding the plane that would take me to Kazakhstan. I am still amazed at the most amazing people that have crossed my path as I've traveled on the journey. Sweet friendship have been made and memories that I will treasure for a life time.

Kazakhstan filled my heart with great joy in 2009, as well as breaking my heart for the hardship and conditions facing its people. I count it a great joy and privilege to be able to serve the people but especially the children of Kazakhstan. They captured my heart in 2000 and this love has only grown.

I have been so amazed and touched by all of you who help in so many ways for me to carry out this work that I have been called to do. It wouldn't happen without your financial support and for that I am eternally grateful. I am even more grateful that you not only give of your finances to help in the work here but in the notes and encouraging words I receive. Each one I hold close to my heart especially on the days that the great needs all around me can seem a little overwhelming. Thank you, dear friends, for joining me and Interlink to care for the least of these.

To use well the time I have been given and to finish well the race before me takes preparation, discipline and the support of my dear friends who carry me through with their prayers. I am ever so thankful for each one of you.

Since arriving in Richmond, Virginia, I have been checked head to toe by my regular doctor, GI guy, eye specialist and a neurologist. The Neurological doctor made me laugh with his dry "Well, if it was a brain tumor making your pupils fixed and unequal for this long, you would be dead. Since you are sitting here, I'll assume you aren't dead!" That was a good thing. So, no brain tumor, though he did do a through examimation. My blood work does show a predisposition to having auto immune issues which bilateral Iritis is, but otherwise my report was good. With eye drops the pressure in my eyes are within normal range so, all in all, I'm good to go.

The nutritionist I've been seeing identified some food allergies and reconfirmed the need to eat food that is truly good for me. Range feed meats, eggs from chickens that have run free, raw non-pasteurized milk, fresh veggies and fruit from locally grown sources that don't use chemicals and pesticides, whole grains soaked and not processed, no processed foods, no artificial sweeteners and very little sugar is the basic diet. In other words, eating like our ancestors did. What is put into the body makes such a difference to how it is able to heal itself and run properly. It is amazing how much money is spent on drugs and running to the doctor yet people don't want to spend on food that is actually good for them. If the body is feed well, it can preform well and medical cost would be lower.

Well, that is my little soap box lecture for the new year. I never have eaten much processed food but have now identified with the nutritionist's help a few foods that I'm allergic to. With the changes in diet I am feeling so much better.

I am excited about this new year and all it holds. I know I am blessed and have much to be thankful for -- no matter what! I will rejoice in all things because rejoicing is a choice not a feeling. I will count my blessings even in the midst of storms. I will cling to the dear friends I have been given and not hide during the times life seems overwhelming.

I am truly thankful for each one of you who are joining me on my "Epic Adventure," whether it is for a short walk on the trail or for a long haul. Each one of you is a treasured and most valuable gift.

Happy New year, dear friends.
Love,
Vicki

No Bake Cookies - so much fun!

2009-11-19T05:02:00.000-08:00

Making cookies at Saramoldiva from Victoria Charbonneau on Vimeo.

The week before I left for the UAE because of my eye emergency, our team here took Tim and Walter (here from Virginia visiting their sponsored children) to Saramoldiva Orphanage to do an activity with the youngest children. After I came back from the UAE, our team here went to Ulan Orphanage. At both orphanages we did the same activity - making no bake cookies. It was such fun each time! It was also a little chaotic because this was a new activity for the children, but all in all it went well. We have started introducing themes with the activities planned around the day's lesson. The no bake cookies activity was to introduce basic cooking along with the idea of taking turns, sharing, identifying what the children have to be thankful for and learning to give to others. So, the children ate some of the sweet treats they made and they also gave some of the treats to their teachers and caregivers.

They took turns dumping the sugar, butter, vanilla, and evaporated milk into a pot and then stirring it until it melted. Once melted, the heat was turn off. Then the children helped mix in peanut butter, rolled oats and cocoa. They then spooned out dollops of the mixture onto wax paper. The children had never had this kind of opportunity. Their faces showed their excitement. My heart loved seeing them experiencing this simple activity. I wish they each could be in a loving home getting to do these kinds of things on a regular basis.

While the cookies hardened, we had the children decorate two paper bags. One was for them to keep and one to give to one of their caregivers. We spent time talking about all their caregivers do for them. It is always easy to see what we each don't have in our lives. Learning to be thankful for the things we do have helps us develop an ability to enjoy life more fully no matter what storms roll through. We wanted to start showing the children what they do have to be thankful for. It is easy to see all their lives lack, but they could be in far worse places. Many of them have come from very bad situations and are in a much better place now, even though I wish for them so much more.

Everyone enjoyed the sweet treat when all was finished. It was fun to see their joy and excitement doing something my children grew up doing all the time. Helping me in the kitchen and learning life skills are treasured memories for us. My desire is for activities like this to build life skills into the children here, life skills they will need once they are out of the orphanage. Hopefully, these activities will also give them some treasured memories to store in their hearts. It is fun to hear other groups at the orphanages ask when they get to make cookies.

Though the time was a little chaotic, it was fun and the staff were pleased to receive their little bags of cookies. The staff also expressed their thanks for our focus on what they do for the children. Oftentimes the staff is not acknowledged for all the hard work they do.

If you ever want to come join us in our fun here, you are most welcome. There are usually two trips a year for those who sponsor children through us. If you don't sponsor a child yet and just want to come see what we do here, you can still join one of the trips. Go to Interlink's web link on the right side of this blog to find more information. If you are interested in coming to work full time, you can also find more information there or you can contact us here in Taraz.

It is almost Thanksgiving, a time when we focus more on what we have to be thankful for. I am incredibly thankful that I have the privilege to work with these precious children here in Kazakhstan. I will miss Marc and Sarah terribly this first Thanksgiving and Christmas that we will spend apart, but I am comforted by the fact that I know being here is the call on my life.

Thank you, each one, for joining me on this incredible journey.
Love,
Vicki

An unexpected trip!

2009-11-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,
This is an unusual post. The stories I usually share are about people here in Kazakhstan. However, during the last couple of weeks my life was turned upside. I know there is a bigger plan in all that happened even if I don't understand it all.

On the 18th of October I journeyed to Abu Dhabi in the UAE - and it wasn't planned for or for a vacation. Why did I go? Well, because between the 7th and 17th of October I visited 5 different doctors at 5 different clinics trying to get a diagnosis as to what was happening to my eyes. I woke up Wednesday morning the 4th with both eyes red, sore, and sensitive to light. By Saturday the 7th, the pain was worse so I went to see a local doctor in Taraz. She said I had a cold or virus in my eyes. I did have a pretty bad cold so that made sense to me and my eyes did get some better with the medication.

An American team arrived on Sunday the 11th and I was the coordinator for their time here in KZ. On Wednesday the 14th I was showing the team Ulan orphanage. During the visit I kept cleaning my glasses - especially the left lense - thinking there must be something on the glass to blur my vision. About the 20th cleaning I decided to look at the glass to see what could possibly be there that wouldn't clean off. That is when I realized my glasses were actually clean and something was seriously wrong with my eye. I finished out what we were doing, knowing we were scheduled to go back to the office.

Upon arriving at the office, I looked at my eye more closely. What I saw was my left pupil wide open while the right eye was constricted. I was in a bright room. My heart sank. This didn't seem like a good thing, especially because my vision had been deteriorating during the morning. The film I thought was on my glasses was really a loss of vision in my left eye. We were suppose to be leaving for Shimkent in a hour. There were two stops along the way - one for lunch in a Kazakh's home in a village and the other at the orphanage in Vanovka. I didn't want to delay any of this, but my heart was filled with a sinking feeling. Things were much worse than I had previously thought.

I went to Beth, our director, and asked her to look at my eyes and tell me what she saw. Her face let me know immediately that things weren't good. Thankfully she is a very calm, take care of business kind of woman because at that moment I began to cry. I don't cry often but the pain that had been there for a week and the exhaustion from being sick with a cold hit me. Beth went into action and within 30 minutes I was in another eye doctor's office here in Taraz. After much examining, the doctor said it wasn't glaucoma but the pressure in my eyes, especially my left eye, was very high. He gave me different drops and sent me on my way. He said it was no problem to go to Shimkent and to come back in a week to check the pressure. Okay! I still wasn't sure why the vision was blurry and why my eyes hurt so much, but hey, a doctor said I was okay. The doctor's visit put the schedule for the delegation's trip an hour and a half behind schedule so, as soon as I returned to the office, Beth, Walther, Tim and I hit the road for Shimkent.

I trudged through that day trying to convince myself things were fine. I knew I would be seeing Dr. Lori, an American general practitioner in Shimkent. She handles the medical needs of our teams when they arise. Beth had called her on Wednesday and she agreed she'd like to see me Thursday morning. After an exam she wanted me seen by a eye doctor in Shimkent and she mentioned I might need to leave the country to seek medical treatment. This idea didn't excite me, but I certainly wanted to get my eyes treated properly. She was thinking, because of the high pressure in the eyes, I had developed Acute Onset Closed Angle Glaucoma. I knew about regular glaucoma but nothing about this kind. I didn't like the sound of it.

By going to Skimkent I missed some of the activities scheduled for the team visiting in Shimkent but Beth was able to fill in when I was away. My eyes seemed to be getting worse and the pain was increasing. The eye doctor in Shimkent said I did have Closed Angle Acute Onset Glaucoma and possibly needed surgery to lower the pressure. That didn't sound very good. I prayed and trusted God would take care of what ever problem I had. Thursday evening Dr. Lori said we needed to start calling and see if I could be seen by a doctor in either the UAE or Turkey, the closest places to find American doctors for this issue. My heart sank for I couldn't imagine how I could figure all that out much less pay for it. This all was just not in my plans. As I went to sleep that night, I prayed for God's comfort and wisdom for what to do.

On Friday when I woke I could barely open my eyes and the pain had doubled. Crying, I called my dear friend and mentor Edith. It was 4:30 am my time but I needed some advice because I couldn't figure out the next step. I couldn't think clearly any longer. I was a mess. I had been sick for three weeks and struggling with my eyes for over a week by this point.

I love Edith for many, many reasons and one is her totally efficient manner. A "small" detail of her life was put in place long before I even came to Kazakhstan. Edith and her husband Rip lived in the UAE for several years and still have many friends there. In my current situation, this is not a coincidence. When I mentioned where the doctor said to go, she picked up the ball and ran with it. I was in the office in Shimkent, Beth came in wondering how I was doing. I couldn't handle any more of anything so turned my computer over to her and laid down on the sofa. These two women are amazing in administration and efficiency. During the rest of the morning, through emails and calls all kinds of arrangements were made while I laid on the sofa listening to worship music in order not to focus on either the intense pain or the despair sneaking into my heart.

It was all quite amazing - Edith started emailing her large network of friends in the UAE. The response is a testimony to the friendships she has and their commitment to show God's love. Edith's friend, Linda Clark, is the head of operations at the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Daubi. She contacted Dr. Chris Cummins who agreed to see me Monday at 1 pm. Linda arranged for me to be met plane side and escorted through the airport to a waiting car. Janie Garrett, a friend of Edith's, agreed to host me. Beth and Marina Tsoy made all my travel arrangements from Taraz to Almaty then to Dubai. Heather Lewis agreed to host me in Almaty. It was absolutely amazing how all these people from Kazakhstan to America and then back to the UAE all came together to get me the medical treatment I needed. When Dr. Lori first said I needed to go out of the country, my mind could not even begin to process how I would figure all of that out. When she said the UAE, I thought "Well, Edith use to live there and knows some people there who may be able to help." What are the odds of knowing anyone in the place Dr. Lori suggested. Not very likely.

Edith and Rip moved to Richmond Virginia about 4 years ago. Edith was assigned my mentor for my application process with Interlink Resources. We became fast friends. All those years ago the foundation for what would be needed here and now were laid. We just never know what series of events will lead. All this was an ordained time and place.

Beth, Walter, Tim, Katie and I left Shimkent Friday afternoon heading for Taraz. We arrived around dinner time. After dropping Tim and Walter off at the team house to enjoy Pizza with Ken and an American family adopting their second child from Kazakhstan Beth took me to Adilya's house were I was staying to repack my bag for my trip. I actually could do very little so Beth pretty much did the work then took Katie and I to the train station to catch the night train to Almaty. Katie is part of the English center in Shimkent and was on her way back to America for a planned furlough. She actually wasn't planning on going to Almaty till Tuesday but agreed to escort me there so I wouldn't have to travel alone. So many people going out of their way. Thank you Katie.

We took a taxi the Saturday morning to Heather's apartment. Dr. Lori had gotten me an appointment at the Eye Institute in Almaty which has the top doctors in the country. Heather who speaks fluent Russian agreed to take me there and translate. Dr. Lori had gotten me a 10 am appointment. I still had the flight out but was still thinking if I could be treated in country that would be best. After many many eye examinations with many different pieces of equipment the top doctor said I did have Acute Onset Closed Angle Glaucoma and needed surgery right away. He was the only one who could do it but he was going on vacation for two weeks so I would have to wait. Wait... that didn't seem like a good idea. He said it probably would be alright and not too much permanent damage would be done. Well, that pretty much determined I would fly to Dubai to seek medical treatment. Heather hosted Katie and I for another night and Sergey who does a lot of work for Interlink in Almaty took me to the airport on Sunday.

I flew out of Almaty Sunday 18 Oct and arrived to Janie Garrett's apartment about 1:30 am Monday morning. Linda Clark had arranged to have someone meet me plane side to escort me through the airport on one of those little carts and a driver to take me from the airport in Dubai the 90 miles to Abu Dhabi. Janie welcomed me with open arms and showed me to a comfortable bed where I collapsed. Edith has the dearest friends and I enjoyed getting to know them, as well as Janie during my time there. Janie drove me all around after taking me to the doctors that Monday to see the many beautiful sights of Abu Dhabi as well as some the harsher realities of how this beauty is built and by whom.

Dr Chris Cummins, an American doctor living and working in Abu Dhabi, diagnosed my issue after a through exam. His diagnosis: Iritis NOT glaucoma. Iritis is the third leading cause of preventable blindness in the world. Without proper treatment, it does cause blindness. Usually iritis occurs in only one eye. Rarely are both eyes affected, but that's exactly what's happened to me. Iritis results in an increase of white blood cells in the eyes and inflammation, which is painful. Because my condition has gone on for so long the iris have started to deteriorate, sluffing cells off the iris which, in turn, caused my eye ducts to clog and, as a result raised the pressure in my eyes mimicking glaucoma. If the pressure hadn't been addressed it would have damaged the optic nerve but, thankfully, there is no damage now. The dilation of the iris is due to the infection. The doctor prescribed a daily drop to unclog the ducts and then a steroid drop every hour during waking hours to help decrease the inflammation of the iris. It will take time for the infection to clear - about 4 - 6 months. This is definitely a serious eye condition but very treatable and in the long run preferable over glaucoma. He needed to see me Wednesday to make sure the medicine was working. After my Wednesday visit he did think things were improving thankfully. My next appointment is 6 December.

My heart is full of thankfulness to God's faithfulness and all HIS provisions for this entire trip. I was so cared for by Edith and Rip's wonderful friends. I was humbled by their generousity and my heart touched by their kindness. It was a difficult situation yet I have come away feeling refreshed and relaxed. Everyday, no matter what storms rage about me, I am blessed beyond measure and deeply thankful.

My time in Abu Dhabi resembled a vacation. Below are sights from my time there. Because my eyes are so sensitive to light, I didn't make the beach scene but there are many other beautiful things to see in Abu Dhabi besides the beach.

Some of the behind-the-scenes aren't as beautiful. I will not focus on those issues today. Enjoy the beautiful sights.

Workers who are brought in to do all the manual labor for little monies.

Shaikh Zayhed Grand Mosque

Every detail is beautiful

The Royal Grand Palace Hotel

High Tea with Janie and Linda, both dear friends of Edith, who helped with details of my trip.

Thank you, Janie, for opening your home and your heart. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to show me some of the sights in Abu Dhabi and pampering me at a time I truly needed such.

A beautiful mural in the Hotel. The horses represent the seven colors of sand in the area.

Getting to say thank you to Linda Clark for all she did to organize my trip to Abu Dhabi. We were at Mug and Bean at the Abu Dhabi Mall. I was in culture shock. They had Krispy Kream Dounuts and Starbuck Coffee. Just amazing.

Thank you, Linda, for all you did put all the pieces together.

Thursday morning I had the great joy of going to Shaikh Mohammed's Royal Stables and riding one of his horses. Oh! how this was pure joy for my heart and soul. After a difficult several weeks, this was just what my heart needed - to be on the back of a beautiful horse filled me with great joy.

I had a personal trainer for an hour, a sweet Brit who was raised in South Africa now working in Abu Dhabi. I enjoyed her very much. The next day I remembered her when I awoke with sore legs. After a time of training I got to ride a trail on the grounds. As I rode, I marveled at how blessed I am, what wonderful friends I have, and how faithful God is.

I'm not sure if you can notice my smile in the pictures below. I was beyond happy with this unexpected treat. I went at 7 am and so the sun wasn't too bad for my eyes on the trail. My time training I was in an inside ring which couldn't have been better for my eyes. What a treasured gift.

The horses name is "Link." I am amazed at how many links were in place to get me to the doctor to accurately diagnose my iritis.

I am so thankful for each link on this "side" adventure! I am thankful God worked out all the details and had everything in place long before this event occurred. I am thankful for all my family and friends who were praying as soon as they heard from Edith and Beth the struggle I was having. I am thankful for all Edith's friends in Abu Dhabi who rolled out the red carpet to make me feel welcomed and comforted during my stay.

Thank you, Beth and Trish, for taking me back to the airport in Dubai and for showing me the sights. I can't believe I didn't get pictures of you two.

I am blessed beyond measure with dear, dear friends whose friends take care of me when need be. I am thankful to be home in Taraz. I was gone five days and had a great time but also missed my home here in Taraz.

Blessings to you each, my friends. And a special thank you to all my new friends in Abu Dhabi.

Love,
Vicki

Two different visits to the camp where the Ulan children spend most of the summer.

2009-10-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

For a couple of reasons it has been five weeks since I've posted a new blog. First, I wanted to keep Saulet in the front of everyone for a bit - and I now have potentially good news to share! A friend of mine in Portland, Oregon has made some initial contacts. One surgeon has said he would donate his time; however, the hospital where he works doesn't do international surgeries. The surgeon gave my friend the name of another local hospital that does. Next week she will be checking to see if that hospital could help. She also has a friend from the Ukraine who is helping to find a host family for Saulet. We still need help with transportation and other details but at least things are moving in the right direction. I am praying for all the right doors to open.

A second reason I haven't posted is that we've been super busy here. And, on top of it all, I've been battling a cold and flu. Not fun! No matter where you live.

There are so many things to share but I wanted to let you know about two visits we made to a camp where the children from Ulan spend their summer.

The first visit to Ulan came when a high school group from Muncie was here on a short term work trip and we loaded up two cars and headed out to the camp to spend an afternoon with the children. We swam in the nearby river and then the teens held a carnival for the children. I was touched and amazed to see this group of high school kids give of their hearts and time. What an inspiration!

The picture below is from 2006 and the young man was one of those I worked with that summer. He was quite a challenge and expressed such anger and hurt that my heart just broke for him. Before it was time to leave that August he informed me he would not cry when I left. I said that was fine and that I would continue to love him even after I was gone. I also said I wanted him to grow into a good Kazakh man. The day I finally left he kept his distance. Then, right as I was getting into my vehicle to leave, he came rushing up to me and embrassed me with a bear hug crying. Over and over he said, "Mama, I love you!" I usually don't like to cry in front of the children and I like goodbyes to be sweet and short, but I couldn't hold my tears in and we stood there with tears running down both our faces. I finally peeled him off telling him I loved him and knew that he would grow into a good Kazakh man. He remained in my heart along with all the other children, encouraging me to keep stepping forward on faith as I prepared to make the move from Virginia to Kazakhstan.

Below is this same young man. I had not been able to see him since that first visit. When he saw me this time, he ran up to me with a big smile and engulfed me in a big hug telling me how much he has missed me and how happy he was to see me. He had heard I had now returned to live in Kazakhstan. He couldn't believe that I would leave home to come here. I told him it was because of the love that has been placed in my heart for him and all the children of Kazakhstan. I told him I didn't forget him or the others and now am here for good. I am so thankful for the call on my life and for the chance to touch the hearts of children who feel forgotten and abandon. He followed me around that day, sometimes holding my hand and other times just standing close by as I interacted with other children and holding my camera or what ever else he could for me. What a great gift I have been given!

We left that day as the sun was setting and above is the image I captured. Such beauty! This land is full of contrasts and contradictions - great beauty set against the harsh reality of great heartache and pain. The shot below was one I see so many times a day and still love - a little burrow pulling the cart with whatever needs to be hauled.

The Kid Connection Team later went back to celebrate birthdays with the children who were celebrating birthdays that month. This is always a fun time for the children. We bring them cupcakes, snacks and juice and have a time to play some games before eating. Then we give out gifts for each child. As you can see, the children greatly enjoy our time together.

The two above were peeking in so they could catch a glimps of the celebration, too.

As I walk to work in the mornings, I couldn't help but smile as I pass school children, stray dogs and other things I am recognizing as part of the local landscape. I smile because I am really here in the land that captured my heart in 2000. There are many things that are hard about living here but the great joy, peace and contentment I feel knowing I am exactly where I am suppose to be far out weighs any discomfort or hardship.

Thank you each, dear friends, for your support. You have no idea how each note of encouragement touches my heart. I have been truly blessed with dear friends and family.

Love,
Vicki

Who will help Saulet?

2009-08-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce Saulet to you. In this picture he is sitting with his little sister and Mother in their humble home. He is a shy young man and very self conscious of his burns. Saulet dreams of going to university and he loves sports. He endured a great deal of teasing and taunting while in high school but continued his classes because of his dream to go to university.

As I sat and listened to Saulet's Mama and Papa share their worries and concerns for their son and their attempts to find a doctor who would help, as well as their distress over being unable financially to get their son the help he desperately needs, my heart broke. I am fortunate to have been born in the United States with access to the finest medical care even though I was a single mom on the lower end of the income scale.

This family has traveled to Almaty and Astana seeking help. Saulet has endured many surgeries and is in need of more to give him the possibility of providing a life for himself as an adult. Saulet has grown quite a bit since the last surgery. The burned skin isn't flexible and he is having more and more difficulties with his knees, neck and mouth as a result of those burnt areas.

My mother's heart understood how much a mother is willing to sacrifice for her son. I could hear the desire in this Mama and Papa's voices for their son to receive help so he can reach for his dreams. This family may be poor in finances but their love for each other was evident. I was honored to sit in their humble home and listen to them pour out their hearts for their son. As I listened, I thought about all my dear friends at home and wondered if we all worked together what could be done for this family. Saulet has bravely endured so much. He is an inspiration to me.

Saulet's parents came to Interlink seeking help. Interlink does a lot of humanitarian aid but we are not a medical organization and do not have a network of doctors in the States. Saulet's parents have given permission for him to come to the United States if we can find a doctor and hospital who will help. I am reaching out to you, dear friends, asking you to open your hearts to help us secure this dream for this family.

I'm looking for a doctor who would take this case and a hospital that would provide for the surgery. I'm also looking for someone to help Saulet with transportation to the States round trip from Kazakhstan, as well as housing while in America and the oversight of his needs while on that side of the ocean. I know this is a huge request. To be honest, however, I don't know how I could not ask. I know there is much need everywhere in this world. Why does this one young man mean so much? I cannot fully answer that question. I know it is totally out of my hands as to this family's dream becoming reality, but I have to do what I can. I have to speak about it to every person I know, praying that hearts will open and respond.

Thank you, dear friends, for taking the time to read Saulet's story. Thank you for considering how you might help. If you have additional questions or if you know someone who might help, contact me at vcharbonneau@interlinkresources.org. I am believing in a miracle for Saulet. Yes, I still believe in miracles! Join me in being part of this one.

Love,
Vicki

Peter and Zarina's Wedding

2009-08-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is the new thing to do in Kazakhstan - ride around town in a limousine. Several fancy, white cars with friends led the procession while music blared and horns beeped!

Peter's mother greeted the new couple outside the gate of the home where the reception was held. She did a traditional blessing of giving the young couple bread with grain sugar on top. She fed each of them a small piece of bread. As soon as I find out the meaning of this, I will let you know. The mother of the groom did not change out of her house clothes until after the guests arrived because she was the one preparing everything. It is fun to learn different customs.

Wednesday 12 Aug I had the privilege of attending the reception for Peter and Zarina's Wedding. Peter used to work for Interlink Resources and still stays in touch because of the friendships build during his time there. Peter is Russian and his beautiful bride is Karachai Cherkess, one of the Caucasian Nationalities. Ken, Beth, Assel, and Olya and myself enjoyed the evening of celebrating.

In Kazakhstan there is a time when they say things will begin. Then there is the time when things actually begin. We had been told the reception would start at 6 o'clock, meaning to an American, it would start at 6 - that's on time. Well here, in true Kazakh fashion, the reception started on Kazakh time - about 7:45 p.m. But this gave me time to visit with people and take a look around at how things are done here. It really depends on the nationality of the couple as to what traditions will be followed. There are over 130 different people groups in Kazakhstan, so there are a wide range of traditions.

Most everyone dresses in their very best. Everywhere big & little girls love to dress up and here is no exception. I loved seeing the wee girls all dressed up. I imagine they, too, are dreaming of the day they will find their prince charming and marry.

When the bride and groom arrived, they went into the house for a bit and then entered the courtyard among well wishes and cheers. A hired MC kept the activities going with many games, toasts and songs for the new couple. Several songs were played for just the couple to dance while their friends looked on. She was a beautiful bride in a traditional dress from her heritage. Later in the evening she changed into another lovely dress which had more of a western flavor.

After several dances, they were escourted to the head table where they, along with the maid of honor and best man, sat for the next part of the celebration. The table was decorated for the new couple with tasty treats and flowers. When they were seated, the first course of the meal was served.

In the picture above you see Beth, Olya, Ken and Assel as they are waiting for the first course. Several choices of sodas were offered on each table. Usually there is a great deal of alcohol but at this wedding there was very little, for which we were thankful. Sometimes that can be an issue in this country. Pete's family, his parents, siblings and other family members prepared the food and served it. They worked all day preparing the feast and I imagine worked late into the night cleaning up afterwards. The first course included several different salads and bread followed by a hearty traditional soup with more bread and fresh fruit and finally followed by a traditional dish of pilaf. (rice, vegetables and lamb)

As people ate their first course, the parents of the bride and groom gave words of encouragement and blessings for the new couple. After they spoke many others got up to give their best wishes for this young couple. Traditionally, people also give gifts of money to help the young couple begin their new life.

I went out back and captured a couple of pictures of the guys preparing the pilaf. You can see more pictures of the entire wedding by going to the link on the right side of this blog and then going to the "Peter's Wedding" album.

As the evening went on and the sun had set, more speeches with encouraging words and blessings came from individuals and various groups of family and friends in between songs, wedding games, and eating.

Here is our group from Interlink up to say their words of blessings and encouragement. Beth is letting me know she realizes I am "hiding" behind my camera. I pretended not to understand what she was wanting me to do. Someone needs to document all our activities, right!!

Kazakh's love to laugh and have fun. The party games were a mix of fun, as well as some designed to bless the couple with many children, riches and long life. Money was collected in infant pants. Each attendee put money in either the pink pants or blue pants depending whether you wanted them to have a boy or girl first. The picture below is a group the MC gathered and then had the girls dress the men in wild outfits she said to made them Tarzan. They had to give a Tarzan cry and then were given a spear to go collect food from the tables in a set time. The winner was the one who collected the most food. They were asked to dance in these crazy outfits, which they did with enthusiasium. It was fun to watch.

Ken was pulled into playing a round of musical stools. When he lost a round, he had to polka with another guest.

This young boy begged to play this game after knowing what it was. The bride and groom had to race to dress their "babies," feed them a bottle, and then burp them. It was way too funny to watch. Then these two, all dressed up, had to walk around among all the guests.

In this picture the couple had to spit the pacifiers to see who would get their choice for the first child. Lots of the games were themed to bless the new couple with children.

The celebration went late into the night. Being a Wednesday night and having work the next day, our group started heading out around 10:30 in two shifts, so as not offend the family. It was a fun night. I was touched by the blessing so many gave, amazed by some of the games and touched by the sense of family that was obviously a priority. I had fun capturing the moment for this couple. They came by the office the Tuesday after the wedding asking for copies of the pictures I took. They had hired a group to film and capture the special time but they hadn't captured much of the activities so hoped I had. They were overwhelmed and pleased by the 500 and then some pictures I had captured. They were so grateful when I said it was my gift to them. I was glad I could give them something that brought so much joy. That evening several of the guests tried to speak to me, but since most spoke only Russian, I couldn't understand much. Olya was able to translate for me and I gave out several cards so they could go on-line and download pictures from that night.

My desire is that they will each enjoy the pictures for years to come. I was blessed to be able to join in the celebration. I am thankful to learn a little bit more about my new home. Sometimes I see what is lacking and the great need but this night I was able to see the beauty, the love, the joy of family.

It did make me miss my family and friends, as well as the wedding I missed back home and the ones I will miss in the future, but my heart is at peace and has a deep joy knowing this is where I am supposed to be. I never imagined I would be on this adventure. I was talking to my youngest sister the other day and said "Can you believe that Marc, Sarah and I are in three different time zones, in three different countries?" It is hard in some ways but oh what an adventure I could never have imagined 10 years ago. I am so thankful to not be sitting in a lazy boy chair watching the world go by on the boob tube in my living room, to not letting fear of the unknown grip my heart and keep me for reaching out to others. There is so much to see, so much to learn, so much to experience.

Thank you, dear friends and family, for the gift of friendship you so graciously give. Each of you is a gift. Love those well who are in your life. Let those little things go that, in the end, will not make a difference - the new outfit, newest computer, bigger house, fancier car isn't what brings peace and joy to your heart. Friends and family, giving out of the gifts we have each been given, and living in the Truth are where we find joy and peace that passes all understanding.

Love,
Vicki

Letters more precious than ....

2009-08-17T07:35:00.001-07:00

Children who received letters from their sponsors. Can you see the joy in their faces.

Children who are still waiting for letters from their sponsors.

Kiikzhan and Sara before handing out letters to the children from their sponsors. Sara, who has been here for almost 6 years, also had a letter for each child explaining she is returning to the states, at least for the time being.

Some of the sponsors send a small gift with their letters. The children love these gifts but it is the letters and pictures that they hold onto so tightly. I cannot begin to express how much words of encouragement mean to these children. The interest someone shows to a child is magnified because these are lives empty of the love and stability of a family. The money a sponsor sends does make a huge difference in these children's lives, but I still think the personal touch of letters is what their hearts grasp onto.

My heart was sad for all the children who didn't receive letters. There are sponsors who really give of their time to write letters consistently but others don't. I've told this story before but I'm going to share again. A grandmother came on one of the Kid's Connection trips to see Kazakhstan and meet her sponsored child. She had written several letters and sent pictures of her children and her grandchildren, but admitted that she really didn't think much about what she had sent. Kind of like one of those good things you to make yourself feel better - "Look what I did, I wrote a letter to a poor little orphan child!" Well, as the plane touched down in Almaty, she began to get a little concerned. What would she be able to say to this child? What would they have in common? Then she wondered how she would handle some of the rougher parts of the trip (the out-houses, for example) and she began to think maybe she had made a mistake in coming.

After a night of resting, she was still nervous when she arrived at the orphanage. Then, before her stood her teen-age sponsored boy. She has two daughters and 2 granddaughters. What in the world would she and a teen-age boy have in common? Through the translator the young man wanted her to come up to his room so he could show her something. After climbing the narrow stairs, she entered a small room with three sets of bunk beds. By the small window was a table loaded with potted plants. He stood proudly beside this table showing off his labor of love. He loves growing things. Well, her heart leapt because she loved to grow things, too. They had something in common. Her nervousness began to fade. She walked over to admire the plants and, as she did, he began to motion for her to look at the bottom side of the upper bunk. She couldn't imagine what could be there that she would want to see. The translator informed her that he wanted her to look at what was attached to the bunk above where he slept.

She bent farther over until she saw her own family smiling back at her. All the pictures she had ever sent, along with all her letters, were taped to the underside of the top bunk. Each night before this young man went to sleep he looked up into the smiling faces of her family. It was then that it hit her just how much the letters she gave so little thought to meant when they arrived half way around the world. They were treasures to this young man. She was humbled, a little ashamed, but resolved to put more of her heart into the letters she would send in the future.

These letters aren't going to save these children. They aren't going to change their situation. But they do give encouragement to lives where there is very little. A sponsor can help a child learn to write out his or her thoughts as communication goes back and forth. I read to my children every night when they were young. I even read to them on occasion when they were in high school - especially books I wanted them to read and knew they wouldn't on their own. I encouraged my children to cut pictures out of magazines and tell me a story they made up about the pictures. I wanted them to think creatively, to be able to express their thoughts so someone else could understand them. The children here don't get any of this encouragement. Many struggle in school because they lack so much in preparation. They aren't in a loving home. The opportunity to begin to write and to correspond with a sponsor helps build skills they desperately need.

I've heard some sponsors say the children don't ask many questions in their letters and it is hard to get communication going with them, communicating as you would with a friend. These children don't yet have these skills. Reading letters from sponsors help them see how it is done. Sponsors asking questions about what is happening in their life and in their schooling, as well as returning words of encouragement, helps to bridge the lack of attention they received earlier in life, as well as build skills.

They ask me about their sponsors. I know some of the folks who sponsor children but obviously not all. If you are a sponsor, please write your child. You can send letters by email. We are short staffed here in Kazakhstan but the letters are a priority. Anyone who would like to come join us in working with the kids, please come on. The workers are few! We are always looking for new team members.

I love seeing the faces of these precious children light up when their name is called because they received a letter. Neither these pictures nor my words can capture fully how much the pieces of paper with words on them from a stranger mean to these children. To all of you who faithfully write your sponsored child - thank you! Even if you don't get regular mail back from your child, their hearts are touched. Many of these children are way behind in skills they should have. The staff at the orphanage barely has time to take care of their basic needs, so helping them write letters isn't on their list of priorities. We supply paper and pencils but, unfortunately, we lack the time to sit with each child though we do try when we can.

Giving the gift of encouragement when you don't immediately get a warm fuzzy in return is sometimes hard. But I'm telling you, my friends, it makes all the difference to a child on this side of the ocean. Be encouraged! Your time and energy more than doubles in meaning and impact by the time your letters reach here. Thank you - and I thank you for the children who receive the gift of your taking your time and energy to send them a letter or card. Please continue in your faithfulness.

If you haven't sponsored a child and would like to, you can go to the link on the right side of the this post and click on the Interlink Resources website link. There you will find all the information you need to sponsor a child. You can also donate funds for extra things, things like medical services for children who need medical attention (for example, surgery to repair cleft palettes) or playground and sports equipment, winter coats and boots, glasses, school uniforms. The list can go on. Each little bit adds up.

I'll be writing a post soon about a shipping container Interlink is filling in Muncie, Indiana with supplies that are being donated or purchased for here. I'll list ways you can help fill this container and ways you can help raise the funds needed to ship the container here.

Thank you, each one of you who sends me encouraging words. Like the children, I treasure each one. There are times during my day when I do get tired and sometimes even a little overwhelmed with the work and needs that are here. However, when I get back to my apartment, it never seems to fail that I'll have an email with some kind word of encouragement and a reminder of in who's strength I do what I do.

A visit to see children of Savva

2009-08-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Friday (14 August) Sara, Ken, Kiikzhan and I headed to a camp where the kids from Savva (Савва) have spent most of their summer. Our main purpose was to celebrate with the children who had birthdays in July and August. I enjoyed being able to see these precious children again.

In the picture above are the children who celebrated birthdays.

Ken made chocolate cake for all to enjoy. Juice, cheese balls and candy rounded out the party food.

Games were played and, as you can see from the pictures, everyone enjoyed themselves.

Marco - Polo

Double hot potato

Each child was given a gift. This year all the children received school supplies which are greatly needed through the year.

After the party was over we still had about 5 hours Friday evening and 3 hours Saturday morning to hang out with the kids. The opportunity to spend some time with these precious ones was such a joy. All kinds of ideas ran through my mind as to different projects and activities we could do with these kids to build in some of the life skills they desperately need. I'm looking forward to seeing how some of these activities can be put into place this year.

A lot of these kids I have known since they were 3 and 4 years old. I've watched them grow. While there, my heart broke for some of the children. You can see in their eyes the hope slipping away, the hardness coming in. When I look into the eyes of others, I wonder if the hope will be there the next time I see them or will they, too, have that look of hopelessness. I have to keep my focus so my heart doesn't become overwhelmed or harden to their plight. It is not my job to save these children. I'm called to what I'm asked and to let love flow through me. Like that starfish story. It does make a difference to the one who is lifted up and thrown back into the ocean. It does make a difference when someone's heart is touched - lives can be changed. It takes courage and a willingness to risk and faith.

From art seminars, murals, and projects that teach practical skills for life, as well as working with a team that brings opportunities to these children, fills my heart with thankfulness. This is what I was created to do before the beginning of time. My life to this point has woven many experiences together that can be used in many areas now that I'm here. I am thankful and humbled to be able to be here with this team and these precious children.

Thank you, dear friends, for your support and encouragement. Thank you for remembering these precious ones.
Love,
Vicki

Time in Vanovka

2009-07-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am back in Taraz after an amazing time in the village of Vanovka. It was two weeks full of many contradictions. I will not say it was all easy and joyful, but even in the hard things there were great lessons learned and a time I will treasure for always. I hope to go back this fall or winter and spend another two weeks.

Out House.

Banya - Bathing area.

Kitchen - no refrigerator or running water in the house.

The bedroom I was given to use while there.

The family I stayed with is a wonderful family. The father, Kirat, is in Almati working, so I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but he his wife, Inash, was home with their 3 beautiful daughters: Izamal, Igerim, Mahabbat, and a handsome son, Kwanish. They all opened their home to me and made me feel loved, at home, and part of the family. Inash has a large extended family so there were many cousins around everyday, as well as both Kirat and Inash's mother.

Their home is simple and clean with a total of 6 rooms: living room, kitchen and 4 bedrooms. There is no running water in the house or refrigerator. Outside there is a well and around the back of the house is a little house called a "banya" where you bathe. In the banya there is a faucet that sometimes has running water. When the water does run, there are many buckets and tubs to be filled so when the water stops running there will still be water without having to draw from the well.

I have lived for short periods of time without running water and even without a refrigerator, but I can tell you I am very thankful that most of the time I have these luxuries. It is amazing what I take for granted in life. So many people around the world live without the most basic of things. I want to remember to keep these simple things on my "I'm grateful for" list each day instead of focusing on what I don't have or think I need.

While I was there I helped can pickles. The cucumbers, dill, garlic, and peppers used to make the pickles came out of the garden and we picked them that morning. It was fun. I loved living on a farm and having fresh veggies right from the garden.

It was fun helping the family as they made many traditional foods for me. Here is a fried bread that is kind of sweet and very tasty. The milk came from the cow down the street and sat out for a couple of days and was going - in my opinion - bad. However, instead of wasting the milk, it was used to make this sweet bread.

Doing laundry for a family of 6 would be a major undertaking, even with a washer and dryer. Think about doing that much laundry by hand. That is what so many people in the world still do. Basic daily chores can take so much longer here.

In order to do a washing, Izamal and I first had to draw water from the well. We then heated some of the water on an outside gas stove. Once we had the water boiling, we started the process by filling a tub with hot water and then adding enough cold water to just be able to put our hands in it. With a bar of lye soap, each article of clothing is hand washed, wrung out, and put into another tub. As the wash water becomes dirty, the tub is dumped and clean hot water is added along with cold. This process goes on until all the laundry is washed. Then comes rinsing. Smaller articles of clothing can be rinsed once and a couple items in one tub of water. Larger items like towels, adult slacks and sheets have to be rinsed twice, sometimes three times. After rinsing and wringing out an item, it is hung on the clothes line to dry. Drying doesn't take long in the hot, dry summer heat. After five hours of washing and rinsing, Izamal and I had the laundry washed and hung up to dry.

About the time we finished, Inash's sister showed up with her 4 children (3 girls and a boy). Within 30 minutes the girl cousins were running out of the house with Inash's daugthers' clean outfits on. I don't care where little girls live around the world, they love to try on other peoples' clothes. Now, remember I had just spent 5 hours washing laundry by hand. When I saw the cousins come out with a couple different changes of clothes belonging to Izamal, Igerim, and Mahabbat, I was ready to send them back into the house to put on their own outfits. Even if I didn't know all the words for this instruction, I was pretty sure I could convey my meaning in actions. Oh, I had to restrain myself. Neither of the mothers seemed to mind. I had to sit back, letting go of "my" desire to control things and instead delight in their enjoyment of each other. Why was I worried about having to do laundry again. I did help again, but this is what they do the whole year - not just for two weeks, as I did. The people in that home were choosing to enjoy themselves and not focus on the "hard" part of existing. How many times have I whined and complained about things when in actuality I could have enjoyed the moment I was in. The whining and complaining didn't do anything to change what was coming, but it did steal the joy out of the moment I was in.

Beth stopped by Sunday, 26 July on her way to Shikent. Inash fixed Shashlek, a traditional Kazakh meal. It was a great time of relaxing and enjoying each others' company.

Inash and her three older daughters work in a small "dukan" in the village. This is like a small convenience store open 24 hours 7 days a week. Inash is there from around 7 or 8 in the evening until 9 or so in the morning when the girls take over and are there until she comes back in the evening. The two younger children sometime go with Inash at night and sleep in a back room while their mother works. For all this effort they get paid 700 tenge a day total. That is for all three of them working 24 hours a day. That is less than 5 dollars a day. That doesn't go far at all. I struggled knowing how much I should help this family. I could feed them like I thought they should be feed for the two weeks I was there, but once I was gone what would they do? I did pay rent while I was there, which also covered my share of food. At some meals there would be only one chicken leg quarter for all of us. In a soup this goes pretty far, but then they wanted to give me the choice pieces of meat and the most. That is the way Kazakh's do it. They are very giving, sometimes to a fault. I couldn't eat meat with six and sometimes eight children sitting around the table.

I did buy food and even bought ice cream treats and soda one day. On several occasions I bought kabasa which, like salami, is already cooked and can stay outside a refrigerator more safely. On Saturday morning when I left for the orphanage down the street there were sticks of kabasa in the kitchen. When I got home that afternoon and we were getting tea ready, I went to get the kabasa. I couldn't find it any where. I asked the children, thinking they actually may have eaten it all which would have been fine. But I was told the local cat had snuck in the door (doors aren't kept closed here) and stolen the kabasa. Now, I imagine this kitty is hungry, but I bought that meat for the children not the cat. I did think he must have thought "What a find!!" and was a very happy kitty to have his belly full. I hope all that meat didn't make him sick. The lady at the small store around the corner was always happy to see me, since I increased her business while I was there.

Sights walking to the orphanage.

I had the great joy and pleasure of spending several days with the children of a small orphanage in Vanovka. It is actually more of a family. An amazing couple run this orphanage like a home. I've never had the opportunity in previous years to get to know these children very well even though I've stopped by a couple times. It was great to spend more time with them getting to know them better. The couple who run the orphanage are new and have implemented many good changes. As well behaved and as healthy as the children are compared to the larger orphanages, behavioral issues and delays in areas became more than evident as I worked with them. It was great to see their individual strengths and weakness. Sitting with them, my mind began turning on lessons and activities that could be done with these children to increase their capacity to learn, trust and grow into healthy adults. Several of the children are delayed in their reading abilities. One young girl, age 12, can't tell time and other basic skills are lacking. I look forward to going back with activities to strengthen some of these weak areas.

This young man is very bright, artistic, and eager to learn. I brought wooden models to build and paint. The plane that he was working on did not have the details he desired, so he carved the propeller into one resembling a real propeller instead of leaving it as the rectangle piece of wood that comes in the kit. He then cut two other pieces of wood to give better proportions to the wheel base. I loved watching him work hard to make these changes. I have sent some art supplies out to this young man to use and will go back to give him some one-on-one art lessons.

This has been a quick, basic overview of my time in the village. I will share more stories in the future. It was an amazing time of learning more about life here in Kazakhstan, learning the language and a time to step back from the normal routine of life. The village offers a slower pace. Many of the day-to-day activities we take for granted are more difficult and more time consuming. However, in slowing down to do these things there is also more time to think and even look around.

I missed the contact with my family and friends while in the village. So many times I wished I could share the new thing I was doing with you, dear friends. One day I had ice cream with poppy sesame seeds. The vanilla ice cream was full of poppy seeds and coated outside with chocolate with sesame seeds in it. After the initial surprise of poppy and sesame seeds in ice cream, I think it was a tasty treat, but certainly not one I'm use to. So many more fun things I wanted to share with those of you I miss, but I was making new friends in these experiences and treasured these, too.

In this chapter of my story I've said a lot of good-byes, but I've also said a lot of hellos. The good-byes are hard at time, but I wouldn't have these hellos without those good-byes. I treasure my old friends but also the new friends I'm making. Like that old camp song I learned long ago - "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. Make new friends." That is what I am getting to do. What a treasure trove of friends I have. I am thankful for each one of you.

May you enjoy the friends who are in your life today. Love them well. Build memories that you will treasure for the rest of your life. My two weeks in the village I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Love,
Vicki

Through Their Eyes

2009-07-17T23:10:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I love Kristin Andreaseen's "Crayola Doesn't Make a Color to Draw My Love." She produced a great music video with a class of second graders at Conservatory Lab Charter School in Brighton, MA. It's on YouTube, if you'd like to listen (hopefully the link below works). You can also buy it on iTunes. Her song says there isn't a Crayola color that captures the true color of the eyes of those she loves.

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

As I listened to Kristin's song, I thought of the eyes of the children who captured my heart when I first came to KZ in 2000. Today these children still hold my heart captive. Without speaking a word, their eyes express volumes whether anyone notices or not. Their eyes ask such questions as "What will this person bring into my life?" "Where did they come from?" "What is life like there?" Some children push and shove to touch any new visitor, while others hold back watching what is happening. Either way these children are expressing a desperate need to know they are valued and that someone cares. That is what was shouted in 2000 when I first came and what is still being shouted today to anyone who has eyes to see and heart to hear.

How does a child face the world when she or he is all alone? How does a child learn to be a man or a woman when there is no one to teach him? What have these children seen through their eyes? I've heard some of their stories and they have broken my heart. Sometimes I wonder how I can hear one more story. Then, I wonder how can I not. If I do not listen, I leave them alone with their stories of heartache and pain. I leave them with no one to acknowledge the truth that their pain matters and is important. To know that someone cares, that they are valued, and that the pain they feel is cared about will move those who hurt beyond pain and offer hope to reach toward tomorrow. By holding onto hope, people survived the Holocaust and many other atrocities. There are so many stories from people who made it through great horrors because someone gave them the hope that they were valued, treasured and important. Hope enabled them to hold on and persevere.

This is not about condemning the staff at the orphanages here. Most of them do try to provide the children's basic needs. I have seen great care and compassion from the caregivers who see unimaginable needs. There just isn't enough money, supplies, food or staff to go around. These women and men, many of whom have families and children of their own, work long days for little pay. Their lives, as well, are full of brokenness and heartache. And there is little hope of circumstances improving for them. How do you give when you have nothing to give?

What more often happens in the orphanages is that whoever is bigger and stronger gets to kick around the smaller and weaker. That, of course, is what is passed on from the older to the younger kids. What do children do who grow up being bullied and picked on and who have to scrap for everything in life? The fact is they simply experience the survival of the fittest - at it's best or worse, depending on your point of view. I've seen eyes that manage to hold onto hope one year slip away and dim the next because of the harsh realities of day to day life. My heart breaks when I see the weariness, hopelessness, and despair replace the innocence of possibilities.

I cry out at night for these children and for the beauty that was created in each precious one. Not one is a mistake and each is uniquely and wonderfully made. How can their hope not be dashed to pieces? How can they learn that they truly are important and valued? How can they be encouraged to work diligently and persevere. How can they know that perseverance is a gift? I don't know the answers to all the questions, but I do know the questions won't stop my reaching out and doing what I can.

I cannot rescue or whisk these kids from their circumstances. Perhaps, however, I can provide some encouragement which will bring small, yet significant, changes. Perhaps my offer to be a friend who will walk alongside will make a difference. I have had those who have walked beside me when I had lost hope, when I despaired for what the future held. These people couldn't change the path that was mine to walk but they could - and did - make it less lonely. During times I walked alone, they encouraged and pointed me towards the Truth. Now, I can pass that great gift along.

Thank you, dear friends, for being with me in this part of the next chapter in my life. My heart is heavy for these children, but I am honored that I can be a small part of their lives.

There are almost 100 children who have "graduated" this spring. Each will have to leave their orphanage in August. The local orphanages and officials have told us there is alternative housing for only half of these children. That leaves some fifty children with no place to go. Imagine fifty 15 and 16 year-olds being put out on the street. Oh, how my heart breaks. Oh, how I wish I had the $50,000 to purchase a house to open for these children. The government would pay a small stipend for each child so the house would be self-supporting. Oh, dear friends, remember my heart and this situation. I'm asking Papa for a door or window to open and for a house to be provided if that is HIS will.

Thank you for your encouraging words, support and treasured friendships. May each of you enjoy the beauty around you. Take time to reach out to those who are along your path and in the pages of your life.

Love,
Vicki

Safflower - Flores Carthami - Carthamus Tinctorium L.

2009-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have been wondering for weeks what this flower was and the answer came from someone right in the home where I'm living. Talgat frequently goes to the mountains to collect herbs and roots to make tea and such. Today I thought to show him my blog and ask him what the plant in the picture was. I also told him I see it on the way to Shimkent. Now, I want you to realize I am having this conversation in Kazakh or broken Kazakh to be more exact, but he understood me and was able to tell me it was Safflower. I confirmed this by looking it up on the internet and low and behold the picture matched what I was seeing in the fields. I was so excited.

I also learned a lot more about the plant. The website said it's origin is from the Mediterranean, but also talked about it's Turkish roots. Sometimes it is referred to the weaker or lesser saffron. According to the web it does not have value as a spice to add flavor but in countries like Azerbaijan it is used for it's ability to add color to the meal. The flowers are also used to dye textiles. We know it as an oil. Saffower oil contains triglycerides of the doubly unsaturated linoleic acid (70%) and triple unsaturated linolinic acid (10%) and high levels of Vitamin E and iodine making it highly desired by health conscious people.

Well, this may be far more than you ever wanted to know about Safflower, but I am delighted to know what it is. One of the reasons I didn't want to leave Virginia was I knew the plant, bug and wildlife around me. I knew what snakes I could pick up, what flowers and plant life I valued and what bugs to beware of. It is fun to learn new things here. Sometimes it is a challenge with the language barrier but that also gives me more motivation to learn the language.

Have a beautiful day, dear friends. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty around where ever you are at the moment. In essence take the time to smell the roses, to enjoy the quiet moments, to tell those people in your lives who you treasure just how much you do treasure them.
My love to you all,
Vicki

Someone PLEASE help me identify this flower!

2009-07-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

I need someone's help please. This flower which looks like a thistle but is yellow and orange is grown here in southern Kazakhstan in large fields in rows. Many times there are large fields of lavender next to or near these fields. They seem to let this flower grow and dry before harvesting. I have no idea what it is used for or what it is. It grows to about 2 feet or so in hight.
Thank you in advance for all your help. I've tried looking it up on the internet but haven't found anything yet.

Thank you dear friends for your notes and encouraging words.
Love
Vicki

Celebrating Kazakh Style

2009-07-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 5th, I had the great pleasure and joy of going to the edge of Taraz for a picnic with friends. These friends opened their picnic and hearts to us who are foreigners. In many ways the time was similar to any neighborhood picnic or family BBQ and it felt familiar to me on so many levels. I relaxed and enjoyed myself fully.

The menu was slightly different but if you look at the basics of meat, veggies, bread and soda, it was the same. There was one big difference, however, and that was the meat. Now, in the States I ate a lot of meats many Americans don't typically eat - lamb, goat, deer, rabbit, wild turkey, for example. Here horse and sheep are the norm and this picnic had both. The large pot below held up by a circular tube which holds the fire inside. The large pot is filled with horse parts and then towards the end sheep is added. Evidently horse takes longer to cook. The fat, along with the meat, is included. That old riddle "Jack Sprat could eat no fat and his wife could eat no lean" takes on new meaning here. Fat is a valued part of the meal, not a part to be given to the dog or thrown away.

The women and men who are in charge of cooking stirred this mixture most of the morning - until a knife pierced each piece easily. Then all the meat and chunks of fat were laddled out and taken inside the Yurta (traditional Kazakh tent). There the meat was cut up into smaller pieces.

When I first walked out back to see what was going on, I wasn't sure if they would appreciate me intruding but I was warmly welcomed. They worked hard to explain what was going on even with the lack of much language understanding between us. You would be surprised what can be conveyed with hand motions and a few words!! One gentleman conveyed a story I've heard before. The wolf eats the most meat and Kazakh's eat the second most meat. That I can believe. I'm always amazed at the amount of meat Kazakh's eat. Not being a big meat eater myself, so this can be a struggle for me. On this day the women cutting up the meat insisted I taste some of the choice pieces. I have to say the meat was very tender and tasty. I ate both sheep and horse.

Once the meat is taken out, noodles are added. The fat in the water is not drained out before putting the noodles in because Kazakhs think the fat in the water is good for you. When the noodles are cooked, they are scooped onto large platers and thinly sliced onions and chunks of meat and fat are added. The platters are placed several to each table. Generally Kazakhs eat with their fingers from community platters. Americans, however, are given a plate or bowl. I've gotten fairly use to the community way and am comfortable with that - depending on who I'm sitting with.

Since I was in and out of the Yurt, the women kept wanting me to taste various things. By the time the meal was served at the table, I was stuffed. I did sit down for a short time and one sweet little girl decided my lap was the lap to sit on. Children go in and out of the tent as the food is being prepared getting handouts. When the meal is served children crawl onto laps - anyone's lap! Children don't stay with their parents and everyone feeds them. Children also run by the tables with their hands out and they are passed whatever they have asked for. I enjoyed having this sweet girl on my lap and passing food to various children that squeezed by me. Once the kids figured out I generously passed out candy, they knew where to come for more. When my lap companion had had enough and left, I decided I'd also rather be up moving around with the kids and the cooking crew.

The couple below was so sweet. He is the one who told me about wolves and Kazakhs. She was the one who patiently explained and explained till I understood what she was saying with my limited words. She also wanted me to taste everything. Horse, sheep, mares' milk, camels' milk, and the broth they drink that is left after all the meat and pasta is removed from the water. If it sits too long it will jell into a solid. I tasted it but couldn't get much down. I'm not sure if it was actually the taste or the knowledge of what it was and what my arteries were thinking.

While she was cutting the meat, her head scarf fell off. Her husband refolded it and tied it back around her head. It was so cute seeing these two together and his kindness to her.

These two women were also very sweet. They looked like little china dolls. People from all ages attended, laughing and enjoying each other. Children ran around playing and wrestling. One young man had a bow and an arrow with a suction cup at the end. I could make faces and say simples words, chasing and tickling just like I would do at home. The children didn't seem to notice I didn't speak their language. They also enjoyed posing for the camera and then seeing their picture on the back of the camera.

Chewing on the bones is acceptable, expected and desired. Most bones are cracked open giving access to the bone marrow that is suppose to be very good for you. I made a great sacrifice and gave my bone away. I love this picture of this little boy with this huge bone. Beth and I snuck one bone for a dog down the street because it seemed a shame not to let him have one, too.

When Marc and Sarah came to Kazakhstan in 2002, they returned home with the idea of how much alike the Kazakhs and we are. Marc and Sarah hadn't focused on what was different but saw what is the same. The love of family and friends, the desire of families to take care of each other and be with each other. Isn't there more that is the same between us than different? Seeing beauty in each person - each who has been uniquely and wonderfully made - sometimes takes more effort but brings so much more reward.

Sunday I definitely saw the things which cross borders, race, age, politics and such. I had the joy of being among people who were enjoying each other's company and who generously welcomed a stranger among them. I hope I will always generously open my heart and home to strangers who may come my way. I was blessed beyond measure that day with the opportunity to share in their meal.

I am blessed each day with the gift of friendships near and far. I cannot tell you each how much I value your sweet correspondence. It touches my heart and encourages me, especially during those moments I want to share what is on my heart but cannot because I don't yet have the words to express myself. Nonetheless, I still desire that my actions convey my heart and can be understood without words. May you each be enjoying those around you that you. Don't take for granted those you love and treasure. Thank you for joining me in this next chapter.
Vicki

A trip to Shimkent

2009-07-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

It seems like my days - and now my weeks - are bursting at the seams with activities. There are moments when I know I'm not taking everything in that is happening around me because I'm already so full with so much that has happened! I'm not complaining but understand what I share is just the tip of the iceberg of what is going on here. Sometimes I think back and realize I haven't valued the moment I had right before me, though I desire to treasure each moment I am given, no matter how exciting or simple it is. I am only promised today and I desire to make the most of it and enjoy each blessing given just for this day.

Wednesday, late afternoon, Beth and I headed to Shimkent for various work reasons which I'll share below. I love this drive as it resonates somehow with my heart. I have mentioned before my love of living on a farm and working with various types of animals. Well, livestock of all kinds are still to be seen everywhere here - even in a city like Taraz. The importance of livestock to a family becomes clearer when driving through the villages, especially in the late afternoons or early mornings.

Shepherding is still a vital profession here. A shepherd's sheep, goats, cattle, and horses are vital to his family's well being. Meat and milk from goats, cattle, and horses are used to feed a family and a sheep's wool is used for making clothes. These are just a few of the staples these animals bring a family. The shepherd's job may not seem exciting as he sits and watches animals all day, but when the moments come that he is called to defend his livestock all his resources and strength are required! A shepherd also needs to understand the weather and the land to safely guide his flock/herd to green grass during the day and then bring them home at night. One of the things I think is so fun is to see is how this is done.

Each morning families open their gates and stand waiting for the shepherd to come down the road to collect their animals - kind of like parents waiting for the bus to pick up their children for school. These animals know the routine and wait patiently without lead or halters for the shepherd to come down the lane collecting this large herd of animals and to take them out into the grass lands for the day. This process is reversed in the evening. Families wait outside their gates along the road. The shepherd enters the village pushing the herd on ahead of him. The cows are anxious to be milked and all the animals know what gate and family is theirs. They stop at their family's gate, turn and step through. An amazing sight to see, even if it requires a delay when driving down the same road. The animals have no concept that they should give right away to a car and so, of course, they don't.

I still enjoy the various "vehicles" that share the road at the same time. And I'm always interested in how things are done here, things that are not right or wrong - just different.

Beth was kind enough to stop and let me get several pictures of this sweet donkey and her foal that were on the side of the road. I just love the little donkeys that seem to be everywhere. Sometime I'll have to tell you all a story I wrote last fall about a little donkey named Troubled Cherished. I am so thankful for Beth's great patience for my picture taking needs. Thank you, Beth.

After some amazing sights we arrived in Shimkent. Beth had some "director" things she needed to attend to at our Shimkent office. I was to supervise a team of students arriving from Oxford, along with a group of young adults from Indiana. They were coming to paint the library in our English center which was in desperate need of painting. I also wanted to see the sweet children in Dr. Lori's clinic who come in daily for PT. I brought a bag of beanie babies and match box cars which were quite a hit with the children who were then allowed to take their gift home. These children have families. Dr. Lori's clinic gives families support, hope and encouragement in caring for these precious children. A couple of these children really responded to me when they saw me - they seemed to actually remember me, though I had been there only once before. I wish I could have spent more time with them but I had painting to do. I just love their sweet faces. The staff at Dr. Lori's clinic does an amazing job with these children.

Now, buying paint in Kazakhstan is an adventure in itself with a huge learning curve and a lesson in patience. Before coming to Skimkent, Kiikzhan and I went to three stores to buy the paint for the library. Now, in order to have the colors I wanted, it was going to cost per drop of added color in each liter of paint (25 liters) or I could by the colorant and mix it myself. As you probably guessed, I choose the mix-it-myself method. Of course, I left my big paddle mixer that attaches to my drill back in Virginia along with my extension rods for rollers. Oh, and mentioning rollers and roller trays - they have rollers here and roller trays BUT the roller tray is two inches shorter than the roller?!?!!? What can I say? I can say it is different! I'll have some Purdy paint brushes, Purdy Dove roller covers, and roller handles brought over - those "little things" taken for grant. Even with these minor setbacks the team was able to paint three of the five rooms. After painting, the books were all put back and the rooms looked great. I mixed a sage green, a yellow, a robins-egg blue, and a blue-green. The front area is the sage green and yellow, the next room is blue, and the next is the yellow with the 14 inch thick doorways painted blue-green. The library is very large, so using varied colors help break-up the rooms, as well as add interest to the library.

Thursday evening Beth took time out of her busy schedule to help me paint. Together we got a little more done for that day. In order for three rooms to be completed and put back together before the team left on Friday. I'll come back in a couple weeks and finish off the last two rooms.

Beth and I left Shimkent Friday around 5 o'clock. We couldn't leave much later because we really didn't want to be driving at night. The weather also looked like a huge storm was coming in. As we were just passing the outside the limits of the city, Beth commented on being relieved about getting past all the police stops with no problems. Well, she spoke too soon. Suddenly a police car with flashing lights pulled past us motioning for us to pull over. We couldn't imagine what was wrong . Beth was not speeding and had her lights on, which is law here. The officer asked for her car papers and said something about the licence tag. We were both like what? Did it fall off or get stolen?" Here, when you are a foreigner, your tag is a different color. Our yellow tag stands out, so most people aren't going to want to steal a foreigner's tag. We both hopped out to check but, when we looked at the back of the car, the tag was obviously in place. As we were looking, the officer waved down a big truck coming from the other direction. I was thinking he was trying to 'multi-task" and give two tickets at once. What he actually was doing was getting tools from that driver to take off our tags because he said they were forged. Again, we were like What? They aren't forged!!" Anyway, he went on doing his thing at which point Beth thought it was time to call a national friend and let him know what was happening. I, in the mean time, had nothing of use to add to the situation since I can't speak much of the language. I had no idea of anything that could be helpful to the situation. But one thought did go through my mind. "This would make a great picture!" I asked Beth, as she was calling Aben, if I could get my camera out. She said it couldn't hurt, so I did.

It was quite funny. As I clicked the picture below, you can see he was not happy. He said something, but I indicated I was going to keep on taking pictures no matter what. Well, you have never seen someone reverse course so fast. He put the front tag back on, went around the car and put the back tags on all the while reversing his tune. Beth was trying to get him to talk on the phone with Aben, but he wouldn't, saying, "Problem jok, no problem!" He asked for a tissue for his dirty fingers, which I gave him, and then he jumped in his car, turned around in the road and sped off. We got in our car, looked at each other and laughed. You never know what is going to happen in Kazakhstan and how fast things can change.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. Storms were all around but never directly over us so driving was never difficult; however, there were spectacular lightening displays in the not-to-far distance. The fields of flowers (below) were beautiful! Beth was again patient and stopped for me to take a closer picture. If anyone knows what these flowers are, please let me know. I'd be ever so thankful. They are planted in rows, so they aren't wild. They look like thistles except are they are gorgeous yellows and oranges.

When I got back in the car, Beth said she began to wonder if it had been a bad idea for her to stop for me to take pictures. She said she didn't know how she would tell Edith, Lois and Chip that I had been struck by lightening while taking pictures of flowers on the side of the road. I said they knew me well enough to know that they wouldn't be surprised. I had actually taken a look around and thought the storms weren't close enough to be in real danger. I got some great shots. If you want to see more pictures of this trip, you can click on the album link on the right top, then double click on the album you desire to view.

Thank you dear, family and friends, for joining me in this next chapter of my life's tale. I love the above picture. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the things around me. I want to remember each detail of this new life. As I remember back, I realize how much I took for granted. I desire not to waste anymore time or take for grant the sweet friendships I have been given. Please be sure to let me know how you are doing, too.

His mercies, grace and peace to each of you,
Vicki

My Time at Savva

2009-06-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Last Monday (22 June) when I arrived at Savva orphanage, I almost couldn't get out of Beth's car. Obviously I'm not a celebrity, but each of the children wanted to give me a hug and let me know how happy they were that I had finally arrived. Sometimes the lack of language doesn't matter because there was no mistaking our happiness at finally being together - the children and me! I cannot begin to put into words the rush of joy that filled my heart as I held each one in my arms. I am so happy to finally be here in Kazakhstan for good.

Picture taken on the steps of Interlink Resources Taraz office (American team and translators)

The rest of the American delegation had been at Savva since the 17th of June doing an English camp for the kids. There were classes in the morning, sports and other activities in the afternoon and a program each evening for the children. I was coming into the mix mid-stream. This group of Americans was amazing. They were from three different states (Virginia, Indiana and Oregon)and I felt honored to be able to join the team for the last half of the camp. Most of the team members had traveled together for this camp in previous years. The three new team members jumped right in and the whole team worked together like a well-oiled machine - encouraging, helping and laughing together. This trip isn't an easy trip logistically or physically. Having your team members be there to encourage you when you are overwhelmed and/or not feeling well makes all the difference in the world. I think each American should take at least one trip out of the United States and do something for someone else. Being like a little child in a new situation is a golden opportunity to step back and see life through a different perspective.

Interlink gets local and mostly university students to be translators. It is great experience for them to practice their English skills and it makes it possible for the Americans to communicate with the children and staff. Being a translator is a difficult and tiring experience under regular circumstances. When you add together all the work and the 180 kids, it is an overwhelming, exhausting job, but this group of translators worked incredibly hard and made the experience great for the Americans. The full-time Interlink team also went above and beyond as they cared for so many details, including providing everything each American needed. Thank you Ken, Olya, Moldir, Beth and the entire office staff at Interlink.

My part of the camp was a three day Art Seminar for older students and two days of craft time with the youngest group. I love being with these children and they love all the activities that are provided for them by the American team. One morning the youngest group put their hand prints on tote bags and then used various stamps to add designs on the bag. Then we wrote each camper's name and the date on each of the bags. Can you believe we had 28 children with paint on their hands and then paint on rubber stamps, yet not getting one drop of paint on anything besides the tote bags? The children are eager to please and to listen. Then we played games and sang songs.

I divided the older students I had into two groups. The Savva staff had picked the students they thought had talent or interest in art. On Monday 10 students came. Using pastels on paper each did a still life. The second group of 10 came on Tuesday afternoon and did the same assignment. I taught some techniques but was more interested in seeing what talent was here among the students and what they understood about art in general. They did very well and were eager to learn. I encouraged them to enjoy the process and not just focus on the product. Enjoying the creative experience of playing with the colors was far more important than whether or not they created a master piece.

My "Birthday" Hat! Of course I would never be caught dead in something like this at home, but I couldn't refuse the children!

I celebrated my first birthday in Kazakhstan at Savva orphanage. It was a fabulous, fun day celebrating with friends and some of the children that had brought me half way around the world. Beth orchestrated a huge surprised for me which touched my heart and brought me great joy. Without letting me know she had asked Lois and Chip to get my family and friends to send Birthday wishes which Beth printed and gave to Sharyll to give to me Tuesday morning as she announced to the team that it was my birthday. I was so surprised and so touched by the amount of birthday wishes. Thank you all for your love and friendship. Thank you for taking the time to let me know with such kind words. My heart overflowed with gratitude and love. Thank you Beth for taking the time, effort and thought to bless me.

This youngest group put together a photo collage of themselves for me as a birthday gift. Oh, how it touched my heart. The entire day was a wonderful delightful day. I was given flowers, home made cards, hand made gifts, kisses, hugs and so much more. I am blessed beyond measure.

The second craft day with the youngest kids we did t-shirts with handprints, stamps and their names. Again it was a fun activity for the children. I told them nobody else in the world has their hand print. They are uniquely and wonderfully made.

Wednesday was the final day of the art seminar and 10 student were chosen to participate. Ken made me easels and I bought canvas and paint. Each student was able to create a painting of their choice. Many of the students had never had the opportunity to use paints before, much less paint on canvas. Some were nervous and even afraid to start for fear of messing up. I encouraged them to enjoy the experience and again not focus on what the outcome was but to enjoy the process. Again, I worked on some basic concepts, which I will expand on in future classes with these kids.

I find the Kazakh people to be a very creative, gifted people and the children show so much talent. It was such a joy to encourage the shy ones as well as the couple of students that were advanced in their skills. One young man, whom I've know for several years now, has an incredible talent. He graduated this year and in August has a chance to go to a college in Taraz to study art. These kids have the cards stacked against them. Even at an orphanage like Savva where the staff and director have a real heart for the children, it is difficult for these kids to actually make it in the world. They have very few life skills and even less self confidence. I'm hoping to be able to stay in touch with this student and hopefully he'll desire to participate in Interlink's Youth Impact program. The program gives the graduates from the local orphanage life skills and a place to help them navigate their path towards being productive citizens in their community.

The top 5 students were allowed to keep their easels and I left paints, paper, and pastels for these students in hopes that they will practice until the next seminar. Below is a picture with Stas and the "master piece" he finished in class. He is an amazing young man with lots of talent. It is my great privilege to be a small part of his life.

When I wasn't doing my art classes, I participated with the rest of the team's activities for the children. Each evening was a different activity including an American dance night and a Carnival night. The Americans enjoy this time as much as the children. During the day there is time to have quiet moments with individual children and that is what I look forward to. I love all the fun activities, but treasure the time to sit and get to know a child better, to hear their story, encourage them or just sit beside them in a comfortable silence.

A front moved through right before Carnival Night. Rain seemed to fall all around but not on Savva, which was wonderful since there wasn't a place to hold the carnival inside. As we were setting up, a beautiful rainbow spread across the sky right over Savva. A promise that they are not forgotten and neither am I.

The above picture is one I took on the way back from Savva orphanage to Taraz. Kazakhstan is at a crossroads in many ways. Many are going from cooking on an open fire to microwave technology overnight. This fact never became more evident to me than when we pulled into the office of Interlink. There sitting in the front drive was a HUMMER! In Kazakhstan! A film crew had been using our building to film some scene for a Kazakh movie. The HUMMER was a prop for a scene. A local business man actually owns this monster of a vehicle. I wanted to send a picture home to my son and tell him this was my new car in Kazakhstan. But I don't believe he would fall for that because I think he knows me too well. I would rather drive an old junker and give the rest of the money it would cost to own a Hummer to help children. It did bring into focus the huge contrast here in Kazakhstan.

Last week was bursting with so many activities, thoughts, joys, some heartaches, and life in general. I can't begin to put down in a short blog all that happened last week. But a couple things I know for sure: I have amazing friends who love and care for me and I am exactly where I'm suppose to be. I am blessed beyond measure. My life has lots of bumps and unexpected events, but I am not alone. This next chapter of my life already has many sweet memories that I will treasure. Thank you, dear friends, for joining me in the adventure.

Love,
Vicki

What have I been doing the last two weeks!

2009-06-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of the Art Competition from three local orphanages.

Here I am with Donna,one of the Directors of Saramoldiva Orphanage, Beth and Olya

June 1st in Kazakhstan is Children's Day. Kazakhs celebrate Women's Day, Men's Day and Children's Day instead of Mother's and Father's Day. Beth, Moldir and I went to the celebrations at Ulan Orphanage. The children and staff put on a beautiful performance for us and other groups interested in the children. A group of young women studying fashion design in a local university designed outfits that some of the orphans modeled on stage. A group of men gave the orphanage a TV and many well-wishes were given to the children.

Many children displayed beauty and talent but my heart was sad because most of the children in Ulan orphanage were unable to attend. Only a few who were not performing were able to come because children in the orphanage share school uniforms. School is only half a day. Those who go in the morning wear a school outfit. When they return at lunch time, the uniform is given to another child who then wears it to afternoon classes. So, for any official event, there isn't a "nice outfit" for each child to wear and sadly, therefore, not all can attend.

Appearance is very important in Kazakhstan. Image matters whether it's the shoes you choose to wear or the color you choose to dye your hair. I stopped coloring my hair because I didn't think I could get boxed hair color here. Well, I can get any color I'd want, even some natural looking ones. However, I think I'll leave it "white" for a couple reasons. First, I've gotten use to it and it is easier to manage leaving it my natural color. Secondly, I'd like my actions to speak about where I find my value and worth - and it is not in hair color or shoes. I do not want to offend anyone with what I wear, but neither do I want to add to the perception that looks are what is most important. The focus on appearance is seen not only in clothes, but on buildings. Any new building is constructed with great-looking facade. However, the quality of construction underneath is not immediately seen but within a year, usually, the building looks like it has been around for generations. The focus here on the appearance of things leads to a hopelessness. The truth is that finding value in oneself is difficult with a facade. Kazakhstan, unfortunately, has a very high suicide rate. Hopelessness penetrates all areas of society, but is found especially among the children in these orphanages and it breaks my heart.

On Saturday, June 6, Beth, Ken, Jason, Kiikzhan and I took Ken and Jason's Thusday afternoon English Club to the river for a picnic. Those attending the club are either students from various universities or those who have just graduated but desire to improve their English. Our picnic was a celebration for their work through the year. English Club will resume in the fall. It was a little chilly for swimming in the river, but everyone had fun, nonetheless. We played frizbee (something they don't have here), card games and just enjoyed nature. We spread a blanket and had cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, chicken, kibassa and cheese to go on our bread for sandwiches and sodas or water to drink.

On Sunday, June 7, Beth, Ken, Jason and I drove to a village about an hour and a half from Taraz. I loved being in the village. The people are so incredibly friendly and hospitable. I love the picture below of the grandfather of a woman who lives in the village. She is a friend of Beth's. He is in his mid-70's, which is old by Kazakhstan standards. I was honored to be in their home, if even for a short time. I look forward to going back to give them copies of pictures I took while I was with them.

Beth, Ken, and Jason's friends took us to a picnic spot in the mountains. It was absolutely beautiful. We drove up the mountain and crossed a small stream in our vehicles to a spot where we left the car and then hiked a little way farther up the mountain before setting up "camp." After a relaxing lunch, we explored the surrounding countryside.

Kazakhstan's landscape is beautiful. This spring has been unusually wet so the fields are much greener than they typically are the beginning of June. But even when there is the the harshness of a dry, hot summer, the landscape has a beauty all its own. I love being out in nature and enjoying creation.

Last week I returned to the bazaar with pictures I had taken on previous trips. I had so much fun distributing the pictures. The two young university students (who speak English) who were with me enjoyed the excitement as much as I did. Everyone seemed so please to receive their photos and each responded so positively. Of course, others also wanted their pictures taken, so now I need to go back and deliver more pictures!

At times I have gone to the bazaar without taking my camera and I have regretted it because there is always some great sight I want to capture. I wish each of you could come visit so I could show you around the wonderful town of Taraz.

Last Friday, June 12, we had a farewell party for Jason. Jason graduated last May from a university in Virginia and came for a year-long internship program with Interlink Resources. Jason is an amazing young man with such a gift for computers, programs, policy and procedures. He has been a great asset to Interlink Resources here in Kazakhstan. Jason will be going back to Virginia for a couple of weeks before heading to Indiana to help in our State-side office for several months. Jason will be greatly missed here. Everyone is very grateful and thankful that Jason will continue working with Interlink, providing knowledge in areas of need. Thank you, Jason.

We all had a great time enjoying wings prepared by Beth. They were better than any wings I've ever had in the States. We also had salads, pound cake prepared by Ken, apple cobbler and carrot cake also prepared by Beth, and other tasty foods. The evening continued with games.

On Sunday we had another dinner. This time in honor of Jason at Marina's family's home. Another great meal, games and a time to enjoy each others' company before Jason boarded the train on the first leg of his journey home. Assel from the office rode with Jason on the over night train to Almaty. Jason was scheduled to fly out of Almaty Tuesday morning but was delayed due to some paper work mix-up. Patience is a great virtue to have here in Kazakhstan. If you don't have it when you arrive, you most definitely will by the time you leave. Nothing runs according to plan and the saying "You aren't in Kansas any more, Dorothy" is a key phrases we use around here. Jason is spending a week in Almaty before heading home. Assel returned with the American delegation on Tuesday, June 17.

I moved June 11 to a new host family. Such a change is often necessary. I was sad to leave Sholpan's for many reasons, but as she has often been away and has had to leave again to go to Almaty, it is nice to be in a home where the family stays at home.

My new bedroom.

My new host family lives in a flat on the fourth floor of an apartment building. It is small but quite nice. Dana and I met several weeks ago when I visited the 10 Micro Region Boarding School for disabled children. We hit it off right away and she invited me to come live with her and her husband. They both speak Kazakh and help me each evening with my Kazakh. Dana plans on my knowing Kazakh by Christmas. I'm optimistically hopeful.

There is a dirt courtyard between the apartment buidings where I now live and dozens of children play there each afternoon. Dana and I went out one evening and I gave out match box cars and jump ropes. It seemed like a good public relations move on my part, a way to introduce myself to the local children. It was a hit and now when I come home I have dozens of children running to greet me. Their greeting me is another way to learn Kazakh! Actually, I'm learning both Russian and Kazakh from them, but that's okay. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep the languages separated. Many Kazakhs mix the two languages in one sentence, so I figure they will show me grace as I muddle through.

Well, friends and family, I know this is a long post and I've only covered a few of the highlights of the past two weeks. I've settled into my new home and have learned to negotiate traveling to and from my new home. I'm trying to settle into a routine of some sorts, but am not yet quite there.

Marc turned 21 on June 20. I can't believe my baby is 21 years old already! My heart is sad because I missed his celebration, yet I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I am where I belong and the call on my life is to be here in Kazakhstan. I truly feel I'm home. Each new word I learn brings me closer to being able to speak with the people on a heart level. I look forward to the day when I can. Until then I'm waiting patiently and enjoying the many blessings given to me each day.

Thank you, each one of you, for your kind words of encouragement. Each email and each note I receive in the mail causes my heart to leap with joy. I'm like a young child at camp when I receive mail from the States. The staff here just laughs because I get so excited.

Thank you, each one, for joining me in this next chapter of my life.

Love,
Vicki

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY MARC!!!!

2009-06-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARC!!!!! Celebrating 21 years!!

I can't believe how fast the last 21 years have flown by. It seems like yesterday when I first held you in my arms. Oh how I loved you then. I could never have imagined then how much that love would grow. I am so proud of you and all you have done. Life hasn't always been easy and I know your heart has been hurt by things I have done, as well as life in general. Even though my heart aches for your pain, I know all will eventually be redeemed. May Papa continue to bless you and keep you safe, dear son.

As much as I know it is the call on my life to be here in Kazakhstan, I can tell you it is hard today to be so far away from you. I wish I was there to celebrate this special day with you. I am ever so thankful for who you are and all you have added to my life. It is because of you and your sister that I wanted to be a better person. I have been humbled and honored to be your mother. Each day I count you as one of my greatest treasures I've been given in life.

The gift of music you have been given has been with you since you were born. I remember giving you your first real drum when you were in 4th grade, but you were banging on everything and anything from the moment you could grasp something in your hand. You began speaking at a very early age and rhyming words came naturally to you. You are truly gifted and a poet in the way you convey your thoughts through your words and music. I miss hearing you working on your rhythms, hearing your beats and your practicing your newest song. You have been given a gift my son. Give it back as worship and you will go places you never imagined.

I'm not there to throw you a big BBQ cook-out, or have a special family dinner, but in my heart I am celebrating the life you have had and the chapters that have yet to be written. This isn't the first birthday I've missed being in Kazakhstan. Several of my trips in the past have been in June and I've missed those birthdays, too. This birthday is different because I know it will be longer before I see you in person and this birthday is one of life's milestones. This time marks the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. When you were 13 we had a big cook-out with family and friends and marked the beginning of leaving childhood. Words were spoken about your future and blessings were given by those who attended. Know, my son, that you are loved and treasured, not only by me but by many others, as well as our Heavenly Father.

While you celebrate this day, I hope you will know you were given as a gift and that you will reflect upon and count your many blessings. Even thought there have been hard things in your life, you have been richly blessed with so much. I love you, my son, and celebrate with you and for you. I may be far away but I hold you in my heart and know someone bigger than me loves you even more and holds you in the palm of HIS hand. Seek HIM first and all the rest of your life will fall into place.

I love you, my son, and am proud of you, and am honored to be your mother. I love you as high as the sky, as deep as the ocean, forever and always, no matter what - even from half way round the world.

Love,
Mom

Faces of Kazakhstan

2009-06-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

The people of Kazakhstan! They have captured my heart! When I came for the first time in 2000, the children in Ulan orphanage stole my heart but it didn't take long for the Kazakh people to also claim my heart.

It is hard to explain how I can be in a land far from where I was born and feel so at home, yet my heart tells me I am home! When I look into the faces around me, I see people I desire to talk with and hear their stories, hopes and dreams.

Having been raised in the South, I grew up hearing that there is nothing like Southern hospitality. I experienced some of that warm Southern hospitality through the years but I can honestly say the Kazakh people put most Southerners to shame with their hospitality. From the orphans to the average person on the street, their generosity amazes and humbles me. When my children came with me in 2002, one of the first things they noticed was how welcoming people were, even children at the local school. Since we had moved quite a few times as Marc and Sarah were growing up, they had been the "new" kids in school several times. They knew first-hand how unfriendly children can be to the "new kid." When they came back to the States, they both began reaching out to new kids - especially those from other countries. Each of my exchange students came home crying after a couple of weeks in their new schools because their classmates had been so unfriendly.

Here in Kazakhstan most people are friendly. Many stop me on the street to inquire where I'm from and ask how I like Kazakhstan. When locals welcome me into their homes, it is with a table spread full with dried fruits, nuts, candies, bread, meat, cheese, and tea. Relationships are certainly a higher priority than schedules. Of course, this can be frustrating at times, particularly because being told an event will start at a certain time doesn't mean the event will actually start at the time given. Being asked to "drop by" usually takes at least 2 hours - or more! If you schedule a 15 minute "dropping by," the unexpected extended time can definitely disrupt the rest of the day.

As I walk around the bazaar or down the street, I don't blend in. I have to admit I'm not sure I blended in all that well back in the States. My KEEN shoes and "paint" jeans aren't the height of fashion. In the States I found my J-41 and KEEN shoes to be the most comfortable shoes to wear. Here, with the rough terrain, I love these brands even more. Now, Kazakh's love fancy shoes and I am absolutely amazed at how high the heels are that Kazakh women wear on sidewalks that are definitely rough terrain. So many of the woman are strutting around in these high, high heels without missing a step. I don't know how they do it but I am going to stick to my all terrain comfortable KEEN's and J-41's. Sometimes in the bazaar I do stumble and trip, but that's because I'm so busy looking at all the sights and trying to capture them with my camera.

Standing out isn't all bad. I love that venders stop me and ask where I'm from. What is my story, they want to know. Since I arrived almost a month ago I have been to the bazaar 4 or 5 times. Now people are stopping to ask how I am doing, how my language learning is progressing, and how I'm enjoying my time in Taraz. I absolutely love this kind of interaction. My heart fills with joy.

The children have the biggest hold on my heart, especially the orphans. These children have been through so much. They hang onto the smallest bit of hope their hearts can grab hold of. Their longing to have someone take the time to let them know they are of value - even when shown the smallest bit of attention - is evident.

Interlink Resources, Inc. has a sponsorship program. Money donated goes to do so much for the children; however, I think it is the letters and visits from the American sponsors that make the most significant impact on these children. They are desperate to know someone cares. Letters, pictures and small gifts are treasured like precious gems. Children will read and reread letters and learn every detail about their American family. One sponsor came to visit her child last spring. When she returned to the States, she shared with us that even though she sent money for her sponsored child and had written a couple of letters, including letters about her granddaughters, she really never gave her writing much thought. When she came last spring she was actually a little nervous. What would she have in common with this child? What could she actually talk about with this child? When she entered his room she saw plants in the window. This young man liked to grow things and, as it would happen, so did she and they had something to talk about. As nice as that was, however, that isn't what touched her heart. The young man pointed for her to look at the underside of the top bunk. His bed was the bottom bunk. As she bent down to see what was there, she couldn't have prepared her heart for what she saw. Taped to the underside of the top bunk were all the photos of her family that she had sent. Every last one, along with the letters! He knew each family member by name and could recite the contents of each letter. Each night before he closed his eyes, her family's smiling faces are what he saw. Can you imagine being so alone and so scared and continually wondering if anyone cared about you that you would treasure pictures and letters from strangers?

She came home realizing how the little bit of time and effort she had put into her writing and mailing letters was but a drop in the bucket compared to the return. The children here grab hold of these letters and relationships as a lifeline being tossed out to them in the midst of a storm.

If you are interested in sponsoring a child, you can find more information by going to Interlink Resources,Inc.'s website. The site is listed on the right side of this blog.

Even though I am not a child, I also appreciate the cards and notes I am receiving from home. As much as I'm loving being here, there are times my heart longs to see Marc and Sarah and my dear friends. There are days I want to show the amazing sights here to those of you who have meant so much to me through the years, to share the joys of my surroundings to a familiar face. The next best thing is sharing through the great convenience of the Internet. What did people do a 100, 50 or even 20 years ago when they went off to other parts of the world? They had little opportunity to keep in touch with loved ones who were left at home. I am ever so thankful for this connection today.

Thank you, dear friends and family, for joining me for this next chapter of my life. I am truly blessed with great friendships and am looking forward to the new friends I will be meeting in my new home.

Love,
Vicki

Different modes of transportation here!

2009-05-30T04:04:00.001-07:00

Most mornings I walk several blocks to catch the marshuka (bus). After exiting at my stop, I walk the last several blocks to the Interlink Office. This is a pleasant walk except in the pouring rain. I imagine come winter I'll think less pleasant. In Richmond, Virginia I never took the bus or a taxi. I always had a car. As I drove around, I typically only saw cars, buses, trucks, a moped or two and maybe some motorcycles. Nothing too unusual. When I was in Lancaster, PA, I loved hearing the clip clop of horses' hooves as the carriages passed Chip's home. In Lancaster, PA it is the norm to see horse-drawn carriages on the roads. I also loved seeing mule drawn plows in the fields as we drove around.

I grew up a city girl, but my heart longed for the open spaces of a farm. Opportunity, through a string of life events, brought me to working on a dairy farm outside of Richmond when I was in my early twenties. I didn't know a single thing about farming and even less about cattle or milking a cow. Brian Smith, the farm manager, for Cabin Hill Farm was a Va Tech graduate and willingly shared his knowledge. I found I loved that life style. It was hard work with long days, but there was a natural rhythm that soothed my soul. It made sense to me and I learned through hands-on experience. Having just squeaked by in high school, barely earning my diploma, a schoolroom environment wasn't for me. After a couple of years on the dairy farm, I worked for Jack and Lizzie Falls in Bedford, Virginia. He was a livestock dealer and they had a small 170 acre farm. They were in their late 70's and had an 8th and 5th grade education, but they were two of the smartest people I have ever known. I loved getting up early and then finishing tired and filthy after a long day of working hard. I thought I was born in the wrong century. I should have been in the "old west" because the modern suburban life wasn't for me. Little did I know that the desires of my heart would be answered in a foreign land. The call on my life was beyond my imagination in a land I had never heard of.

I have been here on seven previous short-term trips. Now I'm entering my fourth week since moving and my heart still leaps with excitement each time I see the livestock that are all around here. Hopefully, soon I'll have an opportunity to jump on a horse and ride or ride in a horse, donkey or camel drawn cart.

I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be here, but even more for my family and friends without whom this wouldn't be possible. I'm thankful for Marc and Sarah who have been a great gift to me and who have made me want to be a person far better than I ever imagined possible. I'm thankful for my dear friends who have encouraged me along the way, who have cried with me, celebrated with me and held my hands when there were no words. What treasures each are - rare and precious and born over time and fire.

As I enter my fourth week, the novelty is wearing off. A peace and contentment is settling in. This is the place I have held in my heart for oh so many years. I didn't have name or location, but now that I'm here I know this is the place that's been in my heart since before I was born.

Thank you, each one, for joining me in the next chapters of my life.
Love
Vicki

Beauty to Behold Around Every Curve

2009-05-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I went with Beth south to Shimkent, Kazakhstan. Beth told me the drive had some amazing sights and this is the best time of year to see them. I can honestly say, however, I was not prepared for the beauty I saw around every curve. Each sight was more spectacular than the last. I was humbled and amazed by the glory laid out before my eyes.

I don't think I need to add any words to this post. The images say it all. I'll do another post with images of people I saw on the drive. They are just as beautiful. You can see all of the images by clicking on the family album link to the right. The first two albums "Drive to Shimkent" and "Drive back to Taraz" have all the images.

This week I've had some trouble with my asthma. I was actually feeling horrible on the drive down to Shimkent, but the beauty of the landscape filled my heart with such joy, even though I was not feeling well and was not able to breath as well as I'd have liked. Nothing could dampen the joy of seeing the beauty spread all around me. What a gift to be given. I am so thankful for the many gifts I am given on a daily basis. No matter what storms may be raging in my life there are always precious gifts given each day. Some are large like the majestic scenes I had the privilege to see. Sometimes the gifts are small- like a wave from the Kazakh people as I drove by with half my body hanging out the car window trying to capture everything I saw: blue sky, red poppies, little donkeys pulling oversize carts. So many precious gifts given each day! I don't want to miss any of them.

Among the many gifts I have been given are the dear friends and family who have joined me in this next chapter of my life. I treasure each note and each encouraging word. Thank you, dear friends and family. Thank you for being my friends. Thank you for encouraging me, laughing with me, crying with me at times, caring for me when I am sick or discouraged, and for just enjoying the beauty laid out before our eyes. I so much miss my family and friends and especially my children. It helps to hear from you all, but I'm beginning to make new friends here which also fills my heart with joy - and the children, oh the children! My heart is bursting with love for them. I'm learning their names and learning the Kazakh alphabet and beginning to get some words, too.

Love you and thank you for joining with me on this journey. I hope you enjoy the images as much as I enjoyed capturing them. They do not by any means capture the full effect, but you can get a glimps and imagine.

Vicki

Making connections!

2009-05-24T02:13:00.001-07:00

My second week (May 18-22) was jammed pack with activities and I am still on a steep learning curve figuring out how to do the most simple of things. I did manage this week to ride the marshuka (bus) to work all by myself! I was full of nervous anticipation when I boarded the bus and wondered if I would recognize where I needed to get off. Then I imagined where I might find myself if I didn't get off at the right place - and then I wondered how I would ever get back to the office. My mind seems to go down rabbit trails of worse case scenarios. When it does, I plan out a course of action for the various "what ifs." Not always a very good use of my time and energy, but that particular morning I did wander down a few trails. Thankfully, I got off at the right stop and arrived at work safe and sound.

I visited Saramoldiva on Tuesday and Ulan on Thursday. Wednesday I went to Saramoldiva with Beth and Olya. We thought we were going only to look at the art work in a competition the local orphanages were having. The artwork represented the work of children 9-14 years of age from three orphanages. Well, it turned out, when I arrived, that I was to be one of the judges. I also learned that not only was I to be a judge, but they wanted me to tell them what the categories for judging should be. I chose three categories. Then I learned that I was to purchase prizes for each category – a prize for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category. They would pay for them, but I was to decide what the prizes should be! On Friday, I did arrive with prizes in hand and, after the judging, we had a ceremony to present the winners with their awards. There was lots of beautiful art work on display. Then I began thinking about how much fun it would be to do a mural at the orphanages with some of the kids from the orphanage helping with the painting. I'm hoping something like that will work out.

The two women I took a week ago Friday to the bazaar had asked if I could come by this week to see what they had made from the supplies they bought at the bazaar. Beth thought we could run by after we finished at Saramoldiva on Wednesday. Wednesday began with a rainy, dreary morning. When we were leaving Saramoldiva, Beth offered to give Dana and her co-worker - both work for Children Protective Services here in Taraz - a ride back to their office. They had taken public transportation that morning. They were happy for the ride and didn't mind stopping by the 10th Micr Region's Boarding School for Disabled Children. Dana's department is actually over the Boarding School, though her visiting with us as a tag along was not this day in any official capacity. Nonetheless, her presence brought a little uneasiness at first to the staff at the Boarding School. However, with explanation they soon relaxed and everyone enjoyed getting to know each other. By the end of our time together everyone was glad for new relationships being built.

We had not expected a full tour of the school or anything else. I was told to simply drop by and see what they had sewn from the materials. Well, all of us were totally surprised by the welcoming we received. First, we were given a tour of the full facility. As I was trailing behind the group - I stopped to say hello to a couple children in the hall - my heart leapt for joy as I heard several children calling my name as they ran towards me. The rest of the group heard the commotion and came back to see what was going on. Some of "my" kids from Ulan attend this school during the day. They had spotted me and came running with open arms to hug and greet me. Oh, how I loved seeing their faces. These girls were at Ulan in 2000 and 2001. I wish I had had a digital camera then. All those pictures from the early 2000’s are on 35mm and have yet to be scanned into my computer. One day I hope to do that. Anyway, below are a couple of the girls’ photos from 2006. My heart fills with joy to see them and know that I am finally here to build a real relationship with them. At the same time I experience a deep sadness for what they haven't had and the evidence of that in their lives.

Saule at the 10th Micro Region Boarding School for disabled children. Some of the children at this school are orphans from local orphanages and only come for schooling during the day. A micro region is like a project in the States, a highly-populated, low-income area.

This is Saule in 2006

Bota, me, and Nurshat. May 2009.

Nurshat 2006.

Bota 2006.

As we toured the facility, we had opportunity to talk to some of the staff. It was encouraging to see that the heart desire of the staff is to help the children. There was a room of boys doing wood burning. Several had obvious handicaps but were able to produce beautiful pictures. I would love to think or have someone suggest something they could produce that would be marketable. It is great for these children to learn sewing or woodworking, etc., but they need to be able to do more than just produce pretty pictures.

Some of the staff, Dana and her coworker from the Child Protection Agency, Beth and myself.

After looking around, we went back to the sewing classroom and found a great spread of wonderful food laid out for us. Kazakhs know how to show hospitality unlike any I have ever seen. Even though I don’t understand most of what is being said, I love to sit and listen to the language. Kazakh is a beautiful language. I can tell the difference between Kazakh and Russian most of the time now. A step in the right direction!

Having "Tea."

On Thursday I went back to Ulan to visit with children in the morning and then again in the afternoon. The group in the afternoon has several children who go to the 10th Micro region boarding school during the day. This is the group where the two children I visited in Texas lived. It was such a joy to reconnect and see the excitement in their faces and hear through the translator how happy they were that I have finally came back and am going to stay. They asked about Marc and Sarah and were happy they were doing such good things.

Me, two orphan boys and a caregiver who has been at Ulan since my first trip in 2000. She heard through the children I was there and came to this building in search of me. It is so good to make these connections.

Delivering pictures we took when we delievered gifts on Veteran’s Day. She cried and said “thank you” for taking the time to pay attention to us. I told her I'd come back and visit another day. What a gift to connect with people. May you remember to reach out to a senior citizen in your neighborhood. Ask them about their life. Then be prepared to be amazed by the story they tell.

On Friday I took another two women to the bazaar from Saramoldiva orphanage to buy supplies to make outfits. Then, on Saturday, went again with Ken and Sholpan. I am making friends in the bazaar. If you’d like to check out the pictures from the bazaar, click on LINK TO FAMILY ALBUMS, then go to the album titled “bazaar.” There are some great pictures and you might enjoy the meat section in particular! Sholpan was buying food to take with her to Almaty. She left Saturday evening by train to have surgery on her eyes. Please keep her in your thoughts that all goes well and she recovers quickly.

The journey continues and I am most thankful for all the encouraging notes I receive via email from my family and friends back home. Thank you. I wish you each could join me and see for yourself the sights and sounds. If you ever want to visit please let me know. My door is always open to you.

Love,
Vicki

My first week in Kazakhstan.

2009-05-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

Well, this new chapter of my life has begun. So far each page is full of new experiences, sights, sounds, and only a couple struggles. It is exciting to be on this journey. Unlike in the book, The Hobbit, when they wonder "what tale have we fallen into," I may not know what is yet to be written but I know beyond a shadow of doubt this is the call on my life and I desire to fulfill this call.

When I wake, I find myself thinking “I must be dreaming.” For so long I dreamed of being here and, now that I am here, it doesn’t seem real sometimes. This past week has been full as I try to learn how to live life in a totally different culture.

My first two nights in KZ, I stayed with Beth, my team leader. I was scheduled to go to my host home on Saturday but, in traditional Kazakh-style,things didn’t work out as scheduled. Sholpan didn’t return from visiting her friends until after 9 p.m. As the day wore on, Beth and I decided it would be too late to settle into a new place, so I stayed on at Beth’s.

Jason an intern from Virginia, Ken (here 5 years), Beth, the Director of Interlink in Kazakhstan (also here 5 years) and I headed to Sholpan’s house on Sunday. Sholpan had invited a girlfriend and her son to join us for lunch. Sholpan and her friend prepared a traditional Kazakh meal of pilaf, salads and nan (bread). After our meal, we enjoyed a game of Mexican Train. This was a new game to me but very popular here. It is a dominos game and can be played without knowing the language, which was helpful for me, of course! It was fun. After playing several rounds, Sholpan left to prepare another traditional Kazakh treat of fried bread. It is very tasty fresh off the stove and served plain or with jam. I can’t imagine there is any nutritional value in this treat - nor do I want to know what grease was used to fry the dough in - but it was very tasty. Nuts, raisins, cookies, candies, dried apricot pits (which looks like an almond and similar texture but with a lemony flavor) and chia (tea) rounded out this snack. Now, mind you, we had eaten a feast only a couple hours before. I was stuffed from lunch, but did manage to eat a couple pieces of fried bread.

Sholpan, me, Jason, Sholpan's friend and son, and Ken

Sholpan is a widow with two grown children. A “bala” (boy) and a “cuz” (girl). Her home is a cute cottage with two bedrooms, an inside bathroom for bathing and washing and an out-house for. . . , a kitchen, hallway, a “mud” room (foyer) just inside the one and only door to the building, a living room and a dining/family room. Outside the house is surrounded by a high metal privacy fence. A key is used to enter the courtyard and the gate is always kept closed and locked. I have my own room. All in all it is a very comfortable arrangement. Sholpan is very patient and tells me over and over the words for the items I am using daily. Her Kazakh, I am told, is excellent and I hope to learn well from her.

Just inside the gate is the courtyard of the home.

Looking in the front door - actually, it is the only door into the home.

The curtain moved aside. This is where you leave your shoes.

This is my bedroom.

The dinning/family room.

The kitchen.

The inside bathroom. The toilet is only for looks because it does not have water running to it. Neither does the washing machine.

The outhouse just outside and around the corner from the front door.

Monday (May 11) was a holiday to celebrate veterans, so I didn’t have to go into work. I was able to spend the day unpacking, getting settled, helping Sholpan clean, and then just relaxing.

Tuesday (May 12) Sholpan and I left about 8:10 am to walk several blocks to catch the marshuka (bus) to work. I didn't ride the buses in Richmond, so I had nothing to compare this ride to. However, that first morning I felt like I got sucked into a sardine can and was spit out blocks later. I couldn’t see out a window to get any landmarks or bearings so had no real idea of where I was. I was in a black hole then I was in daylight. There is no way I could at this point make that ride on my own. I would have no idea where to get off. Oh well, one of many things still to learn. Once off the marshuka, we walked another 4 or 5 blocks. I felt like a kindergartner when Sholpan delivered me to the office, told me to have a good day and she would return in the evening for me.

Tuesday I went with Ken and Kiikzhan on their regular visit to Saramoldiva orphanage. It was so much fun to be with the children. I haven’t been to Saramoldiva much because a camp has never been hosted there. I don’t know these children like I know those at Savva and Ulan. Yet, my heart leaped with joy when I heard my name and turned to see a boy running towards me who used to be at Savva. Renat was so excited to see me and we hugged each other for a long moment. This is why I have come. These are the children who have captured my heart. Each year on my short-term trips, when I returned to the States, part of my heart remained here in Kazakhstan. On Tuesday, holding these children in my lap, playing card games with them, kicking the ball around and learning the names of the children I don’t know, I was filled me with peace and great joy! I felt at home! It was so good!

Nadia, Nastia & Sasha.

Me doing bubbles with the kids.

Timur.

Feruza & Vladick.

Vika, Feruza, Anna & Anna.

Wednesday morning, I walked 20 minutes to Beth’s apartment to use her Internet connection. I was able to talk with both Marc and Sarah over Skype and that eased my heart immensely. Oh, how I miss Marc and Sarah! Actually, I miss the calls and texts that kept us connected even when we didn’t see each other. It is very difficult here not having access to the Internet or phone. I hadn’t realized how dependent I had become on my cell phone and computer. I am feeling a little off balanced because of not having frequent access to these two modern technologies which keep me connected to Marc and Sarah. In time we will have a new way of staying connected, but I was happy to hear their voices on Wednesday over Skype.

After I finished at Beth’s, I walked another 20 minutes to the Interlink office. Along the way several people stopped to ask me if I was a tourist. None of them spoke English so it was fun trying to communicate with my limited vocabulary. I gave out the cards with my Interlink office address. Many of you in the States have these. I figured they could stop by and say “hi,” if they wanted to. Some who stopped were young college-age girls. I liked talking with them even thought the conversation was very limited.

I spent the rest of the day in the office trying to learn how things are done. I’m on a steep learning curve. Sometimes the simplest of tasks are quite difficult, but I smile and keep muddling forward. The national staff at Interlink, as well as the American staff, has been so kind and patient with me. They have each gone out of their way in the mist of all they need to do to help me in whatever challenge is before me. I hope I can be has helpful, patient, and kind has they consistently are, as I stumbled along.

Thursday morning I went with Ken and Kiikzhan to Ulan orphanage. We played with a group of 4 and 5 year-olds first. They enjoyed racing matchbox cars down a ramp, then putting together puzzles we had brought with us. Like most young children in America, they squealed with delight when they got to pick one sticker each before we left. Next we went to the other building where the older children live and played Uno, basketball, frisbee, and put puzzles together. The younger ones, of course, I didn’t know from previous visits. They have all come in the last two years; however, I did see several older ones from previous years who I do know.

As I played Uno, I was learning my colors and to count in Kazakh. This is the way I am going to learn, by being in the mist of the children practicing over and over again. I deeply desire to be able to communicate with these precious children. Thank goodness they just laugh at my feeble attempts at speaking their language. Then they repeat it again for me to try to get it right.

In the afternoon I went with Beth to take pictures as she presented some equipment to Umit, the baby orphanage for disabled children. I saw only four small babies and my arms longed to scoop them up and hold them.

Friday, Marina came and said there were two women from a local boarding school for disabled children coming to talk with me -- and for me to take them to the bazaar to buy some supplies!! This was news to me!! And how was I suppose to negotiate that alone?? Well, it was a miscommunication. With a couple of phone calls, Medina, a young university student was free to come help me. She goes to James Madison University in Virginia and I’ve worked with her on short term trips to Savva. She is back for the summer and joined us in our trip to the bazaar.

I loved going to the bazaar. So many different sights and sounds to see and experience! Staying aware and alert was a necessity - like walking around inner-city Richmond (and many other places) - but, over all, the people are warm and friendly. Many are curious and want to engage in a conversation. The women from the boarding school purchased material to make traditional Kazakh costumes for the children. I enjoyed walking through the bazaar, looking at fabric, sewing notions, trim and appliqués. I used to do a lot of sewing years ago, so most of the things I saw were familiar, only with different names.

Friday evening we all went to Ken’s house for pizza and movie night. Another American living in Taraz, who works for the Peace Corp, also came, as well as a couple of national staff from the office and Elena, who is staying with me at my host home because Sholpan had to be out of town. Beth made great pizza dough. Then in assembly line fashion the toppings were added. Olya added green beans, which was different - and made for a lively discussion on what should go on pizzas. We watched the movie Fireproof as we ate delicious pizzas.

Talk about a great movie. I highly recommend Fireproof to anyone who hasn’t seen it. There were eight singles watching this movie, which is kind of funny for a movie about marriage. But there is a great message for handling the challenges life throws us. So it is well worth watching whether married of single. Watching the movie was a great way to unwind at the end of a great week.

Beth, Jason, Olya & Kiikzhan. Olya likes vegetables and put some green beens on two pizzas. She was looking after everyone's health. This caused a big discussion about what should go on a pizza. Jason doesn't like vegetables in general - so in the picture you have the general consenses - Jason's cheese pizza "good" - Olya's vegetable pizza with green beans "bad." I actually thought the green beans were tasty on the pizza. It was a fun evening, all in all.

Saturday morning I got to sleep in and take it slow in the morning. I walked over to Beth’s around noon for some team time with Beth, Jason and Ken. Afterwards I stayed and worked on the Internet and called a couple of friends on Skype. It was so good to touch base with them. Oh, I miss my friends and family.

Sunday morning was again relaxing. Ken picked me up at 1 o’clock with two orphans from Saramoldiva. Kiikzhan had three other kids in his car. We meet Jason at a local cafe. Interlink has monthly birthday parties with the children at Savva, Ulan and Saramoldiva. Each of these children had birthdays in May. The kids are allowed to choose anything they want from the menu. One small girl, Feruza, ordered a pizza. She had a whole small pizza to herself - not one of those personal size pizza we know in the States, but an eight slice small pizza. I couldn’t imagine her eating three pieces, but she ate six pieces of hers, plus another slice of a different pizza, and some salad. She then went on to eat ice cream and cookies!! I was amazed!!

After lunch and ice cream we went back to the office for the kids to play Jason’s Wii game. It didn’t take them long to catch on and we had a ball. I enjoyed watching their excitement. Before the kids left, we sang Happy Birthday, gave them birthday wishes and distributed gift bags. All in all everyone had a good time.

Jason, Timur, Kiikzhan, Sergei, Nuridin, Vika, Feruza & Ken.

Feruza & Me.

Me, Vika, Nuridin, Timur, Kiikzhan,Sergei, Ken & Feruza.

Nuridin eating his ice cream.

Sergei, Ken & Feruza.

Feruza.

Nuridin.

Nuridin, Timur, Sergei, Vika, & Feruza.

I can’t believe a week has gone by. Many times I have felt like a child, being off balance as I try to find a routine in the details of life. At the same time, I feel like I have come home. A juxtaposition for sure! I am loving almost every minute though, at times, I am missing you, my dear friends and family, with an ache I didn’t think possible. Though I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be and I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing, I do miss greatly those I had to leave, those I love dearly at home in the States.

Thank you - each of you - for your encouraging words and support. Thank you for helping touch these children’s lives.

Love,

Vicki

Leaving Washington DC and arriving in Kazakhstan

2009-05-09T01:25:00.000-07:00

May 6 - at the airport with Lois, Edith, Susan and Chip - and all my luggage.

Edith, my mentor, organized the "gang" that took me to the airport. It was an event. Edith, Lois, Susan, Chip and I left Richmond after lunch at Panera's where I had thought about having pizza or a big greasy hamburger with french fries, but then thought better of it, considering I'd be on the airplane for a long time. I love Panera's salads and salads are actually my choice of food most days. Though it might be a long time before having pizza and hamburgers again, I decided I could survive without either of them.

The trip from Richmond to Dulles takes a couple of hours. The traffic wasn't heavy along I95 and traffic moved smoothly. On the way up Kathryn called and we tried to figure out what was happening with the trunks that had been shipped by FedEx. We had been told they would be delivered to Interlink's office in Taraz. That was what we paid FedEx for. Well, one of those things you learn early on when living in a different country is that things don't always work the same as in the States. The good news is that my trunks are in Kazakhstan; however, they are still in Almaty, several hours drive from Taraz, and they can't be released until all kinds of fees are paid. Some fees were expected, some not. Unfortunately paying bribes is a way of life in some foreign countries, but I'm not willing to pay bribes. I will, however, pay all true custom charges and fees. Anyway, Kathryn is trying to figure out on that side of the ocean what can be done to release my trunks.

For most of the ride we laughed and were delighted that on this amazing day, I was about to board the plane for Kazakhstan! My mind kept thinking of what I might have forgotten, but then I realized there wasn't a thing I could do about whatever it might be I had forgotten. So I sat back and enjoyed the ride.

Chip was following us in her car, since she would be returning to Lancaster, PA from Dulles. At a long stop light close to Dulles, I jumped out of the Edith's car and rode the rest of the way with her. What a great treasure to have such good friends.

Lois, Edith, Me and Susan and my "stuff."

I am a little excited, don't you think?!?!

Edith helping me, as I'm checking in.

Edith is still helping me with allllllll the details!!!

The long black object is my easel, which wouldn't fit into my trunks. My suitcases were "a little" overweight! It's hard to narrow down your entire life's belongs to six trunks and two suitcases!!

Susan and Chip patiently waiting for what turned out to be a long checking-in process to finish.

When I gave my final hugs before going through security, my heart suddenly wanted to stay with my friends. I wanted to be in Kazakhstan, yet I didn't want to leave my dear friends and family. After I sailed through security, I turned for a final wave and the tears began to flow. I wanted to run back for one last hug, feeling like a small child wanting to feel their arms again. For a moment, the adventure seemed to large for me. Then my practical side took over. First, I wasn't sure how security would have responded to someone running back through the security lines! Secondly, my heart really was longing to be Kazakhstan, especially as the faces of the children I love there came to mind.

Sometimes there are hard choices. Leaving to go to some desired place has the flip side of leaving people and places you love. In many ways, also, it is because of their love that I even want to go or am able to go. So, after waving, I turned with tears of sadness mixed with joy and walked towards my gate. The first page of this first chapter of the rest of my life began!

I usually can sleep on a plane, but I was full of so much excitement I couldn't from Dulles to London. It was a pleasant trip all in all. Because of tail winds, the pilot made it in record time, arriving early - before London Heathrow was even open for business! We circled for almost an hour, then landed a few minutes pass six. This is the first time I haven't traveled with a team, so it was a little scary. I found a great place to get breakfast and a cup of coffee, then found a bench to lie down on and rest.

On the next leg of my journey from LHR to Almaty, the plane wasn't full and I was able to have three seats to myself. Hurray!!! I was able to stretch out horizontally and slept some on that flight. The food was good on both flights and I saw a couple of movies. We arrived in Almaty at 2 am Friday morning.

I was amazed to quickly get through customs. No one even looked at my suitcases, which all arrived safely. I was out the door in minutes to be greeted by Ascel from Interlink. She had a bag of snacks and water for our trip to Taraz. The car was loaded and we were on our way in a short time. I laid down in the back seat and tried to sleep during the trip. The driver made record time and we were at the Interlink offices by 9 am. Amazing!! I felt like I was in a dream. As soon as I arrived, I was able to take a much needed shower.

The staff had begun preparations for Men's Day Celebration when I arrived. In Kazakhstan they celebrate Women's Day in February and Men's Day in May. The female staff of Interlink had organized a lunch, skits, games and gifts for the men on staff. There was a great feast, much laughter, games, skits and gifts given. It was a great way to start my first day in country.

Preparing the feast for Men's Day.

The celebration went on until 3 in the afternoon. Then the women cleaned up. I washed dishes, as well as took pictures, which everyone knows I love to do. Beth, the Director of Interlink in KZ, asked if I wanted to help the Youth Impact students deliver gifts to veterans of WW2. Of course, I said "Yes." And off I went with Kiizhan and two girls from the Youth Impact Program to deliver gifts. It was great seeing parts of Taraz that I had never before seen. I loved watching the faces of those who received gifts. They were so appreciative and thankful. Just like in Virginia, the elderly have so much wisdom to share and they love it when youth takes time to visit.

This woman was shy, but very thankful.

The side of the home of the next couple.

This sweet couple have been married for 64 years. He stated that his wife was the best wife in Kazakhstan and he only need one because she was so good. He also shared stories of his visit to America after the war ended to deliver a tank. He shared many more adventures, as well. They were so warm and friendly. Once they realized I was from America they were thrilled and honored that I would come visit and give them blessing in honor of what they had done for their country. I told them the honor was all mine. They also asked if I would return with the pictures I had taken for a visit and tea. Beth has said I can do this, so soon I will return. My heart overflows with thanksgiving that I have this great opportunity to connect with people here.

Their little guard dog that they penned up so we could enter their court yard. Don't be fooled by the size. Dogs here in Kazakhstan are very protective and he would most definitely have bitten!

There is a school across the street from this couple. I was told it was a Turkish school. As we were leaving, these school boys, who had just gotten out of school, were just outside the gate. As an American with a camera, I caught their attention. It seems universal that children want their pictures taken and they then want to see the pictures - and they all seem to know about digital pictures! It was fun to interact with them.

Lots of bright colors adorn buildings and lots of stray animals wander the streets.

Our third stop was another friendly couple and he had lots of stories to share. They had a cute little cottage with beautiful gardens all around. It was a little on the chilly side for me, but flowers are blooming everywhere.

I mentioned how beautiful her flowers were. I'm learning that I have to be very careful admiring things here. Why? Because they will give it to you, if you do. It is an honor custom. If you admire an antique tea set, you'll be leaving with it. Thankfully, I only admired her flowers -- and I left with a beautiful bunch in my hands. It was great reminder to watch what I say. I'm not in "Virginia" any more. Different country - different customs. Different doesn't refer to "good" or "bad." Different just means different - and that I need to remember.

A widow into their home. See the tea pot?

This is an example of ladders here. This is why I needed one to bring with me. I'm "old" and don't bounce so well, if a ladder collapses! Thank you, Chic Silver, for purchasing one to go in the crate that Interlink Resources is sending over.

This is a typical apartment building.

It took a long time to deliver the gifts because people wanted to talk. At 5:30 I was returned to the office. Marina and her husband then took me to Ken's house. The team was hosting a group of orphan boys from Saramodiva Orphanage for pizza, hamburgers and a movie to celebrate Men's Day. Beth had made homemade pizza while we were out delivering gifts. The food was great! So much for thinking I wouldn't have pizza until I returned to the States!! I was beginning to run out-of-steam, so instead of staying to watch the movie with the boys, Beth and I headed back to her apartment.

A boy from Saramodiva watching a movie as part of Men's Day Celebration

Gus is Beth's cat who made me feel at home by napping with me.

It was great to stay with Beth and for the first two nights. What an adventure it has been so far. When I woke up Saturday morning and opened my eyes, my mind had to think about where I was. This has happened several times in the past year, as I have had to move from home to home. My mind is realizing I am now in Kazakhstan -- finally!! Sometimes I wonder if I am dreaming, then reality comes! I am actually here and joy fills my heart. I moved to my host family Sunday, May 12.

Thank you dear friends and family for all you have done to make this possible.
Please continue to join me for now the adventure has just begun.
Love
Vicki

Sitting in the London airport thinking over this past week.

2009-05-07T03:53:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in London Heathrow Airport, I have a chance to catch my breath and think back over this past week. What an absolutely amazing week it has been. Last Wednesday (April 29) I returned to Richmond, Virginia after an amazing time in Lancaster, PA with my friend Chip. Then I realized just how much I had to do before I left for Kazakhstan.

On Thursday morning my mother called saying I needed to be at my sister Kami's house for pizza at 6 pm. Well, I already had dinner plans with my friend Michelle and her family at 6. Ugh!!! I was running out of time. I called my sister Emilie, who lives in Missouri, to "vent" my frustration on this last minute invitation. She was quite patient, advising I go enjoy time with my family and to be sure to send her pictures. So, I canceled my original dinner plans and, after a hectic day of running around taking care of last minute details, I arrived at my sister Kami's house at 6.

As I walked through the back door of Kami's home, two of my nieces were there and one of them belonged to Emilie. My mind runs a little slow sometimes!! I stood there trying to compute how Nadia, who is Emilie's daughter, could be standing in Kami's house. While still trying to grasp the obvious, my sister Emilie walked in. She and her girls had driven two days to surprise me!!! They had come to celebrate with me and send me off. I cannot begin to express the joy that burst forth in my heart. To have them come to celebrate made everything almost totally perfect (I only needed my sweet, sweet Sarah to make everything absolutely perfect). What a great gift! I want to thank my brother-in-law, Brent, for giving my sister the money to come east to celebrate with me. He couldn't take time off from work, but realized how significant an event this was in my life and how much it would mean to my sister and to me for her to be here for this big moment in life. Emilie is the most amazing, beautiful and talented woman and I am so proud to be able to say she is my sister.

I have referred to this journey as an Epic Tale and that I'm beginning a new chapter in my life. Emilie said, "Your life up to this point is only the prologue to the story. Stepping onto the plane will be the first page of chapter one in this great epic tale." I believe this tale will have lots of adventure, some heartache probably, and a little pain, but much joy and beauty.

The cousins in age order - Marcus, my sweet Sarah is missing from the picture, Adell, Katie, Michael Eithan, Nadia and Sarah Mac.

My sisters and me and our families - minus my Sarah and Michael(Kami's husband)who is taking the picture.

My sisters and their families. I'm taking the picture.

Kathryn and me.

Early Friday morning Kathryn, a dear friend, came over to take me, Edith, and my trunks to the FedEx office to ship my trunks. Kathryn gets a discount with FedEx. Thank you, Kathryn, for your willingness to help with this.

The lady who helped us at the FedEx office was delightful and helpful through the whole process. I actually did a little dance in the office once everything was signed and paid for. Not something I regularly do - for those of you who might be wondering, but I was so happy and relieved to get the trunks sent off that I couldn't help but dance!

That evening I joined Kathryn and her children for a cook-out bonfire at their neighbor's home. Papa "Nando", as the kids refer to him, hosted a wonderful evening. He and his wife have a lovely home on a private lake for fishing. The food was terrific and the fellowship was sweet. I had been wanting to have one last bonfire before I left, so this was a great gift. Hamburgers on the grill, hot dogs cooked on the fire, baked beans, corn on the cob roasted on the fire, potatoes, and all the fixing topped off with roasted marshmallows and samores added to a fantastic time of fellowship and treasured memories.

Saturday Chip came to join the weekend of celebrations. She and I had dinner with Marc. It was great to have someone capture a few pictures of me and my son. Marc and I have been making regular times to get together these last couple months, knowing these face-to-face times were growing short. I am going to miss my son and daughter so much. I will be able to talk with them and see them on Skype, but it will not be the same as seeing them face-to-face. Sunday will be the first "Mother's Day" I will spend without my children with me. Oh, how my heart aches to be with them. At the same time, I know the call on my life is to go to Kazakhstan and work with the children that are orphaned. What a great gift to have this privilege, even though I miss my own two.

Marc and me at dinner at Joe's Inn in Bon Air, Virginia

I will always treasure Marc's sweet hugs. I love you, my son,and am ever so proud of you!!

Sunday afternoon (May 3) Bill and Susan hosted a BBQ cook-out for friends and family, as a farewell celebration. Bill and I cooked 180 pieces of my traditional BBQ chicken. Talk about a lot of chicken!! Through the years my children and I have hosted these types of cook-outs to celebrate birthdays, graduations and other special occasions. I would do the BBQ chicken and have sodas and a cake and everyone coming would bring their favorite dish. I never planned what people would bring and each time the variety was perfect. No one has ever left one of these celebrations hungry! Sunday was no exception!

My heart was truly touched by the out-pouring of love and friendship shown. Over a hundred people came to celebrate all that my Papa has done for me. Before we ate, I said a few words of gratitude for the circle of friends and family who have so richly blessed my children and me. People have stood with us through tough years, as well as celebrated the many times we've had wonderful reasons to celebrate. Looking around the rooms at the faces of those who have touched our lives in so many amazing ways - from small things to large - was pure joy. Each has made a huge impact on our lives. The only thing that could have possibly made that night any sweeter was for my daughter, Sarah, to be there, but I understand the Navy doesn't work around personal schedules. I am so incredibly proud of my daughter and all she is doing.

A little of the array of food that was at the BBQ.

Another view of food - and there was still another room with plates full of food!! No one went hungry.

The women on "my team" who keep me straight - or at least try! Edith, myself, Susan, Chip and Lois. Each is an amazing woman in herself. Each gifted in a different way. Each have made a significant contribution to my life. Each is taking care of different aspects of my life. I don't know what I would do without these amazing, talented, brilliant, gifted, beautiful women. They are my friends and are my confidants, the ones who ask me the hard questions, laugh with me and cry with me, and who love me inspite of myself. Thank you Edith, Susan, Chip and Lois.

Ember and me. Ember just returned from Kazakhstan and a year's internship with Interlink Resources Inc.

Me and my son, Marc.

My niece Nadia, me and niece Sarah Mac.

My long time friend, Michelle, and my beautiful sister, Emilie.

Marc and me. Oh, how miss him already.

Dear friends: Susan, me, Chip and Pam

Emilie, me, and Kami - three sisters. I'm actually the eldest, then Kami and Emilie is the youngest. What a gift to have all three of us together at the celebration!

Most of the group who joined us to celebrate!

Thinking about the last week makes me realize how incredibly blessed I am. I have been given great friends and much love. I am not alone and have many who care for me and my children. As I visited with people Sunday evening, as well as over the past year, I've heard time and time again, "If you or your children need anything please call." and "Make sure Marc and Sarah know they can call when you are in Kazakhstan." and "We love you and your children and are so proud of you for following the call on your life." To hear such affirmation and out-pouring of love is a great treasure, treasure I will store in my heart. When I am feeling blue, I will unwrap these treasured words and memories and be encouraged. No matter where I am or what is happening, I have a Papa who loves me dearly - and many dear friends who love me also - just as I am!

Thank you, dear friends. Thank you for joining me in this next chapter of life. Thank you for all each of you have done to get me to this new chapter. I couldn't have done it with out you.

I love you and miss you. The adventure has begun!
Vicki

A little delay!

2009-04-29T04:27:00.000-07:00

Jason with Anderson's Service Center in York, PA.

Good morning dear friends,

I thought I would be waking up in Richmond, Virginia this morning but found myself again waking up in beautiful Lancaster, PA.

Yesterday dawned bright but hot. I packed up my belongings, said my good-byes and headed south. Shortly after beginning the drive home, the gear shifter on my car came loose and wouldn't work. I was just coming off a ramp from Route 30 to get onto Interstate 83. The stick shift came loose and wasn't hooked to the gear box or to anything any longer. I couldn't put the car into any gear - not very helpful with a standard shift vehicle. Oh, I don't like cars some days!!

Well, after I sat there for a few minutes trying to figure out what to do next, I finally got on my trusty cell phone and began calling friends and making a new game plan for the day. After a couple of hours sitting on the side of a very hot road, Jason with Anderson's Service Center arrived to give me a tow.

Jason is one of the kindest and most polite young men I've had the pleasure of meeting in a long while. If you are ever in the York, Pa area and need a tow, I would highly recommend Anderson's Service Center. From the woman who answered the phone to Jason the driver of the tow truck their service was courteous, kind, prompt and reasonably priced. Thank you Anderson's Service Center for such a pleasant experience. If I had to break down, this was definitely a bright spot in my day.

I had the car towed back to Chip's mechanic Butch Park at Park Place Automotive in Akron. What a gem Butch and his entire staff are. They had already worked on my car because the water pump decided to quit when I first arrived in Pa. Butch thought it was a small plastic piece that had worn out. You can't buy just the plastic piece for replacements anymore, but rather have to replace the entire gear cable unit which is quite pricey. For those of you who don't remember or know the car I am driving, it is Kit's car. He and his wife Cindy were ever so kind to let me borrow this car till I leave, but hadn't planned on putting any money into the car. Butch thought he might be able to "jerry rig" something so it would get me back to Richmond.

Thankfully for me, Butch, is very logic smart and after taking things apart, he was able to come up with a plan to hold the linkage onto the bottom of the shifter so it would change gears. Not only did Butch think outside of the box, he was willing to take time from his other work that day to spend the time to fix my car. Not only did he finally find a solution that works beautifully, he did not charge me for his time and energy. He gave it as a gift to help me get to Kazakhstan. How amazing. Thank you Butch.

If you are ever in the Lancaster area and need car repair, be sure to look up Park Place Automotive. This family is a gem.

Finally, at the garage with Butch.

The small broken plastic piece that caused the car not to be able to go into gear. Isn't this like life sometimes. Just one little thing going wrong can stall the whole of life. Small things in life do matter. For example, just a little bit of trash in our lives can ruin everything. I guess a couple of houres on the side of the road gave me time to think. :o)

Butch using his LOGIC SMARTS to figure out how to fix things without needing to replace the entire gear cable system. YEAH! I'm grateful for people who are still able today to think creatively and who are not limited to the suggested "standard" procedures. I trust Americans will never loose the ability to think outside the box. Our country was built on the ingenuity of our forefathers who, in the face of adversity and challenges, saw possiblities and rose to the challenge!

Butch welding the washer to hold the ball at the bottom of the gear shift in place so that the gears will work. YEAH!

Butch and one of his lovely daughters. These folks went out of their way for me and were so kind.

Pulling out of the garage with a car that works! Amazing day!

So, I had the privilege of spending one more relaxing evening with Chip in lovely Lancaster, PA. I am heading south again this morning and am trusting it will be an uneventful trip. Kit called yesterday evening, after I had already let him know that there was no charge for the repairs. He let me know he had added road side assistance to the car insurance. How kind and generous of him. Thank you Kit and Cindy. This morning, if I have any problems, I can call roadside assistance, but I am expecting smooth sailing south to Richmond.

A week from today I will be heading north to Dulles Airport in Washington DC to board my plane which will take me to my new home. Oh, I am excited! I feel like I am in the middle of a grand epic tale and am turning the next page to begin a new chapter. Not quite a cliff hanger, but the excitement, anticipation and a little nervousness of the unknown hang in the air.

Thank you each one for joining me on this journey.
Love,
Vicki

I am ever so blessed and thankful for the kindness of friends and strangers.

A weekend of friendship and fellowship!

2009-04-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend was filled with many joys and great fellowship. I'm still in PA visiting with Chip. Saturday morning she had a speaking engagement in New Jersay at a breakfast meeting, so we arose very early and were on the road by 6 am to drive to New Jersey. I had never been to New Jersey and was excited to add it to the list of places I've been, as well as to meet long-time friends of Chip.

The day dawned with beautiful Spring weather. The drive to and from New Jersey was a beautiful, much of it through Amish country. Chip is ever so kind and stop when I felt the need to capture something with my camera. On our way out of Pennsylvania one of our first sights was 2 hot air balloons floating across the early morning sky. That beautiful sight brought back memories of times-gone-by when Marc and Sarah and I awoke before dawn to help a balloonist set up their balloon for their early morning flight. Then, as part of a caravan of cars, we "chased" the balloon as it was carried with the wind across the landscape. Most balloonist will let you ride every now and then if you help with the set up and take down. There is a lot of work involved in ballooning, but it is worth the time and energy to help with setting up and taking down so as to have an opportunity to experience the magical feeling of floating above the ground.

I enjoyed hearing Chip present and loved meeting her friends. Grace had us to her home to join her, Ruth and Alda for a wonderful lunch of chicken salad, fresh fruit and energizing conversation. It was my pleasure and great joy to meet these amazing women.

Grace, Chip, and Alda

Alda, Ruth, Grace and myself

Dave, Lorrie, Mira & Liayla Sept 2008

On Sunday we again arose early but this time headed Northwest to State College to visit our dear friends Dave, Lorrie and their precious girls. I haven't seen them since November 08 so it was such sweet joy to catch up and spend some time with them. The girls especially Liayla had grown. My heart was filled with joy when Mira immediately remembered me. When you are two, 5 months is a long time and I wondered whether she would remember me or not. Last fall I spent a lot of time holding little miss Liayla and enjoyed seeing now how she has grown. My heart was again touched when it was time to go and Mira cried for she didn't want me to go. How do you explain to a 2 year old that you are moving half way around the world so you won't be able to see her for awhile. This is such a sweet family. I will miss them.

Dave, Lorrie, Mira, Liayla and me April 2009

Mira not wanting us to go.

Time is going by so quickly. Preparations are falling into place and my excitement is building. Bill and Susan are hosting a pot-luck BBQ cook out on May 3rd as a Farewell Send Off. If you are in town please stop on by. Bring your favorite dish. Soda and Vicki's traditional BBQ chicken is provided. Most importantly we'll enjoy the fellowship.

Only $97 a month is needed for my support. I can hardly believe how everything is coming together. I've enjoyed hearing from so many with encouraging words and support. Thank you dear friends. I know without you I wouldn't be were I am today. With all the technology, gizmos and devices - ways we can isolate from the world - let us remember the most important things in life are the people and relationships with those around. Turn off the TV. Yes, even shut down the computer, turn off the iPod, cell phones, MP3 players, and talk to your spouses, kids, neighbors, friends. Don't wait till your house can be on the cover of Better Homes & Gardens. Open your home and enjoy good conversation around the table. The dust bunnies will still be there. So will the laundry. Instead,enjoy each other's company because today is all we are promised.

Thank you each dear friends for joining me on this journey. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, support and friendship.

Love
Vicki

Spring is here and I am in my final count down to leave!

2009-04-14T08:02:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of celebrating Easter in Pennsylvania with my friend Chip. What a glorious day it was. The music in the morning was ever so beautiful, touching my heart and soul. Signs of Spring are around every corner reminding me of the hope I have because of Easter morning. I love Spring because of its reminder of new life, as well as that there are seasons in life. After cold hard winters, Spring does come with new growth and life.

In 23 days I will finally board a plane and begin the journey to Kazakhstan. Definitely a new beginning for me. A whole new chapter in my life. I'm excited yet a little nervous at the same time. I wonder what adventures wait for me over the next months and years in my new home, what new friends I will make, what fond memories will be created, as well as who it will be that I will miss from home.

My bags are almost fully packed. I'm needing to narrow down what I'll be able to take as I leave. I'm saying my farewells and savoring times spent with friends.

Each day I'm grateful for the people who want to join with me to touch the hearts of the people of Kazakhstan. Only $165 a month more is needed for monthly expenses. That is less than 2 people at $100 a month, 4 at $50 or 8 at $25. I've been so amazed at how things are falling into place, leaving no doubt this is the call on my life. Thanks everyone who is partnering with me.

While here in PA, I'm enjoying the beautiful landscape but also meeting and sharing with people about the love in my heart for the Kazakh people, especially the children.

Monday night I had the great joy of being added to Chip's invitation to the lovely home of Johnny and Jeannie for dinner. They have lived in Sweden and traveled the world extensively, so it was fun to hear some of their adventures. They had invited two other couples to round out the table. John and Kathy met while teaching in France "a few" years ago. She is Canadian and works with children here and he is an American and a great musician who shared fun stories. Dave is an American. His lovely wife, Ellie, is from Holland - both have a genuine love for people. Chip who has also traveled extensively added her share to the great tales from around the world. So much fun.

As I sat listening to the conversation, I thought of how I will miss the things that are familiar throughout our country - whether in Texas, where I was visiting Nate in February, or where I am now in Pennsylvania, or at home in Richmond. Listening to the conversations around the dinner table last night increased my desire to learn the Kazakh language so I will be able to enjoy meals with Kazakh friends who gather to share meals once I am in Kazakhstan. I also want to be able to speak to the children and hear and understand from their lips their hopes and dreams, heartaches and fears. I'm trusting my motivation remains high to learn the language even when I'll be faced with all the newness of life that comes in a new culture.

The clock is ticking and days are quickly going by, as I prepare for the future and at the same time savor the moment I am in. Thank you dear friends for joining me in this adventure.

Love
Vicki

More visits with friends!

2009-04-03T03:50:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday I had the joy to have lunch with friends Tim & Lisa and their daughter Meridith and son Mitchell. Tim and Lisa returned home with Mitchell from Kazakhstan in 2000 when he was 9 months old. To see an orphan child who has been adopted into a family happy, healthy and flourishing brings great joy to my heart. After lunch Mitchell invited me to play Wii sport, but I think he was a little disappointed in my skill level. I am terrible at tennis and baseball, but did relatively well at bowling. I'm not a good tennis or baseball player in real life either. Oh, well it was fun anyway. Thank you Tim & Lisa and family for your friendship and fellowship.

Tim and I went over to Bob & Carrie's house later that afternoon for an Olive Tree Alliance meeting. These are people who have a heart to care for orphans in many ways. There were several families there who have adopted trough foster care here and overseas. The above picture has two children from Russia, two from Ethiopia, 1 from Kazakhstan, and 2 adopted through the American foster care system.
Sam the young man from Kazakhstan is the same child as in the picture below that I took of him on one of my first visits to Kazakhstan. Look at how this child has thrived in his forever home. Oh, how my heart loves to see these children thriving in their families. All children should be in loving homes. I dream of the day when that happens.
It isn't always easy for parents who adopt older children either from America or foreign orphanages, but the difference it makes in that child's life can't be measured. These parent who step out on faith, jump through a million hoops, lay their dreams on the line for a child, then face the hard challenges each and every day after traveling miles and across oceans are hero's in my book. Their sacrifices, heartaches, and tears are balanced with joys and blessings sometime small and sometimes grand but it is a long term commitment and walk. It isn't for the faint of heart and definitely needs to be done in fellowship with others who are willing to walk the long path encouraging and supporting these families in various ways. It was so encouraging to me to see these families doing well even when things are tough on many fronts. Thank each of you for all you do!

Sam in Kazakhstan

I'm in the middle next to Sam with all the children there this Sunday. There were American born biological children, children who arrived to their families through the American foster care system, two boys from Haiti, 2 girls from Ethiopia, Sam from Kazakhstan, 2 children from Russia. What a picture of love.

Children with their parents on the top steps and friends who care for orphans too.

Wednesday night I had the opportunity to share a meal and fellowship with Nick and Lisa and their dog Oreo. They lived in Kenya for 14 years and brought Oreo back to America with them. Oreo is a faithful, loyal companion to this family and likes me only as long as their are treats in my pockets. How disheartening :o( most animals love me but Oreo is still holding out her opinion. It was a great time to catch up with each other. They have such wisdom having lived overseas for many many years. Thank you Nick and Lisa for a delightful time.

Joe, Mary & Chris
I read a note of facebook about friends of mine who are leaving to move to Italy were driving from North Carolina up to New York before leaving. I couldn't imagine them driving any other interstate besides 95 which runs right through Richmond so I emailed Joe back seeing if they could stop so we could catch up over a cup of coffee as they traveled through. Their son who was traveling with them to spend some final quality time wanted to visit some friends at the local university VCU so I gave them directions to a Starbucks near campus and we had two sweet hours to catch up and hear about each others latest adventures. What a gift and encouragement. This couple is so amazing with so much wisdom and a heart for the Italian people. I'm so excited for them. They leave the first part of April. Keeping in touch over the Internet is good, but having the time to look into their eyes, get a hug, and laugh was so precious. Safe travels my friends. Peace be with you and may you be blessed with travel mercies. Thank you for taking the time to stop so we could catch up face to face. I love you Joe and Mary.

Mary, Joe and I

It has been such a joy to catch up with so many friends these last several weeks. This week I've also been working on narrowing the list of things that I will take with me and get the trunks packed. Oh, it is hard to make some of those choices. What to take now, what to have someone bring in the fall, what to leave behind. Ugh.. I've struggled with this..

My support is coming in. I only need 3 people at $100.00 or 6 at $50 or any combination. It has been so amazing to see how this is being accomplished. The team of people who have committed to participate in Touching Hearts and Changing Lives has absolutely amazed me. I am truly humbled. What a gift to come into fellowship with so many amazing people.
Thank you each for your continued encouragement and support. I am really getting excited and know these last couple weeks will fly by.
Love
Vicki

Lola, Sam & James

2009-03-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

I had the great privilege of doing portraits of three beautiful children.

I've been given this gift to paint, but for years didn't use it much. I use to be very critical of this gift and judge it against other "great" artist and not use it as much for I judged it "not good enough". We are each given gifts and if we don't use those gifts we may loose them. Also how sad it is for the one who gives us the gift to see it sit upon a shelf and not be used.

Several years ago I realized it was not always about the product produced but enjoying the process and letting the gift flow. I love seeing the joy that even my talent can bring people. Doing a mural or a painting can bring joy to me and others if I stop the comparison and critical judgement of myself.

Lola, Sam & James' Mother saw the portraits I did of my nieces for Christmas and asked if I would do one of each of their children. I delivered them yesterday and loved seeing the children's reaction as much as I did seeing the pleasure in their mother's face. Thank you Lola, Sam & James for the honor of painting you. May you enjoy these paintings for many years.

A visit with the Davis family and more!

2009-03-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

The days are flying by and yet my list of things I need to do isn't getting any shorter. I am trying to keep my focus on the day and enjoying all the blessings given just for that day and not letting anxiety and worry creep in about what I need to get done before May. I've enjoyed visiting and spending time with so many people. I've had visited again with the Sweet family and enjoyed catching up with them and their 5 children who are growing like spring flowers. I had dinner with Pam and Emma, lunch with Cynthia, lunch with Bobbie, dinner with my son Marcus and his girl friend Danielle and last week also visited with Carrie DeLille and our friend Kathryn who has adopted two children from Kazakhstan. When she brought her son home 4 1/2 years ago she came back pregnant and delivered a son. The two boys are best buds and are so cute to watch. Again Kathryn has been blessed with another child after brining their daughter home from Kazakhstan and she is having a girl. It was my first time seeing their sweet daughter and my heart burst to see this precious child thriving in a loving home. It is not an easy journey to travel round the world to bring a child home. I am so thankful for people who are willing to trust and do the hard thing to bring a child home. Every child needs a family. There are thousand of children in foster care here that need families and many more around the world who do too. It isn't always easy to open your heart and home to an older child, but the gift that you give this child is life changing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every child had a family to call their own.

Me reading to 3 of the 4 kids running around this morning at Carrie's... They just crawled into my lap and asked me to read even though none of these kids knew me. I guess the "white" hair makes them assume I will read to them. What ever it is my heart burst with joy having these precious children crawl into my lap while I read stories.

Brothers and a sister who came together across oceans and miles yet are bound by a mom and a dad...

Me and Michelle 1994 as I was preparing to move to Florida. We thought that was so far.

Me and Michelle 2009 as I prepare to move to Kazakhstan. Oh, how we have "grown"...

Thursday Marc and I went to the Davis family home for an evening of great fellowship. We played games, talked, ate a great meal, and caught up with what is happening in our lives. Michelle and I first meet years ago in Bedford, Virginia when our girls were just babies. Marc, Sarah and Brianna tell people they are cousins since they grew up playing together even when we lived out of state. It is amazing to see how the "rug rats" have grown. What a great treasure to have friends who have been in our lives for so long.

Marc, Michelle, Brianna, Scott and Hunter under a painting of Hunter I did for the family a few years ago. Scott is an hunter. When before Hunter was born he joked that he was going to name the baby "deer slayer". Brianna was worried that he may do that so came up with the idea of naming the baby "Hunter" and that is how Hunter got his name. Hunter got his first deer this year and was so proud. I'm proud and honored to know this sweet family.

Eating dinner

playing games

I'm holding Hunter 1998

Marc and Hunter 1998

Marc and Hunter 2009

Marc and Brianna 2009

Marc, a girl, Brianna, Sarah, boy around 1992

Back row; Michelle, Me, and my sister Emilie Front row; Brianna, Marc holding Kathrine, Adelle, Sarah

Marc, Brianna, and Sarah about 1992

Marc, Brianna and Sarah

So many fond memories. I will definitely miss seeing my friends once I move to Kazakhstan, but look forward to the new friends that I will make. The time is moving quickly till I board the plane May 6th. I'm still very excited, but am more aware of what I am leaving behind. I am thankful for the Internet which will help me keep in touch with dear friends. I know I'll sometimes miss some particular item or convenience but those things are not what makes life, the people in our lives are what gives the true joy to us. Relationships as hard as they can be sometimes, are what bring joy into our lives. If they were easy they wouldn't be the priceless gift they are. As I prepare to leave I'm trying to make sure I spend time with the people in my life who have added so much. Each relationship adds a thread to the tapestry of my life and I am thankful for each and everyone, even the ones that have brought pain and heartache. Those hard relationships have helped refine off some of those many rough spots in my life and helped me see how sweet other relationships are.

I only need about $300 more in monthly support. Hurray.. It has been absolutely amazing to me the people that have joined me to touch the lives of the children in Kazakhstan. I have been humbled and moved by people who have shared their hearts desire to be part of this even though they can't physically go. I've loved connecting with friends old and new and building those relationships too. Thank you each and everyone who has joined me in moral and financial support. Once I am there I hope you will write me emails that I can share with the children to show them that it isn't just me who cares for them, but all my friends back home.

May you each have sweet times with the people in your lives that touch your hearts. Be sure to take the time to voice your feelings to those you love around you.
Thank you dear friends
Love
Vicki

A weekend connecting with friends old and new!

2009-03-10T04:13:00.001-07:00

Last Monday there was snow covering the ground yet this past weekend the temperature was up in the 70's. That's spring time in Virginia. Saturday I had the great joy of having lunch with four women who keep me on track in life. I know they are each a great gift from above to me. Chip came through town on the way back home from North Carolina giving us a great excuse to get together. Chip was one of my teachers last fall while I was in training. We both went to Girl Scout Camps and were camp counselors and just hit it off from the very beginning. She has traveled extensively around the world teaching and training and generously sharing her wisdom. I count her as one of my closes friends now and am ever so thankful our paths crossed. Lois is a dear friend who has been there during the trials and tribulations of life as well as celebrating the many joys. She has been there to be a sounding board when I need one. As a single mom it was such a gift to have someone to share all the thoughts, ideas, struggles that went though my mind raising my two kids. As much as I loved them they could push me to the edge making me question my own sanity. Lois and her husband Richard reached out to this single mom and walked along side me even when it wasn't easy or comfortable. They have been friends like I could never have imagined possible without them I wouldn't be here now. Thank you Lois. Edith was assigned to me as my mentor when I started the application process to join with Interlink Resources. What a gift she has been. We are about as opposite as two people can be in so many ways, yet that is exactly what I needed. Edith has so much knowledge and experience, has lived overseas, and has a heart as big as the sky. Over the last year and a half I have come to treasure her and am so thankful our paths cross bringing her into my life. Edith has made this whole process of preparing to move to Kazakhstan possible. She helps keep me straight in so many areas. Thank you Edith. Susan is a whiz with numbers. She has power of attorney over my finances and I'm thankful for her gift for figures. Susan and her husband Bill have also opened their lovely home and giving me a place to stay. It has been such a joy to be in their home and they have gone out of their way to make me feel at home and part of their family. Susan, Lois and I have known each other for a long time and have children similar ages. I am so thankful to have Susan as part of my team to help keep me straight. Susan has been a good friend over the years and for that I am thankful. Thank you Susan. I'm not sure if it says something good or not about me, but it takes these 4 women to keep me straight and moving in the right direction. I actually am very fortunate because I do have people who care for me and have walked with me through life. What a gift each friend is. I really do know is that I am blessed beyond measure to have these four women in my life that I know are there for me, will ask the hard questions, share in the heartache, and celebrate with me the many joys that come my way.
Thank you ladies for your friendships and a time to fellowship with much joy and laughter. You each are such a gift to me.

Since Chip was just traveling through Richmond I wanted to show her around some. I took her to Maymont Park and since it was the first warm day in the city everyone else had the same idea. The park was swarming with people, but we still had an enjoyable time walking and enjoying the warm weather. Signs of spring were everywhere. I love spring..

On Sunday Chip and I went to TIm and Lisa's home for lunch. I had such a good time I forgot to take pictures. I couldn't believe it. I did have my camera but didn't take one picture. Tim and Lisa had invited 3 other couples over and I got to share about my upcoming trip to Kazakhstan and my love for the Kazakh children. It was a great time of fellowship. Thank you Tim and Lisa.. lunch was fabulous, your children are a delight and the fellowship was sweet. One of the surprising gifts I've received along this part of my journey is the new friends I have made. I first meet Tim at the DeLille's house last June and it is fun to see how that has lead me in other directions I would have never imagined. Tim put together a beautiful video of pictures he pulled off my blog and put to music. My heart was so touched tears couldn't be contained as I watched it. Thank you Tim and Lisa for opening your hearts and home.

Chip left Monday morning for home and I am back into the routine of the week, but the sweet memories of this weekend remind me of how blessed I am even during this time of transition. I am figuring out exactly what I will take with me in May and getting my bags packed. I'm still working on talking to people and finding those who want to partner with me financially as I raise the last bit of monthly support I need. (about $500 more a month.. yeah getting close) and say my good-byes to family and friends. I'll be in PA for a couple weeks in April so I need to have everything wrapped up in March. I'm still working some jobs to pay my bills and will finish those up also in March. It looks like March is going to be a very busy month, but I will treasure each moment and count my blessings for I have much to be thankful for.

Thank you each for joining me along this journey. This chapter of my life is wrapping up and a new one will begin come May, but I want to enjoy each day left here for it isn't the destination but the journey that is important. To finish well I need to keep focused on today.

Love
Vicki

A beautiful Snow Day!

2009-03-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

From the table on the back deck snow here in Chesterfield County measured 7 1/2 inches.

Yesterday afternoon it started snowing here in the Richmond area prompting schools to start canceling classes last night for Monday. This morning we all awoke to the beautiful blanket of white on everything. Many in the Richmond area are without electricity and my thoughts go out to them and I pray they all are able to keep warm. Here at Bill and Susan's the electricity is on and everyone is home enjoying a reprieve form the normal routine of life.

Bill fixed a snow day breakfast consisting of biscuits, scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage. Yummy!!! Charlie and Joey had Ryan a friend spend the night so we were all able to enjoy a great breakfast together. Roxy the dog seemed to enjoy the change of routine as much as the rest of us are.

Charlie, Ryan and Joey filling their plates.

Roxy

The boys ventured out after breakfast to do some sledding down the driveway before heading off to bigger hills in the neighborhood. Youth- when do we loose that excitement over the simples pleasures in life. My desire is to be 99 and still wanting to venture out in the snow..

I decided to do a little more then venture out into the snow and took a couple turns down the hill. Now, I wasn't very fast, but it was sure fun. My snow boots are in my shed out in Mechanicsville about 45 minutes away... So needless to say I didn't go get them this morning. My new hiking boots worked really well except the snow was deeper than the tops of the boots. My jeans kept most of the snow outside the boot thankfully. Once the snow soaked through my jeans and long johns I decided I had enough fun for the morning out in the snow and headed back in to the warmth of the house and a hot cup of tea.

When I went to go outside Roxy followed me, but quickly turned around. I thought I had closed the door into the basement garage, but obviously hadn't closed it tight enough for when I went to go back inside here is where I found Roxy. I guess when your little legs are only about 8 inches high, but your belly hangs down a couple inches - running around in snow isn't the most fun. She was very grateful for my arrival to open the basement door into the warm house.

What a gift to slow down a little bit and enjoy the beauty of the landscape covered in white. I so often forget to slow down and "smell the roses" "enjoy the beauty all around", today I get this opportunity and am going to try and savor the moment.

It does make me reminisce about days when my two were young and their excitement of a snow day would penetrate my heart bringing a joy I sometimes forgot. Days like today make me even more aware of how important it is to enjoy present day and not let the desire of some future event capture our total attention. How many days I was worried about past event or future events and gave away sweet blessings and joys that were there just for that very day. I do look forward to the day I land in Kazakhstan and all that next chapter holds for my life, but I want to savor each and every day I have now. I am not promised tomorrow and yesterday is gone. Today I have to enjoy and savor. I desire to look for those joys and blessings given to me just for today. Some days they are harder to find because the of the storm that is raging around. Today there are no major storms, weather has made it so I can't go anywhere, so I choose to enjoy this pause in time and look for the joys all around.

May you my dear friends focus on the joys of today. Thank you each for your encouragement, support and friendship on this journey.
Love
Vicki

A Weekend In Texas!

2009-02-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Ranch House!

Dan & Winchester part of the greeting party.

All the children of this amazing family

This past weekend I had the most amazing time with a precious dear family. I actually got on a plane and flew to Texas having never meet this family except for two of their children who I actually meet in Kazakhstan before being adopted. Heather wrote about a year and a half ago after they were home for a short time with these two. Her first email made me cry fore she wrote to thank me for loving their children saying that they had first loved me which soften their hearts to accept them as parents. I don't have words to express how that note touched my heart and encouraged me to continue forward on this path I feel called to. The children had talking about this American Vicki that they wanted to see when they came to America and Heather had found out from the staff that I had traveled on short term trips through Interlink Resources who has an office in Taraz, Kazakhstan the same town as the orphanage. I always believed that these short term trips made a difference and felt that having someone speak into a life giving hope and encouragement can mean the difference between holding on or giving up. To have an opportunity to hear exactly how much those visits mean to the children's heart was a gift beyond measure.

Heather and I emailed several times over the last year and a half and my heart felt a huge pull to visit these children before I left for Kazakhstan. Through a whole series of events this was made possible this last weekend. I can not express in mere words the gratefulness my heart and soul feels to have had this opportunity to hear and see for my own how they are doing.

It isn't easy to adjust to a life here after a life so full of disappointment, heartache, pain and suffering, but with the help of their loving, committed family they are thriving. My heart just about burst with joy as I listen to these two talk about their memories of our time together in Kazakhstan and then just about broke in pieces has they shared some of the tragedy. It was still a very sweet time together.

Poor Nate was a little surprise that I had "aged" so much since 2006. To understand that I had colored my hair back then and last year stopped resulting in this "white" hair as he called it was a little hard to comprehend. How could that happen so fast. He finally seemed to adjust and loved me even with this "white" hair.

The whole family was an absolute delight. I stepped off the plane and into this family like we had known each other for years. They each openly shared their home and showed me their Texas life. The landscape at first glance can seem harsh, but when you look closer their is a beauty that it holds. I saw a road runner (couldn't get a picture 'cause they are too darn fast) lots of other beautiful birds, saw deer (besides John Deer) wild hogs, javelinas, goats, cattle, hogs, chickens, horses, and dogs. I petted a deer and some chicken, feed a calf, watched them weigh pigs, went on a "safari" type ride around the farm, ate fabulous Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex unlike I've ever found in Virginia. All the people were warm and hospitable. I enjoyed my stay and hated to board the plane to fly home. I'vd made definite plans to go back for a longer visit when I come home for a furlough in 2 and 1/2 years.

Nate and his Dad

Nick fixing a fabulous breakfast of puffed pancakes. Yum, Nick, Thank you so much!

This young man could really cook. He made belgium waffles one morning and these delicious puffed pancakes another.

Kenzie enjoying Nick's creations.

Nate and Ryan on the front of the top driver.

This is what we road around the ranch to give me a different view of life there. It was like being on a safari and I loved seeing all the animals, but mostly I enjoyed being part of this family's fun and laughter. Life isn't always easy, but they haven't lost sight of the true meaning of life and keep laughter as part of the healing salve for the hurts that have cut deep into the heart.

The cattle thought we were going to round them up.

Having fun! Kenzie got tickled and couldn't stop laughing. How sweet.. How wonderful to have a life where laughter is a normal part of being.

Two mama cows and their calves. They weren't to sure of us..

A javelinas or Peccaries which is more related to the rodent family even though it looks like a pig.

The top driver next to the RV where I got to sleep. I had my own little guest house. An owl would hoot right outside every night. It was so much fun..

Laney hanging from a tree in the back yard.

The beautiful sunset.

Nate with the puppy Ellie and their pet deer "John Deer". The puppy and deer where playing together. It was so funny to watch.

Kenzie, myself and Nate. I hadn't seen them since 2006 in Kazakhstan.

Nate rescuing Ellie from the prickers in the grass. John Deer waiting to play again.

Ellie and John Deer playing

Laney and I with Winchester their Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Nate's pig. He is going to show this pig at the local fair this week.

Laney and Fabio the chicken.

Kenzie feeding her calf with Laney.

Nate and John Deer.

Laney and one of the chickens.

Laney and Ellie the puppy.

I'm feeding Kenzie's calf.

So many times I think people don't step out of their comfort zones for fear of what the cost may be as well as fear of being uncomfortable. If nothing is risked nothing is gained. I think sometimes those greatest challenges, those darkest moments are what give those times of joy and gladness the sweetness. When painting one of the biggest mistakes beginning artist make are not going dark enough in the shadow or shaded areas. They are afraid to commit to the darkness, but without those dark areas the lights don't show their contrast and bring the interest and beauty to the painting. Life can be that way too. Those dark times, trials and tribulations in contrast to the lighter areas bring the sweetness and gratefulness.

I would challenge each one of you to step out of your comfort zone, reach out to those around you who are less fortunate, are struggling with some heartache, or need a helping hand. Stick through the commitment and see what absolutely amazing joy will come on the other side. This isn't a 30 minute sitcom type of commitment, this is a long term through thick and thin commitment to see something through. I think we in America have forgotten the joys of sticking through something. This country wasn't built on walking away because it is too hard or uncomfortable, it was people willing to go the extra mile and sticking to things especially when things got tough.

Thank you dear friends for sticking with me through the long haul. Lois & Richard, Edith & Rip, Chip G, Susan & Bill, Pam G, Sherry B, Jaye P, Marc & Sarah, and so many more. I wouldn't have made it without the support, encouragement and care of those around me who were placed along the way. It hasn't always been easy, but oh, how thankful I am for all they have added to my life. I am blessed beyond measure and this past weekend was one of those great gifts in life that I will treasure the memories for my lifetime. Thank you Dino, Heather, Maddi, Kezie, Zack, Nate, Nick, Ryan, & Laney for opening your home and hearts to me. I had the best time ever and you each now hold a special place in my heart.

With much gratitude and love
Vicki