Down Memory Lane

            

November 6, 1923...Beebe, Arkansas...Ernest and Fannie Bruce.  Their lives were to change forever that day.  They were about to become parents for the very first time.

My father would be 89 years old today.  Instead, I like to believe he is celebrating his birthday in Heaven with friends who have gone on before.  This will be the sixth year we are without him as we remember his life.

Daddy grew up in a much simpler time.  He was the son of a music/band teacher in Arkansas public schools.  This kept his family constantly on the move.  By the time he graduated high school, his family had moved close to twenty times.  

My dad didn't have the opportunity to attend college.  Instead, he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He served proudly.  I never heard him complain or speak ill of his time in the army.  He was proud to serve and loyal to his country.
                                                                
It was during his years of service that he met and married his "Tweetie."  Their wedding occurred over their lunch hour, with just one other couple in attendance as their witnesses.  After they were married, he went back to his post, and Mom went back to the operating room where she was a nurse.  They moved several times in the early years of their marriage as he would receive new assignments with the army.

Following his service to America, he set out to begin a career.  They chose Memphis, Tennessee to put down their roots.  He applied for a job with IBM.  Remember, he had NO college.  No one was being hired at IBM without a college background.  Daddy did not take "no" for an answer and his persistence paid off.  He was hired.  While his department was sold to other companies through the years and experienced name changes,  he NEVER looked for another job in his life.  His job took our family to Texas in the 1960s.  It would be his last move in a lifetime of moves.  God was good to give him over forty years of employment with no interruption whatsoever during that time.
                                                           
                                                      
It was during his years in Memphis, TN that he and Mom experienced their own life-changing event.  Because they were unable to have children themselves, they chose to grow their family through adoption.  I am so grateful they gave me the gifts of love and family when they took me in and made me their own.  I never knew anything different and proudly advocate for the cause of the orphan and adoption.

 
                                            
                                                                                                  
There are sooo many words I could use to describe my dad as I walk down Memory Lane today, probably way more than I have time to elaborate on.  I was blessed with an incredible man to call Dad.  Here are just a few that come to mind.

Godly:  There was never a doubt about where he stood with regard to the things of God.  Until his last year of life, I cannot ever remember him ever missing church.   He was not ashamed to call himself Christian.

                                                                                    

Faithful:  Faithfulness in my dad's life was represented on many fronts, more than I could possibly name.  He was faithful to his Saviour.  He was faithful to his Tweetie.  He was faithful to his family.  He was faithful to his church.  He was faithful to his friends.  He was faithful to his job and responsibilities.

Giving:  I cannot remember a week when my dad did not give his offering at Sunday morning church.  He.never.missed.  God blessed that.  I also cannot remember a time when our family did without.   God's blessing was evident ALWAYS and looking back, I firmly believe that is because my father was always faithful to give back to his Saviour.

                                                  


Frugal:  Alongside giving, I am reminded of my dad's ability to make the most of what he had.  I am sure that goes back to growing up without.  My dad was a frugal man, however if he saw a need you could often find him "at the front of the line" taking care of it.  I cannot count the number of kids he helped through college whose path would have been far more difficult without his giving heart.  I am so thankful to have grown up in a home where giving was practiced.  It gives me joy to continue that legacy of my dad's as I am able today.

Perfectionist:  Good or bad I am not sure, but in his book, if something was worth doing, it had to be done RIGHT.  I didn't get that for waaaayyyyyy too long.  He was never beyond sending me back to do it All.Over.Again.  I'm getting better about doing things "right", Dad.  I think you're rubbing off on me.

Compassionate:  Dad had a "heart" for children.  He loved kids of all kind, but was a bit partial to his Sunday morning kids.  We attended the same church for many, many, many years.  Sometime, thirty to thirty-five years ago, he took on the responsibility of being the "door-holder" for the Beginner Department.  Sunday after Sunday, cold or hot, rain or shine, he was there; opening the door, calling each child by name, and gently guiding them to their Sunday School class.  (As time passed, he started keeping a "cheat sheet" in his Bible so he would always have the right name of the child and family.)

 

I am sure he would love Gundars and Elina with his whole heart and be all about telling others about our "adventure", helping us to raise money, and encourage us all along the way.  I can only imagine the excitement and joy he would be experiencing as he walked this path with us.  I am hoping he can "watch along" from Heaven's sidelines as we continue this journey.

There are so many more words I could use to describe my father.  There are so many things he was to me.  There are so many things I wish I could tell him today.  I miss him, yes.  I long to just sit down by him, one.more.time.  I treasure the memories.  But most of all, I GLORY in the reality of Heaven and knowing I will be with him far, far longer through eternity than I will be separated from him in this lifetime.  I love you, Daddy.  

        



           

Today. . . . .October 31, 2012

Well, I will have to admit that today's title will not win "Most Original", but after thinking waaaay too long about what it SHOULD be, this is All.I.Got.  For many, today is all about costumes and candy, or NO costumes and candy.  (As a teacher, I was always  W-A-Y more concerned about November 1, and the effects that all of the costumes and candy would have on my class, if you know what I mean.) 

I have a number of childhood memories that come to mind about past Halloweens.  I grew up in the day when Halloween was a bit safer and less evil, I suppose.  It was always an exciting time of year when Mom would bring down the box from the attic with all of the Halloween decorations and we would excitedly put each one in its rightful place, always saving the lifesize cardboard skeleton for last, when it would take its place on the front door. 

There was the Halloween, when in an effort to protect my younger sister from the potentially poisonous orange potion being handed out by strangers on the next street over, I slapped it out of her hand and all over anyone and everyone who was at all close.  I may have "saved" her life, but there were several people after mine.   Then, there was the year that I had finally grown into the beautiful sky blue formal gown given to me by an older friend.  It hung in my room in a place of honor for days as I anticipated being the most beautiful princess ever.  I almost remember it like yesterday.  Who knew that Jack Frost had his own plans for Halloween that year?  There was just one ultimatum.  I would have to wear my big ugly coat over my beloved princess formal or there would be no Halloween.  My love for all things sweet won out and much to my chagrin, I wore that coat.

Perhaps the memory that stands out the most surrounds the event that was most often carried out in our home on Halloween...CANDY INSPECTION.   I can remember feeling so loved and cared for that my dad would take the time, after a hard day at work, to go through our  candy and make sure that it was safe for us to eat.  I am sure in most homes ALL unwrapped candy was deemed NOT SAFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION and was thrown out.  Then, Daddy would always look further into our stash and remove other candy that he was SURE we wouldn't like.  ;-)  Little did I realize in those early years that the candy he was so SURE we wouldn't like was exactly what he DID like.

I cannot remember the last time I went Trick or Treating.  You can be sure though that it was sometime waaaay last century.  I find myself thinking back today, treasuring those memories as happy family times, nothing dark or harmful.

We are on the other side of the Trick or Treat tradition now.  For years, we turned the lights off and sat in a dark house on Halloween.  We didn't want to be bothered.  Then, we moved.  Let me just say that Halloween is BIG here in the neighborhood we live in.   It is nothing to have 200 children of all ages ring our doorbell on Halloween night.    I remember our first Halloween in our new home.  The doorbell rang.  I opened the door and much to my surprise, there were more than a dozen kiddos standing on my porch.  That was totally unexpected.  By the end of the night, there was nothing left in our house that was safe and kid-friendly that could possibly have been used for a goodie and would bring a smile to a child.

Following that first Halloween night in our new home, God began to impress on my heart the opportunity that is ours to share the Gospel with so many that walk right up to our door.  There is no telling the number of families we will come into contact with tonight that we may never come into contact again.  It is now our joy to share Christ with these kiddos and their families each Halloween night.  It is one of the highlights of our year. 

Let me challenge you to use Halloween as an opportunity to minister to those who ring your doorbell next year.  You may be the light to someone who would never hear the truth of the Gospel any other way.  An excellent source of materials to be used can be found here.  http://www.crossway.org/group/ats

I will close with a picture of our two favorite "goblins".  Gundars received these disquises for his birthday this summer and it is a perfect picture for today.  I love this picture and the way their personalities shine through.

Have a SUPER day.  Be Blessed...
        

Who Knew? ? ?

The date was June 22, 2012.  It was a Friday.  You might say life was just a bit chaotic.  So many things to do and preparations to be made.  It was T-Minus 6 Days and Counting.  Our lives were getting ready to change, big time. 

Some of you might remember a bit about this week of my life.  Others might not have a clue.  For those of you in the dark, you see, we were getting EVERYTHING ready for two VERY SPECIAL people, our host children Gundars and Elina.  So.Much.To.Do.  We were also still in full-on fundraising mode, with about $3000.00 left to raise and NO idea where it would come from.  The devil was busy shooting every dart of doubt he could fire.  All the while, God was consuming my heart with a quiet reassurance that He in fact would be the Author and Finisher of His mission.

Who Knew?  Who knew that would be my last post for far too long?  Who knew that the summer addition of two kiddos to our household would rid me of ALL free time to do anything for or by myself, much less blog?  Who knew how this summer would both touch our hearts and change our lives in such dramatic fashion?

It has been 110 days since that last entry.   Much has happened.  The stories that could be told are too many to number.  The provision and blessings of God are more than can be counted.  I have been challenged, blessed, and changed.

You might say I have been burdened, even convicted, to return to blogging and sharing about "Our Unexpected Adventure" this summer.  There are many things to reflect back on and memories to record.  I can only hope that I am able to do so in a way that will encourage others on their journey as well as give glory back to God  for His blessing on ours.  Let me invite you to join me as I look back and treasure God's work in our lives this summer. 

Our journey with Gundars and Elina did not end at the airport that sad August day.  We thought our hearts might break in two as we hugged them oh so tightly and watched them go through the doors towards the departure area.  Seeing the tears run down their faces  as well confirmed in our hearts the bond we felt with them.  It would be ten days before we made contact with them again in Latvia.  OH.THE.JOY.  It has been such a blessing to be able to communicate with them several times each week since then.

It seems that "Our Unexpected Adventure" is going to have a SEQUEL!  We are thrilled to share with our friends and family that Gundars and Elina will be celebrating CHRISTmas and the birth of our Savior with us in our home this December.  They will be able to spend approximately four weeks with us from mid-December to mid-January.  Can you imagine the joy that will be shared on Christmas morning in our home this year?  Only seventy-six more days ! ! !

Many of you followed our summer journey.  I hope you will join with us on this new one.  We humbly ask for your prayerful support.  We cannot do this in our strength.  We are asking for God's hand of blessing on this effort just as He was this summer.  Please pray as well for the Holy Spirit to be at work in the lives of Gundars and Elina and that they would see their need of the Savior.

For those who would like to share financially with us on this journey, there is a link to our fundraising account below.  I also have a "Chip-In" widget on the top right of this page.  If anyone wants to give a tax-deductible gift, please contact me and I can share that information with you.

We are excited to watch God's hand at work once again on behalf of these two precious kiddos.  We are so grateful for this open door.

Be Blessed...         



  http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=11280&url=christmasintexas

YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE !

The following post was originated by another host mom.  It discusses a very delicate subject that we will need your help and cooperation with while we open our home to Gundars and Elina this summer.  She has shared the post and given both her permission and encouragement to share it with our friends and family.  Please read this post with a discerning and understanding heart.  We want nothing to hurt our kiddos or endanger the various hosting programs across the country that minister to the hearts and lives of orphans around the world.

 

The "A" Word

With Gundars and Elina arriving in less than a week I thought it was time to cover a very important topic...the "A" word!!

 

What might the "A" word be, you ask???

  

ADOPTION !!!

 

New Horizons for Children is NOT an adoption agency. They are a hosting program only, and any mention of the word adoption jeopardizes their program. While it is true that 65% of the children who are hosted this summer will go on to be adopted by families in the United States, it is not beneficial to the children for adoption to be discussed in their presence. The ONLY thing they have been promised is a summer in America. They are essentially going on a five week vacation to another country, that is it!  They all know they will be returning to their own countries once the five weeks are up!  The only thing worse than a child living in an orphanage, is having hopes raised that their life is going to change, they will be adopted, and then they are not. More often than not, children who are told they are being adopted, or being led to believe this, are the same ones WHO ARE NOT EVER ADOPTED.

 

We may NOT talk to Gundars and Elina about any aspect of adoption; or mention the possibility, the concept, the thought process, or any form of the "A" word in their presence, and we ask that you respect this rule as well.  Living my entire life as an "adopted child", that word is a part of my everyday life.  I would consider myself to be a huge advocate for adoption, but I, myself, will have to be oh, so, careful.  Please join us and help us to protect these kiddos. 

 

You may THINK the kids do not understand any English but they may actually pick up on various parts of conversations. We have been asked to be super proactive in letting others know this rule before we run into a problem (hence this blog post).  In the past, slip ups have occurred in the following ways and have really caused heartache.  Here are some examples of actual instances that have happened.

 

• In the concept of discussing a pet's "adoption"...a child heard the word and didn't realize it was in relation to a pet, but thought it was for him! It wasn't..... 
• When attending a church service, the pastor was so excited to welcome the hosted children present, he asked for church members to pray that each child would get adopted.
• When a mom was driving down the road with music playing, she thought her hosted child couldn't understand, so she called someone and discussed adoption of the child. The child heard and soon spread the "news" to others at group events that they were all being adopted. 
• In discussing the joy of personally being an "adopted" child, a parent was trying to share a personal experience, but the child misunderstood and thought it was about him/her. 

Please help us protect all hosted children you may cross paths with this summer from disappointment, especially Gundars and Elina. We know Gundars and Elina really want to live in a family as we were told when we began this program that in their interview they stated they wanted to be adopted.  As exciting as that may sound, it is part of our job as their host family to protect them from any possible heartbreak and abide by the program guidelines that we have agreed to.

In other news, we are still some $2800.00 away from our hosting fees being totally funded.  We are excited about the upcoming Spirit Day at Chick Fil-A - Waxahachie on this next Monday, June 25.  We have been blessed today with the community support we have seen in an effort to get the word out.  We cordially invite you to join us if there is any way possible you can attend. 

http://www.active.com/donate/summer2012/Myers-Partyof4

Be Blessed,


Carol

 

Save the Date - Times 2

Truth be told, I am not sure anyone still checks my blog.  I probably wouldn’t be checking it either, if I wasn’t so eager to see if someone had just accidentally “stopped by.”  Life has been busy preparing for the arrival of our kiddos.  It’s just ONE.MORE.WEEK. until our lives change for the summer, if not forever…  One week from tonight, we make the trek to D-FW Airport to pick up our kiddos.

We have been working on transforming the house from where we crash, into a home that is kid-friendly and welcoming.  I have been busy “girling up” our guest room for Elina and refreshing Daniel’s room for Gundars.  There is so much I would love to do, but will try and control myself – at least until we have all of our hosting fees taken care of.

We want to make those of you who are local to be aware of the following two dates:

Monday, June 25, 2012 -     Chick Fil-A Spirit Day – Waxahachie, TX

Chick Fil-A of Waxahachie has blessed us with a Spirit Day to help us with our fundraising efforts.  From 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. they are giving us 15% of their pre-tax receipts for that day’s sales.  This opportunity is available both for dining inside and drive-thru customers.  Everyone has to eat sometime during that day, so if it is at all possible, please enjoy one (or more) of your meals with us at Chick Fil-A in Waxahachie.  REMEMBER THIS:  In order for your purchase to count toward our fundraising, YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR RECEIPT.  Don’t forget that.

Thursday, June 28, 2012 -   D-FW Airport

We would like to invite those of you from the area to join us at D-FW Airport to welcome the children who will be arriving there from Latvia.  There are 5 who will be arriving together for their summer in Texas.  The other hosting families are from out of this area and traveling in to pick up their children from D-FW.  Please join us to give them a “proper” Texas welcome.  Bring your balloons, posters, American flags, noise makers, and anything else you might think of.  Don’t forget to wear your Red, White, and Blue.  Help us give these kiddos a welcome they won’t ever forget.

Now for the details:

Flight:         American Airlines – Flight # 787

Terminal:     It has been coming in at Terminal C – Gate 33.

Plan to arrive around 9:15 p.m.  This flight has been consistently arriving by    9:40 p.m.

Plans now are to meet at Baggage Claim – C31.

Please check my FB/Blog for any last minute changes.

Thank you all for following along on our journey.  We are looking forward to the days to come.  We are still ACTIVELY fundraising for our hosting fees.  We pushed through the half-way point in the last twenty-four hours, but still have about $2900.00 to go.  I will keep the Active.com site open a few more days.  You may receive a tax-deductible receipt for gifts made through them.  You may also use the “Chip-In” widget on the top right of my blog.  Tax-deductible gifts may also be made through newhorizonsforchildren.org.  Our children’s “number” is L-109.

http://www.active.com/donate/summer2012/Myers-Partyof4

We look forward to sharing all that is to come in the following weeks.  Please continue to pray for us and with us as we walk this road.  Pray that God will enable us to be the best that we can be to bless the hearts and lives of these kiddos.

Be Blessed,

Carol

Can You Imagine ? ? ?

It was just a few days ago that I came across the following paragraph while doing some reading in preparation for our hosting adventure this summer.  It moved me.  Please read carefully…

“Imagine that you are eleven years old, that you live in an orphanage in Latvia, where there is food to eat and clothing to wear. But, there is NO mama to kiss you goodnight and NO papa to carry you on his shoulders. There is NO promise of a future for you. There is NO hope.

Then, imagine that one day you are selected by a group of kind American missionaries to visit their country, where you will stay four weeks in the home of a real family, with a mama and a papa, and perhaps brothers and sisters. You will ride in a real airplane, and once there, you will surely be happy, because you have been chosen, for the first time in your life, for something that is good and fun and special.

                 

Such is the goal of New Horizons for Children, an International Orphan Hosting Ministry that organizes two hosting events per year: one at Christmas, and one in the summer. According to founder LeAnn Dakake, NHFC gives children hope for their lives, because of the opportunity to travel to America, to experience unconditional love and “to learn that they do have a Father, the same Father in Heaven that we all have who loves us dearly and is always with us.”

Without intervention, upon leaving the orphanage, 60% of the girls will end up in prostitution, 70% of the boys will be on the streets or in jail, and 15% will commit suicide within the first 2 years on their own.  Through the efforts of NHFC, some 2000 orphans from Latvia, Russia, and Ukraine have traveled to America. Although it is not an adoption program, Dakake is pleased that 65% of the children who are hosted do find their forever families.

Imagine that.”

I came across the article again this morning, and again, I was moved; perhaps because I had been mulling over in my mind what I had read a few days ago and this just confirmed it again.  Perhaps, it is the realization that comes with reading the statistics.  Perhaps, it is because God is doing a work on this heart of mine, helping me to take my eyes off of myself and helping me to see the world a bit more closely through His eyes.

Did you know that Eastern European orphans reach “adulthood” at the age of 15 or 16?  At that time, they “graduate” from their life in an orphanage to life on their own.  For the great majority of these kids, they will know no one outside of the orphanage and will have no support system to help them on their way.  That is why the statistics are so daunting.

Without our help, a typical Russian orphan faces a bleak future: drugs, alcohol, prison, prostitution, suicide, violent death.  We often refer to the the Russian orphanage system as the world’s most cruel “surprise party”.  For many years, until an orphan reaches age 15 or 16, the orphanage provides shelter, food, clothing,  and structure for the child.  In this environment, the orphan becomes very dependent for all of his or her needs.  They learn almost nothing about responsibility.  Then, suddenly the orphan “graduates” and is sent into the world with no family and no support structure to help them.  They are “free” and often use their freedom to launch into all of the wrong things that the world offers them.
         

The quotation above is taken from http://www.bigfamilyministry.org/.

This is not only the case of Eastern European orphans, but for orphans in much of the world.  Just as many American teens are experiencing the many highlights of their teen years, these orphans of the world are stepping out on their own with little chance of a positive future and oftentimes no hope at all in their lives.    

I am so thankful that God is giving us the opportunity this summer to impact the future of two of the world’s orphans.  When I consider the open door we have before us, I am almost speechless, somewhat overwhelmed, and totally expectant of God’s blessing as we step out and follow him.  Please pray with us that God will prepare our hearts as we receive Gundars and Elina into our home.  Please pray, also, that God will be preparing their hearts as well.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper  you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future .          Jeremiah 29:11

Be Blessed,

Carol

Check out our new "fundraising thermometer on the side of our blog!!!  We are ALMOST half-way there.  Just $3400.00 to go.  We thank God for His continued blessing.    www.active.com/donate/summer2012/Myers-Partyof4 

Prayer Letter

P-R-A-Y-E-R   L-E-T-T-E-R

Dear Friends and Family,

Gary and I just wanted to update you on the latest in  “Our Unexpected Adventure”.  As most of you know, we have stepped out and made the decision to host a brother/sister sibling set from the country of Lativa in our home this summer.  These children are orphans and have NEVER experienced the opportunity of living their lives in a family setting.  They have probably never experienced the joy of receiving love from another person.  In fact, it is quite possible they have never even received a hug or heard the words “I love you”.  I.Cannot.Imagine…

Let me introduce you…Gundars is soon to be 13 years old.  He enjoys sports, cats, and dogs.  One of his dreams is to learn to ride a bike  He hopes to be a firefighter when he grows up.  (Just perfect for our family-don’t you think???)  Elina turned 11 in December.  Her favorite color is pink.  Her favorite animal is a horse and she enjoys playing soccer.  If given the choice of anything she could do, she would like to

read a book. 

We are three weeks away from their arrival at D-FW Airport – just twenty-one short days.  AAACCCKKKKK ! ! !  We still have a lot to do as we prepare for their time with us.  They will arrive with just the clothes on their backs, so we have been on the hunt to have everything they will need when they arrive. 

In the orphanage, everything is “communal” so to speak.  The children are issued one set of clothes each week.  It may or may not fit.  There is a good chance that it will not match.  If it gets dirty during the week, it is their responsibility to clean it themselves or choose to wear the dirty clothing until the first of the next week when they will receive their outfit for the next week.  I am looking forward to seeing the looks on their faces when they realize they have a choice of what to wear and won’t be washing clothes for awhile…

There are many things we do not know about our kiddos.  We don’t know any family history, other than the fact that they are orphans.  We don’t know if they can speak English.  We don’t know what foods they will like/dislike.  We DO know however that God has led us to this and that he can use us to show Gundars and Elina the love of a family and ultimately the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We would love to have you join in our journey with your prayer support.  As we come to your mind, please remember the following prayer needs:

          Preparations necessary for their arrival

          Safety as Gundars and Elina travel to Texas

          Safety during their time in the states

          Adjustment to the time change as well as change of climate after they arrive

          Good health for each of us during their time here

          Ability to communicate with each other.  (It would be great if they know at

                   least a little English.)

          Gundars and Elina to trust us and feel loved by us

          Opportunities to share the love of Christ with them

          Gundars and Elina to have responsive hearts to the Gospel

          WISDOM for Gary and me as we respond to God’s leading in this adventure

God has provided in many ways as we pursue this.  Clothes have been given to us, a bicycle has been provided for Elina, our eye doctor has generously offered to provide eye exams for the kiddos while they are here, and others have given sacrificially toward our fundraising.  We have received $560.00 just this week for which we are grateful beyond words.  Our current total is $1080.00 of $5000.00.  If you are interested in partnering with us in this way, we would be so appreciative.  Tax-deductible contributions can be made at:       www.active.com/donate/summer2012/Myers-Partyof4

We have a Chip In widget on our blog if you are interested in that.  Our blog address is:

                                     Ourmissionofloveandhope.blogspot.com

We look forward to God’s hand in this and His blessing on this new chapter in our lives.  Please pray with us and follow along with us as we pursue this.  We thank Him for allowing us to play a part in caring for these children and ultimately making a difference in their lives.

Be Blessed,

Carol

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in  

           their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.     James 1:27  NIV