Bottle Cap Necklaces Order Form

One way that I'm fundraising for our upcoming Spring Break trip to Russia is by making bottle cap necklaces! They can be customized, and there are many designs to chose from. Simply fill out the order form below to purchase a necklace. You can be as specific as you'd like! If I don't have the design you are looking for, just ask and I can see if I can do a custom design!

Also, bottlecaps can be used as necklaces, keychains, or bag tags! I have a new one on my keyring and I love it! :)

Thanks so much!

Here is an example of a few necklaces on the type of organza chord that I use. I also have ball chain by special request.

Cap Color

Black White Hunter Green Zebra Purple Pink Aqua Orange Pink Zebra/Cheetah Custom Color. Please specify below.

Design Number

Custom Text (if applicable.)

Such a long time...

I can't believe it's been such a long time since I've posted! It has been nuts with the new school year, but this past summer was amazing. We took a trip to Russia in late June and spent about 2 weeks there working with orphan graduates. We were also there for our friend Viktor's graduation. It was so special to be able to be there for him on his special day! The Lord is continuing great work in Russia and we are so blessed to be able to be a part of it! Looking forward, we are praying about going back for another Spring Break trip in March. Not sure what the trip will look like, but we're praying and preparing for whatever the Lord has in store!

I stop and think about all those sweet kids that we've met in Russia quite often.... keep them in your prayers. I know winter months are not only cold and lonely for them physically, but spiritually. Pray that the Lord would wrap them up in His warmth and love. 

One Week!!!

SO, we leave for Russia exactly 1 week from today, so I thought it fitting to post about some of the things we're super exicted about!!!

- This is the biggest team we've taken thus far, and there are 4 new friends traveling with us to meet these sweet people and children that we have come to know and love! I can't wait for them to get to experience what we've had the blessing of experience for so many trips now!

- We are staying at the Transition Home! What's the transition home, you ask? Well it is part of a ministry of one of the local bible teaching churches there. Orphan graduates can live there after they graduate from the orphanage. They participate in bible studies and work projects. We will be staying there for the majority of our time in Russia... this is so exciting because we'll get to hang out with many of the graduates that live there! :)

- Retreat!!!!!! For the first time, we are taking a big group of orphan graduates on a retreat! We will be away from the city for a few days with them. We will be talking about identity in Christ! I am so excited for them to hear all about who they are in Christ!

- Friends! We have made some sweet sweet friends over the years, and we definitely always look forward to seeing them on trips like this!!

- The Orphanage! We have permission to visit the orphanage for 4 days, and we will be putting on a camp for the children there! We were not allowed to visit the orphanage last year, we only were allowed to bring some of the children into the city, so we haven't actually taken a team there in a while! I am very excited to see all of the children we've grown to love and also meet all of the new faces there!

We are so excited for what the Lord has in store! We will hopefully be updating with prayer requests before we leave! We'd love your prayer support for these sweet kids and graduates!

Quarters of Hope...

It's that time again, we're going back to Russia. Rewind: We went over spring break to two new orphanages, and had an absolutely wonderful experience and I just realized that I never got to update about that trip! I will post soon, because God did some AMAZING things there and I am excited for where He is leading us.

Ok, so back to present time -- we're going back to the orphanage that we started sponsoring in 2007, and we cannot wait to see all of our sweet kids! We've heard that there has been a lot of turn over there in the past year or so and that means there will be a LOT of new faces that we haven't gotten to meet. We were able to 'drop in' over spring break and say hello to some of the children we've grown to love, and I can't wait to see them all again in June.

One of the main things that the Lord always teaches me during this time is trust. Honestly, most of it deals with finances, and getting the funds to be able to go do to this ministry. It is always such a character builder -- and each trip, the Lord really teaches me more and more about honestly trusting in Him.

This year I did a '$10 for Hope' challenge on Facebook. I created an event and my goal was to see if I could get 250 people to commit $10 for Russia Missions (Each team member was asked to raise about 2,500 for trip costs and costs and ministry expenses). Though I did not make it to 250, many many people gave and the Lord has provided the amount of money I need to make this trip. He is GOOD!

In the meantime, I have encountered a few great stories, and I wanted to share some of them with you because they really encouraged me.... they are from completely different ends of the spectrum, but both impacted me in a huge way.

#1) One night I was at our college bible study, and we were about to get started when a young friend came up to me and said that she had received my '$10 for Hope' invite on Facebook. She said that she had a lot of friends going on mission trips this summer and that the Lord had really laid it on her heart to give to the ministry that was going on... she asked me how much more money I needed (which at the time was about $1,500). She then told me that she had gotten some grants for her school this semester, and she still had a good amount left that she felt called to just 'give'.... she went out to her car and handed me a check for $400. I couldn't believe it. I think I was in shock at the moment... and even now, I think of how sacrificial it is for a college student to give $400. I still am amazed at the sacrificial heart of this sweet girl, and how she chose to give that money instead of use it for the million other things that could have come up... Man, I pray for a sacrificial heart like that.

#2) During the whole '$10 for Hope' thing, I would get things in the mail pretty often, because that is how most people would send their donation. A few days after I got the check mentioned above, I checked the mail and received a envelope from a childhood friend. She is married, and also has a little boy who is very young. I have kept up with this friend only through Facebook, and I have been excited to see that she is growing in her walk with the Lord, but we hadn't talked that often. I opened the envelope and there was 9 one dollar bills, and 4 quarters taped to a piece of notebook paper. Quarters of hope. On the notebook paper it said, "Sorry about the change, money is really tight right now. Hope this helps." At that moment, tears ran down my face. I couldn't believe the sacrificial heart of this friend. That $10 was a huge sacrifice, and I could feel the weight of what that meant to her and her family. Again, I pray for a sacrificial heart like that.

So, in both cases, I saw a great example of sacrificial love. Each sweet friend sacrificing in a different way, but bringing glory to God in an amazing way and reminding me what this whole thing is about.... showing Christ to others. They both did that for me, and I am grateful.

Our team will leave for Russia on June 13th, and I cannot wait! We need about $4,600 total for each person to reach their fundraising goal -- and I know God will provide!

All I have to do is remember those quarters, and how those and so many other $10 donations added up to get me to the fundraising total I needed. 

Spring Break Videos Video!

Here are some moments from our Spring Break trip that we caught on video... they are pretty silly, but too fun to watch!

Fundraiser Necklaces

Hey friends! WE'RE GOING BACK TO RUSSIA!!!!


Thea team from my church and I will be traveling back to Russia in June to visit some graduates, and hopefully an orphanage, and continue to bring the good news of Christ to the people there! We CANT WAIT!!!


One thing though -- going means we need the support to get there!! That's where you come in! :) We have a few different ways you can support our trip, but the latest is these necklaces! Erin & I make them, and we are selling them for $15 each to raise support!!


Here are some examples of necklaces that we have made! We make ALL different types... different colors, designs, etc. Also, on some of them we put the russian word for either 'faith', 'hope', or 'love'.... what a great way to remember these sweet kids in Russia and to be reminded to pray for them!! Also, we can customize text on them, so if you want something specific, we can do it!!!! Just note that when you order:)


We are so very excited to see what the Lord has in store for this upcoming trip!! Thank you all for your support!!

Just like with our T-Shirts, you can order online!! :) Be specific with what type of necklace you would like, and we will ship it to you! Above you can see some of the different designs that we can make :) There will be a small addition for shipping though!

You can order below!!!

Necklace Options

necklace w/ no text $15.00 necklace w/ Russian word for 'hope' $15.00 necklace w/ Russian word for 'love' $15.00 necklace w/ Russian word for 'faith' $15.00 necklace w/ custom text $15.00

Color Scheme

Blue Black Pink Purple Brown Green Yellow Orange Grey

Enter customized wording here

Other comments:)

$10 for Hope

Russian Orphans and Orphan Graduates are in desperate need of hearing the hope of Christ!

They have stolen my heart, and I have the opportunity to travel back to Russia in June, but I need YOUR help! :) We just got back from a GREAT trip over spring break, but it's time to start getting ready for June!

What can you use $10 for?
- a few trips to Starbucks?
- eating dinner at Chili's?
- buying that CD you want from iTunes?


OR

You can use $10 to help give hope to an orphan in Russia. I think that $10 goes way farther:)

I will keep track as we go and we will see how far we can get!

The goal: Get 250 people to pledge to give $10... You can send it to me at

735 FM 980
Huntsville, TX 77320

If you send a check, you can make it out to University Heights Baptist Church!! It will go straight towards our June trip to Russia...

Will you join me in sharing the love of Christ with these sweet children in Russia?

We're at zero.... lets see if we can get the thermometer up to 250!!!!!!!!! :)

Fundraising Ideas

Recipe for Russia...

We are leaving for Russia on Thursday, and as we pack our supply luggage, and I begin to pack my belongings into a suitcase for the millionth time... I have been pondering what really are the 'must-haves' that go into making a trip to Russia to visit these sweet orphan kids... in no particular order

1. Camera - I can't imagine these trips without being able to bring back the memories of the sweet faces that we've met. I have captured so many moments on camera and sometimes I just look back through them and cry remembering what the Lord has done, and is doing through the people we meet...

2. Backpack - My handy-dandy backpack has made this trek with me every time I've gone to russia... it's been through summers winters and all over the Ryazan region! It is smudged with soil from country I've come to love.

3. Journal - The time flies SO fast on these trips... light speed. One morning it's our first day in Russia, and the next it seems we're already getting on a plane home. God has been SO faithful in putting TONS of opportunities in our path and each day is more packed full of grace than the next. It's times like those that it's so important to write down each day what the Lord has made happen! Looking back at all the miracles that God has done is amazing.

4. Some good shoes - These trips take you everywhere -- city, country, mud, ice, snow, etc... Gotta have a good pair of shoes to make the trip! Especially this time -- got my snow boots and I'm ready for that Russian winter!

5. A flexible and moldable spirit -- I am a very 'schedule' and 'to do' oriented person. Each trip I have to pray especially hard that the Lord would make me moldable and flexible. He has SO much in store that we could never 'plan' for the amazing things to come... and it is HUGE that we're ready for whatever opportunity arises even if it wasn't in our original plan ;)

6. Some broken Russian - Definitely a humorous part of our recipe. No matter if it's just a few words here and there in Russian, or if you just try our your 'Russian accent' *cough* Ricardo *cough* :) it always adds a ton of laughter to our travels!

7. Great friends and teammates - Whether they're Russian or American, it's amazing to see the bonds and friendships that form during trips like these. I always look forward to seeing people we've grown to be friends with over the past few years!

8. Yellow, Black, White, Red, and Green Beads - though apart they are just 'craft supplies' together they tell the story of my Savior, and how He died for me and saved me from so much. These beads tell the story of Christ, and remind us of His love for us....

9. My Sword - definitely a must have for any believer  - our sword... the love letter that our Father wrote to us. It is so important for us to spend time seeking the Lord on a daily basis, and especially in the midst of a trip like this - to let the Lord direct us through His word and remind us of why we take these trips at all....

10. A good playlist - 12 hours on a plane and 3 on a bus would pass by SO much slower without some good playlists with some Lecrae, B. Reith, Relient K, Shane & Shane and so much more... (I may even throw in some Bieber every now and then hehe!) but it is definitely a must have!

Now that I have the essentials -- I better go get packing! Stay tuned for updates and ways you can pray!

What's my life if I'm not praising you...

I think these lyrics speak for themselves... very powerful. 


Lecrae - Boasting


 If this life has anything to gain at all 
I count it lost if I can't hear you, feel you, 
'cause I need you. Can't walk this earth alone. 
I recognize I'm not my own, so before I fall 
I need to hear you, feel you, as I live to make my boast in you alone. 

With every breath I take, with every heart beat, 
Sunrise and the moon lights in the dark street. 
Every glance, every dance, every note of a song. 
It's all a gift undeserved that I shouldn't have known. 
Every day that I lie, every moment I covet 
I'm deserving to die, I'm just earning your judgment. 
I, without the cross there's only condemnation. 
If Jesus wasn't executed there's no celebration. 
So in times that are good, in times that are bad, 
For any times that I've had it all I will be glad. 
And I will boast in the cross. I boast in my pains. 
I will boast in the sunshine, boast in his reign. 
What's my life if it's not praising you. 
Another dollar in my bank account of vain pursuit. 
I do not count my life as any value or precious at all. 
Let me finish my race, let me answer my call. 

If this life has anything to gain at all 
I count it lost if I can't hear you, feel you, 
'cause I need you. Can't walk this earth alone. 
I recognize I'm not my own, so before I fall 
I need to hear you, feel you, as I live to make my boast in you alone. 

Tomorrow's never promised, but it is we swear. 
Think we holding our own, just a fist full of air. 
God has never been obligated to give us life. 
If we fought for our rights, we'd be in hell tonight. 
Mere sinners own nothing but a fierce hand. 
We never loved him, we pushed away his pierced hands. 
I rejected his love, grace, kindness, and mercy. 
Dying of thirst, yet, willing to die thirsty. 
Eternally worthy, how could I live for less? 
Patiently you turn my heart away from selfishness. 
I volunteer for your sanctifying surgery. 
I know the spirit's purging me of everything that's hurting me. 
Remove the veil from my darkened eyes. 
So now every morning I open your word and see the Son rise. 
I hope in nothin, boast in nothin, only in your suffering. 
I live to show your glory, dying to tell your story. 

If this life has anything to gain at all 
I count it lost if I can't hear you, feel you, 
'cause I need you. Can't walk this earth alone. 
I recognize I am not my own, so before I fall 
I need to hear you, feel you, as I live to make my boast in you alone. 
 
Glory was solely meant for you, doing what no one else could do. 
With All I have to give, (With all I have to Give) I'll use my life, I'll use my lips.  
I'll only glory in your Word. What gift to me I don't deserve. 
I'll live in such a way that it reflects to you my praise. 
 
If this life has anything to gain at all 
I count it lost if I can't hear you, feel you, 
'cause I need you. Can't walk this earth alone. 
I recognize I am not my own, so before I fall 
I need to hear you, feel you, as I live to make my boast in you alone.

your eyes

your eyes
they tell me all the words you cannot say
how your heart breaks because of what you've seen
because you feel unwanted
because you feel alone

your eyes tell me of a child who needs a mom
and a dad
and a family
someone to kiss them goodnight
someone to hold when they're scared

your eyes look to mine
for comfort
for love
for rest
for friendship...

those beautiful eyes
i see a twinkle in them when we hug
and laugh
and then you smile...
oh those smiles I wish I could keep ingrained in my memory forever...
smiles of hope...
and of joy....

but then it's gone....
in an instant
as you remember that we'll be gone soon
and you'll still be longing for a family
and for somewhere to belong

please see in our eyes
see the hope
the love
the joy
the peace
that only comes from Jesus

the father, and family, and belonging

the mender of broken hearts

He can make your eyes shine again -- and forever
and they're so beautiful when they shine...

Playlist

So... we are not ready to be home, yet ready to see our families.... it has been am AMAZING 9 days... I can't even explain it....

It is 1:37AM here now, and we are leaving for Moscow for the airport at 4:00AM... so we're hoping to get a few hours of sleep before then... then we have a 3 hour drive to the airport, then we fly out at 10:15AM Moscow time.... with an 11 hour flight that puts us back in good ol' Houston at 2PM. So, we'll see ya then and say 'yeehaw'..... please stay tuned for more updates from the trip... I realize they'll come after we're home, but there was just so  much and so little time to write... thank you all for praying... we definitely saw evidence of it!

Just a little playlist we'll be listening to with some songs about serving the least of these, and about kids who need homes, and some of them are just plain great songs about Jesus.... check 'em out... this is what I'll be jammin to to pass the time on the plane.

1.) All I Have Is Christ - NA Band
2.) Always - Building 429
3.) Antidote - B.Reith
4.) Background - Lecrae
5.) By Your Side - 10th Avenue North
6.) Hope Now - Addison Road
7.) Lead Me - Sanctus Real
8.) Ooh Ahh - Grits
9.) Glory To God Forever - Fee
10.) Open Hands - Matt Papa
11.) Tears of the Saints - Leeland
12.) Temporary Home - Carrie Underwood
13.) Turn Down the Music - Shane & Shane
14.) Won't You Be My Love - Mercy Me
15.) Your Hands - JJ Heller

Let the Lord speak to you as you listen...

Thank you again for all of your prayers! See you in the США....... Пока!!!!!

As if serving Jesus

So, today is Thanksgiving... and we are about to head to sleep! I have so many things to be thankful for... being in this place, with all of these sweet children who don't have families really reminds me of how much the Lord has blessed me.

Remember that all we have has been given to us by the Lord, and that there are so many people and children around the world who do not have the blessing of a family.... man... I am so thankful. Be sure to thank the one who is author of it all today...

I think I'm a few days behind, but it's just been so crazy!

Wednesday:

Wednesday started a little slower than all the rest of our days. It was really much needed! We slept in a little bit, had some breakfast and Viktor met us to take us to his dorm.  He toured us around his dormitory where him and our friend Vanya live. They have 1 boys shower and 1 girls shower per floor and 1 kitchen per floor. Viktor's room is so cozy, and you can tell the boys have tried to make it home! They have pictures of friends and albums. After that, we went to meet our friend Keith Doyle at our most famous 'Coffee Bean'. We LOVE this place :) Keith flew in from Boston on Tuesday and we are now partnering with him in the rest of our time here. It is amazing how the Lord works because Keith said that seeing that Erin and I were here is what gave him confirmation that he was supposed to come this week! Also, because Viktor and Slava left for Finland, it really is amazing that Keith is here to help get us around the city!!! What an amazing provision from the Lord! Then Viktor had to leave us to go to driving class, so his roommate Vanya (who speaks little english) was our 'tour guide'! Viktor made sure that we had someone to take care of us in his absence! lol Vanya took us to the store where we got some juice and things and then we headed to their wednesday night bible study! Erin taught a bible study on John 15.... Love God & Love others -- having unity.... it was a great night with some great spirit lead conversations! We met some new friends, and heard a story about a sweet couple named Gayana and Artur (more on that to come later... I'm sure that will be its own post)... but man, it was a great night talking to our brothers and sisters in Christ about how we are called to serve others as if serving Jesus...

It's amazing to see how much the enemy is trying to ruin what God is doing here... we have been seeing God do some AMAZING things... but in the same way... we also see the enemy attacking in specific ways as well... please just continue to pray!



***So, it's amazing how American music comes on so much here... and for some reason we have a specific connection with a certain song.... SO ... Viktor, me, Vanya and Erin were in a taxi and all the sudden we hear... "It's too late to apologize.... It's too latteeeeeeeeeeeee"  Oh man, after laughing hilariously we sang (horribly probably).... along together. Again, Russian Taxi driver probably thinking he's picked up some crazy americans.... what is it with us and taxi's??!!?!?!******

God Ordained...

So, yesterday (Tuesday) was a crazy day filled with LOTS... I feel like I've said that about every day... but oh well :)

We started out by going to get registered..... the process is the most ridiculous thing filled with minute details to make it miserable and take up travelers time lol.... First, you must make copies of all of your documents, then you must go to the bank and pay 2 rubles per person per day for the amount of time you will be in Russia.... for each of us it ended up being 18 rubles.... which is not even a dollars worth... so its kind of silly! Then we go to the registration office where they tell us that we need 2 bank documents instead of just 1 receipt of payment.... oy! anyway- finally we get done and are ready to start the day!

Viktor met us after he got done with his university classes, and we headed to the church to go with one of the local pastors to a new orphanage. It took about an hour and 20 minutes to get there, and once we got there, we only had a short time to stay because we had to have Viktor back in Ryazan for his driving class.... BUT we definitely were supposed to be there... The director was on her 'rest time' but she came back just to meet with us. She was so inviting and welcoming. The pastor even told her that we are Christians and that we love to work with orphanages... she said that the kids love to have visitors.... and even invited us to come back next time! So many more details, but not enough room to write them all! :) We then go to go meet some of the kids.... the people from this church come and work with the kids once a week... they had 3 different bible classes (OPENLY) and they were doing studies and things with the kids that we have only dreamed of doing!!!!! AMAZING! We were so excited to make this connection and so excited to see what the Lord has in store for the future.

After that, we headed back to Ryazan and headed to the Ministry Center. We had called some graduates, and the ministry center had tried to get in contact with some as well, but we weren't even sure who would show up.... on the way, Erin called Lonya (a boy she'd become close to the first few years) and he said that he couldn't come because he didn't' have the money for transportation. He said he may hitchhike from his village, but didn't know... so - Erin just started to pray.... pray that somehow he could come and that she would get to talk to him.... we called him back in about 45 minutes, and he said he'd be there! Praise the Lord! He answered her prayer! When we got to the ministry center, there weren't many kids there, but soon enough the place was jumping with familiar faces! Slava and Keith Doyle (our friend from Boston who decided Sunday to come to Russia and arrived yesterday!!!!!!!!) picked up 'german hamburgers' for all the kids! We were able to hang out and talk with lots of our fav Russians... and then some of them left because they have to get back to their dorms before they close. After that, we were sitting with some of the boys, and crazyness started an amazing God-ordained conversation..... I can't even explain the depth of it, but they were so involved, and they were so interactive -- One thing I remember is asking them, "So, who is Jesus to you?" and Zhenya (that went to the army) said "Savior" ... man, what sweet words. Also, a few said that they knew Jesus died for them, but "what do we do now?"... AMAZING! Erin was able to share her testimony and Sergei (Viktor's brother) said that it was actually a lot like his... By the end of the conversation, you could see the difference in his and Zhenya's countenance.... it was as if a burden had been lifted... they looked encouraged and joyful -- what a great conversation! Man, I can't even explain.... God is so good. That's all I can say.

The cool thing is that Viktor was translating for us this whole time... he was doing such a great job... I cannot imagine how stressful and tiring it is to translate such crazy conversations, but we are SO proud of him. He has been our 'tour guide' thus far on our trip, and we are so thankful for him. God has huge plans for him.

We are seeing the results of your prayers, we are seeing God move, and we are SO thankful for all of your support!!!!!!

Prayer Requests:
- we are leading a bible study tonight... pray that the Lord would direct our words
- today is our last day with Viktor... pray that the Lord would use this time to continue to encourage him
- pray that we would be able to go back to our orphanage tomorrow
- Erin is feeling a little sick... pray that the Lord would guard her from illness
- that we would have some more time with Nastya P.

Слава Богу!!!!!!! (Praise God)

I am so thankful for notebooks... seriously, I am a journaling person... and it's at times like these that I remember why I love it so much! I feel like we've been here for a week! We have done so many different things and seen so many different kids that I feel like I could write 10 posts and not give you all the details of the past 2 days!

I'm going to give you the short(er) version!!!

Sunday:
The day started with Nastya (one of the graduates that we came to see) meeting us at Slava's house. We took the trolleybus (bc we're so russian), and met Viktor and then went to the Baptist church. The service was long, and we couldn't understand..... BUT the reason I love going there is because of what comes after the service... I have made some great connections in the past with some college age people there, so we stayed and hand lunch at the church with them. They are always so welcoming! It was a great time of fellowship and encouragement. Also, at this church there is a rehabilitation center for boys/young men that are struggling with alcohol and drugs. We met a young man who is living there and heard his story of redemption through Christ.... it was great to hear what the Lord is doing there. After that we went to the Coffee Bean (be jealous Ricardo!!!!) and got our traditional cheese sandwich and cappuccino and had a great talk with Nastya about the Lord. She had a chance to tell us her story and it was great to get that time with her. We then went to Slava's church (the pastor that we are staying with). Many of the students from our orphanage have started to attend this church, and so it is so amazing to walk in and see faces of students that we already know and love.... and they are sitting in a place where they will here scriptural truth about Christ. I am just SO amazed! After a great service, we were able to get to talk to Valdemar and his friend Ruslan. Ruslan is living in a transition home for orphan graduates, and he shared about his experience so far with that. The pastor of the church with the transition home took us on a tour of the transition home... and it was there that he told us that in the Ryazan Region alone there are 3,000 students living in orphanages.... how heartbreaking. Finally, to end the night, we took some of the kids for dinner and then went bowling! Some graduates from the orphanage, some girls from the baptist church, some from Slava's church...... it was great to see the Lord making connections between all the different church bodies represented there..... also that night, Nastya spent the night with us and we were able to have some quality time just hanging out with her! What a day... and God provided us many opportunities to talk about His Son!


Monday:
Monday started early again... we realized that we hadn't registered here yet (this is a very big deal.... when you leave Russia, they look at your visa application and look at the place where you registered upon arrival and they make sure that you came to the place where you said you were going -- a person may run into problems if they do not follow protocol). After running errands, we headed out to the orphanage. We were prayerfully approaching the situation of going to the orphanage but we'll just say this --- the Lord completely worked out EVERYTHING! We met with the director and then when we left her office, all I saw were sweet little faces RUNNING up to us to hug us and say hello..... man, my heart is breaking for these kids. We ended up spending 4 hours there!!!!! We sat in the craft room with kids of all ages coming in and out, but we were able to spend some time with them...... and see them smile. I fee like it's not that often that they smile.... i mean really smile... anyway; one of my favorite parts was seeing Zhenya (a boy I met when he was 12)... for some reason God has drawn me to him... he has been one of the ones I've had a huge burden for... and I got to talk to him for a good while.... and I saw God make a connection between him and the pastor that went with us.... man, God is SO good... I can't even do justice to what He is doing with this little (yeah, ok, not so little) blog post. After leaving the orphanage we called some friends and decided to take some graduates and some friends/translators to a pizza place for dinner... what a GREAT time of fellowship, laughter, and conversation.... man, GOD IS GOOD!

I feel like there is so much more... but if you want to hear, trust me we'll be happy to tell you when we get home!:)


Prayer Requests:
- that we would have another chance to go to the orphanage
- get the graduates connected to local believers who can pour into them
- continue to be aware of opportunities to talk about the Lord
- that the Lord would give us energy & rest in the midst of our crazy schedule! (we have had full days and not full sleep :)
- we would be able to get in contact with graduates that we have not yet seen
- for our friend Keith Doyle as he travels to Russia and arrives Tuesday!!!!


*** Funny story to follow.... disclaimer.... if you're tired of reading.... you can skip this part..... it's of no spiritual significance or really important at all.... but it sure was funny!!!!*****

(Pause for Background: At the orphanage, Erin's camera battery died, then my camera battery died, then on the way home, our phone battery died.... so when we got home, I was going to post a blog before going to pizza... but our laptop was dead.... so....)

Resume story...

Charly: 'ugh! it's dead... like everything else'
Erin: 'yeah, like your attitude'
Charly: 'bahah, that's not nice'
Crazy laughter ensues.......
(10 minutes later in the Taxi)
Charly: 'You know, I was talking about electronics, not life in general'
Erin: 'Ok, so you either just said, 'My elctronics are not life eternal' or 'my electronics are not a live turtle'
Charly: 'bahahahhahhaah'
Erin: 'bahahahahaa'

I'm sure this Russian Taxi driver is thinking he's driving two crazy americanski's around!!!! Man, can you tell we're sleep deprived!!?!?!

We're HERE!!!!!

So, after waiting a loooong few months, making about a million necklaces to raise funds (Thanks again to all those who supported!!!!) and finally fitting all of our gifts for our sweet friends into our suitcases (needless to say this took quite a long time.... who knew Peanut butter could complicate things so much lol) we headed for Houston on Thursday!

We arrived at the airport a little late, and saw the line for security and thought OH NO! but, we were able to go through the 'first class' line which was much quicker. We had a minor setback while waiting for the plane -- at one point I remember thinking, "We're not going to be able to go...", but God worked out EVERY detail (Even our flight was delayed... I believe without that we would not have had time to get everything resolved!) ... God put specific people in place at the exact right time... and obviously we got on the plane and are now in RUSSIA!

We landed in Russia, walked through customs and got our baggage the fastest that we have EVER done! We walked out into the airport looking all over for Viktor (all the while we are trying not to look at all the cab drivers offering us a ride... yikes!) .... and all of the sudden someone comes up behind us and scares us to death!!!!! Viktor!!!!!!!!!! We are so happy to get to spend some time with him this trip! Yay! We went out to meet Slava at the car, and then headed to Ryazan! It was a great drive... the weather is a bit rainy... but not as cold as we thought it would be... maybe in the 30s/40s!

That night when we got back to Ryazan we went straight to a 'party' at Slava's church... One of the first faces that we saw when we walked in was Valdemar! He is a great young man, and close to our hearts -- he graduated from Solotcha this year, so we were so excited to see him at the church! Some missionaries from America were sharing about their experiences, and also some students from the international church were there as well -- one that I met was from Zambia!!!! (shout out to my friend Katy!!!!!!!!!! :)

One of my favorite parts of these trips is to hear everyone singing praises to the Lord in their own language... I think it is one of my absolute favorite sounds... and it was a great night of worship Friday night!

This morning (Saturday) we got up and headed to the church and sat in on their 'leadership meeting', after that we went to the orphanage where Viktor coaches soccer. It was Erin and I's first time there... the orphanage is larger than I would have expected. We went in and went to the gym where some of the boys were practicing with Viktor. We hung out on the sidelines and cheered them on, and watched as the little ones that weren't playing at the moment did flips and took pictures with our cameras..... it just breaks my heart to meet more and more kids that don't have families. It really was a fun afternoon with them, and we're hoping to return.

We came back into town, and had a small girls bible study. The american missionary from seattle fixed lots of fun snacks, and we talked with the girls about the story of the woman with the alabaster box...

A great few days coming to an end.... its 1: 28 AM here and we're about to go to sleep.... we're so excited to see what the Lord has in store for the next week!!

  Here are some ways you can pray...


- focused/purposeful conversations with all we come in contact with
- that God would work across the language barrier...
- that God will helps us connect with kids that He has put on our hearts to get in contact with
- that we will be allowed to visit the orphanage and see our kiddos
- encourage the local believers 
- ultimately that we would be sensitive to the spirit moving and be able to share the good news with all we meet

*countless*

I am recently finding that when the Lord is teaching you something, He gives you many opportunities to put into practice that character skill that he is teaching. He has designed it lately in my life like this... I am struggling with something right now, and this week alone, I have had countless opportunities -- *and when I say 'opportunities' what I really mean to say is super tough/hard situations that make me realize all I can do is trust in my Savior* -- anyway- countless.... I mean countless opportunities to look to the cross instead of worrying or being discouraged....


I must confess -- I am still working on this... but I'm thankful that the Lord gives many chances because if He only gave me one opportunity to show growth in a specific area, I would, in all honesty, screw it up. When He gives multiple opportunities, I hope with each situation that I can grow closer and closer to having a complete Christlike reaction -- again, I am still working on this... but I am beginning to see a pattern in some recent happenings and some things that the Lord is obviously calling me to 'work on'... Have you noticed any 'patterns' in your struggles? Do you think that these are something that the Lord is trying to teach you? Here is the kicker.... are you being a good student? (Again, I must admit -- I haven't been... I don't listen very well... but I am now trying to have my eyes & ears on my teacher alone...) 


I know that the Lord is at work... Russia in 2 weeks... and I know that He has something big (mostly b/c I've seen the enemy up to no good more recently than in a looooong time...) I just want to trust.... I want to trust completely

Tug of War

Lately, my heart has been pulled in so many directions. It's this constant tug of war between my flesh and my spirit. I seem to struggle constantly with the same things over and over... The Spirit reminds me of who my Savior is, and that my God provides for every need, and that He ALONE satisfies.... that tells me I am created in the image of God and that He has a plan for my life. Yet, the enemy tells me that I am insignificant. That I am incomplete in certain areas in my life. That I, because I am different from other girls, am not 'good enough'. My flesh desires certain things so much..... so much it is overwhelming. And lately in those overwhelming moments, I seem to hear the lies of the enemy over the truth of my Savior.

I need help. I need the Lord to come in and renovate this heart of mine... I need to listen to the Spirit and to combat the lies of the enemy that come into my mind, and that come from the lips of others. 

I think the root of the issue is my selfishness, and that when it all comes down to it, I focus on 'me'. I was reminded tonight, that when we pray and seek the Lord for who He is, His power, His will, His glory, then it gives us such a different perspective on out 'needs' an 'desires'. I need and want to lay aside 'me'.... 

I know that while I am still in this flesh, there will always be struggle... but I know the Lord is calling me to trust and be satisfied in Him no matter what.... rich or poor, single or married, healthy or sick, living in the states or living across the globe.... He is calling me to trust that His way is better... I want to live this daily .... because I am so tired of this tug-of-war. 

The Lord is good, and He alone satisfies. I must fight my fleshly mind & the enemy that tells me otherwise. 

Background

Lecrae is one of my favorite artists..... his lyrics convict me in so many ways. He released his new album last week titled "Rehab" - and I've been listening to it constantly since then. I really love it.... that being said, this is the one song i'm stuck on at the moment... I want to share it w/ you b/c I think it's awesome -- and so true.  Check it out.

Always - Always!!!!!

This trip in November will be my 6th trip to Russia to work with the sweet kids I've come to love. That means 6 times of 'Fundraising', and MANY times of seeing God's provision. I can't begin to tell you all of the stories of how the Lord has provided for me and for our teams over the past few years... but I'm sure if I really sat down to write it out it would take ALL DAY! 

That being said, God has completely blown my mind again! Erin and I have been making necklaces for the past few months to raise funds for our trip, and a friend of mine gave me the idea that we should have a table at Fair on the Square this year to try and sell some necklaces. My first thought was, "What!?!?!? Maybe, but I'm not sure if anyone will buy them!!" haha.... But after thinking about it, I thought it was a great idea! 

Bert let us set up in front of the Facemaker, and we had a table today! Let me tell you - God never ceases to amaze me...... we went in today having just enough for one plane ticket.... (last time we counted what we had, it was $642 exactly - one round trip ticket to Moscow!!) Anyway- we set up today.... we had our necklaces, and then some amazing hand made stuff that my dad's sweet friend donated to our cause.... and through all of that, we raised enough money for both of our plane tickets, our visas, and enough for some expenses while we are there! God is SO GOOD! His faithfulness to us is SO good, and I love that it is continued confirmation that He is behind this! We could not do it with out Him! 

So, THANK YOU THANK YOU to all of you that came out today, we SO appreciate it, and we are SO excited to make this journey with you.

The rest of the funds that we raise will go to expenses during the trip (hopefully taking some of the orphan grads to dinner, coffee, helping those who are in need to get some things for their dorm rooms [specifically a sweet girl named Nastya (see Nastya's Apartment , etc and maybe even buying gifts for the children at the orphanage!) We are so excited to see what the Lord has in store in the next months as we prepare to go! 


That being said.... God is FAITHFUL! 


Always - Always!!!!!!!

Just some examples!

Hey guys, I figured it would be good to put some examples of different styles of necklaces that we've been making! There are numbers to the left of each design, and if you want that specific type, you can put that in the 'comment' section of your order! Also, we've been making some "Hornet" ones, some "SHSU" ones, some aTm ones, and some "AOA" ones!!! :) We can do names, initials, etc! :)

We really need your support, so we'd love for you to order! 

Here are some of our designs!

Order below :)