I love to read your posts! π I have adopted 4 from foster care and am soon to be adopting my fifth child who I was blessed to be able to get from the hospital as a newborn. Although I don't blog much about my own foster/adoption journey I love to read others stories. I'm not convinced that I won't eventually adopt overseas but for now I'm working through social services. I know God will bless you on this journey as you follow His leading!
You're right, our God is the One who makes possible the impossible! I am excited for you guys as you journey into the unknown and look forward to reading about how/where God will lead you!
oh my! your words could be my own! i love your heart! excited to see your journey unfold and send hugs from another mum planning to visit eastern Europe next year to try to find a path to help xxxxxplease please do come over and join in the forget me not friday linkup every week over at flight platform living it would be so lovely to have you onboard xxxxx
Oh ladies, thanks for commenting! It is so great to hear from others with the same heart. God is truly waking His church. I believe it. He loves the orphan even more than we do.
What a beautiful post, and Praise God for turning our hearts to what matters to Him!!Wow. We will be praying for you….that you will be able to discern the call He has put on your lives and that you will have the courage to obey. We can't wait to see where He leads you!
Kim i love your post so very much! did you see the quote in my friday post? 'God doesn't require you to suceed he just requires you to try' it really helped me this week to hold these words in my heart. your post fits beautifully. thankyou so much for sharing your heart…i just know your words will touch many who have felt the same and spur others on! so happy you linked up. cant wait to continue to see your journey unfold. much love janexxxx
wow Kim i know those feelings! I love November as well…it's also SMS awareness month with the world smith magenis day on 17th november. keep doing what you do, you are amazing xxx
fantastic!!! how exciting i share a birthday with ezra as well! thankyou so much for your generous donation to francines giveaway as well! i am so touched. best of luck honey on the draw, lets hope you end up with an extra reason for fun on ezras birthday xxx
God has such a beautiful way of working doesn't he? Just heard an analogy of the backide of a woven carpet, all knotted, chaotic, and nothing special, and then you flip it over to see the BEAUTIFUL pattern that those imperfections created. Thought it was a beautiful analogy to how God weaves our lives into something miraculous even when we just see knots! I am so happy to know there is another family in town!!! π YAY!!
Thanks for finding my blog today. I need all the kind words I can get going through this! I just came and found your blog, and my little girl has the same birthday as Ezra! (Not the year but the day π )Ill be following your blog!
HOW CUTE is your bunny? I just saw his picture. Ours is named George. He's a grey Holland lop. If I could bring them all home, I would. Oh how I wish I could.
I know, Archibald is the best pet ever! He's even potty-trained π Bunnies are the coolest.I feel the same. Every time I see a new face or someone points out a face I've forgotten I think "We'll take them!" I would take them all too. Sweet sweet babies.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!!! Thank you for praying for our family and our sweet girlie who waits for us! I would love to get together sometime after the holiday madness! π
oh i adore this post!i am now following my blogs in google reader so hopefully i will be more organised in commenting and reading. thankyou for your blog over the year and have a blessed new year. lots of love from jane at the flight platform xxxx
So very exciting! I love your heart for Jesus and your willingness to just say "YES" even without knowing the details! Will be praying and watching to see how HE will guide your steps!!!
Addie what an amazing wish to have you are extremely insightful and giving little girl. We just donated and my heart will keep this little one close by for a long time to come. Kim thank you for sharing these stories because I am one of the ones it has reached that had no idea that the European countries felt like this about their downs syndrome children. Love you guys
Thank you for this series. I am interested in fostering. I would appreciate any further information you share in future updates. Do you think fostering is possible for a single lady? Or would that not be in the kid's best interest?
You know, I think anyone who can be a loving, consistent presence in a child's life is DEFINITELY in the child's best interest. π I worked with a single lady who fostered infants and her mom helped with childcare. She was an awesome foster mommy!
I'm so glad you are doing this series! Thank you for sharing your lives with these children and your hearts with these readers. Any chance you'd be okay with me posting this on our website marionfosteroradopt.com? Billy
Oh Kim I am so glad yu are writing this all out. Everything you are writhing is exactly how we feel… Everything you write feels like someone telling the story of my heart aches and happiness of fostering. I am goad that at this point we have our forever kids and I love love love knowing they won't just disappear after a phone call… The stray sock comment pretty much sums up the loss of a little moving on…
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! But most of all for allowing yourselves to LOVE those babies so much, as if they were your own…without hesitation. Especially knowing you have to give them back. So many people aren't willing to take that kind of risk with the heart…but the fact that you are willing to give of yourselves (and I know you and Jed don't hold back) KNOWING that part of your heart leaves with that child each time all because you know that child needs/deserves that love…that kind of selflessness is indescribably beautiful. And I adore the fact that precious Addie, Ezra and Havalah are just as willing to love the children that come into the family. I praise God for what he is doing through you all!!
oh im so glad ur posting this..i have wanted to be a foster parent forever..ive been starting to look into it more recently..So i would love to here any suggestions or just anything about ur journey in being foster parents..im a single mom of 3 kids so ive been praying if god wants me to wait or press on..but its my hearts desire to fodter..i have such a special place in my heart for children in foster care system..Rachel
Kimmie (I can't help but call you that!)- this is beautiful beyond words! I'm teary eyed reading it and it's difficult to decribe how impacting it is to my heart. I have 3 adopted sisters- and 2 of them (twins) were removed from thier birthparents when they were 11 mos old. Thier story is heartbreaking. As Trace and I have been anticipating adoption for 2 years now, many paths have been considered and prayed about, and at one time I thought I could "never do" foster care. Although we know this is not God's plan for our first child, we are open to it down the road. Voices like yours- filled with love, compassion, and grace NEED to be present to help others better understand the need, and the heart of the Lord in this issue. Thank you again for being willing to share!
Thanks for sharing Randee, and for the encouragement. I'm really am praying for you and Trace. God loves how open-handed you are and willing to say "yes" to Him. His perfect plan for your family is beyond your wildest dreams. I believe it! Go God go!!!
This is a great blog!!! Your kids are so sweet….. Your brother Micheal is my teacher this year at school and mrs. Kimberly I have had your mom as my teacher for 4 years π Havala is supper cute!! I have meet you and your kids before π Kate
What a wonderful feeling! I do recall that same feeling of loving-in-safety after our three were finally declared ours forever. Relish it; it's a shadow of the Lord's love for us!
Ahhhh… Im laughing, and crying!!! So Happy… So totally AWESOME!!!And were did you find such supermarkets??? We never found anything that wasn`t rinky dink… Praying for you my friends… Praying!!! Thank You King Jesus! I`m so emotional as I watch this journey you are on… I know how very tired you are but THANK YOU THANK YOU for blogging!!!!!!
So glad to read that you got there safly! Hope you get some rest and have some awesome God appointments tomorrow! Be encouraged we are praying! Spread the light, share the love, Jenny
You has a great blog. I'm very interesting to stopping here and leaves you a comment. Good work.Lets keep writing and share to us and other.Nb: Dont forget to leave your comment back for us.
Tears… Sitting on this side of the globe EMO right along with you!!!! Praying. Thank you for sharing your heart! I Get it… I really do! It can be so hard to wait on the Lord.
I am so eager to see if you will visit the institution where Aaron and Judd came from — in particular to see if you will see Heath or Hanson and get more pictures of them. I have been following them over the last year and really want to see how they are doing. Please keep an eye out for them, give them a hug, and get pictures of them if possible!Sue H.
Sue, we are hoping and praying for that too! It is our deepest desire to see the Boys. If we get to go we will definitely be on the lookout! You can count on it. Pray with us for favor from the Director to let us in. Thank you!!
Just watch. Just pray. Just listen. Oh yeah, and I love the building with all the beasts! I can't remember the story behind it! I LOVE UKRAINE! And I love that you love Ukraine!
I am taken right now with how God has created such an incredible partnership between the two of you. Your hearts truly overflow with love and compassion. Though at times you may feel or experience things differently (ok, sometimes completely opposite of one another) it still blends into something perfect and beautiful that blesses others. I KNOW you are uplifting and encouraging those serving over there. Even though you may not be able to see it, you are God's love – made tangible. Be encouraged!! It's ok, Kim, that you feel sad…it means you feel deeply. But know that God's hope is still full in your belly in all situations. I love you guys!
We love the father's heart you two share with the World. Thanks for putting words to it here. Blessings to you both! May God open doors for you and give you an opportunity to "do" His love from time to time just for fun!Drew
LOVE IT!! PRAYING OFTEN FOR YOU! LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING THE MORNING WITH ADDIE AND Ezra. Amayli is looking forward to spending the morning with her "friend Cindi" and Havalah!!! Much love to you! Keep posting everyday so we dont miss a thing. Your perspectives are right on.
Hello,in case you are looking for an international church in Kiev to attend service on Sunday – this one is pretty unusual:HILLSONG KIEV CHURCHhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsong_Church_KievService times are 10:00 and 12:30 and you go to the desk in the lobby to ask for them to translate for you. How to get there:On the BLUE metro line, you'll go to the stop Petrivka. Head toward McDonald's (walking down the left side of the road) going North on Tul's'ka sq. and away from the railroad (actual trains). At McDonald's, turn left onto Moskovs'kyi ave. It's a MAIN road, and you'll need to also cross to the other side of it (generally underground). You'll pass a few large shopping centers and an Ashan (looks like AWAH in Cyrillic) which is a HUGE grocery store. Sort of behind the Ashan, just past it on the side road is a huge orange/yellow "tent" dome. It's down a side street just a little bit but is visible from the road.
Laughing so hard i am crying….isaac loves Hot Pockets….i bought costco size box for quick dinner before games….he told me on Tues….that it is better to eat them afterwards because after he eats them he has to go to the bathroom! Lol! Hot pockets!We need to have a debrief when you get back….so you giys can share everything that you are seeing, hearing, and tasting of the Lord's kingdom in Ukraine. We can serve chocolate, coffee!
hey you two, just want to let you know you were and are on the radar screen of the saints praying for you today.noontime prayer had some good insight going on re releasing the love of the Father there.Kim, some of that grieving youre experiencing is intercession for the broken…go with it and let God's Spirit lead you into agreement for "as it is in Heaven make it so on earth".love the pics,dudes. they are soooooo you!!! thanks for keeping us posted. love ya landonsure do miss you guys ,
Kim, thanks so much pulling the curtains to help us see and understand the world these precious little guys exist in; very moving to us from a distance so I can't fathom what you are experiencing first hand. "… how much more valuable are you then the birds… Do not be afraid little flock ,it is the Fathers pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12: 24,32. Love to you and them, Landon
Oh My Dear sweet Friends… Just plain tears… Ahhhhh, this is so hard to read and watch but so terrific too. Praying and sending you both big ol happy hartman hugs!!!
Tears in my eyes and a heart that is broken, Kim Johnson! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your obedience and courage. Because of you, NONE OF US will ever be the same. We are praying non-stop for you guys! Keep the updates coming! Love, Alexis
I know it seems like so little against such great odds but it is good and holy and right. I am so grateful you were able to see what they are doing. I can only imagine what that little bit would do for our Lost Boys in the dreariness of their lives.
Thank you for sharing. I am thinking some of the same things you mentioned in the blog. I, too, want my Father to tell me to tell me what to do about this situation. Thank you for your honesty.
Hey you two…it's been so great to follow your Ukrainian adventure! I've experienced most of what you talk about! I think you will agree that one of the main things that is so amazing there is that people do so much with so little, and often, here, we do so little with so much. Ukraine is an amazing place!Praying!
We keep praying for all the callings, scripture and questions to align for God's glory as He reveals how He wants to co-labor with you in Ukraine. And we keep praying for your babies back here as God protects their hearts while you are briefly away. God's love through Grammy! Praying, Millyellen
I love your blog! I have a 4 year old son with Down syndrome and have been actively working to raise awareness for orphans with Down syndrome. Is there any chance I could get an email address to contact you? bradymurray34@gmailBradywww.onestepclosertohome.blogspot.com
So excited and amazed by all God is doing! He is SO GOOD! And, not to ignore all the incredible spritual stuff, but, SERIOUSLY, you posting a picture FOR ME of Baskin and Robbins may just be my favorite part of your trip (totally just kidding … kind of!). You did treat yourself to the best ice cream on the planet in my honor, right? π Miss you so, so, so much! Can't wait to see how God works in all of this! Love, Alexis
Praising God for this answer to our prayers! Yes, they are precious in His sight. Trusting Him with many more breakthroughs to come. ΠΠ° Π±Π»Π°Π³ΠΎΡΠ»ΠΎΠ²ΠΈΡ Π²Π°Ρ ΠΠΎΡΠΏΠΎΠ΄Ρ, Jed ΠΈ ΠΠΈΠΌ!
how exciting, I knew of Julia's blog and am an avid follower but hadn't found Melanie's… thank you for the heads up! isn't it wonderful how complete strangers can connect with their hearts in these matters…its like me and lora and francine!i love your hearts in this! xxxxxx
oh that was so lovely!i relate to all you said Kim!i felt so the same in the ukraine…i am so desperate to hear, to know, to be lead down the right path but most of all to do something!and then we had jed's take on the day and its so awesome how you guys work together…its fabulous to read…cant wait to watch God's big picture unfold! xxxx
that right there is what i needed to hear…i am covered in goosebumps! 'DO THE NEXT THING!' WOW WOW WOW do you know that post rocks off the scale! when the need is so huge and the p[light so desperate its so easy to listen to all around saying to leave it alone what can you achieve…i know, believe me, i was surrounded by that when i visited the Ukraine! but that's it…do the next thing! xxxxxlove this x
Hi Sue! No, we didn't see either of them, unfortunately. I think Hanson is laying down, and we didn't go inside, I was looking every which way for Heath and I never saw him either. π
I'm so happy for you all and your great adventure!!! May God continue to lead, guide, bless, & find favor on ALL you come across. Keep the blogs going as it helps us pray for you all.Sounds like you all have found your niche, the heart of God for you and yours!!! XOXOXO
It appears that childen with DS are well-cared for and are being mainstreamed, which is great! What responsive, beautiful little faces – all of them. I concur with Molly – let's get these children onto RR!So glad you were able to visit the "lost boys", connect with others who are true servants, and see some of the local sights, although some of the "sights" may not have been too "sightly"! ;-). The opera house is spectacular – my relatives also greatly enjoyed the opera during their adoption journey six years ago.Thanks again for sharing..Susan in KyCousin to 2 from EE
So glad to hear you connected with Kyiv Vineyard folks! Mark searched the internet when we were there and only found the website for the Odessa Vineyard, so on our Sunday in Kyiv we worshiped at a Hillsong church that met in a big tent- a little like home π Glad to hear there IS a Vineyard presence in Kyiv.Jed and Kim, I am so going to miss your posts! Thanks for taking us along on this faith adventure in this land we love so much. I will continue to pray for you to hear what He wants your next step to be. God bless your trip home!
I love it!! I'm glad you were able to wisely split the money up between the three trips… I also know that money was donated into Harvest for them too…That should cover even more trips!
This is fantastic! Talk about being the hands and feet of Jesus — you all really put some miles on yours. I am delighted that your kids did well, you did what you set out to do, and you made it home safe and sound. Thank you so much for sharing!Now, just to go back to the beginning for a moment — the whole thing is "To market, to market to buy a fat pig; home again, home again, jiggety-jig! To market, to market to buy a fat hog; home again, home again, jiggety-jog!"Rosemary
Thank you so much for the update about the Lost Boys. I would love to hear anything more you can share about the trip there. What did you see? What do you want us to know? I've read Julia and Melanie's accounts on their blogs. I know you said you didn't see Heath or Hanson, which makes me sad. Did you see any new boys who appeared to have been newly transferred? Sue
I am in complete tears now as I read your blog! Our sweet daughter was born with D.S. in August and we have been made aware of Reece's Rainbow. We have been fundraising and praying for Heath for the past few months! I just found your blog and am so excited about what you have done! I have so many questions for you and feel such a connection in your heart going out for sweet Heath and all of these sweet kids! I love what you did with having your kids each choosing a child…so hard to choose! I hope and pray we watch Heath be adopted soon! Thank you for sharing! Much Admiration! Aubrey
Hi Aubrey! Thank you so much for your comment. Now you're making ME cry! π I am so happy to hear you are praying for Heath. Are you in the RR facebook group? I would love to connect more. Fellow Heath-Lovers unite!
Kimberly, you have made my day!! I had been in dispare that the younger generations were all air heads (with so many piercings all the substance has run out!), but you show real insight and the ability to communicate that insight !! A beautiful tribute to your grandmother and your up-bringing.I knew Tommy from the time Collins' moved to Alpine and Betty Jo for the time we were in high school. Mike (Malcolm) Mintonye MUHS '49
Thanks! It IS super exciting! We plan to partner with a Ukrainian couple who minister to orphans with disabilities. Our big HUGE dream is a medical group home for bedridden orphans…someday….it will be a miracle!!! Can't wait to see God do it π
WOW, I reconnect with you to find THIS!!! I was supposed to be doing my QT but stalled to read this…clearly I was supposed to read this this morning. I have tears in my eyes and goosebumps all over. WHAT an incredible journey and display of His glorious goodness! You were all clearly meant for each other! <3
Kim,I went to ORU with you, on Destiny our freshman year. I was Julia Trant (now Everheart). You did not have bad hair! You were adorable! I am so proud of you and your husband for the huge step you're taking to help these kids. I'm proud to say I knew you way back when!
Hi Julia! Wow! It's been sooooo long! Thanks for the hair reassurance π Also, thanks for the encouragement. It's a pretty exciting/scary time…but mostly exciting. Yay for reconnecting!!
Wow Kim…you are so very right. I am in agreeance with you, HE has got this and we are going to see HIM more and more. I can't wait to finally meet you and share/confirm what God is doing. How EXCITING!!
STINKING JEALOUS!!! I AM JUST SITTING HERE IN VIRGINIA FEELING VERY VERY LEFT OUT OF ALL THE FUN AND SECRETS THAT I PROMISE NOT TO SHARE AND EVERYTHING ELSE… NOT FAIR!! JUST NOT FAIR!!!
I've been thinking of him every day! We sold a couple of things to help raise funds and I've been wracking my brain for what to sell next! Don't worry, we're talking a curio cabinet I never liked, not my kidneys! Truth be told, we need to get rid of more and this is a perfect reason to do it.This is such good news. I can't wait to see if they have a blog and for their process to go QUICKLY!!! I would LOVE it if they can also see Heath when they are there.Sue
I know Sue! Isn't it great? I know they will have a blog as soon as they're on New Commitments and I'll make sure to put a link to it here. Thank you for your faithful love and prayers for the boys. You are awesome.
I posted this a while back on my blog as well. I was disappointed nobody shared it, commented or watched it. I feel like people can't be bothered to learn about the plight of these people. I hope I am wrong but I can't help but get a little upset about it. This documentary is amazingly heartbreaking. I commend you for posting this and pray you reach many with it! Its nice to see that others feel like I do and want to spread the word. God bless you and what you are trying to do!Andrea http://heartoftheyoung.org/
Hi Kim,I watched the video when I saw it last week in your other tab section. The parts of the children who are bedridden is heartbreaking. I want someone to get Marguerite out, like yesterday, if she is still alive. Learning about the physical abuse some of the young boys suffer when transferred to an older child/adult facility was also so very sad, but not surprising.I will do whatever I can to support you as you embark on this journey to help these children.Sue
Andrea, it's definitely an uphill battle and can be discouraging, but I KNOW God is opening people's eyes. He is turning hearts toward the orphan. Keep at it. God will totally bless it!!PS- I found you on FB and messaged you. Promise I'm not a stalker! π
Hi Sue!Thank you so much for your support!!!! I really really appreciate when you comment. It helps to see that someone gets it, someone cares like we do. It is sad, but God is on the move. Don't be discouraged! He will win the day!!!
Regarding #5, is something happening with Heath, Hanson or Sasha? Or, something else with the Lost Boys? I've had a rough week —- I need some good news!!! I'll keep checking back – hope you can share soon.Sue H.
Hi Sue π Well, Alyona and Slavik had been given permission to visit the boys, and were supposed to be visiting them while we all slept last night, but they were in a car accident on the way there. So, my good news turns out to not be good news at all. Boohooo!!! They are okay, just really disappointed. The good news is, they won't give up, and neither will God. Those Boys are not Lost to Him.I know what good news I can give you! Tomorrow Porter's parents are having their first big fundraiser for his adoption! It's going to be a big success. I just know it.Keep praying for our September 15th fundraiser for Heath, and let me know if anyone near you wants to join in the car-washing fun! Thanks for being such a faithful lover of those Boys.
That was great news! Rats. Hopefully they can try again!I have been selling things around the house we don't need (I can't stand clutter so this is a good way to pare back furniture and many things we've accumulated with our 4 little ones). I have a nice little slush fund built up for Heath and am hoping to top $1,000. I'm continuing to add to it and will be contributing by end of summer/fall when I'm done … or in honor of the car wash, whichever comes sooner! Keep us posted on Alyona and Savik's progress.Sue
SUE!!!!!! That is so amazing!!!!! I am sooo excited about what you are doing. Thank you so much for loving Heath. Keep me posted! I will totally keep you up to date on Alyona and Slavik. π
Hahaha, Lucky for you I DIDN'T jump off a bridge, eh? Though I am sure that would be fun too!! hahah. I wrote you a Haiku. … Kimber, you are missedand though I may understandFACEBOOK! I beg you. Actually I wrote two.. .it is a little addictive. I may just start communicating via Haiku. .. Moments of friendshipcreating and affirmingOH! Faith in action.HUGS!
Love the 80's attire! As I've been organizing lately I found pictures of me and my sister in the 80's when we were in high school. Our hair was curly (perms!) and about 12 inches high off our heads (puffed up with lots of hair spray). It looked absolutely ridiculous. I wonder what my Mom thought of it — I don't remember her ever saying anything about how strange it was! Looking back it is so absurd looking and hilarious! I wonder what we're doing now that will seem bizarre in 20 years!Sue H.
Gasp…. Tears from them shorts and Kim your an 80`s babe… Totally Bitchen Dude! You guys are a RIOT!!!!And then more tears… Oh how we enjoyed our time around that sweet table… And those sweet kids of ya`lls… Emailing you soon my friends!!!
I know! I wanted to cry about those shorts. HA! I sooo wanted to surprise you and bring you the big ol' table when we come visit, but a lady was standing in my house offering cash so I had to say yes. Wouldn't that have been a fun surprise? Ah well….can't wait to see you!!!
Great post. Thank you for the "shout out"! Whoever said Christian's were boring haven't met our group of friends! Praying for you guys during this transition time.
Oh i would cry over the table too… we might be moving soon too – not moving countries, just changing apartments – maybe… i do tend to throw out lots of stuff whenever we move, more than my husband does, but there are things i will keep forever, such as the 1st item of clothing my husband bought my son… i wish you well for the move & hope to meet when u get to my side of the ocean… oh, & say HI to Becki from me – i didn't realise she was so close to you… she & i shared hearts over her blog… God bless u & your family…
Sounds like a PERFECT day! Yes, your kids are too cute for words; both in looks and personality! Latte delivery sounds wonderful. I can give her my address. π
I truly believe Starbucks should deliver! I would give them a key to my house so that they could bring it to me in bed after I hit the snooze for the second time!
Are you sure our kids aren't related? Because I saw the toe point/leg lift action a lot today. Love you guys and will be your reason to play hooky any time!
CANT Wait to see you get there!!!!! Cant wait to someday Visit and see the work first hand!!! Yipppeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! And of course cant wait to see ya`ll Sooon :)!
Thanks for the update! How exciting but scary at the same time. There are so many things to think about and I can't wait to see what your future holds. I agree that it feels great to sell all the excess "stuff" but then you start looking around and want to keep selling more and keep streamlining! It's a bit addicting. I will support you in whatever way I can once you get things finalized.I want to also share this organization that I just learned of recently. It may not be an exact match for you and Jed but with your nursing background I thought you would appreciate their work:http://www.teamworksukraine.com/mission/teamworks-ukraine/Sue H.
Jessica, thank you so much for that idea! I had never heard of Indiegogo or anything like it. Wow, it looks really interesting! I'm going to look into it further. Thanks again!!
Thank you for your support Sue! I really appreciate it so much. π You know, now I think I maybe read about Team Works on another blog…I'll definitely check them out. I'm super interested in learning about all types of work that is being done in Ukraine. Every bit of info helps. Thanks for sharing!
So happy to see you guys making all those steps forwards!! Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean… i'm already planning in my head to visit & help out whenever & wherever i can π
hmmm… posting my comment a second time…So happy to see you guys taking steps forwards. Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean. i'm already planning in my head to visit & help whenever & wherever i can… π
Kim- I am SO excited for your family! I love that you are being obedient to the Lord even when (in our culture) that looks "crazy"! Someday Trace and I hope/ plan to move to Africa so I think we will be following a similar path in the years to come. It IS an adventure, but God will take care of His plan. Your blog is great- I love keeping up with you guys step by step!
so happy to hear you have some where to live… God is Good! All the time! & as always He is just on time π Sooo excited for you… praying for the next steps & for you & your family to be prepared in all areas to follow where God leads…
figured I should stop lurking now and just comment π That would be hard for me, too! π I can relate. I'm so excited, though, to see how He is going to move for your family. What a great adventure!! Awesome, awesome π
I've been checking your blog for updates! So glad to hear you are settled and you have a renter. The new place looks like it's in a very peaceful setting.Sue H.
GOD is amazing… God`s Not dead he`s surely alive :)… Love it when Abraham sings that! I simply cannot wait to hear ALLLLLL about it!!! See ya SOOOON… WHOHOOO!!!!
Sitting here in S. Salem in utter amazement! AMAZEMENT! Selfishly, I confess I am sad. It will be at least 5 years before you are ever my neighbor again. Major sadness. But, apparently, as I have said before, God is kicking you out of Oregon and I'm getting the feeling that He is in a hurry! π We love you guys! Alexis
HOLY COW!!! You are so right – it is laughable how much God is just blowing the top off things! It's insane!! And he didn't just stop blessing you with a free place to stay…he gave you a mountain top view. Why not?! Thank goodness we can cast all of our anxiety on him because he CARES for us…the big and small things. He is so awesome! Love you guys! Keira
Hey, yes, I would love to hear all about Heath. I have been praying for him and wondered if there was a way to find out more about him. Can you email me at glormars@aol.com? Thank you!
I once had a 2 yo boy that played with the microwave. He put his favorite truck, trailer and tractor in and managed to turn it on. (despite being "locked"). If all you got were burned hands, be glad. I ran to the room and found flames shooting 15-18 in out of the micro. The toys were melted and the microwave was ruined. The burn marks on my walls were so scary!I would never wish burned hands on anyone!!
I love reading your blogs and hearing about the work you are doing and your passion for kids Kim! ( I remember you taking care of the babies in the nursery at church!) Since I have done emergency foster care…I know how you feel, about doing your best to keep the kids because they have had to move around so much and I can only guess at how they will blame themselves. And I admire your honesty when you have decided that if you don't feel you can keep that promise you are now willing to say we can't do foster care right now.Vonnie and Gary should be really proud to have raised a kid who is compassionate, loveing and letting there light shine in a world that is so dim to some of his youngest children!God Bless you and your family!! I am praying!!
I wish we could foster. I am not sure I truly have the physical stamina BUT I am ever ready to support fostering families. I would really like to do respite. Currently my outgrown clothes mostly go to Women's Space – for battered women and children but I will keep CWO in mind!
Hi Sheri! Thank you so much for your kind words! I didn't know you did emergency care. How wonderful. Thank you for praying π We really appreciate and I love love loved hearing from you!!!
Oh my… i hope your hand has completely healed by now… i'm doing my catch up reading of blogs… sigh!… going to FB message you once i'm done reading your posts…
Oh my… i hope your hand has completely healed by now… i'm doing my catch up reading of blogs… sigh!… going to FB message you once i'm done reading your posts…
Oh my… i hope your hand has completely healed by now… i'm doing my catch up reading of blogs… sigh!… going to FB message you once i'm done reading your posts…
Ahhhh… You stinker, makin me cry like that. You have been on my heart ALL day… and that BEAUTIFUL smile of yours. We need you and Jed to come sing to us *Smile*!!! We Love Love Love you Johnson family. God Knows the why`s… Someday your answers will come, and turn pain into beauty. For now a big ol Hartman (((((HUG)))))
This was a beautiful post..thank you for sharing it with us. I am so sorry about the loss of your baby. There is so much beauty and hope in what you wrote.
It's amazing to see how far He's brought you through all of this in the last week. It's not only a testimony to His faithfulness, but to yours. It's been an honor to witness. Love you.
What a beautiful, heartbreaking, belly-laugh filled, anguished tear brushed year this has been. Blessed to be part of the journey already made and the road that lies ahead. He'll bless all of it, every last inch.
Oh my dear… i'm so very sorry… i haven't been keeping up with reading & i didn't know… my heart aches for you & your loss… i'm amazed at your great faith & your insight into how God has it all in His Hands… i pray that God bring you comfort each day & peace in your heart… i pray that God fill your heart with what fills His Heart & He will show you how faithful He is to fulfill all His Promises… hugs…
I want to to thank you for this good read!!I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have you book marked to check out new things you postβ¦Visit my page :: Legacy.Php-Fpm.Org
S counts better than my 5yo… GO Seth!I dont wear jewelry and I totally want those necklaces!!:DVoodoo doughnuts scare me… Why is mine the only comment here?!?
I found your blog from SUYL. what an amazing story! we have one very similar to yours! we are in the process of FINALLY moving towards adopting our 17 month old! who was born addicted to 8 different drugs, like yours it's been full of ups and downs and more joy than I could imagine!! Thanks for sharing your story! The Lord is SO SO very good! -crystalwww.rcolbertreport.com
I just saw your page for the first time. I am so happy to see what you are doing and so happy to follow your family and pray for you along the way! Much love!
Yes Sue we will definitely keep up the blog! The FB will be a place to share the blog, and some other info in a convenient place. All important info will totally be blog-worthy π
Thank you! I think I'm one of the few hold outs that isn't on facebook and I probably should join but considering how much time I spend reading the RR blogs, I know it could be a serious distraction! How's that for a long run on sentence?!Sue H.
I know this sounds crazy but…Nathan and I eventually would love to adopt a teenager. We were stoked when we found out we had that same dream and we know it's gotta be a God thing. I guess with some things, you just know. That being a journey FAR off in the future, we need some major major training! The foster care system I have seen bless kids' socks off when you just love them RIGHT…how Jesus would. I am excited to glean from what you share on this blog and relate to you as far as heart and eventual journies go!
I love it! She is beautiful…and I'm totally with you on the 'mental age'. Lol. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not right 'out of college' anymore! π Happy birthday, Addy!
Thanks for the recommendations! I'm ordering The Hole in the Gospel based on your review. Have you read Jen Hatmaker's "Seven"? Here is a link to her blog and a description of the book:http://jenhatmaker.com/"American life can be excessive, to say the least. Thatβs what Jen Hatmaker had to admit after taking in hurricane victims who commented on the extravagance of her familyβs upper middle class home. She once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called βrichβ by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual was born."Sue H.
I have watched the Perpetua cartoon with my kids, but didn't know there was a book-I want to read that! Also liked the Hole in the Gospel. Favorite book of last year was Kisses from Katie and A Good and Perfect Gift.
Mays Boy, by Shirlee Monty … YOU CANNOT PUT IT DOWN. A True Story that will make you cry and cry. Even the most impacted/handicapped child/person has a God given gift! May is a strong woman with an incredible way of coping and looking at life! Ben got crossroads for Christmas (author of The Shack) Interesting and good read…couldn`t put it down!
Hey!! Came across your blog from the She reads truth!!! I love reading and getting into a good book. I say that the book has me trapped and I will stay up all night reading the whole book. I am a lover of books and can get through a book within days. But one book that I really like and enjoyed was "The Shack" WN. Paul Young. It was a really good book about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Hi! I also linked to your blog from shereadstruth.com. I just finished a book so looking for my next read at the moment. I think the book that made the biggest impact on my life is Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. It totally changed my perspective on God and his grace. I give it to people as a gift all the time. Enjoyed reading your story today. What an adventure you have ahead!
Just found your blog through SheReadsTruth. I haven't read Perpetua, but I know the author's sister Elizabeth, so I was delighted to see it here. I love what you're going to be doing in the Ukraine. Lots of blessings to you and your family on your journey.
No way!! I loved that book! I have to buy it again because I can't remember who I loaned it to and now I'm dying to read it again. Thanks for the encouragement on our journey. π
So glad you guys are having fun! i have been thinking about joining She Read Truth but wondering if i will be able to keep up the commitment… ENJOY! Am wishing for sunshine and warm weather in cold switzerland…
So I was going to say…(three deleted comments later)…that it is amazing to view your bright, shiny, spectacular obedience and super danged inspiring. All six of you will be a bridge to those who don't know Jesus and you already are a bridge to at least four people who do (hint: there's four people in my family. And I'm one of them). Love you all!
I too have been so heartbroken since hearing this news. He was so close — so very close to being home with his family. I worry how much longer Heath, Hanson, and Alexei can survive as well or what condition they are in today. And Samuel, he does not belong there! Oh, I hope his family's process moves quickly. I also hope your plan stays on schedule and you might be able to visit them sometime yet this year to let them know they are loved and to hold on!Sue H.
I'm so sorry. Every time I hear stories like this it makes me feel panicky, wondering how much longer my Colt can hold out until the stubborn politicians release their grip on the dumb adoption ban.
Thank you so much for writing this…we are adopting our Joseph with special needs right now but have been feeling convicted to advocate for the all the other ones waiting on RR and this has re-affirmed this for me. We need to get the word out to others to DO SOMETHING…to act, to just say "YES!" and know God is going to bless us and help us when we step out in faith.Thanks so much for posting this.Your posts are a blessing to read.Praying for Sasha's family…
How exciting! I looked briefly at some of the links and will have to spend more time reading about them. Do you know if any of the RR boys are in the orphanage they visit regularly? When I looked at some of the pictures and saw so many boys wearing identical shirts it made me sad (I understand they are donations and there might be surplus of a certain shirt to donate, but it takes away from them as individuals and just made me a little teary). Please keep us posted on how we can help, if you'll be able to take any donations with you (they have a long list on their web site), etc. Happy Easter!P.S. We still have snow in Wisconsin. When is Spring coming?!!!Sue H.
Hi Sue! I don't believe any boys there are listed on RR. There have only been a couple adoptions from there so far, one boy was adopted by a Ukrainian family, and then one boy was adopted by the Malone family. Are you familiar with them? They are the ones who run "The Eli Project". They live in Ukraine now as missionaries. I will totally let you know if we take donations with us! Thanks for offering. :)PS: We had spring today!! I was afraid if I blinked it might go away!
Hey, I'm a friend of Mary Jill and LIVE in Zhitomir (well, I work there!) I know where the MTU building is – but have never been there. I have Ukrainian friend who knows lots of people from there, tho! Oh – and I have another friend who knows people there (I apparently don't get out much!) :)Would love to stay in contact with you and meet YOU (Although by your FB name, I thought your NAME was Kimandjed… Wondering what nationality you were! :)Maybe "friend" me on FB? Stay in touch! Really! Want to meet! So glad you're coming! Tammy
WooHoo! So happy & excited for you. So wish you could stop by ours on the way to U when you are here in May… but i know it is an added expense you don't need to have at the moment…i will definitely like to contribute monthly, i'll pray about you & get back to you.When your board is all setup, along with a completed mission statement/vision, please send that to me & i will approach my church here to see if they will support you too.Waiting to see awesome things happen as God moves in this ministry! HUGS!
Thank you so much Sandra. We'd love to visit… who knows! We'll keep you up-to-date as we move forward with the non-prof side of things. Thanks for sharing the mission. We are all in this together.
Jed replied to you below, but I had to say hi too! Thank you so much for your willingness to give and for thinking of asking your church! That would be amazing. We will for sure keep you updated. Thanks for always being such an encouragement π
I do have a question actually. LOL!! I have always wanted to do a missions trip and was going to actually go on one to Kenya where my cousins were living at the time as missionaries. After you all are set up and in a routine will you be having or allowing people to come on mission trips? I am a type of person who would rather go and help where I know somebody and trust is already built. Obviously I know for me having young kids this is a ways out, but just was thinking. So excited for you all and seriously admire your willingness to take such a huge leap! Can not wait to see all the good work you will do.
I have a few for you!1. Will you be able to use your medical training as a nurse at the orphanage or will there be licensing/other obstacles that might prevent that?2. Has the host organization told you what you will be doing specifically or will that wait until you meet with them?3. How many hours per week will you be working (i.e., volunteering), if you know?4. Will you update the blog regularly to keep us informed, sort of like Bible Orphan Ministry does? Will your host organization/the orphanage permit pictures and updates?Thanks!Sue H.
This just makes me smile so big. I only wish I was sitting on that couch next to you with my socks on and a big ol' cup of coffee too. I especially like the part about accepting orphan lovin' from visitors. I have two people in mind for that job. Love you guys!
Loved reading your answers! Our oldest sons are planning a short trip to help out in Ukraine this summer! We'll be praying and following along on your progress!
Beating the jet lag (along with getting 3 small children to do so as well) is one of the parts about moving to Europe this fall that I'm NOT looking forward to! So make sure to give me some tips. π
So you got my text? I think something is wrong with mine because I know I have not received some texts lately (I'm assuming you texted back!). Sorry for the repeat update in the e-mail I sent. We are praying! Enjoy your freedom, but don't forget to hurry back! π Alexis
So wonderful to hear you are enjoying yourself & what a lovely word of encouragement from your pastor… yes my dear… look to HIM who is in control of every single thing in this whole universe… hugs!
OH, I LOVE THIS! I have been praying for the Malone's for a long time and hope to meet them one day, too (maybe even before we move to Ukraine). I'm so excited you go to connect with them, and the Kacirek family (another one we cover in prayer). Praying for a blessed time there for you!
Thank you Lisa! I know, it was so exciting to meet the Malones. They are so warm, down to earth, welcoming. I bet you will love them. π The Kacirek sighting was the icing on top!
Love this post! Do the people from BOM speak any English? Are you able to communicate at all with the Russian you've been learning?I cannot fathom aging out of a system with no family or support system at such a young age. It is truly frightening. In your travels, if you learn of any charities that genuinely help those who age out, with nowhere to go or support system, please share. The thought of those who must prey on these young ones is so sad.Sue
God definitely has his ducks in a row… you just follow… ok, easier said than done… so excited for you… so heartbroken for those kids… so glad you & your family have bravely stepped out! π
I adore this picture of you two. ADORE! I wish I had something deep to say in response to your post. But as I sit here with my tired eyes, tired and worn down emotions and spirit, all I can say is…it blesses me. You both bless me. I praise God for the rawness and authenticity you both possess. It is refreshing and encouraging and I know blesses countless people. I love you both and will continue to read and pray about your journey!
Yeah, these boys are adorable! I'm sure you'll love coming there. It's special for me every time I have a chance to join MTU girls on Fridays. May God continue His awesome work there!P.S. Their names are spelled Zhenya, Vova and Misha (Masha is a girl's name). Bless you guys.
Thanks Tanya, I'm open on Wednesdays for Tutoring, ;-). My brain is getting more comfortable with Cyrillic, but then putting what I hear back into latin makes my head hurt. It was fun riding with Oleg to Kiev, minus the traffic Jam. We are looking forward to getting together this coming week.
LOVE following your story. Gives me so much courage and hope. And you all just rock. And I'm happy for you. And you make me want to jump on the next flight to Kiev. Enjoy your time!
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I've truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!my site; vakantieparken frankrijk
What fun! i'll do you one better than feel your pain about the warm weather… if you send the warm weather over here, i'll send you the unseasonal cold we are having. Deal? π
Tears… ok… smiling ear to ear. I hate turtlenecks and can handle scarves for short periods. I so wish I was there… I am so happy you have been blessed by so many people there. Hows that for encouragement from the lord! Remember when fear strikes,,, psalm 91. Its my saving grace right now. *smile* (((hug)))…
So glad to hear that! i heard from one of my church committee members on Sunday about donations for orphans and told him about you guys… he says to talk about you guys & your work & the orphans maybe in the Fall!! So PM me my dear!
Hi! This might be presumptuous of me, since I just found your blog and we don't know each other at all, but you said it was okay to ask questions: what are your plans for language learning?I am so excited, as I read around here and see what you're doing!
Hi Phyllis! I'm so glad you asked. π Well, we are doing our best to study now in advance (doing what we can…but I'm not sure it'll really be that helpful), but we know we will have to hire a language teacher once we move. I just peeked at your blog. Hey, compared to now, we'll practically be neighbors! Hehe. Any language-learning pointers you have would be like gold to me! It's important to us to learn, so we will study like crazy people when we aren't at MTU. π
I'm glad you didn't mind my question. I was toddler wrestling when I asked, and so I couldn't write more. :-)I think you and I have a lot in common. Four children, homeschooling (I did catch that you homeschool, didn't I?), love for Ukraine, orphans….The only tip I can think of off the top of my head is just do it! It's terribly important to know the language, and not all that easy to learn Π½Π° Ρ ΠΎΠ΄Ρ. I still kind of regret that we didn't set aside separate time, just to focus on studying.
I'm back. π Reading around more and just falling in love with your excitement and plans. If you ever want to correspond about life in Ukraine, I'd love that! (fylliska@gmail.com)
hi we are a Canadian family with 12 kids living in Stavi,Ukraine. 6 of our kids came through foster care/ adoption & 1 daughter we adopted from Zhitomyr in 2000. as we visited her at the internat during the adoption process , we made a promise to God we would come back some day to help the other children . so here we are…would love to get to know you…our daughter from zhitomyr has mild CP & we have an interest in working with handicapped children.Lance & Shari Giesbrecht thamesgal@gmail.com
Oh sister, I love LHOP too!!! We were watching it last night and I was telling Lilly all about what happened leading up to that episode! I'm totally getting that book!! π
Have you read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller? I just finished it and enjoyed it. I'm also a LHOP fan. I still have the book collection I received for my 9th birthday. I tried to get my daughter into it but she wasn't interested! Every month or so when I see my set on the bookcase I'm tempted to reread them. Love it! Sue H.
We loved LHOP when we could get it – living in Asia all those years meant we could only get whatever the Tv station chose to air… but i liked it… i'm not a huge fan but i can see how people could absolutely love it!
More in common! I love Educating the Whole Hearted Child. I haven't read it for a while, but I remember how desperately I wished that it was available in Russian back when I first read it. I need to reread. Somehow, usually homeschooling+missionary=Abeka, which isn't bad, of course, but I often find that it leaves us with no homeschooling subjects to talk about on the rare times that I actually come across a real, live foreigner!And we're reading Little House on the Prairie out loud right now. :-)I'm going to have to try to get the book by Dr. Perry. We've just had opportunities to sit through seminars put on by Agape that are probably along the same lines. Is Karyn Purvis' work anything like his?
Wow. Should of mentioned it a little earlier when we were squishing from a 2400 sq. ft., 13 room house house into a 750 sq. ft. four room apartment. Too bad.
I bet it feels great knowing that is taken care of- and prob makes it feel more real too. This is happening and THIS IS AWESOME. 4 bdrs and purple cabinets…. KINGS AND QUEENS! Sounds like you have room for a family of 3 to live there too! ehhhhh? knduge-wink wink.
Oh LOVE it that God made Disneyland happen for you & brought joy to you. Thank you for the timely reminder that indeed He delights in giving us good gifts and bringing joy into our lives…
Grown ups, especially Christians seem to lose their joy. Somehow being serious is thought as being more pious, holy ? Anyway, I wanted to say your joy and exuberance about life is what I like about you. If that means being cheesy, bring on the cheese.May you never lose this joy and take it with you as you minister to the least of these in Ukraine. I have a feeling your joy would be contagious π
Wow. Wow. Wow. A few years ago, I would have had to fight not to be jealous! (God has taught me a lot about not coveting other people's housing! π I am so glad that He has provided this for you, and I KNOW that it's a miracle.
Kim, it was so great to meet you this last week! And I'm so glad you got to go to Disneyland…what a great story and great post/reminder! I will definitely be following your journey.
All In… i love it… now dear Lord move my fearful heart… move the heart of my husband to see Your Heart beating for justice, mercy & compassion ministries!i pray also for my dear friends who have given all – are all in – to help your people in Ukraine! Give them courage, wisdom, and compassion to be Your Hands and feet. Bring them peace of mind and give them know-how and everything they need.Amen!
I don’t envy you all that traveling, but I’ll be praying. I need to reread… I don’t think I saw California in there? It you are going to be in CA, I would love to work out a way for you to meet up with the Fedorchuks from Agape.
And I know exactly what to do about the luggage: pray for it to get lost (temporarily). That has saved us several times when we couldn’t transport it ourselves. The airline delivered it a few days later. π
#46…..I get to see you in a week! ACCKK!! π Also, I love your updates, your ice cream addiction, and the sweet kiddos you get to take pictures of….what an exciting adventure to be on! π
So, so happy for you guys! We’ve been busy with medical/houseish stuff lately and I hadn’t checked your blog to see that you all are leaving so soon! God is so faithful-I cannot wait to see how He’s going to use your family:) Will be breathlessly awaiting updates!
Yay, we’re on the same continent! It’s so crazy how our families are going through something so similar right now. We also had a sobfest as the family left, though I will admit most of it was my and my mom’s.
The house is amazing! We love it! The outside pics make me laugh, though. Very, very odd looking house on the outside. π But hey, I guess if you need any rubble, you just walk out your back door! π So thankful to Jesus for giving you guys such a perfect house! I want to come visit!
PS – I’m surprised the fire marshal in my life who also looked at these pics didn’t say anything about the bed pushed up against the radiator in the guest/boys room. Guess he figures Zhitomer is a little out of his jurisdiction, so what does he care? π MISS YOU!!!!!!
Okay, this girl must need some chocolate or something. I got tearful looking at your house and THEN when I saw the playground and the fact that it was JUST installed…my eyes are raining! God is SO good. It just touches my heart that he cares about the details. And Kim, I can’t help but think about your time in Turkey, our time in Morocco, your long wait in the U.S and believe your heart is finally home again being overseas. I love you friend!
Ah! I love you too!!! You said it just right. I do feel like I’ve come home, strange. But I’m glad you get it. Today we used a squatty and I thought of you and hairbrushes. π
Amazing! I love how open everything looks on the lower floor. That’s always been my quibble with house design here: the closed off rooms. You can’t usually fit guests around the table in the kitchen, but if you put the table in another room, then you’re busy in the kitchen and cut off from the conversation…. It looks like you won’t have that.
I wish I was close enough to help you with that washing machine. We recently moved to a place with a lovely old German one, and I had forgotten how confusing stuff like that can be.
Yep, it’s pretty much perfect for us. I’m just a bit worried about how loud we are for the neighbors. I have no concept of how much they can hear…and we aren’t quiet! Hmmmm
Kim…..love love love everything about your new digs!!! It really couldn’t be any better!!! It’s so cheery and clean. Thanks for posting so many pics. It’s so great to finally have a visual of where you’re at! Emma and I like the kitchen & bathroom too!! I must admit though, that in all my thoughts about what the house looked liked never did “purple kitchen” enter my brain. Hahaha! Loves to all of you!
Hey my friend! Yay thanks for saying hi! Yeah, the kitchen color choice was quite surprising to us too. I guess they just wanted a “pop” of color. Hehe Miss you!
I love, love, love it! Every last little detail! They are all the things I wonder about and remember being weird in Mexico too! Keep up the amazing work of documenting your life! It helps me to try to convince my heart that you aren’t so far away! Love you!
I hope you can keep writing like this! It could be so valuable to others who are coming. I’ve honestly forgotten what my early days were like. Shopping with Google Translate? That didn’t even exist back then. (But, really, I’m not old! π )
Pokes a hole in the milk… or falls splat on a bag of kefir while going up with stairs. I had a child do that once. It made me think of Piglet on his way to Eeyore with the balloon, only a lot messier. π
Love this Kimmie! I just started a major project for our ministry in Russian and Google translate was my best friend too! I’m so impressed you guys are learning it!!!
Hi you all! I am SO HAPPY to read all the details of life there! Smiling and sometimes laughing at either the blog or pictures! Thrilled that Hannah will be spending some time with the cousins! Happy Birthday to Ez-Pez! I love you all…
Once again, I think you’re amazing. We only ever buy frozen vareniki.
I had forgotten my struggles with ovens at the beginning. Now I’m just so used to it, that I had forgotten there would be anything else. My first time in a new home, I always burn the first thing I bake, but after that, we’re fine. π
I am cozied up in my beloved t-shirt right now! I just read like a million of your posts and had goose bumps the whole time. So happy for you guys and can’t wait to visit! Ukraine is blessed to have all of you!
I love all the pics of the food. Ukraine has the BEST juice ever, in the blue containers. And I found most restaraunts didn’t refrigerate it once it was opened.
Did you make perogees(sp?) from scratch?!
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving!
Hey there! Yes, the kids are really loving the juice π We do make the dumplings from scratch. It’s not hard! You should give it a try. It just takes time, so I do it when the kids go to bed.
Wow. What else can be said? So moving, and impacting, and beautifully written. Your heart for missions and for Ukraine itself is in your genes, Kim Johnson! I am so thankful for you, and even your extended family now, crying out for change and insisting that evil be stopped. May God move mightily for the Ukrainians and for all those in the world whose hope has been crushed again and again!
Wow, your first month was so much alike and yet so different from ours in the UK! I so miss having friends. Praying for you guys; I know God is using you mightily.
Love your Advent plan with the kids! Tip for your baking – if you are using an American recipe for any sort of baking & it calls for Baking Powder, you will need at least 1.5 to 2 times what it says cos in Europe the baking powder is not double-acting like in the US.
Have a most Blessed Christmas & a fulfilling new year!
Oh thank you for that!! I bet that’s the problem. Too bad the baking powder comes in teeny tiny little envelopes. I should’ve brought some with us in suitcase!
Day one back in the United States and I stumbled upon this. It brought tears back into my eyes and my mind is filled with memories. I love your family’s story and relationship with Ukraine!
You are so wise! I also love Advent and Christmas, and Advent was such a comfort to me and to our family in the year that was the hardest for us. Advent is good when all is well, but it’s essential when everyone needs a little extra.
We’ve been reading an Advent book this year and really, really enjoying it. I want to try Jotham’s Journey next year, or sometime.
I love to hear all the details. I’ve been praying. Not to discount your miracle in any way–it really is a miracle!–but that’s almost exactly how it’s usually happened for us, too. My favorite was when the boss lady for all of regional OVIR actually sat down to type out a letter for us herself, just to be sure that every bit was just right. π
You can be praying for miracles for us, too, if you remember. We have to do all this pretty soon in a new-to-us region.
I hope I didn’t tell any stories that were too horrific or discouraging! I like to say that the visa process in Ukraine is not necessarily simple, but that it’s very doable. I think people who complain here should try Russia. (And people who live in Russia probably think that I should go to China or something. π )
Wow, all of that is so cool! I love hearing God stories. We have been praying for more than 2 months now about a big adoption decision. I asked and begged and asked and prayed and asked some more for a sign by New Year’s. No sign. π Praying now for a complete heart transformation in my husband…
I love to read your posts! π I have adopted 4 from foster care and am soon to be adopting my fifth child who I was blessed to be able to get from the hospital as a newborn. Although I don't blog much about my own foster/adoption journey I love to read others stories. I'm not convinced that I won't eventually adopt overseas but for now I'm working through social services. I know God will bless you on this journey as you follow His leading!
You're right, our God is the One who makes possible the impossible! I am excited for you guys as you journey into the unknown and look forward to reading about how/where God will lead you!
oh my! your words could be my own! i love your heart! excited to see your journey unfold and send hugs from another mum planning to visit eastern Europe next year to try to find a path to help xxxxxplease please do come over and join in the forget me not friday linkup every week over at flight platform living it would be so lovely to have you onboard xxxxx
Oh ladies, thanks for commenting! It is so great to hear from others with the same heart. God is truly waking His church. I believe it. He loves the orphan even more than we do.
amen to that and thanks so much for visiting the flight platform and adding the forget me not button! i squealed with delight when i saw it xxxx
I find myself praying the same prayer tonight…
What a beautiful post, and Praise God for turning our hearts to what matters to Him!!Wow. We will be praying for you….that you will be able to discern the call He has put on your lives and that you will have the courage to obey. We can't wait to see where He leads you!
That's so exciting Kim! I am so excited to keep following along on your journey and see where it will lead… Will keep praying!
Thanks for the encouragement Andrea! It's pretty exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Thanks for praying!
Kim i love your post so very much! did you see the quote in my friday post? 'God doesn't require you to suceed he just requires you to try' it really helped me this week to hold these words in my heart. your post fits beautifully. thankyou so much for sharing your heart…i just know your words will touch many who have felt the same and spur others on! so happy you linked up. cant wait to continue to see your journey unfold. much love janexxxx
wow Kim i know those feelings! I love November as well…it's also SMS awareness month with the world smith magenis day on 17th november. keep doing what you do, you are amazing xxx
fantastic!!! how exciting i share a birthday with ezra as well! thankyou so much for your generous donation to francines giveaway as well! i am so touched. best of luck honey on the draw, lets hope you end up with an extra reason for fun on ezras birthday xxx
Thanks Jane!
God has such a beautiful way of working doesn't he? Just heard an analogy of the backide of a woven carpet, all knotted, chaotic, and nothing special, and then you flip it over to see the BEAUTIFUL pattern that those imperfections created. Thought it was a beautiful analogy to how God weaves our lives into something miraculous even when we just see knots! I am so happy to know there is another family in town!!! π YAY!!
Thanks for finding my blog today. I need all the kind words I can get going through this! I just came and found your blog, and my little girl has the same birthday as Ezra! (Not the year but the day π )Ill be following your blog!
HOW CUTE is your bunny? I just saw his picture. Ours is named George. He's a grey Holland lop. If I could bring them all home, I would. Oh how I wish I could.
Hi Lora! You bet we will keep praying for you guys. Yippee for November babes!
I know, Archibald is the best pet ever! He's even potty-trained π Bunnies are the coolest.I feel the same. Every time I see a new face or someone points out a face I've forgotten I think "We'll take them!" I would take them all too. Sweet sweet babies.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!!! Thank you for praying for our family and our sweet girlie who waits for us! I would love to get together sometime after the holiday madness! π
oh i adore this post!i am now following my blogs in google reader so hopefully i will be more organised in commenting and reading. thankyou for your blog over the year and have a blessed new year. lots of love from jane at the flight platform xxxx
So very exciting! I love your heart for Jesus and your willingness to just say "YES" even without knowing the details! Will be praying and watching to see how HE will guide your steps!!!
Ahhh! So excited!!
Addie youhave your Mama's beautiful heart!ihave just donated!happy birthday sweetie xxxx
Thank you Jane!! You rock.
Addie what an amazing wish to have you are extremely insightful and giving little girl. We just donated and my heart will keep this little one close by for a long time to come. Kim thank you for sharing these stories because I am one of the ones it has reached that had no idea that the European countries felt like this about their downs syndrome children. Love you guys
Amazing. I would honestly love to see your itinerary… Where are you going… what parts of the country?? What orphanages?? etc etc…
Thank you for this series. I am interested in fostering. I would appreciate any further information you share in future updates. Do you think fostering is possible for a single lady? Or would that not be in the kid's best interest?
I love you…..You guys are amazing….Papi.
I don't have any particular questions right now, but I'm looking forward to the series!
You know, I think anyone who can be a loving, consistent presence in a child's life is DEFINITELY in the child's best interest. π I worked with a single lady who fostered infants and her mom helped with childcare. She was an awesome foster mommy!
Thanks Katie π
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! What a grande adventure our God has prepared for you! π Can't wait to hear what happens next! π
Kim- Thank you for sharing this! I'm excited to read more about your experiences and heart for foster care. Randee
I'm so glad you are doing this series! Thank you for sharing your lives with these children and your hearts with these readers. Any chance you'd be okay with me posting this on our website marionfosteroradopt.com? Billy
Oh Kim I am so glad yu are writing this all out. Everything you are writhing is exactly how we feel… Everything you write feels like someone telling the story of my heart aches and happiness of fostering. I am goad that at this point we have our forever kids and I love love love knowing they won't just disappear after a phone call… The stray sock comment pretty much sums up the loss of a little moving on…
Wow. That was very moving. So real and well expressed. You are angels to these little ones. God has equipped you in a way that only He could.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! But most of all for allowing yourselves to LOVE those babies so much, as if they were your own…without hesitation. Especially knowing you have to give them back. So many people aren't willing to take that kind of risk with the heart…but the fact that you are willing to give of yourselves (and I know you and Jed don't hold back) KNOWING that part of your heart leaves with that child each time all because you know that child needs/deserves that love…that kind of selflessness is indescribably beautiful. And I adore the fact that precious Addie, Ezra and Havalah are just as willing to love the children that come into the family. I praise God for what he is doing through you all!!
Sure Billy, go for it! Thanks for all you do to encourage and support. We really really appreciate you.
Love ya Keira. You da besssssssst.
oh im so glad ur posting this..i have wanted to be a foster parent forever..ive been starting to look into it more recently..So i would love to here any suggestions or just anything about ur journey in being foster parents..im a single mom of 3 kids so ive been praying if god wants me to wait or press on..but its my hearts desire to fodter..i have such a special place in my heart for children in foster care system..Rachel
Thank you for this series. Keep them coming!
Great post!
Kimmie (I can't help but call you that!)- this is beautiful beyond words! I'm teary eyed reading it and it's difficult to decribe how impacting it is to my heart. I have 3 adopted sisters- and 2 of them (twins) were removed from thier birthparents when they were 11 mos old. Thier story is heartbreaking. As Trace and I have been anticipating adoption for 2 years now, many paths have been considered and prayed about, and at one time I thought I could "never do" foster care. Although we know this is not God's plan for our first child, we are open to it down the road. Voices like yours- filled with love, compassion, and grace NEED to be present to help others better understand the need, and the heart of the Lord in this issue. Thank you again for being willing to share!
Thanks for sharing Randee, and for the encouragement. I'm really am praying for you and Trace. God loves how open-handed you are and willing to say "yes" to Him. His perfect plan for your family is beyond your wildest dreams. I believe it! Go God go!!!
This is a great blog!!! Your kids are so sweet….. Your brother Micheal is my teacher this year at school and mrs. Kimberly I have had your mom as my teacher for 4 years π Havala is supper cute!! I have meet you and your kids before π Kate
AWESOME POST
What a wonderful feeling! I do recall that same feeling of loving-in-safety after our three were finally declared ours forever. Relish it; it's a shadow of the Lord's love for us!
Congratulations! I'm so glad to see that he's finally yours!
Congratulations!!! I have experienced that happy day for 2 little ones last year and waiting on another one sometime soon.
Okay, Now i am just dying to know who goes to Little Beavers and who your mom is!! This is Naomi by the way, you left a comment on my blog!
Oh my goodness Kim, he is beautiful! And the picture of him in the mud… priceless :)Congratulations – the son of your heart is now officially yours!
Oh I love that. It is the best feeling ever.
Thanks friends!!!!
We are sooooo Excited… and covering you in prayer!!!!
Tears Tears Tears,,, Hugs Hugs Hugs… Watching, hoping, Praying like crazy! God Speed… Victory In Jesus… Press Toward the Mark my friends!
Loved this post! Keep them coming as you can! :o)
Hopefully you found Jed's snoring soothing or at least inspiring!!
Ahhhh… Im laughing, and crying!!! So Happy… So totally AWESOME!!!And were did you find such supermarkets??? We never found anything that wasn`t rinky dink… Praying for you my friends… Praying!!! Thank You King Jesus! I`m so emotional as I watch this journey you are on… I know how very tired you are but THANK YOU THANK YOU for blogging!!!!!!
Ok One more thing… You are carrying our hearts in your back packs…. Just sitting here soooo EMO!!!! LOL!!!!
So glad to read that you got there safly! Hope you get some rest and have some awesome God appointments tomorrow! Be encouraged we are praying! Spread the light, share the love, Jenny
WOO HOO!! LOVE THE SIGN!!
You has a great blog. I'm very interesting to stopping here and leaves you a comment. Good work.Lets keep writing and share to us and other.Nb: Dont forget to leave your comment back for us.
Tears… Sitting on this side of the globe EMO right along with you!!!! Praying. Thank you for sharing your heart! I Get it… I really do! It can be so hard to wait on the Lord.
I am so eager to see if you will visit the institution where Aaron and Judd came from — in particular to see if you will see Heath or Hanson and get more pictures of them. I have been following them over the last year and really want to see how they are doing. Please keep an eye out for them, give them a hug, and get pictures of them if possible!Sue H.
Love you….Praying, moved, praying…Papi
Sue, we are hoping and praying for that too! It is our deepest desire to see the Boys. If we get to go we will definitely be on the lookout! You can count on it. Pray with us for favor from the Director to let us in. Thank you!!
YOU GUYS ARE SO COOL!!!
Just watch. Just pray. Just listen. Oh yeah, and I love the building with all the beasts! I can't remember the story behind it! I LOVE UKRAINE! And I love that you love Ukraine!
I am taken right now with how God has created such an incredible partnership between the two of you. Your hearts truly overflow with love and compassion. Though at times you may feel or experience things differently (ok, sometimes completely opposite of one another) it still blends into something perfect and beautiful that blesses others. I KNOW you are uplifting and encouraging those serving over there. Even though you may not be able to see it, you are God's love – made tangible. Be encouraged!! It's ok, Kim, that you feel sad…it means you feel deeply. But know that God's hope is still full in your belly in all situations. I love you guys!
We love the father's heart you two share with the World. Thanks for putting words to it here. Blessings to you both! May God open doors for you and give you an opportunity to "do" His love from time to time just for fun!Drew
LOVE IT!! PRAYING OFTEN FOR YOU! LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING THE MORNING WITH ADDIE AND Ezra. Amayli is looking forward to spending the morning with her "friend Cindi" and Havalah!!! Much love to you! Keep posting everyday so we dont miss a thing. Your perspectives are right on.
I love that city!! May God richly bless your time and lead you step by step.Joy McClain
Awwww stop it! But, thanks. π
Hello,in case you are looking for an international church in Kiev to attend service on Sunday – this one is pretty unusual:HILLSONG KIEV CHURCHhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsong_Church_KievService times are 10:00 and 12:30 and you go to the desk in the lobby to ask for them to translate for you. How to get there:On the BLUE metro line, you'll go to the stop Petrivka. Head toward McDonald's (walking down the left side of the road) going North on Tul's'ka sq. and away from the railroad (actual trains). At McDonald's, turn left onto Moskovs'kyi ave. It's a MAIN road, and you'll need to also cross to the other side of it (generally underground). You'll pass a few large shopping centers and an Ashan (looks like AWAH in Cyrillic) which is a HUGE grocery store. Sort of behind the Ashan, just past it on the side road is a huge orange/yellow "tent" dome. It's down a side street just a little bit but is visible from the road.
Laughing so hard i am crying….isaac loves Hot Pockets….i bought costco size box for quick dinner before games….he told me on Tues….that it is better to eat them afterwards because after he eats them he has to go to the bathroom! Lol! Hot pockets!We need to have a debrief when you get back….so you giys can share everything that you are seeing, hearing, and tasting of the Lord's kingdom in Ukraine. We can serve chocolate, coffee!
hey you two, just want to let you know you were and are on the radar screen of the saints praying for you today.noontime prayer had some good insight going on re releasing the love of the Father there.Kim, some of that grieving youre experiencing is intercession for the broken…go with it and let God's Spirit lead you into agreement for "as it is in Heaven make it so on earth".love the pics,dudes. they are soooooo you!!! thanks for keeping us posted. love ya landonsure do miss you guys ,
Kim, thanks so much pulling the curtains to help us see and understand the world these precious little guys exist in; very moving to us from a distance so I can't fathom what you are experiencing first hand. "… how much more valuable are you then the birds… Do not be afraid little flock ,it is the Fathers pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12: 24,32. Love to you and them, Landon
Oh My Dear sweet Friends… Just plain tears… Ahhhhh, this is so hard to read and watch but so terrific too. Praying and sending you both big ol happy hartman hugs!!!
Tears in my eyes and a heart that is broken, Kim Johnson! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your obedience and courage. Because of you, NONE OF US will ever be the same. We are praying non-stop for you guys! Keep the updates coming! Love, Alexis
I know it seems like so little against such great odds but it is good and holy and right. I am so grateful you were able to see what they are doing. I can only imagine what that little bit would do for our Lost Boys in the dreariness of their lives.
Thank you for sharing. I am thinking some of the same things you mentioned in the blog. I, too, want my Father to tell me to tell me what to do about this situation. Thank you for your honesty.
You move my heart Jedge. I love you two and am so blessed by your hearts.Pop
LOL;;; Judds little friend that has Autism calls him Judge :)!!!!! Praying! How Wonderful to see pictures of those sweet girls!
Amazing! Love, love, love your hearts to do what GOD has called you to do!!! Emily
Hey you two…it's been so great to follow your Ukrainian adventure! I've experienced most of what you talk about! I think you will agree that one of the main things that is so amazing there is that people do so much with so little, and often, here, we do so little with so much. Ukraine is an amazing place!Praying!
We keep praying for all the callings, scripture and questions to align for God's glory as He reveals how He wants to co-labor with you in Ukraine. And we keep praying for your babies back here as God protects their hearts while you are briefly away. God's love through Grammy! Praying, Millyellen
I love your blog! I have a 4 year old son with Down syndrome and have been actively working to raise awareness for orphans with Down syndrome. Is there any chance I could get an email address to contact you? bradymurray34@gmailBradywww.onestepclosertohome.blogspot.com
So excited and amazed by all God is doing! He is SO GOOD! And, not to ignore all the incredible spritual stuff, but, SERIOUSLY, you posting a picture FOR ME of Baskin and Robbins may just be my favorite part of your trip (totally just kidding … kind of!). You did treat yourself to the best ice cream on the planet in my honor, right? π Miss you so, so, so much! Can't wait to see how God works in all of this! Love, Alexis
Praising God for this answer to our prayers! Yes, they are precious in His sight. Trusting Him with many more breakthroughs to come. ΠΠ° Π±Π»Π°Π³ΠΎΡΠ»ΠΎΠ²ΠΈΡ Π²Π°Ρ ΠΠΎΡΠΏΠΎΠ΄Ρ, Jed ΠΈ ΠΠΈΠΌ!
Wow! You both were made for this. God Bless and will pray for you.Simon
Amen…So eXCited to read your story, Ive read snippets but have set aside this evening to REALLY ENJOY YOUR POSTS IN PEACE!
how exciting, I knew of Julia's blog and am an avid follower but hadn't found Melanie's… thank you for the heads up! isn't it wonderful how complete strangers can connect with their hearts in these matters…its like me and lora and francine!i love your hearts in this! xxxxxx
Thank you for the update! Can you say if you saw Heath or Hanson?Sue
wow this is fab! loving the chocolate aisle! x
brilliant! it looks wonderful, apart from the gorilla scamming you..how bizarre is that! x
oh that was so lovely!i relate to all you said Kim!i felt so the same in the ukraine…i am so desperate to hear, to know, to be lead down the right path but most of all to do something!and then we had jed's take on the day and its so awesome how you guys work together…its fabulous to read…cant wait to watch God's big picture unfold! xxxx
wow what an awesome place! I am so inspired by people like this! x
the high hell thing is insane isnt it! minus 20 when I was there, ice and snow and they were still running around in heels!
that right there is what i needed to hear…i am covered in goosebumps! 'DO THE NEXT THING!' WOW WOW WOW do you know that post rocks off the scale! when the need is so huge and the p[light so desperate its so easy to listen to all around saying to leave it alone what can you achieve…i know, believe me, i was surrounded by that when i visited the Ukraine! but that's it…do the next thing! xxxxxlove this x
The LOVE BOAT!!! More information than i needed! lol x
I bet thats the same Alyona I met! if it is she is awesome…she was Loras support and translator
yes i knew it it is the Alyona I met! She is AMAZING! xxx
praying for you guys x
wonderful xxxxx
Hi Sue! No, we didn't see either of them, unfortunately. I think Hanson is laying down, and we didn't go inside, I was looking every which way for Heath and I never saw him either. π
I'm so happy for you all and your great adventure!!! May God continue to lead, guide, bless, & find favor on ALL you come across. Keep the blogs going as it helps us pray for you all.Sounds like you all have found your niche, the heart of God for you and yours!!! XOXOXO
Praise God for what he is doing. I am so happy you were able to be on this great adventure.Joy
So many gorgeous faces! Are any of them listed with RR?? I just want to snuggle them all
It appears that childen with DS are well-cared for and are being mainstreamed, which is great! What responsive, beautiful little faces – all of them. I concur with Molly – let's get these children onto RR!So glad you were able to visit the "lost boys", connect with others who are true servants, and see some of the local sights, although some of the "sights" may not have been too "sightly"! ;-). The opera house is spectacular – my relatives also greatly enjoyed the opera during their adoption journey six years ago.Thanks again for sharing..Susan in KyCousin to 2 from EE
I enjoy your blogs so much. Life changing experiences God ordained. You guys have beautiful and huge hearts. I'm proud of you.Pop
Molly, most of these kiddos aren't available for adoption. π I know, they are perfectly cuddly.
Praying for your safe travels home!!!
So glad to hear you connected with Kyiv Vineyard folks! Mark searched the internet when we were there and only found the website for the Odessa Vineyard, so on our Sunday in Kyiv we worshiped at a Hillsong church that met in a big tent- a little like home π Glad to hear there IS a Vineyard presence in Kyiv.Jed and Kim, I am so going to miss your posts! Thanks for taking us along on this faith adventure in this land we love so much. I will continue to pray for you to hear what He wants your next step to be. God bless your trip home!
I love it!! I'm glad you were able to wisely split the money up between the three trips… I also know that money was donated into Harvest for them too…That should cover even more trips!
This is fantastic! Talk about being the hands and feet of Jesus — you all really put some miles on yours. I am delighted that your kids did well, you did what you set out to do, and you made it home safe and sound. Thank you so much for sharing!Now, just to go back to the beginning for a moment — the whole thing is "To market, to market to buy a fat pig; home again, home again, jiggety-jig! To market, to market to buy a fat hog; home again, home again, jiggety-jog!"Rosemary
Thank you so much for the update about the Lost Boys. I would love to hear anything more you can share about the trip there. What did you see? What do you want us to know? I've read Julia and Melanie's accounts on their blogs. I know you said you didn't see Heath or Hanson, which makes me sad. Did you see any new boys who appeared to have been newly transferred? Sue
Love you! I need the SCOOOP! -Cody
I am in complete tears now as I read your blog! Our sweet daughter was born with D.S. in August and we have been made aware of Reece's Rainbow. We have been fundraising and praying for Heath for the past few months! I just found your blog and am so excited about what you have done! I have so many questions for you and feel such a connection in your heart going out for sweet Heath and all of these sweet kids! I love what you did with having your kids each choosing a child…so hard to choose! I hope and pray we watch Heath be adopted soon! Thank you for sharing! Much Admiration! Aubrey
Hi Aubrey! Thank you so much for your comment. Now you're making ME cry! π I am so happy to hear you are praying for Heath. Are you in the RR facebook group? I would love to connect more. Fellow Heath-Lovers unite!
Love it.
Kimberly, you have made my day!! I had been in dispare that the younger generations were all air heads (with so many piercings all the substance has run out!), but you show real insight and the ability to communicate that insight !! A beautiful tribute to your grandmother and your up-bringing.I knew Tommy from the time Collins' moved to Alpine and Betty Jo for the time we were in high school. Mike (Malcolm) Mintonye MUHS '49
Uggggg… Im Balling my eyes out! I need a Hug, LOL! WOW!!!! Thank You!
Seriously sobbing! What a beautiful story!! He is one lucky little guy to have found your family!
Ha Melanie! Consider yourself hugged- big time.
Thanks Becki!!! We are truly the lucky ones. π
Thank you Mike for your sweet words! I love hearing from people who knew my Grandma back in the day. π
Wow that's soooo exciting! What's your plan when you get there?
Thanks! It IS super exciting! We plan to partner with a Ukrainian couple who minister to orphans with disabilities. Our big HUGE dream is a medical group home for bedridden orphans…someday….it will be a miracle!!! Can't wait to see God do it π
Tears… YOU CAN DO IT! God will make sure of it! And we will be right along cheering you on… Agghhhh TERAS<LOL< I MEAN TEARS!!!!
WOW, I reconnect with you to find THIS!!! I was supposed to be doing my QT but stalled to read this…clearly I was supposed to read this this morning. I have tears in my eyes and goosebumps all over. WHAT an incredible journey and display of His glorious goodness! You were all clearly meant for each other! <3
Kim,I went to ORU with you, on Destiny our freshman year. I was Julia Trant (now Everheart). You did not have bad hair! You were adorable! I am so proud of you and your husband for the huge step you're taking to help these kids. I'm proud to say I knew you way back when!
Hi Julia! Wow! It's been sooooo long! Thanks for the hair reassurance π Also, thanks for the encouragement. It's a pretty exciting/scary time…but mostly exciting. Yay for reconnecting!!
Ok, First off… You and I have A LOT in common my dear friend…And second, TEARS,,, TEARS,,, TEARS!!!! So Looking forward to friday!
Wow Kim…you are so very right. I am in agreeance with you, HE has got this and we are going to see HIM more and more. I can't wait to finally meet you and share/confirm what God is doing. How EXCITING!!
STINKING JEALOUS!!! I AM JUST SITTING HERE IN VIRGINIA FEELING VERY VERY LEFT OUT OF ALL THE FUN AND SECRETS THAT I PROMISE NOT TO SHARE AND EVERYTHING ELSE… NOT FAIR!! JUST NOT FAIR!!!
Oh boy, now I am dying to know about this secret family?!!!Sue H.
LOVE IT! Julia. . .Oregon is where it is ALL happening right now. . .such excitement. Love this post Kim!
I hope your secret special family is going to go get a particular boy … … …
Right on Becki! Woot!
π
I KNEW IT!!! <3
Ha Daneille! You clever girl π
Tears
I've been thinking of him every day! We sold a couple of things to help raise funds and I've been wracking my brain for what to sell next! Don't worry, we're talking a curio cabinet I never liked, not my kidneys! Truth be told, we need to get rid of more and this is a perfect reason to do it.This is such good news. I can't wait to see if they have a blog and for their process to go QUICKLY!!! I would LOVE it if they can also see Heath when they are there.Sue
That is just incredible!! Praise God! Makes me cry, literally. God is so good.
I know Sue! Isn't it great? I know they will have a blog as soon as they're on New Commitments and I'll make sure to put a link to it here. Thank you for your faithful love and prayers for the boys. You are awesome.
I KNOW!!!!!!! It's just too great!
I knew it!! π
I posted this a while back on my blog as well. I was disappointed nobody shared it, commented or watched it. I feel like people can't be bothered to learn about the plight of these people. I hope I am wrong but I can't help but get a little upset about it. This documentary is amazingly heartbreaking. I commend you for posting this and pray you reach many with it! Its nice to see that others feel like I do and want to spread the word. God bless you and what you are trying to do!Andrea http://heartoftheyoung.org/
Hi Kim,I watched the video when I saw it last week in your other tab section. The parts of the children who are bedridden is heartbreaking. I want someone to get Marguerite out, like yesterday, if she is still alive. Learning about the physical abuse some of the young boys suffer when transferred to an older child/adult facility was also so very sad, but not surprising.I will do whatever I can to support you as you embark on this journey to help these children.Sue
Andrea, it's definitely an uphill battle and can be discouraging, but I KNOW God is opening people's eyes. He is turning hearts toward the orphan. Keep at it. God will totally bless it!!PS- I found you on FB and messaged you. Promise I'm not a stalker! π
Hi Sue!Thank you so much for your support!!!! I really really appreciate when you comment. It helps to see that someone gets it, someone cares like we do. It is sad, but God is on the move. Don't be discouraged! He will win the day!!!
Well said! This is only the beginning….. π
TEARS…. Darn it, you keep makin me Cry! Oh and you gave me the Goose bumps! Email me chick… I want Info! Hi to the Jedge!
*Smiles* …. My brains not functioning yet this morning to write anything else! Can I get a Coffeee IV anyone!
Regarding #5, is something happening with Heath, Hanson or Sasha? Or, something else with the Lost Boys? I've had a rough week —- I need some good news!!! I'll keep checking back – hope you can share soon.Sue H.
Hi Sue π Well, Alyona and Slavik had been given permission to visit the boys, and were supposed to be visiting them while we all slept last night, but they were in a car accident on the way there. So, my good news turns out to not be good news at all. Boohooo!!! They are okay, just really disappointed. The good news is, they won't give up, and neither will God. Those Boys are not Lost to Him.I know what good news I can give you! Tomorrow Porter's parents are having their first big fundraiser for his adoption! It's going to be a big success. I just know it.Keep praying for our September 15th fundraiser for Heath, and let me know if anyone near you wants to join in the car-washing fun! Thanks for being such a faithful lover of those Boys.
I expect to see those red pants tomorrow ;)Love you, friend.
Be careful what you wish for…… π On another note, I can't get the Arpeggio song out of my head. Make it stop!!!!!!
That was great news! Rats. Hopefully they can try again!I have been selling things around the house we don't need (I can't stand clutter so this is a good way to pare back furniture and many things we've accumulated with our 4 little ones). I have a nice little slush fund built up for Heath and am hoping to top $1,000. I'm continuing to add to it and will be contributing by end of summer/fall when I'm done … or in honor of the car wash, whichever comes sooner! Keep us posted on Alyona and Savik's progress.Sue
SUE!!!!!! That is so amazing!!!!! I am sooo excited about what you are doing. Thank you so much for loving Heath. Keep me posted! I will totally keep you up to date on Alyona and Slavik. π
Hahaha, Lucky for you I DIDN'T jump off a bridge, eh? Though I am sure that would be fun too!! hahah. I wrote you a Haiku. … Kimber, you are missedand though I may understandFACEBOOK! I beg you. Actually I wrote two.. .it is a little addictive. I may just start communicating via Haiku. .. Moments of friendshipcreating and affirmingOH! Faith in action.HUGS!
Love the 80's attire! As I've been organizing lately I found pictures of me and my sister in the 80's when we were in high school. Our hair was curly (perms!) and about 12 inches high off our heads (puffed up with lots of hair spray). It looked absolutely ridiculous. I wonder what my Mom thought of it — I don't remember her ever saying anything about how strange it was! Looking back it is so absurd looking and hilarious! I wonder what we're doing now that will seem bizarre in 20 years!Sue H.
Sue! I MUST see a picture! π So many things about the 80's were ridiculous…unfortunately so many of it is coming back into style. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Gasp…. Tears from them shorts and Kim your an 80`s babe… Totally Bitchen Dude! You guys are a RIOT!!!!And then more tears… Oh how we enjoyed our time around that sweet table… And those sweet kids of ya`lls… Emailing you soon my friends!!!
I know! I wanted to cry about those shorts. HA! I sooo wanted to surprise you and bring you the big ol' table when we come visit, but a lady was standing in my house offering cash so I had to say yes. Wouldn't that have been a fun surprise? Ah well….can't wait to see you!!!
Great post. Thank you for the "shout out"! Whoever said Christian's were boring haven't met our group of friends! Praying for you guys during this transition time.
Oh i would cry over the table too… we might be moving soon too – not moving countries, just changing apartments – maybe… i do tend to throw out lots of stuff whenever we move, more than my husband does, but there are things i will keep forever, such as the 1st item of clothing my husband bought my son… i wish you well for the move & hope to meet when u get to my side of the ocean… oh, & say HI to Becki from me – i didn't realise she was so close to you… she & i shared hearts over her blog… God bless u & your family…
Sounds like a PERFECT day! Yes, your kids are too cute for words; both in looks and personality! Latte delivery sounds wonderful. I can give her my address. π
AMAZING! Your kids are blessed with a really invested teacher!
Ha! I know, right? It doesn't get much better than a latte at the doorstep.
Aw thanks Becki π
I truly believe Starbucks should deliver! I would give them a key to my house so that they could bring it to me in bed after I hit the snooze for the second time!
Oh Jenny, I love how you think!
LOVE IT…. Just Love it!
Your kids are too cute. Please give them to me. Or adopt me. Both options would work.
π
Ha! Joanna! Too funny. Come on over and visit…you know you will someday… π
Are you sure our kids aren't related? Because I saw the toe point/leg lift action a lot today. Love you guys and will be your reason to play hooky any time!
Ha! Yep, you've got some posers on your hands too. π
Go Team, GO!!! It's happening Kim! :)I can't wait to see his precious little face and share more so that his Mamma and Daddy will find him!!!
Bless you for writing this! <3
π Bless you for reading it! And for loving Heath right along with me.
CANT Wait to see you get there!!!!! Cant wait to someday Visit and see the work first hand!!! Yipppeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! And of course cant wait to see ya`ll Sooon :)!
You could try crowdfunding to raise money for your venture. Indiegogo might be good for your purposes. Good luck!
Thanks for the update! How exciting but scary at the same time. There are so many things to think about and I can't wait to see what your future holds. I agree that it feels great to sell all the excess "stuff" but then you start looking around and want to keep selling more and keep streamlining! It's a bit addicting. I will support you in whatever way I can once you get things finalized.I want to also share this organization that I just learned of recently. It may not be an exact match for you and Jed but with your nursing background I thought you would appreciate their work:http://www.teamworksukraine.com/mission/teamworks-ukraine/Sue H.
ME TOOOOOOO!!!! To all of it. π
Jessica, thank you so much for that idea! I had never heard of Indiegogo or anything like it. Wow, it looks really interesting! I'm going to look into it further. Thanks again!!
Thank you for your support Sue! I really appreciate it so much. π You know, now I think I maybe read about Team Works on another blog…I'll definitely check them out. I'm super interested in learning about all types of work that is being done in Ukraine. Every bit of info helps. Thanks for sharing!
So happy to see you guys making all those steps forwards!! Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean… i'm already planning in my head to visit & help out whenever & wherever i can π
hmmm… posting my comment a second time…So happy to see you guys taking steps forwards. Can't wait for you to get to this side of the ocean. i'm already planning in my head to visit & help whenever & wherever i can… π
Kim, what awesome news! Our God always has it covered, doesn't He? So happy to see things falling into place for your family!
Kim- I am SO excited for your family! I love that you are being obedient to the Lord even when (in our culture) that looks "crazy"! Someday Trace and I hope/ plan to move to Africa so I think we will be following a similar path in the years to come. It IS an adventure, but God will take care of His plan. Your blog is great- I love keeping up with you guys step by step!
He totally does. It's just amazing and very reassuring. π
Thank you Randee!! We're both in pretty exciting times huh? God is good, no…great.
Ooooh so happy you have some where to live… God is Good! All the time! & as always He has perfect timing π Sooo exciting… will be praying…
so happy to hear you have some where to live… God is Good! All the time! & as always He is just on time π Sooo excited for you… praying for the next steps & for you & your family to be prepared in all areas to follow where God leads…
BIG OL TEARS….. Love you! Love them Johnsons!!!!
figured I should stop lurking now and just comment π That would be hard for me, too! π I can relate. I'm so excited, though, to see how He is going to move for your family. What a great adventure!! Awesome, awesome π
You are an amazing woman with a huge heart. Prayers for you.Samantha
Awww love me some Hartmans too.
Yay for de-lurking! Thanks for the encouragement. π
Thank you Samantha! How sweet of you and I really appreciate the prayers. π
I can only imagine how scary all these "small" (a.k.a HUGE) steps are but I am so excited for you guys!Praying for you!
Thank you Andrea! Yes, HUGE. AAAAAAUGH!!!!! π
Excited for you too!! Step by step… you will get there with God showing you the way!
I've been checking your blog for updates! So glad to hear you are settled and you have a renter. The new place looks like it's in a very peaceful setting.Sue H.
Thank you for thinking of us Sue! Yes, the new house is amazing. So cozy, so homey, so perfect. We are blessed.
5 years. 5 years! 5 years? WHO are these people and they should know God's got them in His clutches. =D
I KNOW!!!! I KNOW!!!!!!!! So funny and so amazing.
GOD is amazing… God`s Not dead he`s surely alive :)… Love it when Abraham sings that! I simply cannot wait to hear ALLLLLL about it!!! See ya SOOOON… WHOHOOO!!!!
Awesome….That Jesus is a good boy.Papi
If no one is dressing up as the Swamp Princess for Halloween, I call dibs.Love you guys!
Soon and very soon. Packed and ready, waiting for Jed!
As Eric would say, "Thank Sweet Baby Jesus!"
That mask has your name all over it. Love you toooooooo!
Sitting here in S. Salem in utter amazement! AMAZEMENT! Selfishly, I confess I am sad. It will be at least 5 years before you are ever my neighbor again. Major sadness. But, apparently, as I have said before, God is kicking you out of Oregon and I'm getting the feeling that He is in a hurry! π We love you guys! Alexis
HOLY COW!!! You are so right – it is laughable how much God is just blowing the top off things! It's insane!! And he didn't just stop blessing you with a free place to stay…he gave you a mountain top view. Why not?! Thank goodness we can cast all of our anxiety on him because he CARES for us…the big and small things. He is so awesome! Love you guys! Keira
Hey, yes, I would love to hear all about Heath. I have been praying for him and wondered if there was a way to find out more about him. Can you email me at glormars@aol.com? Thank you!
Thank you for asking! You've got mail π
Awwwwwwww….. Hugs… Tears!!!!! Love you guys! So Glad GOD brought us all together!
Sounds like great fun… we went to the farm too… hop over & have a read if you haven't yet π
i know i'm so very very late in reading & commenting… But i really just wanted to say Praise the Lord!!
Hmmm… my comment did not seemed to have gone thru?Just to say Praise the Lord!! Looking forward to the rest of your journey.
This is ridiculous… my 3rd time trying to comment… Praise the Lord & looking forward to your amazing journey…
I will be sad when the Halloween candy is gone. There goes all my bargaining power. π
I once had a 2 yo boy that played with the microwave. He put his favorite truck, trailer and tractor in and managed to turn it on. (despite being "locked"). If all you got were burned hands, be glad. I ran to the room and found flames shooting 15-18 in out of the micro. The toys were melted and the microwave was ruined. The burn marks on my walls were so scary!I would never wish burned hands on anyone!!
OH MY WORD!!!! I was wondering what would have happened it they would have cooked longer. Now I guess I know. π
No joke. We are about to be in big trouble.
I love reading your blogs and hearing about the work you are doing and your passion for kids Kim! ( I remember you taking care of the babies in the nursery at church!) Since I have done emergency foster care…I know how you feel, about doing your best to keep the kids because they have had to move around so much and I can only guess at how they will blame themselves. And I admire your honesty when you have decided that if you don't feel you can keep that promise you are now willing to say we can't do foster care right now.Vonnie and Gary should be really proud to have raised a kid who is compassionate, loveing and letting there light shine in a world that is so dim to some of his youngest children!God Bless you and your family!! I am praying!!
opps sorry that was me kim! Sherri dougan
You brought me tears. Such a beautiful testament to your faith and how we are called to love.
I wish we could foster. I am not sure I truly have the physical stamina BUT I am ever ready to support fostering families. I would really like to do respite. Currently my outgrown clothes mostly go to Women's Space – for battered women and children but I will keep CWO in mind!
Hi Sheri! Thank you so much for your kind words! I didn't know you did emergency care. How wonderful. Thank you for praying π We really appreciate and I love love loved hearing from you!!!
Oops *Sherri* π Spelled your name wrong! Ha!
Aww thanks Sarah. Love you tons π
You would be awesome at respite! It is so hard to find good respite. Let me know if you have any questions about it!
Ok having computer issues… Ben and I Loved this Post… !!! Really touched our hearts.We love you all… Squeeze those awesome Johnson kids for me please!
Love your sweet Hearts…
Monkey shirt!!!Will be Seth be wearing footie pjs in Disneyland? ;)Love y'all.
Right back at ya!
Oh yes, the monkey shirt gets a lot of usage around here. So do footie pj's, apparently. π Love love loves!
Oh my… i hope your hand has completely healed by now… i'm doing my catch up reading of blogs… sigh!… going to FB message you once i'm done reading your posts…
Oh my… i hope your hand has completely healed by now… i'm doing my catch up reading of blogs… sigh!… going to FB message you once i'm done reading your posts…
Oh my… i hope your hand has completely healed by now… i'm doing my catch up reading of blogs… sigh!… going to FB message you once i'm done reading your posts…
Seriously cute!
A flair for the dramatic, eh? π Enjoyed these!
so much lovin'. can't wait to see all those little personalities again.
Awww you guys are Hillarious! We miss you! Hugs!!!
I somehow missed this post….Awesome…..We Love Seffers!!!Papi
Awesome. Love love,Papi
"we are yours and I mean that"…I love it because you are really walking it out…what a privilege to watch, my friend:)
Joy! That is all I can think of.
Ahhhh… You stinker, makin me cry like that. You have been on my heart ALL day… and that BEAUTIFUL smile of yours. We need you and Jed to come sing to us *Smile*!!! We Love Love Love you Johnson family. God Knows the why`s… Someday your answers will come, and turn pain into beauty. For now a big ol Hartman (((((HUG)))))
I am so sorry. I didn't know. Hugs!
Love you, friend. I have been praying that He would draw closer than ever to you. ((hug))
Oh, I am so sorry. I may have missed if you posted that there was a baby coming! Take things one day at a time and be kind to yourself.Sue H.
So sorry for you :((( the hurt is so hard and so unfair. But one thing is I can see and feel Jesus through your writing… Praying for you …,
Prayers being sent right now!
This was a beautiful post..thank you for sharing it with us. I am so sorry about the loss of your baby. There is so much beauty and hope in what you wrote.
Thanks for the hug Joanna π
Thank you Deanna!! Your encouragement has helped more than you know π
Thanks Sue. We hadn't announced it yet..it was kind of a shocker! One day at a time…you are so right.
Oh thank you Naomi! I know you know how to pray π
Thank you Sarah, so much!
Oh Gloria, thank you for that. You made me smile this morning. π
It's amazing to see how far He's brought you through all of this in the last week. It's not only a testimony to His faithfulness, but to yours. It's been an honor to witness. Love you.
What a beautiful, heartbreaking, belly-laugh filled, anguished tear brushed year this has been. Blessed to be part of the journey already made and the road that lies ahead. He'll bless all of it, every last inch.
I'm sorry for the babe lost… Praying for your hearts as you grieve.
Oh my dear… i'm so very sorry… i haven't been keeping up with reading & i didn't know… my heart aches for you & your loss… i'm amazed at your great faith & your insight into how God has it all in His Hands… i pray that God bring you comfort each day & peace in your heart… i pray that God fill your heart with what fills His Heart & He will show you how faithful He is to fulfill all His Promises… hugs…
I want to to thank you for this good read!!I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have you book marked to check out new things you postβ¦Visit my page :: Legacy.Php-Fpm.Org
S counts better than my 5yo… GO Seth!I dont wear jewelry and I totally want those necklaces!!:DVoodoo doughnuts scare me… Why is mine the only comment here?!?
I can't wait to hear more about the recent developments! I am desperately needing some of those donuts here in Wisconsin!Sue H.
Seriously Sue! I need one of those doughnuts in my mouth now! I hope I can share out news sooooon!!!!
Kim, I don't make it to your blog often enough, but so love hearing about your life and your heart when I do.
I give you brown butter cookie inspiration and you give me sage life advice. And Voodoo Donuts. It all evens out, right? Love you, friend.
Yes, Seth is a genius :)Yes, I love those necklaces! So cute!Yes, Voodoo doughnuts is a little creepy, but worth it. So delish.
Thanks Allison π
Ha! We're totally even in my book.
I found your blog from SUYL. what an amazing story! we have one very similar to yours! we are in the process of FINALLY moving towards adopting our 17 month old! who was born addicted to 8 different drugs, like yours it's been full of ups and downs and more joy than I could imagine!! Thanks for sharing your story! The Lord is SO SO very good! -crystalwww.rcolbertreport.com
Yes, He is so so good!! Congratulations on your adoption finally coming. I know that feeling! What a wonderful reward for such a long journey π
Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. We also have adopted 2 boys from foster care. What a blessing!!! God bless you all!
Love the counting! Waiting eagerly for your news! π
Yay! I'll let you know as soon as I can π
I just saw your page for the first time. I am so happy to see what you are doing and so happy to follow your family and pray for you along the way! Much love!
Can't wait to hear "the news!!" I'm on pins and needles!!
Thank you Rachael! We would totally appreciate the prayers. YAY!
Ha! Me too! π
I hope you can share details soon! I'm not on FB so please update your blog too when you can! Sue H.
Yes Sue we will definitely keep up the blog! The FB will be a place to share the blog, and some other info in a convenient place. All important info will totally be blog-worthy π
Thank you! I think I'm one of the few hold outs that isn't on facebook and I probably should join but considering how much time I spend reading the RR blogs, I know it could be a serious distraction! How's that for a long run on sentence?!Sue H.
IT'S HAPPENING!! YESSSS! Strap in, mama. What an adventure you are on! π
Waiting excitedly for more news π hugs
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Very nice! I wonder what I would have taken pictures of at that age….
I know this sounds crazy but…Nathan and I eventually would love to adopt a teenager. We were stoked when we found out we had that same dream and we know it's gotta be a God thing. I guess with some things, you just know. That being a journey FAR off in the future, we need some major major training! The foster care system I have seen bless kids' socks off when you just love them RIGHT…how Jesus would. I am excited to glean from what you share on this blog and relate to you as far as heart and eventual journies go!
I love it! She is beautiful…and I'm totally with you on the 'mental age'. Lol. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not right 'out of college' anymore! π Happy birthday, Addy!
Happy Birthday Sweet Addy… We Love and miss you here at The Happy Hartman Farm!
We are THRILLED, Tickled, and absolutely praying for you our dear friends!!!
Thanks for the recommendations! I'm ordering The Hole in the Gospel based on your review. Have you read Jen Hatmaker's "Seven"? Here is a link to her blog and a description of the book:http://jenhatmaker.com/"American life can be excessive, to say the least. Thatβs what Jen Hatmaker had to admit after taking in hurricane victims who commented on the extravagance of her familyβs upper middle class home. She once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called βrichβ by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual was born."Sue H.
Heya Sue! Yes, I read Seven. I liked it a lot! Have you read it? That's one I kind of want to read again. I really like how she writes. π
I have watched the Perpetua cartoon with my kids, but didn't know there was a book-I want to read that! Also liked the Hole in the Gospel. Favorite book of last year was Kisses from Katie and A Good and Perfect Gift.
Yes, I read it and loved it! I like her sense of humor.Sue H.
Mays Boy, by Shirlee Monty … YOU CANNOT PUT IT DOWN. A True Story that will make you cry and cry. Even the most impacted/handicapped child/person has a God given gift! May is a strong woman with an incredible way of coping and looking at life! Ben got crossroads for Christmas (author of The Shack) Interesting and good read…couldn`t put it down!
Hey!! Came across your blog from the She reads truth!!! I love reading and getting into a good book. I say that the book has me trapped and I will stay up all night reading the whole book. I am a lover of books and can get through a book within days. But one book that I really like and enjoyed was "The Shack" WN. Paul Young. It was a really good book about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Hi! I also linked to your blog from shereadstruth.com. I just finished a book so looking for my next read at the moment. I think the book that made the biggest impact on my life is Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. It totally changed my perspective on God and his grace. I give it to people as a gift all the time. Enjoyed reading your story today. What an adventure you have ahead!
Just found your blog through SheReadsTruth. I haven't read Perpetua, but I know the author's sister Elizabeth, so I was delighted to see it here. I love what you're going to be doing in the Ukraine. Lots of blessings to you and your family on your journey.
Okay, that's the third recommendation for Kisses from Katie. I guess I better read that one!
Mays Boy…check!
Thank you for coming by! I haven't read The Shack, but I've heard a lot about it. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks Missy! I think I read that book many years ago…but I should give it another run. Yes, we do have quite a big adventure looming. Wahoooo!
No way!! I loved that book! I have to buy it again because I can't remember who I loaned it to and now I'm dying to read it again. Thanks for the encouragement on our journey. π
You go!
So glad you guys are having fun! i have been thinking about joining She Read Truth but wondering if i will be able to keep up the commitment… ENJOY! Am wishing for sunshine and warm weather in cold switzerland…
All I can say after seeing that picture is AWWWWWWW!!!! Have a Blast Johnson Famery!
Love This…
Those pink glasses…melt. Glad that you had such an amazing time. Great family memories for sure!
Wonderful!
Oh my! So glad you guys had such a good time!
Oh my. Havalah. Can I have her?? Love your family and what you are doing.
Hava is quite amazing. π I can't wait for you to visit us someday…cause you know you totally have to!
So I was going to say…(three deleted comments later)…that it is amazing to view your bright, shiny, spectacular obedience and super danged inspiring. All six of you will be a bridge to those who don't know Jesus and you already are a bridge to at least four people who do (hint: there's four people in my family. And I'm one of them). Love you all!
I too have been so heartbroken since hearing this news. He was so close — so very close to being home with his family. I worry how much longer Heath, Hanson, and Alexei can survive as well or what condition they are in today. And Samuel, he does not belong there! Oh, I hope his family's process moves quickly. I also hope your plan stays on schedule and you might be able to visit them sometime yet this year to let them know they are loved and to hold on!Sue H.
I'm so sorry. Every time I hear stories like this it makes me feel panicky, wondering how much longer my Colt can hold out until the stubborn politicians release their grip on the dumb adoption ban.
Thank you so much for writing this…we are adopting our Joseph with special needs right now but have been feeling convicted to advocate for the all the other ones waiting on RR and this has re-affirmed this for me. We need to get the word out to others to DO SOMETHING…to act, to just say "YES!" and know God is going to bless us and help us when we step out in faith.Thanks so much for posting this.Your posts are a blessing to read.Praying for Sasha's family…
Yes my dear… intentional – that's what we should be aiming for in my family too… i'm so glad you are doing what you are doing… praying along with you!
Thank you Sandra!!
I hope all those things too Sue. We are praying right along with you!
He TOTALLY will bless you when you step out! No doubt about it!! Thanks for the encouragement. π
Very cool!
What comes to mind is: John 15:115 "Philos". I am so blessed through your blessings and friendship with Jesus. Thank you.
So very excited for you!! Amen!
How exciting! I looked briefly at some of the links and will have to spend more time reading about them. Do you know if any of the RR boys are in the orphanage they visit regularly? When I looked at some of the pictures and saw so many boys wearing identical shirts it made me sad (I understand they are donations and there might be surplus of a certain shirt to donate, but it takes away from them as individuals and just made me a little teary). Please keep us posted on how we can help, if you'll be able to take any donations with you (they have a long list on their web site), etc. Happy Easter!P.S. We still have snow in Wisconsin. When is Spring coming?!!!Sue H.
Jed and Kimber,I have an adoption fundraising idea I'd like to share with you. Could you email me at mlee@coupaide.com?Thanks!Matthew Lee
Thank you!
YAY YAY YAY!!! π
Hi Sue! I don't believe any boys there are listed on RR. There have only been a couple adoptions from there so far, one boy was adopted by a Ukrainian family, and then one boy was adopted by the Malone family. Are you familiar with them? They are the ones who run "The Eli Project". They live in Ukraine now as missionaries. I will totally let you know if we take donations with us! Thanks for offering. :)PS: We had spring today!! I was afraid if I blinked it might go away!
Hey, I'm a friend of Mary Jill and LIVE in Zhitomir (well, I work there!) I know where the MTU building is – but have never been there. I have Ukrainian friend who knows lots of people from there, tho! Oh – and I have another friend who knows people there (I apparently don't get out much!) :)Would love to stay in contact with you and meet YOU (Although by your FB name, I thought your NAME was Kimandjed… Wondering what nationality you were! :)Maybe "friend" me on FB? Stay in touch! Really! Want to meet! So glad you're coming! Tammy
WooHoo! So happy & excited for you. So wish you could stop by ours on the way to U when you are here in May… but i know it is an added expense you don't need to have at the moment…i will definitely like to contribute monthly, i'll pray about you & get back to you.When your board is all setup, along with a completed mission statement/vision, please send that to me & i will approach my church here to see if they will support you too.Waiting to see awesome things happen as God moves in this ministry! HUGS!
Thank you so much Sandra. We'd love to visit… who knows! We'll keep you up-to-date as we move forward with the non-prof side of things. Thanks for sharing the mission. We are all in this together.
I will definitely donate Kim, I just have to figure out whether it will be lump sum or monthly. It's exciting to see this come together!Sue
Thank you Sue! Isn't it crazy! It's really happening! I have to pinch myself just to make sure it's not a dream π
Jed replied to you below, but I had to say hi too! Thank you so much for your willingness to give and for thinking of asking your church! That would be amazing. We will for sure keep you updated. Thanks for always being such an encouragement π
I do have a question actually. LOL!! I have always wanted to do a missions trip and was going to actually go on one to Kenya where my cousins were living at the time as missionaries. After you all are set up and in a routine will you be having or allowing people to come on mission trips? I am a type of person who would rather go and help where I know somebody and trust is already built. Obviously I know for me having young kids this is a ways out, but just was thinking. So excited for you all and seriously admire your willingness to take such a huge leap! Can not wait to see all the good work you will do.
I have a few for you!1. Will you be able to use your medical training as a nurse at the orphanage or will there be licensing/other obstacles that might prevent that?2. Has the host organization told you what you will be doing specifically or will that wait until you meet with them?3. How many hours per week will you be working (i.e., volunteering), if you know?4. Will you update the blog regularly to keep us informed, sort of like Bible Orphan Ministry does? Will your host organization/the orphanage permit pictures and updates?Thanks!Sue H.
Do you know if you'll be able to get a permanent visa? I had read that American families have a hard time getting permission to stay permanently.
This just makes me smile so big. I only wish I was sitting on that couch next to you with my socks on and a big ol' cup of coffee too. I especially like the part about accepting orphan lovin' from visitors. I have two people in mind for that job. Love you guys!
Praying along with you & am so excited for you… can't wait till we can come over & visit you & help out!!
I can't wait for that!!!!
Loved reading your answers! Our oldest sons are planning a short trip to help out in Ukraine this summer! We'll be praying and following along on your progress!
Totally hear you on the popsicles vs. M&Ms. We are in the exact same place with Jude at the moment. π
Have fun!
You are so funny! Enjoy your trip!
Beating the jet lag (along with getting 3 small children to do so as well) is one of the parts about moving to Europe this fall that I'm NOT looking forward to! So make sure to give me some tips. π
Everyone loves it when folks come together and share opinions.Great blog, continue the good work!My blog post … site here
So you got my text? I think something is wrong with mine because I know I have not received some texts lately (I'm assuming you texted back!). Sorry for the repeat update in the e-mail I sent. We are praying! Enjoy your freedom, but don't forget to hurry back! π Alexis
I love it! Praying for you and kind of wistful too, for Ukraine. We're so excited to watch what God is doing with you! π
So wonderful to hear you are enjoying yourself & what a lovely word of encouragement from your pastor… yes my dear… look to HIM who is in control of every single thing in this whole universe… hugs!
What a great encouragement! I am going to remember that for myself. Thanks for all the updates!Sue H.
I can't wait for you to come visit so we can drink coffee together without a computer screen separating us! π
Yes, yes, yes! Thank you for always being such an encouragement Sandra!
It's a good one, right? I need that reminder often too. π
crying. the world is changing and you are a part of that dear. Your faithfulness is beautiful!
Your posts are like my big warm cup of coffee every day! Ah! Keep them coming.Sue H.
Enjoying all these stories!
OH, I LOVE THIS! I have been praying for the Malone's for a long time and hope to meet them one day, too (maybe even before we move to Ukraine). I'm so excited you go to connect with them, and the Kacirek family (another one we cover in prayer). Praying for a blessed time there for you!
Awww…. hugs for you & the baby girl…
OOOoh… such wonderful work they do… thanks for sharing…
You're a part of it too! Aren't we lucky? Can't wait to squeeze Opie when I come home!
Back at ya Sandra!
Awww Sue, you made me smile! π
Yay! Thanks Crystal!
Thank you Lisa! I know, it was so exciting to meet the Malones. They are so warm, down to earth, welcoming. I bet you will love them. π The Kacirek sighting was the icing on top!
Cool right? More people for you to meet when you come visit me. π
I love your updates π
Wow… just awesome! Tears… just having a chance to catch up. Sooooo wish in was there too.
So wonderful to hear about the amazing connections you have made…
Loving these updates! God is indeed the best!
Yes! Yes and amen π
Love this post! Do the people from BOM speak any English? Are you able to communicate at all with the Russian you've been learning?I cannot fathom aging out of a system with no family or support system at such a young age. It is truly frightening. In your travels, if you learn of any charities that genuinely help those who age out, with nowhere to go or support system, please share. The thought of those who must prey on these young ones is so sad.Sue
Glad everything is going so well!
Tears too! Love you!
Tissues for mee too please… wow…thats all I can say!
God definitely has his ducks in a row… you just follow… ok, easier said than done… so excited for you… so heartbroken for those kids… so glad you & your family have bravely stepped out! π
I adore this picture of you two. ADORE! I wish I had something deep to say in response to your post. But as I sit here with my tired eyes, tired and worn down emotions and spirit, all I can say is…it blesses me. You both bless me. I praise God for the rawness and authenticity you both possess. It is refreshing and encouraging and I know blesses countless people. I love you both and will continue to read and pray about your journey!
You have the best personality. Sunny, warm, loving and you are unafraid for God. Love reading your posts, will be praying for you.M
Well-said!
indeed He will carry you through!
Yep,,, that is a sweet picture alright! Feel it… every part of it… melancholy and all. For you will never be exactly where you are now, again!
Love!!
Loving the work MTU & you guys do… indeed so very brave & so very much needed! Thank you for sharing & loving so wonderfully…
Yeah, these boys are adorable! I'm sure you'll love coming there. It's special for me every time I have a chance to join MTU girls on Fridays. May God continue His awesome work there!P.S. Their names are spelled Zhenya, Vova and Misha (Masha is a girl's name). Bless you guys.
Thanks Tanya, I'm open on Wednesdays for Tutoring, ;-). My brain is getting more comfortable with Cyrillic, but then putting what I hear back into latin makes my head hurt. It was fun riding with Oleg to Kiev, minus the traffic Jam. We are looking forward to getting together this coming week.
Just think how much Russian you'll know in one year's time!
LOVE following your story. Gives me so much courage and hope. And you all just rock. And I'm happy for you. And you make me want to jump on the next flight to Kiev. Enjoy your time!
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I've truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!my site; vakantieparken frankrijk
What fun! i'll do you one better than feel your pain about the warm weather… if you send the warm weather over here, i'll send you the unseasonal cold we are having. Deal? π
Tears… ok… smiling ear to ear. I hate turtlenecks and can handle scarves for short periods. I so wish I was there… I am so happy you have been blessed by so many people there. Hows that for encouragement from the lord! Remember when fear strikes,,, psalm 91. Its my saving grace right now. *smile* (((hug)))…
Beautiful! Oh and Love them self portraits!
phew you got me in tears with this one! xxx
Thanks Jed. I can't imagine what these caregivers have experienced themselves let alone what they see daily. Can't wait to hear more!Sue H.
Amen! Amen! Thank you for a new insight to a well-read passage! Amen!
Oh poor you… hugs for you & your finger… on another note, the cupcakes do look so yummy π enjoy!
I am way behind on my blog-reading but thank you for this… Just what I needed to hear today.
This is so great, guys. I'll keep praying that God moves on the heart of the landlord in Israel and that all will go super-smoooooooth for you. π
Yes, and amen. And that's what His promises are to you–He's gonna take care of it, perfectly. π
Love love love everything about this post!
Praying
So glad your MIL had such a wonderful idea… praying praying for the perfect house π Wonderful to hear about the support you are getting too π
I'm sorry I missed it! I was planning on coming, but then Nick got home late from Washington. π
So glad to hear that! i heard from one of my church committee members on Sunday about donations for orphans and told him about you guys… he says to talk about you guys & your work & the orphans maybe in the Fall!! So PM me my dear!
I love this!!
Excited for you & your family! & indeed Seth is too cute to resist π
Hi! This might be presumptuous of me, since I just found your blog and we don't know each other at all, but you said it was okay to ask questions: what are your plans for language learning?I am so excited, as I read around here and see what you're doing!
Hi Phyllis! I'm so glad you asked. π Well, we are doing our best to study now in advance (doing what we can…but I'm not sure it'll really be that helpful), but we know we will have to hire a language teacher once we move. I just peeked at your blog. Hey, compared to now, we'll practically be neighbors! Hehe. Any language-learning pointers you have would be like gold to me! It's important to us to learn, so we will study like crazy people when we aren't at MTU. π
I'm glad you didn't mind my question. I was toddler wrestling when I asked, and so I couldn't write more. :-)I think you and I have a lot in common. Four children, homeschooling (I did catch that you homeschool, didn't I?), love for Ukraine, orphans….The only tip I can think of off the top of my head is just do it! It's terribly important to know the language, and not all that easy to learn Π½Π° Ρ ΠΎΠ΄Ρ. I still kind of regret that we didn't set aside separate time, just to focus on studying.
I'm back. π Reading around more and just falling in love with your excitement and plans. If you ever want to correspond about life in Ukraine, I'd love that! (fylliska@gmail.com)
Ooooh yes!!! Getting ready to email you now!
hi we are a Canadian family with 12 kids living in Stavi,Ukraine. 6 of our kids came through foster care/ adoption & 1 daughter we adopted from Zhitomyr in 2000. as we visited her at the internat during the adoption process , we made a promise to God we would come back some day to help the other children . so here we are…would love to get to know you…our daughter from zhitomyr has mild CP & we have an interest in working with handicapped children.Lance & Shari Giesbrecht thamesgal@gmail.com
Oh sister, I love LHOP too!!! We were watching it last night and I was telling Lilly all about what happened leading up to that episode! I'm totally getting that book!! π
Have you read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller? I just finished it and enjoyed it. I'm also a LHOP fan. I still have the book collection I received for my 9th birthday. I tried to get my daughter into it but she wasn't interested! Every month or so when I see my set on the bookcase I'm tempted to reread them. Love it! Sue H.
We loved LHOP when we could get it – living in Asia all those years meant we could only get whatever the Tv station chose to air… but i liked it… i'm not a huge fan but i can see how people could absolutely love it!
More in common! I love Educating the Whole Hearted Child. I haven't read it for a while, but I remember how desperately I wished that it was available in Russian back when I first read it. I need to reread. Somehow, usually homeschooling+missionary=Abeka, which isn't bad, of course, but I often find that it leaves us with no homeschooling subjects to talk about on the rare times that I actually come across a real, live foreigner!And we're reading Little House on the Prairie out loud right now. :-)I'm going to have to try to get the book by Dr. Perry. We've just had opportunities to sit through seminars put on by Agape that are probably along the same lines. Is Karyn Purvis' work anything like his?
Wow. Should of mentioned it a little earlier when we were squishing from a 2400 sq. ft., 13 room house house into a 750 sq. ft. four room apartment. Too bad.
Great idea! Praying all the garage sales will be big hits & more will come to know about Wide Awake!
Oh I love a good stirring! π
Amen! i read this yesterday & my heart is stirring too… http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/07/when-you-are-done-with-pundits-soul-wrestling-looking-at-the-sky-25-things-i-learned-from-staying-with-katie-davis/?utm_source=voskamp&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=July13
go to Pioneer woman, ree drummond for an excellent recipe for iced coffee…it's delish
SO thrilled for you all! Yikes this is perfect!!!
Very cool! And I want to see those purple cupboards. π
I bet it feels great knowing that is taken care of- and prob makes it feel more real too. This is happening and THIS IS AWESOME. 4 bdrs and purple cabinets…. KINGS AND QUEENS! Sounds like you have room for a family of 3 to live there too! ehhhhh? knduge-wink wink.
Way to cool!! So excited for you & Praise the Lord!
Thanks for awkwardly making me cry at the computer lab on campus. π
Add another casualty to the tearing up count. Okay, openly sobbing. Love you.
Oh LOVE it that God made Disneyland happen for you & brought joy to you. Thank you for the timely reminder that indeed He delights in giving us good gifts and bringing joy into our lives…
Grown ups, especially Christians seem to lose their joy. Somehow being serious is thought as being more pious, holy ? Anyway, I wanted to say your joy and exuberance about life is what I like about you. If that means being cheesy, bring on the cheese.May you never lose this joy and take it with you as you minister to the least of these in Ukraine. I have a feeling your joy would be contagious π
Wow. Wow. Wow. A few years ago, I would have had to fight not to be jealous! (God has taught me a lot about not coveting other people's housing! π I am so glad that He has provided this for you, and I KNOW that it's a miracle.
Kim, it was so great to meet you this last week! And I'm so glad you got to go to Disneyland…what a great story and great post/reminder! I will definitely be following your journey.
Ha! You're so welcome.
Back at ya my dearest!
Oh thank you so much for this! You made my day!
I loved meeting you too. I would love our fams to get together someday. π
All In… i love it… now dear Lord move my fearful heart… move the heart of my husband to see Your Heart beating for justice, mercy & compassion ministries!i pray also for my dear friends who have given all – are all in – to help your people in Ukraine! Give them courage, wisdom, and compassion to be Your Hands and feet. Bring them peace of mind and give them know-how and everything they need.Amen!
God is soo good!! Love you guys. π
Love you too! Thanks for all the support and donations!
Amazing! Praise the Lord!
I KNOW!! I owe you a reply, just need a moment to chat with Jed about it π
i know you know… i just figured moving stuff is keeping you very busy… but if you could get back to me sooner rather than later it would be good π
Yay, that’s so great! You certainly beat our garage sale total. π
Super surprising that’s for sure!
I don’t envy you all that traveling, but I’ll be praying. I need to reread… I don’t think I saw California in there? It you are going to be in CA, I would love to work out a way for you to meet up with the Fedorchuks from Agape.
And I know exactly what to do about the luggage: pray for it to get lost (temporarily). That has saved us several times when we couldn’t transport it ourselves. The airline delivered it a few days later. π
#46…..I get to see you in a week! ACCKK!! π Also, I love your updates, your ice cream addiction, and the sweet kiddos you get to take pictures of….what an exciting adventure to be on! π
One weeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!! Bring it on!
Love the new blog! Keep on keepin’ on, prayer people all over this country for you guys. Know THAT.
Love, Saige
Oh Saige, thank you so much!! π
So, so happy for you guys! We’ve been busy with medical/houseish stuff lately and I hadn’t checked your blog to see that you all are leaving so soon! God is so faithful-I cannot wait to see how He’s going to use your family:) Will be breathlessly awaiting updates!
Ah! Thank you Abby! What an encouraging note! π
I love it! (And I promise that I won’t tell them my Moscow Metro–escalators there are even longer!–horror story, if we ever meet in real life.)
Oh boy sister. do I know EXACTLY how you feel! And the Hudson Taylor reference? Stellar!
Godspeed!!
Yay, we’re on the same continent! It’s so crazy how our families are going through something so similar right now. We also had a sobfest as the family left, though I will admit most of it was my and my mom’s.
Oooooh so close…yet so far away…are you blogging about your move?
Save a spot in the guest room for me next summer! I’m coming!
WOOT!
Wow. Just wow. You guys will be such a blessing to that community and how amazing that the Father gave you such a special home!!!
Thank you for sharing our joy. We are soooo blessed beyond measure. π
It’s so wonderfully Ukrainian! Rejoicing with you over our amazing, down-to-the-last-detail God. Love that playground! π
It’s so wonderfully Ukrainian! Rejoicing with you over our amazing, down-to-the-last-detail God. Love the playground! π
Thank you for rejoicing with us!! Now you just need to pop on over for a visit! π
I teared up as I read this. It is so special to hear about God’s faithfulness to your family and your faithfulness to serve him.
He’s just too stinkin’ good, right??
The house is amazing! We love it! The outside pics make me laugh, though. Very, very odd looking house on the outside. π But hey, I guess if you need any rubble, you just walk out your back door! π So thankful to Jesus for giving you guys such a perfect house! I want to come visit!
COME COME COME!!! I know, our yard is a sight. It makes me feel less guilty about how long we had NO YARD at our house. Remember those days??? Hehehe
PS – I’m surprised the fire marshal in my life who also looked at these pics didn’t say anything about the bed pushed up against the radiator in the guest/boys room. Guess he figures Zhitomer is a little out of his jurisdiction, so what does he care? π MISS YOU!!!!!!
Okay, this girl must need some chocolate or something. I got tearful looking at your house and THEN when I saw the playground and the fact that it was JUST installed…my eyes are raining! God is SO good. It just touches my heart that he cares about the details. And Kim, I can’t help but think about your time in Turkey, our time in Morocco, your long wait in the U.S and believe your heart is finally home again being overseas. I love you friend!
Ah! I love you too!!! You said it just right. I do feel like I’ve come home, strange. But I’m glad you get it. Today we used a squatty and I thought of you and hairbrushes. π
Uh — so I am definitely crying after reading the part about the playground. WHY IS GOD SO FREAKIN GOOOOOOOD?????
***ten million big bear hugs********
Hahhahaha! I love you!!!! I’ll take the hugs thank you very much. π
Amazing! I love how open everything looks on the lower floor. That’s always been my quibble with house design here: the closed off rooms. You can’t usually fit guests around the table in the kitchen, but if you put the table in another room, then you’re busy in the kitchen and cut off from the conversation…. It looks like you won’t have that.
I wish I was close enough to help you with that washing machine. We recently moved to a place with a lovely old German one, and I had forgotten how confusing stuff like that can be.
Yep, it’s pretty much perfect for us. I’m just a bit worried about how loud we are for the neighbors. I have no concept of how much they can hear…and we aren’t quiet! Hmmmm
So awesome! I love the playground part! God is so faithful.
YES!!!
You all are amazing!
(What’s your coffee? Ours is Carte Noire.)
The new one we tried is “Jardin” Dessert Cup. It’s better, but I’m still not convinced it’s The One. Ha! I’ll try yours next. π
Ah, yes. Jardin is also good. I think we like most of theirs.
We went to West Suffolk Vineyard Church on Sunday!
Ooooh what did you think??
Hi Kim, Just catching up on your last few posts. You made it! Congratulations. The house looks great. The kitchen is definitely cheerful!
Oh hi Sue!! I’m so happy to hear from you!
Kim…..love love love everything about your new digs!!! It really couldn’t be any better!!! It’s so cheery and clean. Thanks for posting so many pics. It’s so great to finally have a visual of where you’re at! Emma and I like the kitchen & bathroom too!! I must admit though, that in all my thoughts about what the house looked liked never did “purple kitchen” enter my brain. Hahaha! Loves to all of you!
Hey my friend! Yay thanks for saying hi! Yeah, the kitchen color choice was quite surprising to us too. I guess they just wanted a “pop” of color. Hehe Miss you!
I love, love, love it! Every last little detail! They are all the things I wonder about and remember being weird in Mexico too! Keep up the amazing work of documenting your life! It helps me to try to convince my heart that you aren’t so far away! Love you!
Yay! Thanks for commenting! It makes me so happy to see your name pop up. Love you mucho!!! (Like how I threw the Espanol in there?) hehe
I hope you can keep writing like this! It could be so valuable to others who are coming. I’ve honestly forgotten what my early days were like. Shopping with Google Translate? That didn’t even exist back then. (But, really, I’m not old! π )
Pokes a hole in the milk… or falls splat on a bag of kefir while going up with stairs. I had a child do that once. It made me think of Piglet on his way to Eeyore with the balloon, only a lot messier. π
Haha! Yes! My kids were tossing a bag of mile around last night. Ummm no.
*milk, not mile π
I’ve been trying to cover similar details with the UK. And Jack’s 6th birthday was on Saturday! How crazy are our lives???
Oooooh Twilight Zone! Crazy. Hope your boxes arrive soon!
Love this Kimmie! I just started a major project for our ministry in Russian and Google translate was my best friend too! I’m so impressed you guys are learning it!!!
Ha! We’ll if you heard me you wouldn’t be that impressed… π Slowly but surely! Thanks for saying hi!!!
I love your blog! You are an amazing communicator and I am so happy to be a part of your life in Ukarine!
Thank you Jan! How kind of you. Thank for being a part! Your encouragement is such a blessing!
Your blog makes my life. I’m so freaking happy that everything has been smooth, even to the smallest details! Love you guys!
We love you toooo! Yep, God has been super good to us. Thank you so much for saying hi!!! π
Hi you all! I am SO HAPPY to read all the details of life there! Smiling and sometimes laughing at either the blog or pictures! Thrilled that Hannah will be spending some time with the cousins! Happy Birthday to Ez-Pez! I love you all…
Love it…hahaha! The bread thing! Once in Lativa Jeannie thought she was getting a cinnamon roll…MEAT! I LOVE those meat rolls!
Love you…
Steve Bittner Santiam Christian School Northwest Student Services, LLC (541)760-2027
(Sent from my iPhone.)
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What a great story! It made me laugh! You are so brave!!! I’m in awe.
Our ovens here in the UK are way different too! It’s like our first year of marriage all over again!
Once again, I think you’re amazing. We only ever buy frozen vareniki.
I had forgotten my struggles with ovens at the beginning. Now I’m just so used to it, that I had forgotten there would be anything else. My first time in a new home, I always burn the first thing I bake, but after that, we’re fine. π
I am cozied up in my beloved t-shirt right now! I just read like a million of your posts and had goose bumps the whole time. So happy for you guys and can’t wait to visit! Ukraine is blessed to have all of you!
Awww you’re the best! I can’t wait for you guys to visit. Hannah and I were talking about how great that will be. Come come come!!
Yes! Amen! So be it, as you said.
I am so glad to be able to read about your journey. I am so very proud of you!
Oh wow! Thank you!!! It’s so nice to hear from you π
So thankful those precious boys are not forgotten! God is on the move in Ukraine! Praise Him!
Yes!! Hey, Samuel’s family met him on Friday!!! Cool eh?
I love all the pics of the food. Ukraine has the BEST juice ever, in the blue containers. And I found most restaraunts didn’t refrigerate it once it was opened.
Did you make perogees(sp?) from scratch?!
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving!
Hey there! Yes, the kids are really loving the juice π We do make the dumplings from scratch. It’s not hard! You should give it a try. It just takes time, so I do it when the kids go to bed.
Good stuff! Be careful how you try to ask for sage too… π
Love the updates and pictures. I can’t wait to see and hear more.
Hi Sue! I got to meet Julia and we were both talking about what a great encouragement you are. Thank you so much. You are a blessing.
Wow. What else can be said? So moving, and impacting, and beautifully written. Your heart for missions and for Ukraine itself is in your genes, Kim Johnson! I am so thankful for you, and even your extended family now, crying out for change and insisting that evil be stopped. May God move mightily for the Ukrainians and for all those in the world whose hope has been crushed again and again!
Wow, your first month was so much alike and yet so different from ours in the UK! I so miss having friends. Praying for you guys; I know God is using you mightily.
Praying for you all and Ukraine! It’s been so wonderful to share in your adventures through your blog:) Definitely missing Ukraine
Thanks Abby! Let me know when/if you ever come back. I would sure love to meet you.
It snowed! π
Luv hearing your adventures and your blessings. Our God is amazing. May His blessings continue to surprise and encourage you.
Thank you so much Pat! It’s so good to hear from you. Thank you for saying hi π
Hey friend. I’m just catching up with you. Soooo many things to say, so I’ll save it FaceTime. So for now…..love you!!!!!!!!!
I would love to chat! Anytime for you my dear π
Love your Advent plan with the kids! Tip for your baking – if you are using an American recipe for any sort of baking & it calls for Baking Powder, you will need at least 1.5 to 2 times what it says cos in Europe the baking powder is not double-acting like in the US.
Have a most Blessed Christmas & a fulfilling new year!
Oh thank you for that!! I bet that’s the problem. Too bad the baking powder comes in teeny tiny little envelopes. I should’ve brought some with us in suitcase!
So fun to keep up. Miss you all. Joe and Kim
We miss you too! Have fun in Hermiston. JEALOUS. π
Day one back in the United States and I stumbled upon this. It brought tears back into my eyes and my mind is filled with memories. I love your family’s story and relationship with Ukraine!
Welcome home! π You are welcome back here any time.
You are so wise! I also love Advent and Christmas, and Advent was such a comfort to me and to our family in the year that was the hardest for us. Advent is good when all is well, but it’s essential when everyone needs a little extra.
We’ve been reading an Advent book this year and really, really enjoying it. I want to try Jotham’s Journey next year, or sometime.
Oh what book are you reading? We’ll need a new one next year.
I like the Abominable Snowman the best. π
Me tooooo! We got that one the first Christmas we were married. π
Omigosh! Camdon’s absolute number one thing on his list this year is the Abominable Snowman! He will be so tickled to see his friend has one π
Oh sweet Camdon! Hey, I read about the white Christmas dress. HILARIOUS. I laughed at/with you on that one. Hehehehe
Sweet! They actually had Christmas trees you could buy, eh?!
Can’t wait to hear the news!
I love to hear all the details. I’ve been praying. Not to discount your miracle in any way–it really is a miracle!–but that’s almost exactly how it’s usually happened for us, too. My favorite was when the boss lady for all of regional OVIR actually sat down to type out a letter for us herself, just to be sure that every bit was just right. π
You can be praying for miracles for us, too, if you remember. We have to do all this pretty soon in a new-to-us region.
I hope I didn’t tell any stories that were too horrific or discouraging! I like to say that the visa process in Ukraine is not necessarily simple, but that it’s very doable. I think people who complain here should try Russia. (And people who live in Russia probably think that I should go to China or something. π )
Wow, all of that is so cool! I love hearing God stories. We have been praying for more than 2 months now about a big adoption decision. I asked and begged and asked and prayed and asked some more for a sign by New Year’s. No sign. π Praying now for a complete heart transformation in my husband…
I am so blessed by your story. I just absolutely LOVE you guys!!