Sitting in the London airport thinking over this past week.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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