Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Kyrgyzstan Bound 2011 - Video of our trip!
Enjoy our video of our trip to Kyrgyzstan. If you know Randy and I and our picture taking, you know that the is just a SAMPLE of the photo's we took. The country and people are so beautiful! Putting together this video brought back such wonderful memories of our experiences and the people we met along the way.
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Home
We arrived home around 1:15 a.m. Saturday morning after a long day of travel. We had little issues and the issues we did have were just bothersome and annoying but nothing that hindered us from having a good trip home.
The first thing Randy did was get a bottle of Mt. Dew when he found some in Columbus. The joy on his face was hysterical. When we got to our car I went straight for McDonald's and got a Big Mac (my travel comfort food), fries (not very good), and Iced Tea (back to no soda for me).
Saturday we were up and out by 8 a.m. I had a nail appointment, we went grocery shopping, and home by 10 a.m. for a day of doing laundry, cleaning a bit around the house, working on a video for church, finishing some blogs, and just chillin'.
Grocery shopping was a bit startling. We want the bread from the local bread maker on the street, the selection of vegetables and fruit from the corner stand, natural juices. The Kroger was sooooo much bigger than Narodnyi. I miss the bazaar shopping experience.
What I miss most though is knowing that I can't head to Kemin this week to love on the seniors, head to Iskra for English classes, baby hospital to love on Rosa or Hope, and the many other places that could use a helping hand, smiling face, loving hug. I can't head to the local university to help put together their first year book, stop in the English class to help them understand our language, or call Hymanot to take me anywhere I need in a flash.
I realized during my two weeks that missions is different anywhere you go. Some missions trips you go and build buildings such as a church, hike into the jungle, stand on a street corner evangelizing. What I found in Kyrgyzstan is that the work that LAMb is doing is building relationships. Spending time with the seniors and just loving on them. Taking craft supplies to the men in Iskra so they can use their creative minds to create beautiful crafts and taking treats like ice cream to honor them and just spend time with them. Helping a local family renovate a home, which in turn renovated a family. When we visited Jessica's Family the two thing that struck Randy and I was HOW EXCITED the kids were - they were beside themselves when they saw us; and how proud mom was that dad now had a job and was bringing the money home and giving it to her instead of drinking it away. Relationships. Watching the Wright family, John and Julie letting their young daughters (17 & 19?) integrate into the culture building relationships is inspiring. John and Julie have the biggest hearts I have ever seen. They love the country and it shows. Their passion shows with each hug they give (and receive), each painful decision they have to make when you just can't help everyone, each kind & compassionate word they speak.
The work that mom & Lynn are doing with leaders in the Social Work field is amazing. Brining field guides, training materials, expertise to a country that want's to make a difference for the children is generation changing activities. Starting pilot projects for orphanage alternatives, university training options, leadership courses. Jayne Schooler bringing her adoption expertise and sharing her books with those who want to make a difference. This doesn't start overnight. They have spent hours upon hours meeting and getting to know those who work in these areas and building relationships. Maybe, just maybe, the dream that Sergey and Anya have to see the children protected when leaving an orphanage can become reality. That is the work that LAMb is doing. Helping to build new futures for the children of Kyrgyzstan (plus Ukraine, and others).
It's all about relationships and realizing that it's just not about ourselves. I remembered quickly in our trip that it's not about observing, it's about doing. That it's not about what someone may think of me, it's about spending time and getting to know the culture. That's what the seniors taught me. That's what the men taught me. The loving touch, hug, smile makes a difference.
As I look at my pictures I am reminded of these lessons. Where I let me go and instead be the hands and feet. But you know what . . . there is so much more that I want to do. There is so many more I want to meet. There is more that I want to learn. The Kyrgy culture is amazing and so rich. There are so many stories that I want to see them play out; Hymanot's visit home, Sergey & Anya's dream for orphans, results of relationships, Bekah's dreams, Rosa's future. Two weeks ruined me . . . too much time to make me fall in love with the people I met and not enough time to see things play out.
What is in store for Randy and I? Time will only tell but I'm pretty sure we will be back. We left part of us there and realize that we can do a lot there. In the meantime what we can do is work from here. Help fund raise for LAMb, help bring awareness to what they are doing and how people can help make a difference. How? I have no idea but this is what we want to do for now. We need to get things in order here as well. We can't be used if we aren't prepared to be used. Oh yeah . . . and learn Russian! We want to be able to talk and really listen to what people are sharing with us instead of guessing when we return.
Mom, Lynn, Jayne, David, John, Julie, Bekah, Emma - thank you! Thank you for sharing your passions with us and going out of your way in doing so. We interrupted your Kyrgy lives for two weeks and you were so gracious. You were tired but yet you still continued on with us. Each and everyone of you are true servants that didn't go unnoticed by Randy or I. Your sacrifices will be blessed. You are in our prayers. We pray that one day we will be there with you. Serving along side of you. But that is out of our control for now.
Mom & Lynn, your hospitality - as always - was beyond expectation. I am so proud that you are doing the work you are doing. I am amazed, in awe, and was soooooooo honored to be introduced as your daughter to those whom you work with and have worked with for years. Their joy when meeting me showed me how much they love you and respect you for what you are doing. I am humbled. Truly humbled.
As I finish this up I am torn, confused. What does God have in store for us now? Where do we go from here? For now, we will continue to do the work that God has for us here. We will also pray that He show's us where and if we fit in with LAMb. It is a bit overwhelming . . .
Thank you for your prayers during our trip. I ask that you continue to pray for LAMb and the team on the ground that doors continue to open and the ones that need closed close. That they are given favor as they move forward in changing the future for the children, and that they are blessed beyond imagination. The work they are doing is AMAZING. If you are family or friends on one of the team members, be proud. Be very proud and supportive. What they are doing is hard and tiring work but the relationships they are building is making a difference.
Oh yea . . . If anyone reading this has any ideas or thoughts on fundraising, please let me know!
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
The first thing Randy did was get a bottle of Mt. Dew when he found some in Columbus. The joy on his face was hysterical. When we got to our car I went straight for McDonald's and got a Big Mac (my travel comfort food), fries (not very good), and Iced Tea (back to no soda for me).
Saturday we were up and out by 8 a.m. I had a nail appointment, we went grocery shopping, and home by 10 a.m. for a day of doing laundry, cleaning a bit around the house, working on a video for church, finishing some blogs, and just chillin'.
Grocery shopping was a bit startling. We want the bread from the local bread maker on the street, the selection of vegetables and fruit from the corner stand, natural juices. The Kroger was sooooo much bigger than Narodnyi. I miss the bazaar shopping experience.
What I miss most though is knowing that I can't head to Kemin this week to love on the seniors, head to Iskra for English classes, baby hospital to love on Rosa or Hope, and the many other places that could use a helping hand, smiling face, loving hug. I can't head to the local university to help put together their first year book, stop in the English class to help them understand our language, or call Hymanot to take me anywhere I need in a flash.
I realized during my two weeks that missions is different anywhere you go. Some missions trips you go and build buildings such as a church, hike into the jungle, stand on a street corner evangelizing. What I found in Kyrgyzstan is that the work that LAMb is doing is building relationships. Spending time with the seniors and just loving on them. Taking craft supplies to the men in Iskra so they can use their creative minds to create beautiful crafts and taking treats like ice cream to honor them and just spend time with them. Helping a local family renovate a home, which in turn renovated a family. When we visited Jessica's Family the two thing that struck Randy and I was HOW EXCITED the kids were - they were beside themselves when they saw us; and how proud mom was that dad now had a job and was bringing the money home and giving it to her instead of drinking it away. Relationships. Watching the Wright family, John and Julie letting their young daughters (17 & 19?) integrate into the culture building relationships is inspiring. John and Julie have the biggest hearts I have ever seen. They love the country and it shows. Their passion shows with each hug they give (and receive), each painful decision they have to make when you just can't help everyone, each kind & compassionate word they speak.
The work that mom & Lynn are doing with leaders in the Social Work field is amazing. Brining field guides, training materials, expertise to a country that want's to make a difference for the children is generation changing activities. Starting pilot projects for orphanage alternatives, university training options, leadership courses. Jayne Schooler bringing her adoption expertise and sharing her books with those who want to make a difference. This doesn't start overnight. They have spent hours upon hours meeting and getting to know those who work in these areas and building relationships. Maybe, just maybe, the dream that Sergey and Anya have to see the children protected when leaving an orphanage can become reality. That is the work that LAMb is doing. Helping to build new futures for the children of Kyrgyzstan (plus Ukraine, and others).
It's all about relationships and realizing that it's just not about ourselves. I remembered quickly in our trip that it's not about observing, it's about doing. That it's not about what someone may think of me, it's about spending time and getting to know the culture. That's what the seniors taught me. That's what the men taught me. The loving touch, hug, smile makes a difference.
As I look at my pictures I am reminded of these lessons. Where I let me go and instead be the hands and feet. But you know what . . . there is so much more that I want to do. There is so many more I want to meet. There is more that I want to learn. The Kyrgy culture is amazing and so rich. There are so many stories that I want to see them play out; Hymanot's visit home, Sergey & Anya's dream for orphans, results of relationships, Bekah's dreams, Rosa's future. Two weeks ruined me . . . too much time to make me fall in love with the people I met and not enough time to see things play out.
What is in store for Randy and I? Time will only tell but I'm pretty sure we will be back. We left part of us there and realize that we can do a lot there. In the meantime what we can do is work from here. Help fund raise for LAMb, help bring awareness to what they are doing and how people can help make a difference. How? I have no idea but this is what we want to do for now. We need to get things in order here as well. We can't be used if we aren't prepared to be used. Oh yeah . . . and learn Russian! We want to be able to talk and really listen to what people are sharing with us instead of guessing when we return.
Mom, Lynn, Jayne, David, John, Julie, Bekah, Emma - thank you! Thank you for sharing your passions with us and going out of your way in doing so. We interrupted your Kyrgy lives for two weeks and you were so gracious. You were tired but yet you still continued on with us. Each and everyone of you are true servants that didn't go unnoticed by Randy or I. Your sacrifices will be blessed. You are in our prayers. We pray that one day we will be there with you. Serving along side of you. But that is out of our control for now.
Mom & Lynn, your hospitality - as always - was beyond expectation. I am so proud that you are doing the work you are doing. I am amazed, in awe, and was soooooooo honored to be introduced as your daughter to those whom you work with and have worked with for years. Their joy when meeting me showed me how much they love you and respect you for what you are doing. I am humbled. Truly humbled.
As I finish this up I am torn, confused. What does God have in store for us now? Where do we go from here? For now, we will continue to do the work that God has for us here. We will also pray that He show's us where and if we fit in with LAMb. It is a bit overwhelming . . .
Thank you for your prayers during our trip. I ask that you continue to pray for LAMb and the team on the ground that doors continue to open and the ones that need closed close. That they are given favor as they move forward in changing the future for the children, and that they are blessed beyond imagination. The work they are doing is AMAZING. If you are family or friends on one of the team members, be proud. Be very proud and supportive. What they are doing is hard and tiring work but the relationships they are building is making a difference.
Oh yea . . . If anyone reading this has any ideas or thoughts on fundraising, please let me know!
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Last Day In Kyrgyzstan - What a way to end it!!!!!!
Thursday is our last day in Kyrgyzstan. As someone points out that our trip has come to an end I am sad, as our trip home is mentioned I am anxious. I get anxious with traveling when I have to experience the unknown. Once I have done it once then I am okay. These are new airports and new processes . . . Praise God that we had people with us on our way here to help us along.
I can't believe that the two weeks have passed. That tomorrow we head home. But for today it was a day of rejoicing!!!!
When we talked about what we were going to be doing during this trip one of the things that we talked about was the opportunity for some of the men from Iskra (Home for Disabled Men) getting a chance to take a dip in the pool. We were honored that today was the day. The pictures tell it all. The relationships we built with these men were life changing for both Randy and I.
The evening brought our final meal in Kyrgyzstan. We went to the log cabin for good traditional Kyrgy food. Those joining us was Zuhra, Natasha & Sergey, Pastor David & Jayne Schooler, John & Christa Tsai and of course Mom & Lynn. We ate outside and had a marvelous time.
After we got home John, Julie & Bekah Wright stopped by for tea and to say goodbye. Then off to finish packing.
Blessings,
Randy & Kim
I can't believe that the two weeks have passed. That tomorrow we head home. But for today it was a day of rejoicing!!!!
When we talked about what we were going to be doing during this trip one of the things that we talked about was the opportunity for some of the men from Iskra (Home for Disabled Men) getting a chance to take a dip in the pool. We were honored that today was the day. The pictures tell it all. The relationships we built with these men were life changing for both Randy and I.
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| Larissa has done WONDERS for the men at Iskra. She is such a blessing!!! |
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| He wanted a picture of mom with her daughter. |
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| 100 skewers of Shashlik for the men of Iskra! |
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| Randy saying a word of blessing over lunch. |
The evening brought our final meal in Kyrgyzstan. We went to the log cabin for good traditional Kyrgy food. Those joining us was Zuhra, Natasha & Sergey, Pastor David & Jayne Schooler, John & Christa Tsai and of course Mom & Lynn. We ate outside and had a marvelous time.
After we got home John, Julie & Bekah Wright stopped by for tea and to say goodbye. Then off to finish packing.
Blessings,
Randy & Kim
A Day of Rest - Wednesday
As I write this I am sitting at home on my couch after getting home just 12 hrs ago. As I write I am reliving the last few days that we had while in Kyrgyzstan . . .
Wednesday brought us a day to relax a bit and head into Bishkek to do a little site seeing. Since I had nothing scheduled for much of the morning I gave Julie Wright a call and asked her to pick me up to go to the university with her. She teaches English and this morning it was for some first level students. It was fun talking about myself and answering their questions. After a bit, I then went over to Jayne Schooler's journalism class where they are doing a first ever yearbook. Her assistant is Bekah Wright. How fun to see these advanced students using their creativity to put this together in just a few short weeks. I could see myself working with them . . .
The afternoon we left for Bishkek to get a chance to see the sites. It was fascinating to be in the heart of Bishkek where just a year ago the area was riddled with the destruction from the revolution. To walk amidst the area where many were killed was humbling. So many lives were changed and are still feeling the effects.
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
Wednesday brought us a day to relax a bit and head into Bishkek to do a little site seeing. Since I had nothing scheduled for much of the morning I gave Julie Wright a call and asked her to pick me up to go to the university with her. She teaches English and this morning it was for some first level students. It was fun talking about myself and answering their questions. After a bit, I then went over to Jayne Schooler's journalism class where they are doing a first ever yearbook. Her assistant is Bekah Wright. How fun to see these advanced students using their creativity to put this together in just a few short weeks. I could see myself working with them . . .
The afternoon we left for Bishkek to get a chance to see the sites. It was fascinating to be in the heart of Bishkek where just a year ago the area was riddled with the destruction from the revolution. To walk amidst the area where many were killed was humbling. So many lives were changed and are still feeling the effects.
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| "White House" - This building was on fire during the revolution last year. This is the Presidential Government Building. |
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| Memorial to those who lost their lives during the revolution last year. |
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| This queen was threatened either give up the Kyrgy land or her son would be killed. She refused and her son was killed. Beautiful tribute and monument to her. |
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| This was a monument in a garden put in by the Soviet Union during their control. |
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| Lenin is a highly revered person in the Kyrgy history. We found it interesting how they still have statues up for him where other countries toppled them. |
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| Zuhra and me in Bishkek. She is such a sweetheart and really shared her country history with us. |
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Good Bye . . .
Our hearts are breaking . . . we don't want to leave. This has been an amazing two weeks. I have a lot to blog but I must get to bed for about 2 hrs of sleep before we have to leave for the airport. Watch for my final blogs of the last few days and our thoughts when we get home.
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
Blessings!
Randy & Kim
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A New Day!!!!! Dayspring Family Life Resource Center Grand Opening
WOW! WOW! WOW!
What more can be said about today? We started our day with sleeping in a bit. Randy and I calling for a taxi, going to the grocery store, buying groceries with NO interpreter, and making it back safely! We had a blast venturing out on our own and proving that we can do it ourselves. Will help when we come back!!! Our taxi driver was even impressed that I pronounced his name correct and pronounced the grocery store correct (can't spell it though!).
At noon we took off for Dayspring to begin the BIG festivities!!! Earlier in the day John Wright arrived at Dayspring to set up the Foochet (BIG TABLE of food) which is traditional Kyrgy. It was amazing - John did a wonderful job!!!!
When we arrived we finished set-up and then just waited. We had young girls come and dress in traditional Kyrgy outfits to hand out roses to each woman who arrived and greet the guests.
Our guest of honors (just to name a few) were the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Mayor of Tokmok, Vice Mayor of Tokmok, and many others! We had around 60 guests at Dayspring from ALL over the world! LAMb did an amazing job - the whole team - mom & Lynn, Schooler's & Wrights! WOW! The favor of God radiated throughout the event!!!!
Today was an amazing day! Such favor shown to LAMb and all of the work they have done to get to this point.
We ended our day at the Wright's home being served cheese/garlic bread, salad & amazing lasagna! What a great way for the team to just relax after all of the hard work getting ready for today!
Tomorrow - Baby orphanage then off to Bishkek for some sight seeing and traditional Kyrgy food.
Blessings & thanks for following along! What a ride this has been and looking for more yet to come!
Randy & Kim
What more can be said about today? We started our day with sleeping in a bit. Randy and I calling for a taxi, going to the grocery store, buying groceries with NO interpreter, and making it back safely! We had a blast venturing out on our own and proving that we can do it ourselves. Will help when we come back!!! Our taxi driver was even impressed that I pronounced his name correct and pronounced the grocery store correct (can't spell it though!).
At noon we took off for Dayspring to begin the BIG festivities!!! Earlier in the day John Wright arrived at Dayspring to set up the Foochet (BIG TABLE of food) which is traditional Kyrgy. It was amazing - John did a wonderful job!!!!
When we arrived we finished set-up and then just waited. We had young girls come and dress in traditional Kyrgy outfits to hand out roses to each woman who arrived and greet the guests.
Our guest of honors (just to name a few) were the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Mayor of Tokmok, Vice Mayor of Tokmok, and many others! We had around 60 guests at Dayspring from ALL over the world! LAMb did an amazing job - the whole team - mom & Lynn, Schooler's & Wrights! WOW! The favor of God radiated throughout the event!!!!
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| Mom greeting the minister! |
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| Minister meeting the Mayor & Vice Mayor. |
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| Minister & Mayor cutting the ribbon to Dayspring! 1 1/2 years in the making!!!! |
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| Special guests getting a private tour of Dayspring. |
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| Minister & mom looking at one of the rooms that will house two little girls! The minister said the home was 'classy'! |
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| Lynn welcoming everyone to the Grand Opening! |
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| Mom describing what Dayspring is all about. |
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| Minister saying a few words. This was a big moment for Dayspring & LAMb! She is VERY interested in LAMb and wants to see Dayspring succeed and help change the direction for the orphans in Kyrgyzstan! |
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| Tokmok Mayor saying a few words. |
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| Pastor Ken saying a blessing over Dayspring. |
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| This is Hymanot (one of our taxi drivers) and his beautiful daughter! Hymanot is an amazing man with an amazing and sad story on how he ended up in Kyrgyzstan. |
Today was an amazing day! Such favor shown to LAMb and all of the work they have done to get to this point.
We ended our day at the Wright's home being served cheese/garlic bread, salad & amazing lasagna! What a great way for the team to just relax after all of the hard work getting ready for today!
Tomorrow - Baby orphanage then off to Bishkek for some sight seeing and traditional Kyrgy food.
Blessings & thanks for following along! What a ride this has been and looking for more yet to come!
Randy & Kim
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