A Job I love to do!

A mural at Logos bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

A mural at an adult day care center in Richmond, Virginia


I call myself a "Jack (or Jill) of all trades; Master of none"..  I've done a wide range of jobs through the years.  

I've worked in Veterinarian Hospitals -

 - Waitress and managed restaurants -

 - Processed claims for an insurance company -

 - Assistant Manager of a retail clothing store -

 - Milked cows on a dairy farm -

 - Worked for a live stock dealer hauling cattle to market -

 - Been a switch board operator at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech -

 - Worked in the construction industry - painting and renovating home -

 - Done tile work -

 - Done day care in my home -

And the list can go on...  

I also call myself an artist... I love to create and absolutely love to transform peoples living spaces with paint.  

 

Last week I had the great joy of starting a mural for a friend of mine on her outside storage shed.    I'm an artist and love to bring life and color to spaces.  Paint can change a space with relatively little cost.  

Teresa, her dog Janie and a friend Kim (who stopped by to see what was going on)

I use to judge my work with a critical eye.  I'm not Michelangelo.. ... but, I've finally realized I'm not called or created to be him, I'm created uniquely and with my own life to live.. 

 A couple years ago - when I finally stopped comparing myself to everyone else and started living "my" life as the creations HE created before time began; giving my life back to HIM.... -  I found a freedom and a peace I previously hadn't known.. 

To see the joy that my friend has in seeing her space transformed is a gift.... 

I enjoy bringing life into an area... working with the paint and seeing the surface come alive...

Great or High art it's not.. but that is okay...  Bringing a smile to some one's face... a gift and treasure to cherish.. 

I hope I will have the opportunity to paint on some more walls of the orphanages in Kazakhstan.  I've painted one mural at the orphanage Savva and that director has said he has seven more walls for me to paint.   My desire is to have the privilege of painting each one and more.   

Me with some of the children of Savva in front of the partially completed mural.

I look forward to finishing this job and am thankful for the opportunity to use a gift given to me.  

I continue to be thankful for dear friends and the big and small joys given for each day..  

Vicki

Dogs and a Lizard!

Dillon... Isn't he regal?  

Sarah and I both head off to training in September.  Until then we are bouncing around a few places.  Learning to be flexible and learn how to live out of a suitcase.  It is a process and we are both thankful for this time to adjust to our "new" way of life that will come in each of our adventures.  Sarah in the Navy and me in Kazakhstan.. 

The Harbert Family have graciously let us stay with them until we leave and we have enjoyed our time with them so much.  Two friends have asked us to house/pet sit for them during this time.  For the next two weeks we are house/pet sitting for friends who are on vacation with their 8 children.  When their neighbors heard we would be watching their four legged family members they asked if we could watch theirs while they too are away.  So we now have the great pleasure of playing with 2 Grey Hounds, 1 Rhodesian Ridgeback, 1 Lab, 1 Lab-a-doodle, and 1 Bearded Dragon..  We are having so much fun..

Sarah and Zeek...

Isn't Sarah "cute"?  

Sarah running with Emma, Sammie and Ruby...

Wallie sleeping on the den sofa.. 

What a great pictures of comfort.  When I arrive home I find all the pillows on the floor.  Now I know why.  The dogs can't fit with them on the sofas, I guess..

Ruby relaxing!  Now this is the life... A comfy leather sofa to nap on...  

I miss my KC.  Her new "Mom" has reported that KC is settling in very nicely and she is liking KC very much.  How that brings comfort to my heart.  Being able to enjoy Ruby, Wallie, & Dillon also brings joy to my heart.  I'm grateful to the small gifts in my daily life.  

In about 7 weeks I'll leave for North Carolina for training as I prepare to move to Kazakhstan.  I will continue to work.  I will also be focusing my attention to fund raising.  With the move, animals and Sarah being sick I haven't focused my attention to the fund raising side of life.  Thankfully support has been coming in.  

If you know of groups of people who would be interested in hearing "my story" and more about what I'll be doing in Kazakhstan, please contact me either by email - kazakhvictoria@gmail.com or cell phone 804-347-3383.    It will take a team to support me from home as I serve the people, especially the children of Kazakhstan. 

Thank you for your encouragement and support as I travel this path laid out before me.

Vicki

The Perfect plan falls into place without my working out a plan!!

It's hard to believe I've been moved out of my house now for 20 days now.  Emotionally it seems like I've been in this "twilight zone" for months..   

It's been 12 days since I found out what I thought was KC's forever home - informed me that they weren't.  Thankfully the were generous and let KC stay until a new plan was formed.  

Between work, trying to find what I need, re-organizing, taking KC to meet a new potential family (that wasn't the right family for KC even though we loved the family).  They already have 1 Rhodesian, 3 Gray Hounds, 1 Bearded Lizard and 10 children!! YES that is "10"..  Amazing people, great animals and wonderful kids, but not in the need of one more dog..  I'm not sure KC though it was a place she wanted to live either... 

Then Sarah got really sick, I didn't work... ugh... still was putting out feelers for KC's new home... and started to feel not so good myself.. I was feeling a little overwhelmed.  

Then I see the many blessings given to me each day..  

Friday Sarah started to turn around and feel better.  I got a great call from the breeder I got KC from.. She gave me the name and number of a woman who was looking for a female Rhodesian Ridgeback for a companion.. She sounded perfect and when I called her everything sounded perfect..  We set up for me to drive KC out to meet her Sunday.  She lives about an hour west of me giving me an opportunity for a pleasant drive on a Sunday afternoon... 

The family who Sarah and I are staying understand how hard it has been giving up my "best friend", because they have two beloved 4 legged family members of their own.  They said KC could come for the night before taking KC to her "hopefully" new home.  What a great gift it was and how it soothed my soul to have my beloved KC with me for 24 hours..  The family who have had KC said if I had any hesitation with this new home don't hesitate to bring KC back and keep looking.  What a gift to not feel pressured to place her.  

Today I took KC with a friend and her pup to the park.  What a gift to enjoy good friendship, wonderful dogs, and the great out doors... 

A nice drive, KC and I arrived to a beautiful home in the country..  When Pam walks out I knew in my spirit that this would work..  She has a quiet grace and calm that I know KC will bond with.  There are so many similarities between KC's old life with me and what she will have with Pam.  KC will have two buddies in Dandelion and Walker, Corgi's who warmed to KC right away..  How it soothed my soul to see how content KC will be, how well she'll fit into Pam's life... As silly as it sounds I need to have all "my babies" settled and secure into their "new" lives..  To know that KC will be happy and loved eases the pain of not having her..  What a gift... 

As I drove west to KC's new home I heard a song... "Sometimes HE calms the storm... Sometimes HE calms me"...  I feel like the last several weeks there have been many storms, and I feel like I have been given great comfort in the mist and at the same time the storms have been calmed.  I've believed in a bigger plan.. been frustrated... held onto that belief..  and will continue to hold onto that no matter what..  

Tonight I am so thankful that no matter what I see there is a bigger plan to hold onto...

I cried as I drove away again from my beloved KC dog.. As dogs go she has been a great comfort and companion these last 6 years.  I don't know how those of you who don't have dogs live..  My dogs have always brought so much joys into my life, and KC is the best.  

Oh, how thankful I am for KC having someone who will love her as much as I do.. I'm thankful for dear friends.. I'm thankful for the last 24 hours with KC... Thankful that Sarah is healthy again.  She and her brother Marc are spending the night with their Father, which I am thankful for.  Relationships are so important... Nobody dies wishing they had spent more time with things or accumulating more ... It is the people and relationships that matter...  

I am richly blessed in so many ways...  Tonight I am thankful for so much..  

I am thankful for each of you who are joining me on this journey...  

Missing KC, but happy to know she is in a loving home..

Vicki

Sarah is much better!! THANK GOD!!!!

Sarah is doing better finally.  By yesterday evening her fever had gone down to 100.1 and she even wanted something to eat... HURRAY!!!!  She slept peacefully last night and is still resting this morning.....  YEAH!!!

Hopefully we can get back on track, what ever one that may be.  I missed work this week and didn't put much effort into finding a forever home for KC dog either.  I did call Rhodesian Rescue and touch base with KC's breeder who is just out of the hospital from a knee replacement.  She offered for KC to stay in her outside kennel till a home was found, but KC would hate that, so since the family she is currently with has agreed to keep her until I find a home I'm leaving her there for the moment. 

Please if anyone knows of a family who would be interested in a wonderful 6 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback please have the contact me; kazakhvictoria@gmail.com

KC is a very laid back, calm, submissive Rhodesian.  She gets along very well with other dogs and cats (we had three).  She isn't as comfortable with small children since Marc and Sarah were 12 and 14 when we brought her home as a puppy.  She loves to travel and go places, loves the dog park, and hiking.  She is good around horses, wheel chairs and most new things.  She is a great companion dog who loves her people and wants to be with them.  

Thank everyone for you prayers and concerns for Sarah...  I'm so glad to have each of you as I travel down my path..

May you each enjoy the many blessings and joys given just for today.

Vicki

Sarah is still under the weather!

I took Sarah to the doctors this morning for a couple reasons.  The emergency room doctor had said he wanted her checked in two days and she isn't doing a lot better.  She is still running a fever, her neck is still sore, and she still feels awful.   The doctor is really concerned and even thought about admitting her this morning... ugh... She went ahead and sent her home with a long list of things for me to monitor.  Soooo we are home and I'm keeping a close eye on her.  

Never a dull moment on this path..  I'm standing on HIS promises to sustain us and provide for us.. 

Thank you all for your encouraging words and support.

Vicki

Hospital Visit This Morning!

Sweet Sick Sarah home from the hospital and finally resting...

(she'll probably kill me later for posting this picture of her, but I love to see my babies resting peacefully... )

I woke this morning to the sounds of moaning and whimpering.  When I realized it was Sarah I went in to touch her and she was burning up.   She was crying and saying how her neck hurt and see felt awful.  She said she woke up in the middle of the night not feeling well, but didn't want to bother anyone, then kept feeling worse

  My dear friend Lois, is a nurse and who I call even at 6 in the morning to ask her opinion.   I wasn't sure if the situation required a call to the on-call or wait until they opened at 9. 

 Well, long story short I took Sarah to the hospital.  She was so sick the staff took her right back into the exam room and was seen by a doctor within 15 minutes of being at the hospital.  It was amazing and a huge blessing.  They gave her some pain meds for her sore neck, which helped reduce the pain greatly.  

After an exam, lab work and a cat scan they determined she didn't have meningitis but has strep throat and a urinary track infection.  Ugh.. What a morning.

I finally got a cup of coffee sometime during testing and Sarah was pleased when her Dad arrived to make sure she was all right.  We laughed that Sarah had gone to great extremes to see her Dad..  He informed her a simple call would do in the future..  no more emergencies.  

The ride home from the hospital wasn't great.  Either from the pain meds, just the motion of the car or the fever caused her to throw up in the pharmacy and in the front yard once we arrived back to where we are staying..    Her temperature is still going up and down, but she is finally resting peacefully.  

I was able to run into my part time job to do pay roll and deposits for the store.  Then I ran by the grocery store before coming home and am trying to relax some too.  

I feel like the last two months have been a whirl wind of activities so it is kind of nice to be home a little early this evening and since Sarah is sick I can't leave.. I'm hoping I can even get to bed a little early..

Please say an extra prayer for Sarah for a quick recovery.  

Please continue to spread the word about KC my beloved dog who needs a permanent home.  

Vicki

Laying it all down at the Alter

My best laid plans didn't work..  Should of been my first hint things might not work..  "my" best laid plans.

  Ugh..  The husband of he family I thought was the perfect family for KC called Tuesday night saying KC had kept him up for two nights due to severe thunderstorms that had gone through our area.  It was a deal breaker for him.  They are willing to keep KC until I find a new family and think she is a great dog.

Well, needless to say I was shocked, confused and a bit overwhelmed.  I don't have a "home" to bring my beloved KC home to.  I worked so hard so KC wouldn't be bounced around or stressed any more than necessary..  The best laid plans and intentions flew out the window at a time when I'm still feeling out of sorts - itchy!!!  

I wanted to go get my dog and go "home"!!  Then I thought about all the children in Kazakhstan.  I cried.  I have to give up KC and some comfort because the love in my heart for these precious children is so great any sacrifice is worth it.  Not easy but worth it.  And it is hard a moments during the day on this path that will take me to desires in my heart so a keep moving forward holding onto promises.

  

I know God has a plan. 

So, if anyone knows of a family who like to add a perfectly wonderful Rhodesian Ridgeback to their family please let me know.  

Thank everyone for your encouraging words.  Even though there have been a "few" bumps along this path I'm on and many tears have flowed from my eyes these last couple weeks; there is still a joy and anticipation of excitement that I am on the path that will take me to the children in Kazakhstan. 

 I might not have fully known the ache my heart would feel from the sacrifice of some of the things in my old life, but that ache hasn't come close to out weighing the love that grows in my heart for the children.  

Thank you for your continued encouragement.

Vicki

"Life is ITCHY"

A friend told me once that "I" was itchy!

Now, the story behind that comment is: I was hired to re-organize, re-arrange, paint a mural, paint all the walls - basically I turned this store upside down - changing just about everything. These were good and much needed changes, but the store had been basically the same for 10 - 15 years... a long time... Well, Harry, who had worked at this store 30 plus years doesn't like change of any kind. I on the other hand generally do like a little change. ( I like to re-arrange my house just because...) Anyway one morning Harry walked in and his "little" area had been affected by "my" re-organizing. Harry stopped breath deep looked at me and said; "You are itchy!"

I burst out with laughter. How amazingly accurate that statement is.

It is easy not to like "bad" changes, but good changes or neutral changes are uncomfortable... "ITCHY!"

Well, let me tell you "MY" life is very itchy at the moment.

I'm having trouble falling into my new "normal", my new routine, my new comfort.. Right now I'm just ITCHY and can't itch the itch... ugh...

I'm missing my beloved dog, KC!!! GREAT news is she is doing great with her new family AND even better news I'M GOING TO DINNER TONIGHT AT HER HOUSE!!!! I'm happy to be seeing Peter, Amy, Sarah, and Chris (her new family) But really happy to be seeing her..

I went to the dog park on Tuesday just to do something "normal". I missed having KC there, but oh, how my heart lept to see all my four legged friends. My human friends at the dog park have been a huge source of encouragement. I knew they held a special place in my heart. (these are people I saw almost everyday!) But the have been a great comfort to my soul during this time. I have gotten calls and emails with encouragements and offers of help.

THANK YOU BANDY FIELD FRIENDS!!! Some of the best people in Richmond, Virginia hang out in the back of Bandy Field....

Trying to find my "new" routine has been difficult.... not bad just uncomfortable and unknown... YET in the mist of my world literally being turned upside down I have this joy and anticipation that my steps are getting closer to the dream and desire that has been in my heart since October 2000.. To live in the land who captured my heart; Kazakhstan... to work with the children who's faces I long to see and to love them with all my heart, mind and soul...

I've said for several years now that when I come back from a trip to Kazakhstan I feel like I'm leaving home and going to a foreign land coming back here। Now, that feeling has become even more intense। I have no home here, I have very few belongings, I'm living out of a suitcase and rest my head different places at night.... My hear longs for "home"। Home in a land I was not born in, but have grown to love through the people and especially the children. God has placed in my heart a deep love I cannot explain with mere words. A love that makes all the sacrifices worth the price.

Thank you dear friends who have been there along this path of my journey. I feel a lot like Bilbo Bagging in the Lord of the Rings. As a Hobbit he wasn't suppose to go on great adventures or quest. Hobbits stay home.. He wasn't strong, quick witted, a hero in the sense of the word. He was clumsy, not the very brightest, yet he was chosen for the quest.. He was the one to carry the ring.. He had a task only he could accomplish not in his strength, but he was still the one who had to do the walking on the path.

I too, never imagined I would willingly give away my belongings and beloved pets to go to a foreign land. I like Virginia thank you very much!!! I dreamed of a farm with horses and other animals in the middle of 200 acres with kids running in and out. A place where my children would grow up and come back with their children and grand children. Someplace to plant my roots deep... Now, I'm willing to be a nomad and move half way 'round the world.

I'm not articulate or eloquent in speech, not quick witted or the smartest, I have a mixed bag of gifting - Jack of all trades. Master of none - I'm not a doctor or great scholar, nor great business person or rich, But I have been given this great privilege to go and be the hands and arms for love to pour out of.

I dreamed of a large family with lots of children to love and care for. My big dream in life was being a Mother. God has granted me that in my two precious children here and in the many children in Kazakhstan. How He has poured HIS great blessings into my life. The painting isn't quite what I imagined, but I know that HIS plan for my life is exactly what I have been created for and I am so excited even if I'm still itching from minor changes...

May you each enjoy the many blessings and joys given just for today. May your joy bubble over to all those you meet..

My love and gratitude to you all...

Vicki

KC goes home with her "new" Family!

Yesterday, KC and I went to the dog park for the last time as KC being my dog.  We made plans for her new family to picked her up from her favorite place.  

She hasn't been very happy this week with our house being turned upside down as we sort, give and pack all our belongings..  She has known something is up just not how big of a change was coming into her life.  She probably was very happy to get to her new home last night and find it just as she last left it.  

I have been sad for the last couple days thinking about not having my beloved KC around.  She is spoiled rotten and sleeps in my bed, She is very attentive to what I am doing and how I am feeling, I have my routine set up around her walks, and I just like being greeted by her happiness when I come home.  KC is very attached to me and ignores most other people.  It isn't that she isn't friendly it's just that the breed doesn't feel the need to love all people just their owners. 

It has been an answer to prayers that I have found a wonderful family who was patient to let KC get to know them and love her for who she is.  Just like people dogs have different personalities, strengths and weakness.  I am so thankful to find the perfect family who also likes me enough to let me visit and keep me updated on how KC is doing.  She has bonded with her new family.  They were great in being willing to start with us visiting their home on numerous occasions then KC going for hour long visits finally to overnights and weekend visits.  Thank you Peter, Amy, Sarah and Chris for your patience and love for KC and your kindness to me.  I know you guys and KC will settle into a wonderful routine and KC will love you and bring you as much joy as she has brought us.  

When KC saw Amy and Sarah walk onto the field she recognized them and went running to them very happy to see them.  It did my heart good to see her happy for I have worried how she will handle being away from me... I know I'm being a little over the top, but I've had the dog for 6 years....  

This week has been one of the hardest weeks..   I'm a basket case of emotions running the spectrum from sadness to joy.  I still trusting in HIS good will for me and my life.  In the mist of the storms of life I will hold onto HIS promises.  

Thank you for being their to encourage us as we end one chapter and begin a new.

My love to all my friends who are precious gifts from God...

Vicki

P.S.  Thank you to all my wonderful human and dog friends at Bandy Field..  The most amazing and interesting group of people bring their beloved four legged friends to Bandy Field.  I've grown quite fond of the two and four legged friends there.  Thank you each for your love and support.  I'm going to have to come by the park to get my doggy fix and see all KC's friends..

TRUST AND OBEDIENCE!

(Sarah and Edith sorting through Sarah's room!) what a mess!!! Way to much stuff!!



Dear Friends and Family:

This week has been a test of strength, endurance, trust and obedience...  Our lives are turned upside down and I'm feeling the effects.  

I'm trusting in HIS good will for my life and trying to be obedient in the big and small things in life..  but... Oh, I am struggling...

Yesterday morning I called my mentor and dear friend crying and overwhelmed.  The money for the August trip didn't all come in; It no longer looked like Sarah and I had a definite place to move to on Sunday; and my beloved dog, KC is going to her "new" family Friday 27 June  TODAY... I love this silly dog and find great comfort in having her near.  

 I know I am suppose to move to Kazakhstan (I still know it beyond a shadow of a doubt) BUT this business of giving/selling almost all my worldly possessions, giving up my dog, and trusting everything is going to work out is HARD!!!!  Doing the "right" thing.. the thing I know I am suppose to do does not always FEEL GOOD.... UGH!!!!  

Things were so bad yesterday morning while I was talking with my mentor I was also walking around the house trying to pack.  With our house being upside down "my" routine has been turned upside down.  I am such a creature of habit... As I am talking with Edith I was looking for my cell phone "AS I TALKED" mind you..  I finally blurted out "I can't even find my cell phone this morning!"  After a long pause, Edith starts laughing.. Well, I can tell you I didn't think that was very helpful... She then asked me what I was doing?  I explained trying to find my cell phone..  Then it dawned on me;  I WAS TALKING ON MY CELL PHONE TO EDITH!!!  Oh, my gosh... I've lost it... One day I will laugh about it.  

Being obedient in the face of adversity and when what "I" want is different then what my counsel is advising is one of my most difficult challenges.  I'm use to making my own decisions and doing what I want.  I'm a single mother who has struggled and faced my giants all to many times alone.  I wouldn't accept help  or guidance out of fear.  I wouldn't trust God or anyone else..  How sad.. All the joys and blessings I gave away through the years.

Having to face the facts that the monies didn't come in for the August trip.  Lots of you did send your support and I thank you so much, but I was still a little over a $1000.00 short.  Edith and I had prayed that the funds would be provided by the 23rd of June and I kept thinking the rest would come in the next day.  Yesterday, I had to defer to Edith and her great wisdom and trust in God's perfect will for my life.  I honestly couldn't make the decision not to go on the August trip.  I love those children so much and my heart aches to see them, hold them in my arms and see their sweet faces.  I told her I would trust her wisdom and guidance.  I did ask her to make the calls for me for I didn't think I was up to it.  Thankfully she did..  My heart is still sad and the tears are still flowing, but I was able to get a lot accomplish yesterday and sleep some last night.  I keep thinking come Feb 2009 I will get to see these children all the time.  Next summer I'll be there the entire summer not just to weeks..  

My heart is in conflict and turmoil as I give my beloved dog away, give most of my worldly possessions away, give up the security of a permanent place to live in contrast my heart is excited to finally be closer to working full time with the precious children of Kazakhstan.  Looking forward to this great adventure that I have the privilege of being part of.  Oh what a mess I am..  :o)

Thank you each and everyone for your friendship and encouraging words.  Keep us in your thoughts today and the rest of this weekend as this chapter of our lives close.  

Desperately holding on to the promises...

Vicki