Seeing Matiss Again!

As soon as we stepped out of the car, his orphanage director met us outside. Next thing I knew, she was looking a little ways off and called out, “Matiss.” I looked over and yes, I could make out his little blonde head and I started waving. He literally jumped and sprinted towards me! He was all smiles! After I unloaded my things inside, we walked to his room, I gave him his birthday gifts and then he and I held hands and took a walk outside. Once the kids came in, I did need to focus on that, but he stayed the entire time and helped me. I was so grateful to see my sweet boy, even if only for a little while!

This week, Jon and I are witnessing answered prayer. Daiga, Matiss’s 18-year-old sister, let me know Matiss was going to be discharged from the orphanage and move in with her soon. Matiss was incredibly happy about this development. He was emailing me back and forth about it, so excited, especially once I let him know I was happy for him and ok with it. Then, his emotions just flowed electronically and as I reassured him with "I love you's" and "everything will be ok," I got more "I love you too's" in a day than I have in the 10 weeks since he's left. While this new scenario may not be perfect, God has facilitated it and will provide for these two. Matiss loves his sister very much and I have witnessed her deep concern for her little brother. Though Matiss loves us and loved America, his desire was to stay in Latvia. I prayed and hoped for him to leave the orphanage and hopefully he will soon. Praise God! Continue to pray that God will surround these two with the love of Christ and the support they need. Our last remaining hurdle will be addressing one of his recent emails to me, in which he said he still wanted to come to us at Christmas. My tears just flowed... he doesn't realize it yet, but by moving out of the orphanage, it has closed that door for him. The hosting program is for children under the guardianship of the social government, so he would no longer be eligible to travel with the program. I don't want to damper how excited he is right now, so I'm going to leave that explanation for another day!

He and I will continue to email and I am thrilled to be able to continue my supporting role in his life. Though not mine by birth or law, he is mine nonetheless and I love him dearly. Looking back at the very first photo I had of him, I can honestly say... I never knew just how much I would fall in love with him... he is forever mani Matiss (my Matiss).

Leaving for Latvia

Hey everyone... my New Horizons team leaves today, headed back to Latvia to interview and select the children to come to America for the Christmas Holiday hosting period. Keep us in your prayers, we don't return to the US until September 18th. We visit Matiss's orphanage this Thursday! I'm so excited to see him again and will post pictures and an update as soon as I return! Blessings!

Special Addition...

While this blog is mostly about Matiss and his visit to America, I had to post this! This house has been a regular international thoroughfare here lately. This weekend, we had the very special privilege of playing host to Tian Ai, now Tiffany, and her new American family. This is the very special 6 year old I met in China last year. Last fall, I started the process of locating her file, a regular needle in a haystack endeavor... outside of God's hand that is. I wanted for her and my other 2 special Urumqi girls to be adopted to America and wanted to do everything I could to make that happen for them. While God seems to have closed doors right now for my other two girls, Tian Ai did come to America and God placed her in a wonderful, loving Christian home. After I found her file at an American agency, the agency took my information and said they would pass it along to the family that had accepted her referral, only one week earlier. They called me almost immediately, wishing to hear about their daughter that I had gotten to spend so much time with and fell head over heels for in China. It's a God connection that will last for eternity. I'm still so grateful for the miracle God has allowed me to be a part of in her. What a blessing. SO, I thought you'd like to see a picture of Tian Ai, now Tiffany, one year after I first met her in a Chinese orphanage... sitting in my kitchen and giving me a hug. God is good!

A Mother's Heart

What is it about a mother’s heart? It can be stretched to the capacity required of the assignment. Yet, after that assignment is complete, it never quite returns to its previous state does it? Then again, maybe the assignment of “mother” is never really complete, thus the flexibility the Lord requires in the perceived boundaries of the heart and one’s capacity to love. You just never know when he’s going to stretch that very delicate, sensitive muscle.

As I said goodbye to not just one child yesterday, but many, I felt that little void setting in. I’ve heard it before from people, “I don’t know how you can do this.” I can assure you it’s not easy. I didn’t find it, it found me. I call it the hardest, yet greatest blessing of my life… to reach out to kids for whom very few are reaching. Somehow, God continues to stretch this fallible, weak, human, selfish heart of mine. Access is given to some precious, far away, forgotten, forsaken, hurting boys and girls. These little ones creep in and plant almost undetectable seeds that grow and grow and grow. However, the hard part really isn’t loving, it’s trusting. In the words of Chambers, “Our Lord’s confidence in God and in what His grace could do for any man, was so perfect that He despaired of no one.” Well said… His grace is enough.

As I said hello and goodbye to familiar faces, I realized yet again, just how powerful I am not. I cannot promise these children anything with certainty. The only thing I can promise, or any host family for that matter, is the state of our hearts, which are full of love for them. They cannot leave without knowing with 100% certainty that they have been and are loved. Someone, somewhere thinks they are pretty great. And, considering there are few people cheering for them, I’d say they leave richly blessed in many ways.

As I know some of you are wondering specifically about Matiss’s future, I want to address what I can about that. Jon and I do not have clear direction about adopting Matiss at this moment. We don’t have a no, but we don’t clearly have a yes. In fact, Jon felt he was sensing a need to wait and be patient, so that’s the way we are operating. He does have extended family in regular contact with him, yet he is in the orphanage. We do not know why, but wish that situation could be different for him. Children over age 12 are given choice regarding foreign adoption. Even if we did move forward, it's possible because of these family connections, he could say no. That would be understandable. Basically, there are some special circumstances, it isn't an “open and shut” case. As we continue to pray for God to reveal His plan, we realize even Matiss couldn’t make a healthy, educated decision about adoption after only 5 weeks. We love Matiss, but God loves him all the more, and we trust in His will for his little life and will walk in the ways he directs us regarding it.

Now for the good news… Matiss and I can email one another. My limited Latvian will get a good workout. I waited until the last weekend to ask him about this, as I wanted to make certain I had done everything to build trust with him so he wouldn’t consider it an invasion of his space. We pray this opens doors of opportunity through conversation. Second, I get to see him the first week in September. The New Horizons team heads back to Latvia to interview and select the children for Christmas hosting. I really prayed about this, prior to Matiss’s arrival, to make certain it wasn’t done with selfish motive and I sensed God’s affirmation uniquely, so I’m thrilled to be a part of the team and equally thrilled to get to see Matiss for a couple of hours. Again, Jon and I pray that this subsequent visit goes well and is well received by him. On the horizon is Christmas hosting and the possibility that we could host him again at that time.

I think we can both say we didn’t expect our 10th wedding anniversary to be sad! Jon and I both already miss his crazy antics, the funny things he would say and do. Now that we are absent in body, I pray God continues the work He began in Matiss while he was here with us. On behalf of Matiss and the other 55 children here for the summer, thank you for your prayers and thoughts. Continue as New Horizons begins the process of selecting the Christmas children to offer and pray God sends us loving, dedicated host families for them! Consider if God is calling you to open your home and heart to a child for 4 weeks this Christmas. Visit http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org for more information about hosting an Orphan from Latvia or Russia.

At the airport

Here's our last picture together, for now. Of course I cried, of course he didn't, he's too cool for that! But really though, he gave us hugs and kisses and was well behaved as he headed out. I miss him already, my house is very calm and quiet! Well, I'm very tired, I've just gotten in from helping the Russian kids get off, so I really need a nap before church tonight. My emotional and physical limit is pretty much tapped today! But, I wanted you to know he did well this morning, no hangups and he is in the air between the US and Prague right now. After Prague, he flies to Riga, Latvia, then takes a bus back to his home city. We got most everything he really wanted in the suitcase, but we were seriously pressing that weight limit! I'll write some final thoughts tomorrow, there are things I would like to say, but need a good night's rest and a little quiet time to process! More tomorrow... my love to everyone who prayed and continues praying for the three of us and the 56 wonderful orphans that were here this summer!

One Last Goodbye

Well, it's that time. Matiss heads out tomorrow morning on a 9:50am flight to JFK, first stop. Our luggage is almost packed. Today we just laid low, spending time together and finishing up our last minute needs. We said goodbye to a few new friends and took some last minute pictures. We gave him a few gifts, a CD player and some CDs for the flight home, a watch and a cross necklace. He has really enjoyed the cd player but I'm glad I waited until the end for it because he's had it in his ear all day! Tonight we had pizza at Stevie B's, one of his favorites. Enjoy a few pictures from today, I'll update tomorrow after I get home from the send off and let you know how that went. I have to stick around at the airport and meet some of the other arriving flights of our kids from other cities, so it will be a long , emotional day for me! Thanks for following us all! We've enjoyed you tagging along with us! Thank you for the prayers for our little man, Matiss. Just a little plug, we will be signing up Christmas host families very soon! Contact me if you are interested or know someone who is! Blessings!

Hepi Borzdei!

Evidently, in Matiss's head, this is how to spell Happy Birthday in English! Today is my birthday and this morning I was greeted with a handmade Hepi Borzdei card and several gifts at 7:15 this morning! He's been talking for a week about how he was going to spend the money he's been earning for my birthday. I fully expected this notion to melt away when he saw something he really wanted. Even when I told him the money in his bank was for him to spend on himself, no, he was insistent. Jon and he went shopping yesterday and he helped picked two items, he picked a cross necklace and some sunglasses. He motioned to Jon that he wanted to buy some perfume, so Jon took him to Bath and Body Works. After he had duly tested EVERY scent in the store, he settled on mandarin orange lotion and body wash, which he spent his own money on and was proud to have $3 leftover. Last night, Jon told him he had to go to football early this morning, but Matiss said to wake him up so they could give me my gifts. Jon told him 7:15, but he said yes. Again, we wondered what would actually happen when 7:15 came around, but he jumped right out of bed when Jon went in. As he came in quietly with my presents, like any good parent, I played into the "I'm not really sleeping but for you to enjoy what you have planned I will play along" role. It's a birthday I won't forget, what a joy. He was so excited. And yes, I wore everything today, my cross necklace, sunglasses and orange lotion. After we got ready, he and I went to the zoo, something he's been looking forward to. Since it looked like a rain free day, I thought we better go now! He was great, probably one of the best days he's had with me. A few times he reached up to hold my hand as we walked through the park. Maybe that doesn't sound like a big deal, but for him, it really, truly was. He's initiated no affection and responded to it very slowly. But, in the last week, we've seen him not only begin to embrace it, but a few times initiate it, like today. Praise God, what a great birthday! Enjoy his zoo pictures, he especially loved the snakes, sea otters and petting zoo.

Downtown Day

Saturday we had a mandatory host group event at the New World of Coke. It's a museum of sorts for Coca-Cola, which is sort of important here in Atlanta... So, we met up with everyone there and toured the Coke Shrine. Matiss is NOT big on "museums." If he's just supposed to walk around and look at things, he's not into that! He needs hands on type stuff. However, at the end of the Coke tour is a tasting room where they have many different cokes from different countries and you taste to your hearts content. He liked that and the free coke you get as you leave. While we were downtown, we walked over to the Georgia Dome to show him where the Falcons play. He's been learning football from Jon and his NFL video game, so he knows the term "Atlanta Falcons" very well. Then, we walked over to Centennial Park because I wanted him to see the Olympic Rings Water Area. He loves playing in the water and since we didn't have anywhere else to go, we let him jump in, clothes and all. How many times do you have a chance to jump in a fountain with your clothes on? Not enough I say. So, enjoy a few new pictures. We have several fun things yet to do as we begin our last week with Matiss.

Baseball and Snakes

If you asked him, maybe two of his favorite things to do and see in America. There is no baseball in Latvia and he enjoys swinging a bat at furious speeds in order to send the little ball soaring into the air or at your head if you aren't careful and paying attention. And, I've been informed that the snakes here are much bigger and more plentiful! Like I've said before, 200% boy. This week, he saw some snakes at Fernbank, thus the large snake picture! He also got invited to a batting cage in Cartersville where the owner teaches with Jon. He really liked that and we escaped without any injuries but minor ones, a success in my book. We also took him to see the new Harry Potter Movie. Please don't send me Harry Potter hate email... I know! But, considering the kid recognizes very few things in this country and since it was in English, we went. Everywhere there was a Harry Potter sign, he would point it out to us. I think he ate more movie popcorn than Jon. So, I'd say he liked the experience. I don't know if he's ever done a theater like that before. Let's see, what else... he went to school for football practice twice with Jon this week. Jon said he was like a kid in a candy store in the weight room. The kicking coach taught him how to kick field goals. Yesterday, he and Jon went through the car wash, he was crazy about that! Today, we went bowling and he was surprised at how many lanes there were. I think he had gone bowling before; he had a crazy throw, but it worked from him. He had a meltdown Wednesday and his behavior was pretty rough for both Jon and I, but we all survived. He is showing improvement in giving and receiving affection and trusting us, both are good signs that his carefully guarded "wall" is coming down a little at a time. Continue praying as we close out these last days with him. We pray we've taught him, disciplined him, loved him and pampered him in all the ways God led in order to demonstrate what his heart and life needed during this time.

VBS Week

Well, I'm sure you wondered where a post was this week, but it's been slow. He's had VBS and has done really well. Our oldest class was 4th/5th grade boys, so I put him in there. He doesn't know their ages, but the kids were about his size, so I figured he'd be ok with it. Our VBS theme was all sports related, so I think that majorly helped! The picture of him above is during recreation time at VBS. The other is the VBS launch Sunday night, when they called Jon on stage to help the juggler. Pretty funny stuff, as you can see. He had America 101 class on Tuesday afternoon at "The Cooler", afterward, they got to ice skate for a couple of hours. Other than that, it's been raining almost every day, so he has spent quality time indoors discovering the joy of board games, like Jenga. He had a dentist appoinment this morning for cleaning and x-rays. He has 3 or 4 cavities and 1 absess. That absess is what's been bothering him and will require a root canal. I don't know if we will be able to address all of that before he goes home, we'll do our best. All the kids have mouths full of cavities, it's normal. They rarely get dental care. Anyway, next week will be full of more fun, we think we'll hit the zoo. We looked through a book about animals the other night and asked if we have zoos in America. When I said yes, he asked if they had snakes. Yeah for me, looks like we have to go to the reptile house. So, next week promises to be more exciting already! His trust of us seems to be growing with each day. More next week...

Visit to Tennessee

These past few days, we went to Gatlinburg to visit my parents so they could meet Matiss. He did pretty well, no car sickness. The only issue was the night he did not win at Putt Putt Golf, he was very upset and could not be consoled... it didn't matter that he had never played before, he still expected himself to win. He's got quite the competitive streak, you think? He's been having a toothache, we see the dentist Friday, but I'm wondering if I should call to get in early. Looks like he's lost part of a tooth or has a cavity. No big surprise, but our appt wasn't for another week. We'll see how he does the next couple days, not sure Friday can come soon enough for him. Anyway, we walked Gatlinburg and he and Jon rode the skylift. He got an airbrush shirt with his name on it, every good American tourist should, right? Yes, it's terribly obnoxious, but he loves it. After I got over my nerves, he got to drive the race cars. (Notice I said MY nerves, not his.) Let's see, ah, funniest moment! We bought ice cream at Chick-fil-a. He wanted a cone and Jon got a milkshake. I came to the table with both and handed Jon a straw. Matiss was perplexed that Jon was drinking "ice cream" with a straw and I couldn't remember the word for milk at that moment to tell him it was added to make it smoother. Before I could think of an explanation, he raced over the the condiment counter, got a straw and proceeded to stick it in his ice cream cone! Yes, you had to be there to fully appreciate the wonderful moment, but luckily, I captured a quick photo for you. You're welcome! With every strain, it just got funnier. Well, we are home and I need to get some things done before Baznica/church tomorrow. I almost forgot! I finally found some pants! The Gap outlet had some size 8's that fit and some size 10 jeans that he can wear that had those tightener things in them. Thanks to everyone for the suggestion of those, we found them and he now has 1 pair of pants and jeans, finally!

America's Birthday

This is how we explained all the flags, America shirts, Red/White/Blue everywhere, etc. So, first thing when I woke him up this morning, he said, "America's Birthday?" He remembers everything we say. We've had some calmer days, Tuesday he helped Jon mow the grass. He said he had done it before, from the looks of things, he had. Then, to cool off, I took him swimming a few hours. Today, he and Jon watched old football games... gee, I bet that was a stretch for Jon, don't you think? Then, Jon made up a 4th feast, with hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and fries. As Matiss piled all the fixings on the burger, he said, "BIG burger." Of course, you can't get the full affect without the rolled r's! Tonight, we went to Lake Acworth for the Fireworks show. He seemed to be really impressed with it and said he liked it. Not sure, but he might have liked the glow stick just as much. He held it out the window most of the way home, I guess he wanted everyone else to enjoy it too. He liked taking pictures of the fireworks. Well, we are headed to see my mom and dad in Gatlinburg for a couple days, so you won't see an update until this weekend. But, I'm sure we'll have some good times there to share. He loves anything to do with driving, so we're going to have to get him into one of those go-cart tracks. Note to self... pack insurance card! (Ha)

The Concert

I received this by email tonight and found it so appropriate, I wanted to post it…

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing…

Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit, keep playing."

Leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligaton. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful, flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit, keep playing."

Swim Time

Today was much anticipated for Matiss. He's been looking forward to swimming. We have to schedule with friends to go to their pools because our subdivision doesn't have one. So, the Dempsey's were kind enough to host us at Seven Hills today and got the full effect of Mr. Personality himself. He had a great time, swimming, snorkeling, water basketball and the big slide. You would think he'd be wore out, but he isn't. He has the energy of three boys rolled into one. He also had pizza and ice cream and loved every bite. He and I had a little "spat" last night. So, this morning, I was glad to see we were back on good terms. I got a hug and a kiss on the cheek to seal the deal. He and I both have to learn one another better, but it seems we bridged our first disagreement. So, yet another exciting day full of adventure with our Latvian Comic. Today he busted out with the song, "I feel good, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah."

Welcome Dinner

Saturday was the Welcome Dinner. It's where all the Georgia hosted kids, within driving distance, come together with their families. We will have several of these group events, it's a part of the Hosting program, allows the chaperones to see that the kids are ok, allows the kids to see that their freinds are ok, etc. You get the picture. Well, it was held at Dave and Busters, which has food, but more importantly is also a huge arcade with tons of games. All the kids were lovin' life in this place. Probably his favorite was a virtual boxing game, you actually put gloves on your hand and punch at a screen, it also sense your movement and "punches" at you. I thought the kid was going to lunge through the screen trying to take this guy out. He's one tough little cookie. The game goes on for like 3 minutes and all the while you are moving and punching. He was sweating by the end, but so excited. He also loved when he hit the 1000 ticket mark on one of the games and it proceeded to take about 5 minutes to feed him all those tickets. Oh, and tonight was the best part. I had taken a nap when we got home, so I got up and realized he still needed pants for church or baznica in Latvian. I told him we needed to go buy pants. So, Jon elected to hang out at home and it was just he and I. We did not find pants. I'm convinced you cannot find pants to fit this child. 12 slim too big, 10 slim too small. 10 regular too big, 8 regular, too short. Is there such a thing as an 11 slim? I digress... Shoe Carnival was next door and he also needed shoes. We left with 3 pair! He found adidas sandals, Nike tennis shoes and some soccer cleats. He picked out Adidas and Nike, because he knows those names. The tennis shoe colors are Auburn colors, I'm certain that has to mean something spiritual right? (Jon loves Auburn) He was smiling from ear to ear when he put those shoes on. Then, when he saw the cleats, he was downright giddy! I had already taught him, on the previous pairs, to put them on, walk around, try them out. When he laced the cleats, he literally took off running. I guess there was no sense in walking around in those when, if you wear them, you are running. So, he tested them by running and kicking into the air all over the store! After we left, we got Chick-fil-A for the first time, he loved that too. I suppose because he was so "full" of life and goodness, that he was singing with the radio all the way home and chattering up a storm. I thought he was going to sleep in the adidas sandals, but he did take them off. What a good day. What a blessing to be able to bless him in such a way. Now, when he walks, he might strut. Praise the Lord, because he deserves to strut a little in life.

Our Rock-n-Roller

If I thought it would take him a few days to come out of his shell, I was wrong! This morning, Jon was gone to football early, so Matiss slept in. Once up, he and I had biscuits with strawberry jam, some strawberries and apples. He seemed pretty happy with that. He took a bath and seems to love the garden tub, sort of like his own little pool! Then, he and I had a light saber match, at which point Jon came home and I relinquished my saber to him so I could get ready! We hadn't gone into our newly almost-finshed basement yet with him, so we went down there to introduce the music room. He was in heaven! He loves everything muscial, so this is a good place to be since we have guitars, keyboards, microphones, etc. Jon handed him the electric guitar, which, with the amp cranked up is incredibly loud! After only 2 or 3 strums up and down, with the biggest grin he looked up and said, "rock and roll." We died laughing, it was so funny. He was just elated to strum that guitar like crazy. Later we went by church, and he caught sight of the drums! Oh my... what's the Latvian word for gentle? Whatever it is, he doesn't know it. This boy is serious about his music, he even makes faces to go along with his music. He was singing tonight, of all things, MC Hammer's "Can't touch this." My, my, what an interesting little one! Don't you think he fits right in here? I saw none of this "Mr. Personality" in Latvia. It just goes to show you what a child-centered environment can do, take a child from being 1 of 100 to 1 of 1 and they are free to express themselves, be creative, show off a little, etc. It's amazing to watch. Enjoy the pictures of our rock-n-roller!

Finally Home

We just got home at 7:30AM! The 6:50pm flight did not end up coming in until 6:00am because of storms and subsequent delays at JFK. Everyone is wiped out! Matiss drank a juice box on the way home, didn't eat anything, said he wasn't hungry. Once home, I asked if he wanted in the vanna, bathtub, he said yes. He had a nice warm bath, put on clean jammy's and got in the bed. I read to him, granted he couldn't understand, but I did anyway. He really likes the cat, she got up on his bed and he just pet her and pet her. He should be sound asleep by now, as is Jon. But, I knew you would want to see pictures. I told you, he is tiny, tiny, tiny. Sure, Jon is a big guy, but this cannot be a 13 year old! He seems like such a sweet boy, a real trooper. I hope he will come out of his shell with us as he gets more comfortable and realizes he is safe and loved. I can't type any further, my head is going to fall on the keyboard! More later, Good "Night..."

Delayed and Sleeping

Our kids are in the middle of a storm, literally. JFK has no flights leaving or landing... so they are terribly delayed. As of right now, it will be after midnight before we pick up, that's if the storm lifts. It's going to be a long night! However, the kids are asleep right now and that's a good thing seeing as they have been traveling over 24 hours as of 11pm EST. Poor things, they've been real troopers though. Le Ann, director of New Horizons, is there with the kids and just sent me this precious picture of our boy sleeping. Enjoy!

Less than 24 hours!

Right now, 4,000 miles away, 54 degrees and 4:30am. Matiss must already be sitting in the airport. He is only an hour and a half away from his first of three flights, beginning what may be the greatest adventure of his little life. And, here we are, literally staring at the threshold of life change. Not just us, but all who know us and love us. In 24 hours, God will usher one of his most treasured possessions, one He knows well, into our care.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

God gave me a specific word as I prayed about accepting the opportunity to travel with New Horizons to Russia and Latvia back in February, in order to meet orphaned children who could potentially come back to America in the summer.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16

I knew it was His affirmation for the trip. These children were to be given a chance, to be brought to Him through the 5 week influence of loving, Godly, Christian families and churches who would make it a priority to pray with them, take them to church and ultimately give all glory and credit to God, their maker, for ushering them to us.

Now, with all that said, it’s still a little scary, isn’t it? That's why we are all in this together. Some of you may interact with Matiss. I know it’s hard to know what to say and how to say it, but I want to encourage you with this scripture that brings me peace when God sends me on a “foreign” mission.

Then I said, Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth." But the LORD said to me, Do not say, I am a youth, because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD. Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant. Jeremiah 1:6-10

Our host families, their families and friends, have been appointed to nations. Praise and thank Him for just a moment for the wonderful things he has done for us. Now, one last verse, this one I actually got from Him during my trip to Latvia and Russia. Though I knew I had his direction to go on the trip, I needed more from God that this was indeed a ministry to present to our church. Again, I knew immediately upon receiving this scripture from the Lord, five days into my trip.

“Lift up your eyes round about, and see. They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms.” Isaiah 60:4

Father God, as you have spoken in your word before our presence was even imagined on this earth, you were familiar with each of us and prepared, dedicated and permitted us to stand at the threshold we stand at. As your spokespersons, descendants of Abraham serving other descendents of Abraham, we should have all confidence in you as the one who has brought us forth and stretched us to these outer boundaries. We have been appointed, for such a time as this, to establish your presence in the lives of “sons and daughters.” You have planted in us, so that we might now, plant in others. Thank you for the privilege and honor to join you in your work in the lives of Latvian and Russian orphans. May we, as your salt and light, dispel darkness and bring about a thirst and hunger for You. In the name of our Hope and Deliverer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Enjoy these pictures of Matiss's room, I just finished today! The curtains have football players on them, surprise, surprise. Jon wasn't allowed near the room until I finished, he didn't have a clue what I was doing. At the big reveal today, he was very happy and said I did a very good job making a "boy room!" I love the reading nook, I'm into cozy little spaces. We are so excited, check back in Thursday for pictures from the airport! He arrives in Atlanta, Wednesday night, 9:45 pm EST.

About Matiss...

Welcome! To say we are excited about bringing Matiss to Dallas, Georgia, is an understatement. Right now, Jon and I are loving the scripture 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive what God has prepared for those who love him!"

Matiss is an orphan who is living in an orphanage in Latvia. In late December, God led me to the web pages of the New Horizons orphan hosting ministry. It was exactly what my pastor and I had been looking for as a way to introduce our church, Fortified Hills Baptist, to orphan ministry. New Horizons makes two mission trips per year to interview and select orphans to be hosted in Christian homes in America. The spring trip selects children for the 5 week summer hosting and the fall trip selects children for the 4 week Christmas hosting. So, I contacted New Horizons (www.newhorizonsforchildren.org) and before I knew it, I was signed up to leave 6 weeks later for the Russia and Latvia spring/February interview trip to identify the kids to bring to the states this summer.

After the dust settled and I started planning for the trip, I began by looking at pictures of children from past hosting periods and looked through the kids that didn’t get selected at Christmas. My ever supportive husband, Jon, looked through my materials and made the comment, “this looks like a good kid.” Excited to see who caught his eye, I leaned over and said, “but that’s a boy, what do I do with a boy?” I would find out that "boy" was named Matiss. He is 13 years old, but about the size of an American 10 year old, probably weighing about 65 pounds. As is with most orphans, their "13" isn't our "13," both physically and mentally. So, trusting that God had possibly laid a child on my husband’s heart, I went to Latvia with this little boy in the back of my mind, believing God would show me what I needed to see so He could lead me in His will. He did.

As I observed Matiss the day we visited his orphanage, he was the exact opposite of what would probably stand out to me. I’m pretty demonstrative and outgoing and this little boy was quiet, reserved and shy. He could have easily faded into the chaos around him had God not pointed him out ahead of this trip. Almost immediately, it clicked… this little boy was so similar to Jon, with that same quiet, laid back, gentle spirit. But, I could see so much more. I could see the potential in this boy to become the Godly man my husband had become, thinking how much positive influence Jon could have with him, even if only for 5 weeks.

Being teachers, we are “off” for the summer and will have so much time to spend with him. Jon has football workouts and practices in the summer, but we’re sure Matiss will love going to the field house and hanging out at the stadium! As for my role as “host mom,” admittedly I don’t know a lot about “boys.” I pray God equips me to be exactly what he needs. In the meantime, I’m brushing up on my turtle pancake skills, perfecting homemade chocolate chip cookies, learning about matchbox cars, hunting the largest capacity water gun and keeping my eye open for special little touches to add to his room.

Please join us in prayer for our little man. Pray that God is preparing his heart and mind to receive what HE is preparing us, his host mom and dad, to pour into him. Pray that God brings all things in order with his paperwork and ours, and that God would place a hedge of protection, provision and favor around him until he arrives. He will arrive in Atlanta at 9:45pm, June 27th, and will return to Latvia on August 1st.

Stay tuned to this site for updates! It will serve as a "diary" of our time with him this summer and allow all our family and friends to be able to "see" him, even if not in person. Because he is only here for such a short time, we can't possibly take him everywhere we would love to go and introduce him to everyone, although we would dearly love too! But, for his sake, we are going to try to keep him in a central, consistent location, which won't lend itself to alot of traveling. So, I promise to post updates very often, every few days, that let you know all the wonderful things he is doing and learning. We are holding "our" plans loosely, because we really want to gauge the 5 weeks based on him, and until he gets here... we really won't know "him." Being in Atlanta, there are so many day trips right here at our doorstep, the zoo, aquarium, six flags, fernbank, etc. I'm certain we will be hitting some of those spots. Save this website address and we'll all enjoy the summer together! -Michelle