I wanted to update everyone on our process seeing as though I have not posted in a while!
In our last blog we had just turned in our dossier and i800 paperwork for our daughter. We waited about 2 weeks and after emailing and calling we received our cable letter (letter from U.S. government) which allows you to apply for DS260 (U.S.legal application requesting a name change for our daughter and has to do with her entering the Country). After we turned in our DS260 we waited what seemed like an eternity (but it wasn't) for NOC (no objections certificate issued by sissy's orphanage and uploaded to CARA the Indian database). Now that we have NOC we are awaiting an Indian court date!
In the next week or so we should have an Indian court date. At that time I will announce the court date so that we all can be in prayer for a SPEEDY court case. The court case can take anywhere from 2-5 months depending on the judge that picks up our file so please join with me in prayer that God will prepare and soften the heart of the judge and that he will be thorough but efficient and speedy! Once we pass court we await "writtens" this could take about 2 weeks to receive and then we are in the GO zone. At that point we are sent her birth certificate, passport and we LEAVE TO GET HER!!
We can not wait to HAVE her!
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Friday, May 18, 2018
Beyond Blessed
We are so grateful for all of the generosity that has been poured out on our family and all of the support in bringing sissy home! We could NOT have done any of this without all of the support. Our expectations for our family golf tournament were exceeded and we were able to pay off a large portion of our fees because of the holes sponsored, teams registered and donations given. What a GREAT God we serve and what great people he has used to aid in our process!
These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions! We were matched almost a month ago and after much praying and seeking wisdom we turned in our paperwork to officially begin our legal adoption of our daughter. Soon after we sent in our paperwork we received an incredible email from Jeeah's Hope/Lifesong approving our match grant request! The funds raised at our golf tournament were MATCHED! This will allow up to pay off a LARGE portion of our balance so that we are one GIANT step closer to going to get sissy from Pune, India. We are taken back by the call of this organization to help families in their process to bring their sweet babies home! If you are looking to give to an incredible organization please look up lifesong and consider donating to such a wonderful cause!
As if that is not enough, God continues to amaze us! Guys, when God promises he delivers and He has made it abundantly clear that He is delivering on a promise made to myself and my husband long ago. We received a congratulations email from JSC approving us of a very generous grant! We are taken back and almost still in shock because these past two weeks have been filled with God's blessings one behind the other! Another incredible organization devoted to helping those called to foster and adopt bring their babies home! If you are looking to give to a wonderful cause look up JSC foundation and give today!
When beginning our process we knew God would guide and provide because we were sure of our calling. We know our family will not look like most and it makes us EXCITED! I love the uniqueness and the beauty of our diverse family. I can not wait to love her deep like we love Liam. I can not wait to see her and Liam become the best of friends. Lord thank you for your many blessings! Thank you for your Faithfulness!
NOT TO MENTION! We were connected with another family adopting from the SAME orphanage that our sweet daughter is at and they leave to pick up their darling baby in two weeks SO we get to send gifts to sissy when they leave in two weeks! We got sissy a audio book where Steven and I can record ourselves reading so she can hear our voice <3 I put a picture of all three of us in the front of the book so she can see us while she listens to our voice! HOW COOL!
God you are AWESOME!
These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions! We were matched almost a month ago and after much praying and seeking wisdom we turned in our paperwork to officially begin our legal adoption of our daughter. Soon after we sent in our paperwork we received an incredible email from Jeeah's Hope/Lifesong approving our match grant request! The funds raised at our golf tournament were MATCHED! This will allow up to pay off a LARGE portion of our balance so that we are one GIANT step closer to going to get sissy from Pune, India. We are taken back by the call of this organization to help families in their process to bring their sweet babies home! If you are looking to give to an incredible organization please look up lifesong and consider donating to such a wonderful cause!
As if that is not enough, God continues to amaze us! Guys, when God promises he delivers and He has made it abundantly clear that He is delivering on a promise made to myself and my husband long ago. We received a congratulations email from JSC approving us of a very generous grant! We are taken back and almost still in shock because these past two weeks have been filled with God's blessings one behind the other! Another incredible organization devoted to helping those called to foster and adopt bring their babies home! If you are looking to give to a wonderful cause look up JSC foundation and give today!
When beginning our process we knew God would guide and provide because we were sure of our calling. We know our family will not look like most and it makes us EXCITED! I love the uniqueness and the beauty of our diverse family. I can not wait to love her deep like we love Liam. I can not wait to see her and Liam become the best of friends. Lord thank you for your many blessings! Thank you for your Faithfulness!
NOT TO MENTION! We were connected with another family adopting from the SAME orphanage that our sweet daughter is at and they leave to pick up their darling baby in two weeks SO we get to send gifts to sissy when they leave in two weeks! We got sissy a audio book where Steven and I can record ourselves reading so she can hear our voice <3 I put a picture of all three of us in the front of the book so she can see us while she listens to our voice! HOW COOL!
God you are AWESOME!
Monday, May 14, 2018
MATCHED
MATCHED!
I wanted to elaborate on our match and let everyone know how GOOD, how GREAT our God is. We had all expectations to wait multiple months after we received CARA approval. God has allowed our adoption process to move along so smoothly and we are so grateful for our agency Lifeline!
Once we received approval from CARA (Indian database) and our i800a was approved (approval to be adoptive parents) we thought we would be sitting back and waiting for a lengthy amount of time BUT God blew us away and we got a call saying we had been matched only 1 WEEK later!
Let me just tell you..when you were given a promise years ago (in high school) that you would adopt internationally and have a very diverse family and you get a call that you have been matched...it is surreal but SO exciting. God is a promise maker and a promise keeper! When the Lord blessed us with Liam and we found out we would be parents Steven and I were bursting with joy. When we got to announce our pregnancy to those we love it was an incredible feeling. I am so thankful God gave us the ability to conceive and I loved carrying Liam! When we were matched we had the same feelings! We were so excited and we could not wait to share the news.
The only information we can share is that she is 8 months old AND her birthday is ONE day after Liam's so they are EXACTLY one year apart! We almost passed out when we saw the birth date. Liam and sissy will be very close and they will have one another as best friends.
Now we work to legally adopt sweet girl and get her home to us. Next steps include i800 for her, dossier and her passport then we get to go to India!!
Thursday, April 5, 2018
CARA APPROVAL!
CARA APPROVAL!!!
We have some exciting news! After registering into the Indian database (CARA) our case worker informed us the wait time is anywhere from 3-12 weeks until we receive approval. She told us that with India they randomly select family files rather than viewing according to date submitted. Our family file was "red" and we needed to see "green' for approval. Honestly, Steven and I set ourselves up for the 12 week waiting time. The Indian government selected our file for review and approved it in record timing just under 3 WEEKS! Our case worker called and yelled "green" basically and we all cheered. We are so blessed to have Lifeline with us throughout this entire process.
This is a HUGE step for us because it means all the documents, evaluations, history, family dynamic and Steven's legal alien status was approved with NO additional questioning from the Indian government. Let me say that the approval with no additional questioning is due to our case worker and lifeline helping us along the way with our documents, wording etc. we could NOT have done this so gracefully without their knowledge guiding us along the way. We can officially start receiving files of potential matches! Once we mail in our Fee C we can be matched at any moment. We are so excited and we can not wait for the next step in our adoption journey.
We have some exciting news! After registering into the Indian database (CARA) our case worker informed us the wait time is anywhere from 3-12 weeks until we receive approval. She told us that with India they randomly select family files rather than viewing according to date submitted. Our family file was "red" and we needed to see "green' for approval. Honestly, Steven and I set ourselves up for the 12 week waiting time. The Indian government selected our file for review and approved it in record timing just under 3 WEEKS! Our case worker called and yelled "green" basically and we all cheered. We are so blessed to have Lifeline with us throughout this entire process.
This is a HUGE step for us because it means all the documents, evaluations, history, family dynamic and Steven's legal alien status was approved with NO additional questioning from the Indian government. Let me say that the approval with no additional questioning is due to our case worker and lifeline helping us along the way with our documents, wording etc. we could NOT have done this so gracefully without their knowledge guiding us along the way. We can officially start receiving files of potential matches! Once we mail in our Fee C we can be matched at any moment. We are so excited and we can not wait for the next step in our adoption journey.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Lifeline Children's Services
Why did we decide on LIFELINE as our agency and T-shirt fundraiser updates.
As Steven and I were praying about which agency to use and we were gathering information and speaking with adoptive families about their thoughts on agencies, we were nervous at first. I am the type of person that puts A LOT of pressure on each and every decision I make. We have been praying for doors to open and close and we have been praying for overwhelming supernatural peace to help us in our decision making. I heard good things about lots of agencies and we were beginning to get a bit nervous.
A couple of things happened that allowed us to have complete confirmation and strong sense of peace going with Lifeline adoption agency. Lifeline is a Christian based agency and a LARGE part of their application process is about your relationship with the Lord, your spouses relationship with the Lord and how you show Christ in your home environment and in the world around you. Lifeline sees the process as a calling as it should be!
The final confirmation for us was hearing about a friend and her husband going through a very emotional event in their adoption process where the Country they were adopting from suddenly changed their requirements and it would have eliminated them from moving forward in the process for quite some time. Lifeline fought for their case walking hand in hand with them the entire way. They did not abandon them but they fought for the family and PRAISE be to God they were able to move forward!
We trust Lifeline completely and we are so thankful for what they stand for.
https://lifelinechild.org/what-we-believe/
Friday, March 9, 2018
God's Timing
Steven and I discussed at the beginning of the adoption process that we would take the challenges as they come with an understanding that God knows our daughter and has to keep us on track with her. It is easy to say this and pray this BUT to live this is an entirely different ballgame.
Our home study process that is estimated to take 3 months has taken 5 months for us. For me, God always brings me to a place where I HAVE to relinquish control and learn patience because I like being in control and I do NOT like to be patient. Without going into too much detail, towards the end of our Home study India added a requirement and without completing the requirement you could not progress into the next step of the process.
I am telling you the lengthy process of completing the additional requirement was nothing short of supernatural because outside of the supernatural it made no sense. I tried so hard to force things, push people to act faster, take control....but two Wednesday nights ago our worship team sang "It is well with my soul" and God gently said "Brit, I have got this.. CHILL." I completely stepped back and began to let God take it.
Yesterday and today have been a whirlwind of happy news and excitement. Just as long and drawn out as the home study was these steps took place supernaturally FAST over a two day period.
Yesterday the the final requirement was completed and submitted. This morning we received our finalized home study( A Home Study is both a process and a report. The Home Study process is a series of interviews and supporting documentation. All documents, including the application, provided or completed by the applicants are a part of the Home Study process. The Home Study report is written by a licensed social worker and is a summary of all the information gathered during the Home Study process) allowing us to finish applying for grants, mail our immigration paperwork (I800a This is an immigration document in which the parents commit to adopting a child) and move forward in the adoption process.
THEN...about 2 hours later we received word that we have been preregistered on CARA which is the Indian central authority (governing body) that oversees the adoption process in India. CARA operates under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Their offices are located in New Delhi, India. Once registration is complete the estimated wait time for approval from CARA is between 4-6 weeks. Once we are approved our next round of money is due (feeC) then we will be open for MATCHING!
Guys, we could know who our daughter is in the next few months! We are sending off our i800 paperwork for immigration on Monday! Please be in prayer that we would have patience and understand that our daughter has to be ready for us and if that means waiting for months and months that is OK. Also please pray we will use wisdom and God would give us peace and confirmation when we see OUR daughter. Also, pray for Liam and that he will transition wonderfully and we will have wisdom to help him in the transition period.
Now comes lots of blood, sweat and tears...and we are ready! We have applied for grants and we pray for favor in that area but we are putting our hands and minds to work! We are HOSTING a GOLF TOURNAMENT to bring home sissy! The largest portion of funds will be required after we see sissy's face but before we can travel and bring her home. Our golf tournament is May 10th and you can support by entering a team, sponsoring a hole or donating prizes. If you would like to help at the registration table or with set up we would LOVE that as well! Please see slide below for more information and please contact us at Spaine73@gmail.com Britlane23@gmail.com on PM us on facebook.
We LOVE and appreciate you all!
Our home study process that is estimated to take 3 months has taken 5 months for us. For me, God always brings me to a place where I HAVE to relinquish control and learn patience because I like being in control and I do NOT like to be patient. Without going into too much detail, towards the end of our Home study India added a requirement and without completing the requirement you could not progress into the next step of the process.
I am telling you the lengthy process of completing the additional requirement was nothing short of supernatural because outside of the supernatural it made no sense. I tried so hard to force things, push people to act faster, take control....but two Wednesday nights ago our worship team sang "It is well with my soul" and God gently said "Brit, I have got this.. CHILL." I completely stepped back and began to let God take it.
Yesterday and today have been a whirlwind of happy news and excitement. Just as long and drawn out as the home study was these steps took place supernaturally FAST over a two day period.
Yesterday the the final requirement was completed and submitted. This morning we received our finalized home study( A Home Study is both a process and a report. The Home Study process is a series of interviews and supporting documentation. All documents, including the application, provided or completed by the applicants are a part of the Home Study process. The Home Study report is written by a licensed social worker and is a summary of all the information gathered during the Home Study process) allowing us to finish applying for grants, mail our immigration paperwork (I800a This is an immigration document in which the parents commit to adopting a child) and move forward in the adoption process.
THEN...about 2 hours later we received word that we have been preregistered on CARA which is the Indian central authority (governing body) that oversees the adoption process in India. CARA operates under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Their offices are located in New Delhi, India. Once registration is complete the estimated wait time for approval from CARA is between 4-6 weeks. Once we are approved our next round of money is due (feeC) then we will be open for MATCHING!
Guys, we could know who our daughter is in the next few months! We are sending off our i800 paperwork for immigration on Monday! Please be in prayer that we would have patience and understand that our daughter has to be ready for us and if that means waiting for months and months that is OK. Also please pray we will use wisdom and God would give us peace and confirmation when we see OUR daughter. Also, pray for Liam and that he will transition wonderfully and we will have wisdom to help him in the transition period.
Now comes lots of blood, sweat and tears...and we are ready! We have applied for grants and we pray for favor in that area but we are putting our hands and minds to work! We are HOSTING a GOLF TOURNAMENT to bring home sissy! The largest portion of funds will be required after we see sissy's face but before we can travel and bring her home. Our golf tournament is May 10th and you can support by entering a team, sponsoring a hole or donating prizes. If you would like to help at the registration table or with set up we would LOVE that as well! Please see slide below for more information and please contact us at Spaine73@gmail.com Britlane23@gmail.com on PM us on facebook.
We LOVE and appreciate you all!
Monday, January 1, 2018
Home Study UPDATE
HOME STUDY UPDATE
Happy 2018! We are so excited about what this year will bring for our family. We see Liam's heart being prepared for sissy. On our visit to see Steven's sister and her two children, Liam was very interested in Anna his 4 month old cousin. Liam wanted to learn how to be loving and gentle and he wanted to sooth her and calm her when she was upset. Liam has a very caring demeanor for other children especially those younger than him. Liam loves diversity and already sees the beauty in it. He loves to interact with those that look different to him and you can see his mind working and I know God is doing a beautiful work on his tiny heart.
An update on our home study..We just completed our second home study where a home evaluation was conducted and we passed (yay!) our FINAL home study is January 12th and we are so excited! What exactly does this mean for us? After January 12th we will hopefully be approved through our agency so that we can submit our 2nd installment of money and final documents involved in the home study process. Our case worker will then write an over all review to include with all our documentation and our home study will be sent to CARA for approval from the Indian Government so that we can move on to phase 2...our dossier which is a HUGE portfolio of every document about myself. Steven and Liam that you can imagine. The timeline of acceptance from CARA is between 4-6 weeks. After we are approved from the Indian government we could potentially be MATCHED! We need your prayers..
Please be in prayer for peace and mutual, complete confidence of our daughter when we see her. Please also pray for our daughter if she is born already that she will be with a Godly caregiver and she will be receiving everything she needs (food, water, warmth, attention, love etc). Pray that God will prepare our hearts for what is ahead as it will be taxing spiritually and emotionally. Please pray God will multiply our finances and efforts so that finances do not stand in the way of getting our daughter to us as quickly as possible.
If you feel the Lord is tugging on your heart to consider adoption, foster care or sponsorship I encourage you to visit LifeLine Children's services website to get more information. Lifeline is a Christian agency and we have felt such support throughout our whole process.
http://lifelinechild.org/
Happy 2018! We are so excited about what this year will bring for our family. We see Liam's heart being prepared for sissy. On our visit to see Steven's sister and her two children, Liam was very interested in Anna his 4 month old cousin. Liam wanted to learn how to be loving and gentle and he wanted to sooth her and calm her when she was upset. Liam has a very caring demeanor for other children especially those younger than him. Liam loves diversity and already sees the beauty in it. He loves to interact with those that look different to him and you can see his mind working and I know God is doing a beautiful work on his tiny heart.
An update on our home study..We just completed our second home study where a home evaluation was conducted and we passed (yay!) our FINAL home study is January 12th and we are so excited! What exactly does this mean for us? After January 12th we will hopefully be approved through our agency so that we can submit our 2nd installment of money and final documents involved in the home study process. Our case worker will then write an over all review to include with all our documentation and our home study will be sent to CARA for approval from the Indian Government so that we can move on to phase 2...our dossier which is a HUGE portfolio of every document about myself. Steven and Liam that you can imagine. The timeline of acceptance from CARA is between 4-6 weeks. After we are approved from the Indian government we could potentially be MATCHED! We need your prayers..
Please be in prayer for peace and mutual, complete confidence of our daughter when we see her. Please also pray for our daughter if she is born already that she will be with a Godly caregiver and she will be receiving everything she needs (food, water, warmth, attention, love etc). Pray that God will prepare our hearts for what is ahead as it will be taxing spiritually and emotionally. Please pray God will multiply our finances and efforts so that finances do not stand in the way of getting our daughter to us as quickly as possible.
If you feel the Lord is tugging on your heart to consider adoption, foster care or sponsorship I encourage you to visit LifeLine Children's services website to get more information. Lifeline is a Christian agency and we have felt such support throughout our whole process.
http://lifelinechild.org/
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Home Study
We have STARTED our home study!
Last week we had the privilege of meeting our case worker. We were able to do our O.I which is a phone interview with our case worker and a member of Lifeline agency last week November, 1st 2017. We love how helpful our case worker has been. Everyone at Lifeline has such a beautiful heart! Our phone interview covered our testimony and our call to adopt. We were able to share our hearts and explain how God lead us to India.
We will have our FIRST face to face interview and home study tomorrow November 9th 2017! We are looking forward to meeting our case worker in person. It is pretty cool to think that our home study could be completed in January allowing us to register in the Indian database. After we are registered and approved make our 3rd installment. Once our third installment is paid we could be MATCHED.
Matching is when a child meeting your requirements is shown to the potential parent for consideration and prayer. We could potentially see our daughter in the next couple of months! We are praying God will keep us on HIS timeline. If we try to rush the process we may be matched with someone else's daughter. We KNOW God has hand picked our daughter and we want HIS will for our daughter and our family.
Help us pray! Family and friends help us pray for:
-Peace through the process
-Wisdom and spiritual guidance when we see potential children
-God's will not our own
-PLEASE pray for our daughter and her current situation (Pray she is in a good foster home or orphanage, pray she is receiving necessities such as food, water, tender love and care, accommodations) pray that she endures little trauma.
This Sunday is Orphan Sunday! Churches gather Nationwide to bring awareness to the orphan crisis and how you can help. Remember if the Lord is pulling on your heart to adopt, foster, donate or pray DO IT. There are so many ways to contribute. Please see video below:
Monday, September 25, 2017
T-shirt Fundraiser Goals
T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER UPDATES
We have a goal based on what is expected from us money wise for our FIRST installment. Steven and I have saved a portion and we are needing to raise the remainder for our first installment.
I will be posting a pictures on this blog to show everyone what is being raised each day and how much remains. I want to thank everyone that has already bought a shirt, shared the post and prayed for us during this journey to bring our daughter home.
THANK YOU! 9/24/2017
We have only been selling shirts for 2 days and we already have $300 worth of shirts sold. We will post our deadline date so everyone wanting to place an order can get it in before the last day we can sell them.
9/27/2017
10/8/2017
TOTAL: $2000!!!!!!! WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTED US BY PURCHASING A SHIRT AND SHARING OUR POSTS!!!
We have a goal based on what is expected from us money wise for our FIRST installment. Steven and I have saved a portion and we are needing to raise the remainder for our first installment.
I will be posting a pictures on this blog to show everyone what is being raised each day and how much remains. I want to thank everyone that has already bought a shirt, shared the post and prayed for us during this journey to bring our daughter home.
THANK YOU! 9/24/2017
We have only been selling shirts for 2 days and we already have $300 worth of shirts sold. We will post our deadline date so everyone wanting to place an order can get it in before the last day we can sell them.
9/27/2017
10/3/2017
TOTAL: $2000!!!!!!! WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTED US BY PURCHASING A SHIRT AND SHARING OUR POSTS!!!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
BIG NEWS!!!!
Region, Region, Region!!!
After praying for doors to be opened and closed and praying God would make things VERY clear for us...We have been ACCEPTED to a region. This means we know where our daughter is or will be..
INDIA!
We couldn't be more excited. We wanted a region with great need. The country of India has over 20 MILLION orphans, making it the country with the largest population of orphans in the world today.
Above the physical need is the spiritual need! India is a beautiful country in the southern part of Asia that is home to over 1.2 billion people, making it the second most populous country in the world. India is a predominately Hindu nation, with almost 80% of its people identifying with this religion.
After praying for doors to be opened and closed and praying God would make things VERY clear for us...We have been ACCEPTED to a region. This means we know where our daughter is or will be..
INDIA!
We couldn't be more excited. We wanted a region with great need. The country of India has over 20 MILLION orphans, making it the country with the largest population of orphans in the world today.
Above the physical need is the spiritual need! India is a beautiful country in the southern part of Asia that is home to over 1.2 billion people, making it the second most populous country in the world. India is a predominately Hindu nation, with almost 80% of its people identifying with this religion.
We have the overwhelming JOY of raising our daughter to know and love Jesus Christ! She will NOT have an arranged marriage and will be able to pick her husband! We are ecstatic.
We need your help bringing home sissy! Our shirts are ready for purchase. On our facebook account we already have a link up and available for everyone to buy their shirts. All proceeds go towards bringing our daughter home!
The map is an outline of India on the globe and the quote is from Mother Teresa. We know we can not change the entire world and save every child BUT we can save ONE life and love her deeply, teach her about her loving Savior and get her home as quickly as possible. We are offering sizes S-3xl prices are $25/shirt. Please see link to pay with card on our facebook page.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Bringing Home Sissy
The Paine family is excited to announce that we have begun the beautiful process of adoption!
Our first post is a little background on both Steven and my calling to adoption. I received the call to adopt while in high school. God gave me a heart for the orphaned around my freshman year in high school. I began praying about what this calling would look like and began to research what the process would look like and an excitement came over me. God placed families in my life that have adopted both domestically and internationally and I have been able to spend quality time with these beautiful souls through babysitting, church functions and lunch/dinner dates.
I personally felt called to the Asian region but was not limited to that area. While in College I took a study abroad trip to Thailand where I fell in love with the people group. After being blessed with an opportunity to student teach I was given a job as a teacher upon graduation. While living and teaching in Thailand I volunteered at an orphanage where my calling only grew stronger. At the time I was single and wanting to adopt due to impatience. The Lord closed the door on a particular little boy I had a strong connection with. God reassured me the call would be fulfilled but it was not time yet. I needed to find a loving husband with the same call for the orphaned.
Steven and I met through a mutual South African friend here in Columbus Ga. Steven is South African and he came over on a golf scholarship. I asked the Lord to confirm who my husband would be while dating by allowing him to not only have the same calling but to be the one to first bring up the topic. Steven explained to me his work in South Africa at his friend's mother's orphanage. He did lots of volunteer work there and spent a lot of time with the orphans. He explained he had a heart for orphans and the call to adopt. BOOM! God you are so COOL!
Steven and I have been married now for 4 years (on Thursday) and we have a beautiful one year old son. God has a funny way of showing us that our plans are NOTHING in comparison to the incredible plan He has designed for us. Steven and I had a 5 year plan to wait to grow our family and we thought (or I thought) we would adopt first. After 3 years of marriage God grew a desire in our hearts at the same time to try and have a biological baby. Secretly, I did not know if I would be able to conceive because God birthed the call to adopt so early on in my life I did not know if he was also preparing my heart.
Liam Avett Paine was born last September and we were ecstatic. He has brought so much joy to our lives and we never knew we could love so deeply. God had a greater plan! Liam's name means "strong-willed warrior and protector." Liam was supposed to be the first born so he could be the big brother who protects his younger siblings. I have seen these characteristics flourish in Liam. He cares deeply for other babies and children and it bothers him when they cry. Liam wants to comfort and protect those around him and he is such a giver. He learned himself how to share!
We will announce soon which program we have been approved for and which region we know God has our daughter waiting for us.
We are excited for you to take this journey with us!
Our first post is a little background on both Steven and my calling to adoption. I received the call to adopt while in high school. God gave me a heart for the orphaned around my freshman year in high school. I began praying about what this calling would look like and began to research what the process would look like and an excitement came over me. God placed families in my life that have adopted both domestically and internationally and I have been able to spend quality time with these beautiful souls through babysitting, church functions and lunch/dinner dates.
I personally felt called to the Asian region but was not limited to that area. While in College I took a study abroad trip to Thailand where I fell in love with the people group. After being blessed with an opportunity to student teach I was given a job as a teacher upon graduation. While living and teaching in Thailand I volunteered at an orphanage where my calling only grew stronger. At the time I was single and wanting to adopt due to impatience. The Lord closed the door on a particular little boy I had a strong connection with. God reassured me the call would be fulfilled but it was not time yet. I needed to find a loving husband with the same call for the orphaned.
Steven and I met through a mutual South African friend here in Columbus Ga. Steven is South African and he came over on a golf scholarship. I asked the Lord to confirm who my husband would be while dating by allowing him to not only have the same calling but to be the one to first bring up the topic. Steven explained to me his work in South Africa at his friend's mother's orphanage. He did lots of volunteer work there and spent a lot of time with the orphans. He explained he had a heart for orphans and the call to adopt. BOOM! God you are so COOL!
Steven and I have been married now for 4 years (on Thursday) and we have a beautiful one year old son. God has a funny way of showing us that our plans are NOTHING in comparison to the incredible plan He has designed for us. Steven and I had a 5 year plan to wait to grow our family and we thought (or I thought) we would adopt first. After 3 years of marriage God grew a desire in our hearts at the same time to try and have a biological baby. Secretly, I did not know if I would be able to conceive because God birthed the call to adopt so early on in my life I did not know if he was also preparing my heart.
Liam Avett Paine was born last September and we were ecstatic. He has brought so much joy to our lives and we never knew we could love so deeply. God had a greater plan! Liam's name means "strong-willed warrior and protector." Liam was supposed to be the first born so he could be the big brother who protects his younger siblings. I have seen these characteristics flourish in Liam. He cares deeply for other babies and children and it bothers him when they cry. Liam wants to comfort and protect those around him and he is such a giver. He learned himself how to share!
We will announce soon which program we have been approved for and which region we know God has our daughter waiting for us.
We are excited for you to take this journey with us!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Inspiration unlike any other!
I have been praying for inspiration in my last week’s here. And what better inspiration than the addition of a family member to the most important family--eternal family with an unconditionally loving heavily Father. I not only have an Earthly brother but another brother is added to the kingdom!
I left English volunteering today after work just as drained and exhausted as I have been my last couple weeks here when I received a message that filled my heart with overwhelming Joy! My brother has given his heart and life to the Lord. My heart jumped for Joy and tears of joy filled my eyes to the point of almost being hit by a motorbike in the streets of Bangkok. I had to finish reading the message once I got home. Gods faithfulness and as my father said "class" astounds me. God is an on time God and does not force himself on you. But he desires nothing more than to have an intimate personal relationship with each and every one of us. So naturally RIGHT when the words left my brothers mouth he was struck by the power of God with so much force he could not get off his knees! HOW powerful is God? Josh had a supernatural encounter with God and ALL he had to do is mutter the words "I am ready Lord, I don't want to live the life I have been any longer" Prophecy that was spoken over Josh to my mother in Jerusalem was fulfilled. If THAT does not make you want to shout praises to our Merciful Lord and Savior then I don't know what will. God knew in that moment lying in bed Josh would be ready and he was waiting patiently with excitement--
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.4 before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. 5 You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
God knows the desires of our heart (Psalms 37:4) and NO prayer goes unheard--Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things.-Jeremiah 33:3 and we know from 1John 5:14--Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us!
This is a wakeup call to me! The ultimate Joy in life is a relationship with God the Father and spreading his Word to the Nations. This is our first and most important call! This was Jesus' last words to his disciples before he left Earth to return to heaven.
"Go forth and teach all the Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded. And I will be with you always even until the end of the Earth. Matthew 28:19
When someone joins the heavenly family with the Heavenly father that should be our biggest Joy and inspiration. They know the meaning of life now and are living in relationship with the Father. I am so overjoyed and overwhelmed with thanksgiving and praise that my brother accepted God as his personal Savior! It is my encouragement to move on my last weeks over here. I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for him. He is SO talented in so many ways! So PROUD!
The angels rejoice when an addition is made to the Kingdom and in the same way we should be rejoicing as well!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Oh the Places you will go, NO oh the people I will meet!
From Thai to Part Nigerian Part Thai, to Japanese and on to Sri Lankan.
It is always good to know, if only in passing, charming human beings. It refreshes one like flowers and woods and clear brooks.
Only minor flaw in this quote is "if only in passing." Why not share quality time with charming people that inspire, enlighten, encourage and take your breath away? To say I have met sweet people or kind people would be an understatement. God has put different families and individuals from other Countries, Cultures and backgrounds into my life. They have changed my perspective on life and taught me how to love beyond the boundaries of race and circumstance. These are stories of a couple individuals, families and or groups that have touched my life in a drastic way while living in Asia.
Of course I will start with the Thai people I meet on a daily basis. Their kindness astounds me. Do I occasionally get frustrated when trying to communicate? Yes. Do I get frustrated when I cannot locate certain things I am in need of? Yes. But ultimately this experience has taught me how to live a life not of ease but of thankfulness and admiration of people around me with so little that continue to praise God regardless.
Many people ask me why I would ever want to live in a third world country and why Asia. But God has given me a desire to see the Asian Buddhist community come to know Christ. When I read Joshua 24:15 I think immediately of the Thai/Asian culture:
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Most Buddhist are simply Buddhist or call themselves such because they are worshiping the gods of their fathers (generational). But they lack one important thing: relationship. Christianity is not just a religion because religion is a manmade system and refers only to rules, laws and or ritualistic behavior but to live in Christ and with Christ we have a relationship with Him. We do not deserve eternity with Christ and therefor it is not a merit based system. There will never be enough that we can do to reach heaven. Jesus' sacrifice and his grace, that is freely given, allow us to have a relationship with him. This is what makes us different from Muslim or Buddhist. They are merit based and ,erely ritualistic. Unfortunetly, some "christians" in the states proclaim but do not bear the fruits or know Christ outside of religion and laws.
My desire is for those that are searching for more and looking for Hope to come to know that God designed them to have that Hope and unconditional love that only he can give. I not only have a heart for Thai people but when visiting Vietnam and Cambodia I met kind people that were so happy just to be alive. Did they have lots of money and shiney things? No. Most of them barely get along. But they were always positive and uplifting. Remember wordly riches will parish so store up your riches in heaven!
Lights of the world: Children
I have had the privilege to meet and see God work through many leaders and volunteers. I have had the opportunity to let God use me a messanger/delivery woman asn well. But where was the honor? In saying I did good works or good deeds? No, it is not by merit that we are able to enter the kingdom of God. But it has been meeting these children and developing relationships with them and interacting with them that has been the benefit. The children I see and get to work with will forever hold a special place in my heart and have changed my life forever. These children have absolutely nothing. From children that live in the slums, to children that are orphaned by human parents yes, but not orphaned at all actually because they have a Heavenly Father whose love is UNconditional and NEVER changing. What better love is there? There is None. I have had the opportunity to spend time with children that have HIV and are very sick. But the love and light of Christ burns so much inside of them that it burst out for all to see. Not only was I thankful beyond measure and humbled but I know now what it truly means to Trust and Love God no matter what the situation or trial may be. It puts things into perspective when you get outside of yourself and your own problems and see how SMALL your "trials" and "problems" actually are. These children have and continue to be such a blessing to me and I see God all over them. I am humbled daily.
One child in particular: I meet many children and fall in love with them instantly but one boy at BanNokkammin caught my eye and my heart as I walked into the orphanage the first day. This orphanage is bursting with love for one another and focuses on the most important thing--God's Love and Grace:) The children at the orphanageand those that run the orphanage, including the foster parents, have developed a close nit family like environment and I have been so blessed to be able to watch and be a part of it. Kingston is his name and playing is his game. Kingston is a 5 year old boy at the orphanage who is very new to BanNokkammin. He arrived just last year and tends to be picked on some here and there because he is the new guy. He is very shy and timid but once you get him laughing and playing he doesn't want to stop. He was given up by his mother and more than likely has never seen his dad. He is the most beautiful little boy. His mixture of Nigerian features and Thai features makes him so unique and beautiful.
I had the privilege of meeting a Japanese family through one of my good friends Holly. Holly taught Sato English and Sato invited her along with 2 other men that helped teach her at the school over for dinner. I was lucky enough to get the plus one from Holly! Sato and her hubby Hedika had over 2 other Japanese couples and they were all in the kitchen cooking up a storm when we arrived. Seeing their hospitality and genuine concern for our comfort was such a blessing. They have so much character and are so selfless. We insisted they sit and eat but they stayed in the kitchen cooking more and more food and bringing it to us to eat. Not only was I able to learn about and eat lots of delicious Japanese cuisine but I was able to learn about Japan and customs and traditions that differ or are somewhat similar to my own. Meeting people from other areas of the world is so enriching. Japanese are known for their compassion and their kind hearts. I need and want more Japanese friends;)
The pleasure is all mine...Supporting a refugee family and hearing about them is one thing. But to go to their home and spend quality time with them is another. And when I say the pleasure was all mine, I mean it. These two families live in 2 rooms that have 1 bathroom. All together there are 10 people in 2 small rooms. These refugee families had to flee from Sri Lanka because whatever religion the Prime Minister is the rest of the country must be as well. The prime minister is Buddhist and unlike in Thailand, they are very oppressive and violent towards anyone not Buddhist. These two families are predominately Christian. One family, the one we spent most of our time with, had lost their father 10 years ago. He went to work and never returned. They continue to pray he will return and be able to find them. The rest of the family had to flee after the government became more oppressive. They have been living in Thailand for three years now and can only attend school one day a week and must stay in the confines of their home. I talked with one of the teenage girls who speaks good English and I asked her how she stays so happy all the time. "What is your secret?" She replied that "God is their Hope and that he gives them joy regardless." WOW what an inspiration. The things I complain about...the Sri Lankan food was amazing and I even got some beautiful body art that Sri Lankan people do for celebrations and big events.
Gods Timing: Another very special person. No he is not Asian but he is beautiful also with a heart of gold. People talk about God and his timing being perfect. I have always believed that and God is showing me once again he is in control of everything and knows the desires of our heart. There is a certain someone I met back in middle school and was very close friends with in high school. He moved from Columbus to California with his mom and sis and I did not see him again until graduation in '06 for a quick visit. We have not talked much since then but when visiting home during the flood a time presented itself and we began to talk. This led to talking endlessly for hours each day and lots of frozen moments on Skype. He has been such an encouragement and someone I can confide in. He has been a blessing the past couple of months and I am blessed and thankful to have him back in my life. God is so good! Relationships that last a life time.
It is always good to know, if only in passing, charming human beings. It refreshes one like flowers and woods and clear brooks.
Only minor flaw in this quote is "if only in passing." Why not share quality time with charming people that inspire, enlighten, encourage and take your breath away? To say I have met sweet people or kind people would be an understatement. God has put different families and individuals from other Countries, Cultures and backgrounds into my life. They have changed my perspective on life and taught me how to love beyond the boundaries of race and circumstance. These are stories of a couple individuals, families and or groups that have touched my life in a drastic way while living in Asia.
Of course I will start with the Thai people I meet on a daily basis. Their kindness astounds me. Do I occasionally get frustrated when trying to communicate? Yes. Do I get frustrated when I cannot locate certain things I am in need of? Yes. But ultimately this experience has taught me how to live a life not of ease but of thankfulness and admiration of people around me with so little that continue to praise God regardless.
Many people ask me why I would ever want to live in a third world country and why Asia. But God has given me a desire to see the Asian Buddhist community come to know Christ. When I read Joshua 24:15 I think immediately of the Thai/Asian culture:
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Most Buddhist are simply Buddhist or call themselves such because they are worshiping the gods of their fathers (generational). But they lack one important thing: relationship. Christianity is not just a religion because religion is a manmade system and refers only to rules, laws and or ritualistic behavior but to live in Christ and with Christ we have a relationship with Him. We do not deserve eternity with Christ and therefor it is not a merit based system. There will never be enough that we can do to reach heaven. Jesus' sacrifice and his grace, that is freely given, allow us to have a relationship with him. This is what makes us different from Muslim or Buddhist. They are merit based and ,erely ritualistic. Unfortunetly, some "christians" in the states proclaim but do not bear the fruits or know Christ outside of religion and laws.
My desire is for those that are searching for more and looking for Hope to come to know that God designed them to have that Hope and unconditional love that only he can give. I not only have a heart for Thai people but when visiting Vietnam and Cambodia I met kind people that were so happy just to be alive. Did they have lots of money and shiney things? No. Most of them barely get along. But they were always positive and uplifting. Remember wordly riches will parish so store up your riches in heaven!
Lights of the world: Children
I have had the privilege to meet and see God work through many leaders and volunteers. I have had the opportunity to let God use me a messanger/delivery woman asn well. But where was the honor? In saying I did good works or good deeds? No, it is not by merit that we are able to enter the kingdom of God. But it has been meeting these children and developing relationships with them and interacting with them that has been the benefit. The children I see and get to work with will forever hold a special place in my heart and have changed my life forever. These children have absolutely nothing. From children that live in the slums, to children that are orphaned by human parents yes, but not orphaned at all actually because they have a Heavenly Father whose love is UNconditional and NEVER changing. What better love is there? There is None. I have had the opportunity to spend time with children that have HIV and are very sick. But the love and light of Christ burns so much inside of them that it burst out for all to see. Not only was I thankful beyond measure and humbled but I know now what it truly means to Trust and Love God no matter what the situation or trial may be. It puts things into perspective when you get outside of yourself and your own problems and see how SMALL your "trials" and "problems" actually are. These children have and continue to be such a blessing to me and I see God all over them. I am humbled daily.
One child in particular: I meet many children and fall in love with them instantly but one boy at BanNokkammin caught my eye and my heart as I walked into the orphanage the first day. This orphanage is bursting with love for one another and focuses on the most important thing--God's Love and Grace:) The children at the orphanageand those that run the orphanage, including the foster parents, have developed a close nit family like environment and I have been so blessed to be able to watch and be a part of it. Kingston is his name and playing is his game. Kingston is a 5 year old boy at the orphanage who is very new to BanNokkammin. He arrived just last year and tends to be picked on some here and there because he is the new guy. He is very shy and timid but once you get him laughing and playing he doesn't want to stop. He was given up by his mother and more than likely has never seen his dad. He is the most beautiful little boy. His mixture of Nigerian features and Thai features makes him so unique and beautiful.
I had the privilege of meeting a Japanese family through one of my good friends Holly. Holly taught Sato English and Sato invited her along with 2 other men that helped teach her at the school over for dinner. I was lucky enough to get the plus one from Holly! Sato and her hubby Hedika had over 2 other Japanese couples and they were all in the kitchen cooking up a storm when we arrived. Seeing their hospitality and genuine concern for our comfort was such a blessing. They have so much character and are so selfless. We insisted they sit and eat but they stayed in the kitchen cooking more and more food and bringing it to us to eat. Not only was I able to learn about and eat lots of delicious Japanese cuisine but I was able to learn about Japan and customs and traditions that differ or are somewhat similar to my own. Meeting people from other areas of the world is so enriching. Japanese are known for their compassion and their kind hearts. I need and want more Japanese friends;)
The pleasure is all mine...Supporting a refugee family and hearing about them is one thing. But to go to their home and spend quality time with them is another. And when I say the pleasure was all mine, I mean it. These two families live in 2 rooms that have 1 bathroom. All together there are 10 people in 2 small rooms. These refugee families had to flee from Sri Lanka because whatever religion the Prime Minister is the rest of the country must be as well. The prime minister is Buddhist and unlike in Thailand, they are very oppressive and violent towards anyone not Buddhist. These two families are predominately Christian. One family, the one we spent most of our time with, had lost their father 10 years ago. He went to work and never returned. They continue to pray he will return and be able to find them. The rest of the family had to flee after the government became more oppressive. They have been living in Thailand for three years now and can only attend school one day a week and must stay in the confines of their home. I talked with one of the teenage girls who speaks good English and I asked her how she stays so happy all the time. "What is your secret?" She replied that "God is their Hope and that he gives them joy regardless." WOW what an inspiration. The things I complain about...the Sri Lankan food was amazing and I even got some beautiful body art that Sri Lankan people do for celebrations and big events.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
In Search of Sanuk. Children's day in the Slums
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-20
A blog to go along with the Video I posted.
In search of Sanuk is a nonprofit organization geared towards not only bringing education to children that cannot afford it but also interaction to children that are in need of it.
Many parents are unable to spend time and invest in their children’s lives because they have to worry about making enough money to put something on the table at least once a day.
This organization, ran by some amazing Godly people Dwight and Nicole, brings English speakers to the slums to teach in fun and interactive ways. We are able to interact and spend time with the children and bring necessities like food and fresh water to the communities as well.
To learn more about the organization check out the video I posted. It gives an opportunity for you to give as well on the website.
This particular community literally straddles a railroad track. They have their houses/huts set up on either side of the tracks. Unfortunately for them, there is NO warning sound when the train is coming and the main way of getting around the village is by walking on the tracks. Many people have died or been seriously injured by the train.
Walls were put up eventually to help people with safety precautions. We saw when we arrived that the walls have been slowly taken down, at least enough for them to be able to see around. When your main way of moving is on the tracks it is hard to have that source taken away completely. And with the walls up it is difficult to see and you are closed in pretty tight.
Saturday we were able to bring fun games, songs, crafts, put money together to sponsor 3 families and give out food supplies to the 3 families most in need. The children got prizes and had a fun day of performances. This was such a wonderful opportunity I am so thankful God provided me with this opportunity to see lights of the world. We are to become more like children in their purity and selflessness. Remember the verses in Matthew:
Matthew 18:3-6 “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
A blog to go along with the Video I posted.
In search of Sanuk is a nonprofit organization geared towards not only bringing education to children that cannot afford it but also interaction to children that are in need of it.
Many parents are unable to spend time and invest in their children’s lives because they have to worry about making enough money to put something on the table at least once a day.
This organization, ran by some amazing Godly people Dwight and Nicole, brings English speakers to the slums to teach in fun and interactive ways. We are able to interact and spend time with the children and bring necessities like food and fresh water to the communities as well.
To learn more about the organization check out the video I posted. It gives an opportunity for you to give as well on the website.
This particular community literally straddles a railroad track. They have their houses/huts set up on either side of the tracks. Unfortunately for them, there is NO warning sound when the train is coming and the main way of getting around the village is by walking on the tracks. Many people have died or been seriously injured by the train.
Walls were put up eventually to help people with safety precautions. We saw when we arrived that the walls have been slowly taken down, at least enough for them to be able to see around. When your main way of moving is on the tracks it is hard to have that source taken away completely. And with the walls up it is difficult to see and you are closed in pretty tight.
Saturday we were able to bring fun games, songs, crafts, put money together to sponsor 3 families and give out food supplies to the 3 families most in need. The children got prizes and had a fun day of performances. This was such a wonderful opportunity I am so thankful God provided me with this opportunity to see lights of the world. We are to become more like children in their purity and selflessness. Remember the verses in Matthew:
Matthew 18:3-6 “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Life Lessons and experiences in CAMBODIA
You learn a lot about a Country based on its History.
Not many know about the terrible oppression in South East Asia because in America history curriculum does not touch on Asian history. Many may say I am simply an Asian fanatic with a passion for Asia and that is why I study their history. But I think it is important for all to be aware of things that take place in other areas.
Awareness.
We learn about the Genocide of the Jews which was led by Hitler and the Nazi's but not about the Genocide of the Cambodian people. Both parts of history were devastating BUT the Cambodian Genocide was conducted by one of their very own people. Pol Pot's radical communist ideals and accusations against many he thought to be rebels against his plan, led to Genocide of millions of people. It was the end of the Cambodian Nation as a whole. A map hangs in the Genocide museum in Phnom Penh with an outline of the Country covered in skulls to represent the death of a Country.
Having read the book "Stay Alive my Son" by Yathay, one of the few that escaped and lived in the jungle making his way to the Thai border, inspired me to read more. His story was full of testimonials that will pull on your heart strings. This book encouraged me to read more about the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pat. When going to Cambodia we were able to go to the Genocide Museum (this is the high school he turned into a detention center for extracting "evidence" and names of those rebelling (which no one actually way rebelling for fear of being tortured and killed). After being tortured for so long people started to make up things and in turn were killed anyways.
We also visited the killing fields. Pol Pat and the Khmer Rouge desired for Cambodia to not only be a communist Nation where there were no social classes and no ownership but he wanted them to get rid of ALL modern day ideals even religion and education, books and currencies. He killed all those educated first. He wanted to start at "year zero" and for everyone to live as peasants. He drove everyone out of their homes and into the fields where they worked 12 hours a day with little to no food. The Khmer rouge started to eat not only their portion but also the portion of the people and they began to starve or turn to cannibalism. To Pol Pot more people alive meant more mouths to feed so he told the leaders they only needed a certain number alive to work and start the new Nation so they needed to kill off all the rest. Families’ members watched other family members either starve to death or be taken away to the killing fields. They would have to dig their own graves and then they were hit over the head with something that knocked them into the graves they dug. Most of the time they suffocated.
O my people, plundered by your rulers, enslaved by your creditors! O my people, your leaders deceive you and lead you astray.-Isaiah3:12
Bad leaders of this world that are full of evil will reap what they sow Galatians 6:7
Needless to say, knowing this about the people helped me to better understand their background, the way they went about life and why they act the way they do.
Cambodia is a VERY poverty stricken Country full of lots of sadness and little to no emotion. When passing 2 men that had died on the road from a motorbike accident with blood and insides on the road I was physically sick and could not look but the Cambodian man in the tuktuk with us simply said "they are dead" and moved on with his conversation. They are SO used to death and seeing death they are numb to it.
The need in Cambodia is so great that it was overwhelming for me. One person cannot take on the entire need and I wanted so badly to be able to help everyone one in every situation. I brought toys for street kids that are sick in the hospital, we came together and paid for a month of school for a young student, we donated to the floating village school, gave to street kids the formula they asked for (while being pooped on by a nakey baby) BUT they still needed and wanted and begged for more. I was in a state where God really taught me that one person cannot do it all and then comes the call to the Church and Christian body! This is a task that with one person can be overwhelming and frustrating but with multiple people this need can be met and lives can be saved.
Matthew 10: 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Remember we are to store our riches in heaven because everything here will parish. I am not saying you have to invest in a ministry out of Cambodia but help somewhere in some way and we all have to remember these verses.
Other things we did on our journey included seeing the beautiful Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap. These are too famous temples in Cambodia that were designed to carry on tradition, culture and mythical legends. It was interesting to hear our tour guide tell us all about the pictures that were engraved in the walls that tell a story of their "gods."
The temples were beautiful and the nature was breath taking.
We spend our New Year’s having Cambodian food, watching Cambodian dance and then celebrating in the streets with hundreds of people jumping, dancing and acting craycray:)
We met amazing and beyond sweet Cambodian people. The Cambodian people are the most pitiful but yet are so eager to help and have such a sweet spirit about them.
Some people we met: Our tour guide to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom who liked to eat bugs as snacks.
We became friends with our sweet hotel receptionist that was in college to learn English. We had the privilege of being able to take him to see the capitol of his own Country for the first time (he has never been able to afford to leave Siem Reap) and he took us out for New Years.
We met a sweet tour guide on the floating village that we had the privilege of helping go to school his next month to learn English as well.
AND I met a new sweet friend named Asuka that backpacked with me and Holly.
I LOVE seeing God work!! Thank you Lord for using me and my friends as vessels. I want to be your hands and I want to be your feet, I will go where you send me!
Not many know about the terrible oppression in South East Asia because in America history curriculum does not touch on Asian history. Many may say I am simply an Asian fanatic with a passion for Asia and that is why I study their history. But I think it is important for all to be aware of things that take place in other areas.
Awareness.
We learn about the Genocide of the Jews which was led by Hitler and the Nazi's but not about the Genocide of the Cambodian people. Both parts of history were devastating BUT the Cambodian Genocide was conducted by one of their very own people. Pol Pot's radical communist ideals and accusations against many he thought to be rebels against his plan, led to Genocide of millions of people. It was the end of the Cambodian Nation as a whole. A map hangs in the Genocide museum in Phnom Penh with an outline of the Country covered in skulls to represent the death of a Country.
Having read the book "Stay Alive my Son" by Yathay, one of the few that escaped and lived in the jungle making his way to the Thai border, inspired me to read more. His story was full of testimonials that will pull on your heart strings. This book encouraged me to read more about the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pat. When going to Cambodia we were able to go to the Genocide Museum (this is the high school he turned into a detention center for extracting "evidence" and names of those rebelling (which no one actually way rebelling for fear of being tortured and killed). After being tortured for so long people started to make up things and in turn were killed anyways.
We also visited the killing fields. Pol Pat and the Khmer Rouge desired for Cambodia to not only be a communist Nation where there were no social classes and no ownership but he wanted them to get rid of ALL modern day ideals even religion and education, books and currencies. He killed all those educated first. He wanted to start at "year zero" and for everyone to live as peasants. He drove everyone out of their homes and into the fields where they worked 12 hours a day with little to no food. The Khmer rouge started to eat not only their portion but also the portion of the people and they began to starve or turn to cannibalism. To Pol Pot more people alive meant more mouths to feed so he told the leaders they only needed a certain number alive to work and start the new Nation so they needed to kill off all the rest. Families’ members watched other family members either starve to death or be taken away to the killing fields. They would have to dig their own graves and then they were hit over the head with something that knocked them into the graves they dug. Most of the time they suffocated.
O my people, plundered by your rulers, enslaved by your creditors! O my people, your leaders deceive you and lead you astray.-Isaiah3:12
Bad leaders of this world that are full of evil will reap what they sow Galatians 6:7
Cambodia is a VERY poverty stricken Country full of lots of sadness and little to no emotion. When passing 2 men that had died on the road from a motorbike accident with blood and insides on the road I was physically sick and could not look but the Cambodian man in the tuktuk with us simply said "they are dead" and moved on with his conversation. They are SO used to death and seeing death they are numb to it.
The need in Cambodia is so great that it was overwhelming for me. One person cannot take on the entire need and I wanted so badly to be able to help everyone one in every situation. I brought toys for street kids that are sick in the hospital, we came together and paid for a month of school for a young student, we donated to the floating village school, gave to street kids the formula they asked for (while being pooped on by a nakey baby) BUT they still needed and wanted and begged for more. I was in a state where God really taught me that one person cannot do it all and then comes the call to the Church and Christian body! This is a task that with one person can be overwhelming and frustrating but with multiple people this need can be met and lives can be saved.
Matthew 10: 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Remember we are to store our riches in heaven because everything here will parish. I am not saying you have to invest in a ministry out of Cambodia but help somewhere in some way and we all have to remember these verses.
This last picture is the floating school we visited at the floating village. This village is made up people that cannot afford to pay taxes so they were put on the river to live. They cannot live on the land without paying taxes to the government. They built floating huts and a school for the little bit of education they can receive and they are fishermen. We helped as much as we could. This among MANY other things I see makes me not only thankful but hurts my heart. It hurts my heart because we have SO much and they have so little. Can we fix this please?
Other things we did on our journey included seeing the beautiful Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap. These are too famous temples in Cambodia that were designed to carry on tradition, culture and mythical legends. It was interesting to hear our tour guide tell us all about the pictures that were engraved in the walls that tell a story of their "gods."
The temples were beautiful and the nature was breath taking.
We spend our New Year’s having Cambodian food, watching Cambodian dance and then celebrating in the streets with hundreds of people jumping, dancing and acting craycray:)
We met amazing and beyond sweet Cambodian people. The Cambodian people are the most pitiful but yet are so eager to help and have such a sweet spirit about them.
Some people we met: Our tour guide to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom who liked to eat bugs as snacks.
We became friends with our sweet hotel receptionist that was in college to learn English. We had the privilege of being able to take him to see the capitol of his own Country for the first time (he has never been able to afford to leave Siem Reap) and he took us out for New Years.
We met a sweet tour guide on the floating village that we had the privilege of helping go to school his next month to learn English as well.
AND I met a new sweet friend named Asuka that backpacked with me and Holly.
I LOVE seeing God work!! Thank you Lord for using me and my friends as vessels. I want to be your hands and I want to be your feet, I will go where you send me!
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