What I'll be doing...

Some people know what I'm about to do... I'm really excited about it.  I feel like I've waited my whole life to do this...

This Sunday, I'll be leaving with a team from church, to fly to Transnistria, Moldova.  Where is Moldova? It's nestled right between Romania and Ukraine, in Eastern Europe. 

Why? Here's the story (condensed) My friend Kari and step-sis, Anna are in the process of adopting children from Moldova.  Through the adoption process, Kari met a lady named "Anna K"  who works for a ministry called "Help the Children" in Moldvoa:  http://www.helpthechildren.md/

Help the Children (HTC) tries to get children out of orphanages, into Christian foster homes.  They try to eventually get the children into transition homes, when they get older.  In the transition home, they learn life skills (cooking, sewing, gardening, etc).  Moldova has the highest rates of sex-trafficking in eastern Europe.  The targets? Orphans!  Once they age-out of the orphanages, they are turned out into the streets with NOTHING.  At 14-16 years old, girls and boys have to try and find shelter, and find a way to support themselves.  Many hear of job opportunities, only to be trapped into sex-trafficking and slavery.

Which is why HTC is so important.  They work closely with the orphanages, to help them with various needs (building repairs, fun activities for the kids), BUT also to get those kids out of there and into foster/transition homes so they can learn to support themselves.  Their goal is to ensure each child knows they are loved, and deserve a loving, family environment.

So, after Kari met Anna K - they quickly realized there was a huge opportunity to help.  Long story short, we formed a team, set an agenda, planned - and we're ready to go... 

My whole life I've always wanted to go on a mission trip.  I don't know why I haven't done it sooner.  I sincerely have a true desire to help others - I want them to know how much God loves them, that they have a purpose, and that they can make a difference.  When I think about these precious lives - my heart aches that they will never know what it is like to have a mom & dad who loves them... or what it's like to have a family. 

So what we will be doing?  Lots of things!  First, let me specify that we are going to Transnistria, Moldova.  Hard to explain (look it up here) but it's a territory that wants to be it's own country, but is not recognized by the gov't... It's almost impossible to adopt children out of there, b/c the govt treats them like they don't exist....

Ok, back to what we're doing:  We will be assisting the Popenki orphanage with some much needed repairs.  They have NO hot water, so we will be supplying and installing a water boiler.  We will also be installing curtains, and helping with other repairs (replacing doors, light switches, maybe some painting, etc).  The other part of what we'll be doing is spending time with the kids, playing with them, telling them about God (as much as we can get away with), & just plain lovin' on them.  We have lots of activities planned, (games, crafts) but won't know what we can/can't do until we get there.  I just can't wait to see them, and hug them all!  I've been working on a mural (rolled up on a canvas) that we're going to let the kids paint.  There are 3 that say "Faith, Hope, & Love" so hopefully we'll get to tell them about those 3 important things. (pictures coming soon)

The last thing we'll be doing is teaching the foster parents some basic parenting skills.  We've heard many of them don't really know about disciplining, or how to be a foster parent.

I'm so excited about this trip!  We leave early Sunday morning.  We'll fly to DC, then Munich, Germany, then Chisinau, Moldova.  We'll be there 10 days, flying back LATE Tues 5/10.  I'm not sure what kind of internet access we'll have, but I plan on using my blog to post updates as much as possible.

I can't wait to get my feet on the ground, and be part of what God is doing over there.  WANT TO HELP?  You can!  This trip will cost $2,250 per person (conservatively).  We still need to raise additional funds for the building repairs.  Any donations will be completely tax-deductible b/c You Matter, (A local non-profit) is sponsoring our trip.  You can click here, then go to the donate tab to give a financial gift.  (http://www.youmatter.com/) OR... simply keep us in your prayers.  We need prayer warriors to cover us during this trip.  I know I definitely need it.  OUR TEAM:  Kari & Chris Addington, Anna Mareau, Betty Phillips, Mike Brown - and me :)

I (of course) will be missing my little girl and hubby. I've never been away that long.  But I'll be in good company, and in capable hands!  I have sooo much more to do in the next couple days to prepare (such as: pack! get the cars' tags renewed, make sure M & A have all they need while I'm away, pay bills, clean... too much to list AAH!)

***A SPECIAL HUGE THANK YOU TO THE FRIENDS/FAMILY THAT HAVE GRACIOUSLY DONATED TO ME ALREADY - IT MEANS MORE THAN YOU KNOW!!!****

So... that is what I'll be doing this coming week :)  Cool, huh?

Weekend Shenanigans

Last weekend was Easter (one of my favorite holidays b/c of what we celebrate - the most amazing miracle).We quite enjoyed it, but it went by fast.  We dyed eggs the night before (a tradition I did when I was a kid)  I had to be at church early, so I didn't get to see Aislynn open her Easter basket, or look for the eggs.  But daddy did good getting her dressed all nice in her little outfit & hat.  At church (in between services) there was a 6,000 Easter Egg "Harvest".  Aislynn had fun picking up the eggs & putting them in her bag.  But after the first 5, I suspected that she thought she was just picking up after herself.  After letter her see what was inside the egg (and tasting the chocolate), she quickly picked up several more eggs. 

(I'm saying "yes sweetie, pick up that one") this was an interesting concept to her

 So cute!

We went to Papa Tom's house after, had a nice lunch - and just relaxed!  We snapped some cute pics of the grandkids.  I went to lay Aislynn down for a nap, and ended up napping myself.  I've been so tired lately! 

The weekend BEFORE last...
We got to stay at my co-worker's lake house on Lake Weiss (Leesburg, AL).  It was such a great, long weekend getaway.  We went w/ my step-sis, brother-in-law, and their kids.  It stormed the first night, but ended up being a nice weekend.  We got to fish, kayak, go out on the paddle boats, play in the pool, and explore the property (lots of fun stuff to do).  Just a few pics (didn't feel like uploading them all right now)

playing with Taryn

Michael's fish

Also, 2 weeks ago - we got Aislynn's 2 year pics done... I am 110% pleased with how they came out, thanks to Adamo Photography: http://www.adamophotography.com/.  Jeremy is a friend of ours, and did our Wedding, and Aislynn's 1 year pictures.  We had fun! (as you can tell in the pics).

 

 

Love, love, LOVE them - too many to choose from.  Next step:  to get them printed!

TWO!

My sweet baby girl turned TWO on April 8th (I will always think of her as my baby-girl)!  I can't believe it.  It really feels like last month, when we were celebrating her first birthday!  I wrote this letter to Aislynn, the morning she turned two... sharing it here now:

Dear Aislynn:

You're sleeping right now, and you officially turn 2 at 8:05 am. I will never forget the day you came into my life face-to-face. That day was a surprise. I remember being so happy you were here, but also sad that you were no longer in the secret comfort & protection of my womb. I felt every single movement you made, even when no one else could see you. Gods hand formed you inside of me. Just thinking about that makes me feel so special.

I tried to imagine what loving you would be like, but nothing could prepare me. There is nothing like the love I have for you. It truly grows each day. I have loved every second of being your mom. Nothing could take that away. No tantrum, no poopy diaper, no attitude, no person or thing. I wish my mind was capable of remembering every minute of your life in detail. I wish I could cradle your little 5 pound, 11 oz body again.

My heart smiles everytime I hear you say "hi mommy" and everytime you cry, (even in the midst of a huge fit) I still want to hold you and cuddle you.  Everyday as your mommy is nothing but pure joy and nothing else that consumes my time is as important to me as that role.

My prayer for you is that you will be a bold little soldier for Christ, that you will be compassionate, be a light to others, and to use your amazing gifts to bring glory to God. You are so special... God has big plans for you. I know He will use you for great things. I pray I can lead you towards those goals. Know that I am, and will always be proud of you.

When I watch you sleep, I always see your little newborn face & will never forget 4/8/09. You've changed me forever. I love you Buca girl... Even though you may not understand the depth of my feelings for you now... Just know mama is always with you.

Happy 2nd birthday Aislynn Elizabeth...

Love,

Mommy

I got so busy this year, that I didn't plan anything for Aislynn's birthday.  I knew I was taking the day off, and that it was Spring Break - and that I wanted to do something fun for Aislynn.  So I emailed some friends, inviting them to come hang out & celebrate on Friday - bought some group tickets to the Children's Museum of Atlanta - packed 19 sack lunches... and our plans were set! (Yes, I did say 19 sack lunches).

So me, Michael, Aislynn, and 8 of her friends (and mommies) drove down to "Imagine It" Children's museum.  We got there when it opened (when everything was untouched, in it's place, and organized)... then the chaos began.  The kids had so much fun exploring, playing and learning!  Aislynn's favorite spots were the "moon sand" sand boxes, the "kitchen" with all the play food, and the "watering hole" where she got to fish and stick her hands in the water.  Oh, and I forgot the "painting station" where she got to paint (real paints, real brush) on a glass wall. 

I took a lot of pics (which have not been uploaded yet... more to come).  We took a break at noon to eat lunch (smuggled in some mini-cupcakes... not allowed) and sang happy bday (one of her fave songs is the birthday song)  She was excited that we were singing it to her.

(Aislynn playing and singing the "Elmo's World" theme)

Before we left, we walked over to Centennial Olympic Park to check it out - but quickly left since the birthday girl was totally tired.  And she crashed on the way home.

Saturday  night, we got together at my dad's house with the rest of the family, had burgers, ate homemade banada pudding cake (by mommy) and opened presents.  Aislynn got a SUPER COOL Dora bike from papa Tom & nana Betty and helped daddy put it together. 

Sunday, me and Aislynn went to celebrate another 2-year birthday... Mr. Parker (one of Ais' fab-five buddies).  It was such a cute party, and Aislynn had a blast (pics coming soon). 

Ais on the covered bridge @ the Park where the party was (she wasn't happy here)

I am one beat mama... but a very happy and blessed mama to be able to spend each day with Aislynn as my beautiful daughter!

iPhones!

I meant to post this blog last month (and SURPRISE... got busy and distracted with life)... so here it goes late...
I recently caved, and ordered Michael and I the new iPhonez4 for Verizon in February!  My phone was just a'yight, but old, and I figured I'd give Michael an early "Valentines" present and order him one too.  We got a GREAT deal on them.  I wasn't sure how I would like the 'touch' keypad, but so far... so good.  I've been totally addicted to a couple apps (angrybirds, hipstamatic, words w/ friends) - hoping I can work on those addictions soon.  Michael, of course, had his all suped up within the first 20 mins of opening it.  But, the phones have been great!  We've taken so many pictures and video of Aislynn - my digital camera is feeling neglected.  Here are some recent "iphone pics" of Aislynn.

@ the petting zoo

running errands w/ daddy (hipstamatic)

sporting her new Dora necklace

Grocery shopping

splish-splashin in the bath

Pushing her baby in the stroller