How We Will Be Spending Our Summer
Yesterday we got our fingerprints done. Because obviously people don't just go get a casual set of fingerprints done, there must be a reason, right?
The reason is that this summer our little family will be hosting a little girl from Ukraine! V is living in an orphanage, but this summer she will get to experience the love of a family as we welcome her to our home. She is so young, only 6, and it breaks our heart that kids grow up in orphanages. We are thrilled that God has called us to be part of her life.
Behn and I have always felt the draw to care for orphans and kids from hard places. We actually went to Ukraine on an Orphan Care trip 5 years ago. (Read about it here). When God led us to buy a house with a extra space, we knew we wanted to share it; we just did not know how we would. And now we do know- this summer it will be filled with a little girl.
The hosting agency is Open Hearts and Homes For Children. She will come with the group and we will pick her up in New York. She won't speak any English. When I talked to another host mom about the language barrier, she said, "It's not a huge issue; just be a loving parent." We hope V will experience a fun summer (think pool, park, barn, maybe beach!) and feel loved by us and by Christ.
Are we adopting? At this point, this is not the plan, She most likely is available for adoption and if God leads us there next, we will follow. But for now, we are planning on loving on her this summer. Also, often kids in the hosting program meet other families in the community or church who end up becoming their forever family. Whatever happens, I hope V will know she is always loved by us!
And so we are in the tedious process of background clearances, homestudy, etc. We have already ticked some things off the list, but have still stuff to do to prepare.
We are also fundraising. The hosting fee is $2,800 and then there are several other costs. We are willing to sacrifice all we can, but we also believe God will provide for us through this journey. It takes so many hands to care for orphans. If you want to be a hand in helping sweet V have a special summer, donate here. All help is so greatly appreciated!
We will keep updating as we prepare for and host little V. To God be the glory!
The reason is that this summer our little family will be hosting a little girl from Ukraine! V is living in an orphanage, but this summer she will get to experience the love of a family as we welcome her to our home. She is so young, only 6, and it breaks our heart that kids grow up in orphanages. We are thrilled that God has called us to be part of her life.
Behn and I have always felt the draw to care for orphans and kids from hard places. We actually went to Ukraine on an Orphan Care trip 5 years ago. (Read about it here). When God led us to buy a house with a extra space, we knew we wanted to share it; we just did not know how we would. And now we do know- this summer it will be filled with a little girl.
The hosting agency is Open Hearts and Homes For Children. She will come with the group and we will pick her up in New York. She won't speak any English. When I talked to another host mom about the language barrier, she said, "It's not a huge issue; just be a loving parent." We hope V will experience a fun summer (think pool, park, barn, maybe beach!) and feel loved by us and by Christ.
Are we adopting? At this point, this is not the plan, She most likely is available for adoption and if God leads us there next, we will follow. But for now, we are planning on loving on her this summer. Also, often kids in the hosting program meet other families in the community or church who end up becoming their forever family. Whatever happens, I hope V will know she is always loved by us!
And so we are in the tedious process of background clearances, homestudy, etc. We have already ticked some things off the list, but have still stuff to do to prepare.
We are also fundraising. The hosting fee is $2,800 and then there are several other costs. We are willing to sacrifice all we can, but we also believe God will provide for us through this journey. It takes so many hands to care for orphans. If you want to be a hand in helping sweet V have a special summer, donate here. All help is so greatly appreciated!
We will keep updating as we prepare for and host little V. To God be the glory!
Wow! What an amazing thing your family is doing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, we are excited!
DeleteThat sounds awesome, so excited for you guys!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess! Looking forward to hearing your new stories now that you're back.
DeleteSo excited for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteAaron an I have been talking and praying for you. If you are interested, I'd be willing to make some handmade items that could be auctioned off to raise money. It might be more work/more complicated than you would like. I totally understand if you don't want to mess with it. Just let me know.
ReplyDeleteHow thoughtful! Thanks for your prayers. We are hoping to have a fundraising yard sale and I would love to sell (not at a yard sale price, of course) any contributions. I wish I knew more about web design and how to have a cute and fun online auction...
DeleteWhat about using facebook to have an auction or sell higher priced items for your yard sale. I've seen people do it a couple of different ways on FB. You could create an "event" and post pictures with prices. You could create an album and have people bid on an item and the person with a highest bid (over the minimum price) at the end of the allotted time wins. Just some ideas.
ReplyDeleteI think I could handle a FB auction...just have to get a bunch of donations!
DeleteYou could also use a site like indiegogo. That's how my brother raised money for a missions trip. Or gofundme
ReplyDeleteYes, we have a Razoo account :) http://www.razoo.com/story/A-Special-Summer-For-Victoria
DeletePraying for the weeks and months ahead of you guys and the little girl who will be staying with you.
ReplyDelete