You are not forgotten.....

One last busy day, down to the wire!

2011-11-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

When we left the 6-16 year old state orphanage on Saturday it was with a heavy heart. We did not know the little 6-7 year olds had been moved over to this place and because this was our very first visit,we were unaware of the drastic needs these kids have. Many of them had on clothes too big or too small and most shoes were falling apart. So we knew that we had to get back there with some warm clothes before we left.

So on Sunday afternoon, we went were off to the black market again along with half of the Mongolian population!! It took 2 hours just to get down the road leading into it ..

We bought 70 shoes/slipper booties for the little boys and girls, another 70 mittens and gloves, 130 of these great thermal leggings that are really thick. They can be use as play pants of pajamas. About 100 sweatshirts in all sizes. 50 pair of small underwear, little socks for the boys/girls ,tights for the young ladies and some towels and handcloths for the community center where the street kids shower.

We were there for hours in the frigid cold. We honestly could not feel our toes and I kept joking with Kim, telling her she had icicle's hanging from her nose. Our friend, Ulzi had his ungloved hand out counting money and negotiating the entire time. You really need a Mongolian with you to get the best prices. By the end though, we were all freezing and we shut the market down very pleased with our purchases for the children.

We headed straight back to the orphanage late on Sunday night, not sure of how we would be received unannounced. The children were excited to see us again! I wish all of you could have seen how desperately these donations were needed and how sweetly they were received! We felt much better leaving Mongolia knowing that these vulnerable little ones would be warmer this winter!

We were concerned about the older children taking the little ones things. ( they could be resold at the market easily). Ulzi read them "the riot act", he told the older ones he would be back before New Years and going to inspect that everyone had the items he saw them with today. If not- this will be a big problem!!! Here are a few sweet pictures with arms full!!!

We finished up at 9pm, everything was closed so eating dinner was not an option and then it was back to Rita's apartment to finish packing quickly as we were being picked up at 6am.

Two lessons from the day: Do not shop at the Black Market on Sunday and do not wait to eat until after 7pm on Sunday as everything is closed!!!

It was a crazy, busy, cold, yet amazing, purpose filled week!!!

Backpacks in Hand......

2011-11-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

Amartugs sponsored by Lilly Family
Khongorzul sponsored by Bianca Kay
Davaajargal sponsored by Patrick Family

Backpacks Delivered

2011-11-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

Munkh-Erdene sponsored by friends/church of Teresa Philips
Oyuntungalaga sponsored by Sabrina
Ganbaatar sponsored by Debbie Cummins
Zoljargal sponsored by Amanda Baines & Family
Bayanzurkh sponsored by Rolande and Roger Paradis

Thank you sponsors.......

2011-11-26T16:57:00.001-08:00

Hishigjargal sponsored by Teresa Phillips and family
Bathishig sponsored by friends/church of Teresa Phillips
Enkhzaya sponsored by Karen Hudspeth and Family
Ariuntsetseg sponsored by Debbie Cummins and Family
Dulguun sponsored by Sortino Family

Thank you for blessing us!!!

2 children in hospital.....

2011-11-26T16:48:00.001-08:00

I gave backpacks to one of the caretakers for 2 children that are currently in the hospital receiving treatments.

Pepper Family (Otgontuya)and Barbara Moody (Munkhbat), I am sorry that I do not have photos of the children actually receiving them however, it will be a nice treat when they get home from the hospital. I will fill you in on the medical needs in an email so that you know how to pray for them!

Big House Orphanage Backpack Delivery Service....:)

2011-11-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

Munkhbayar received a Harley backpack filled by various donors
Suvd-Erdene backpack filled by The Mackley Family
Jadamba backpack filled by the Pepper Family
Munkhzul backpack filled by Barbara Moody
Enkhzaya receiving her birthday present from sponsor Karen Hudspeth and Family

Orphan Care Center ages 6-16

2011-11-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

We had a nice visit with the children at the government run orphan care center for older children. This is the very first time that I visit, so I had no idea what to expect. We showed up to 58 girls and 60 boys. They have now added the 6 year olds to what was an already a huge age gap. I tell you, these little guys are survivors in a rough world! My eyes were opened quickly to the fact that this is where Seth would have been sent to once he turned 7! I can't even imagine and my heart breaks for his one little friend who has repeatedly run away from this place. It was so good to see him and give him a hug from Seth. The kids were all very sweet and soooo very appreciative of the few things we brought for them. Many thanks to Maggie Howell and family and Walmart for the 150 string backpacks!! The kids were just thrilled and it was the one item that we actually had enough of. Most received underwear and socks but they were in desperate need of warm clothes. As a team, we felt that we did not do nearly enough here and so we will be heading to the black market shortly to purchase some much needed warm clothes and winter necessities. Pray that we can find the items quickly and get them delivered as today is our last day and we will be working down to the wire! Many thanks to all the donors, you have certainly made a difference!! These kids know that someone cares......

Digging in.....

2011-11-26T05:55:00.001-08:00

Checking out the backpacks, modeling new clothes, excited about school supplies and more!!!

Ganbayar...a special little guy!!

2011-11-26T05:49:00.000-08:00

Ganbayar recently had heart surgery and is doing amazing! He walks around like he owns the entire place. Ganbayar was sponsored by the Lily family (Joanie who is here with me) but we also had some gifts for a child that has recently gone home with his family. So thanks to the Hubel family, Ganbayar gets a double portion!! Isn't he just the cutest little guy?

Babies and more......

2011-11-26T05:27:00.000-08:00

First three babies/toddlers...thanks to Lori and Gabrielle Gomoke for shopping for babies and toddlers!!!
Oyundari sponsored by Delucia Family
Tuguldur sponsored by Wolfe Family

Thank you!!!

More sweet faces happy to get filled backpacks!!

2011-11-26T05:13:00.001-08:00

Huslen sponsored by Gilschlider Family (original child assigned went home with family)
Horloo sponsored by Kelly LeBlanc and Family
Yanjin sponsored by Dodie
Sarnai sponsored by Jane Steeves
Munk sponosred by Wooten Family

Thank you!!!

More Backpack Excitement.....

2011-11-26T04:50:00.000-08:00

Namuun sponsored by Smith Family (original child assigned went home with family)
Usukhbayar
Oknoo
Khailuuna
Sergelen sponsored by Julie Bauserman and family

Thank you!!!

Sorry for the delay in posting....

2011-11-25T18:25:00.001-08:00

Our schedule has been crazy, literally from one project/orphanage to another! Then include a couple of wild missions, extreme temperatures, and lack of sleep and there you have enough excuses for why the posts are delayed!! :)

The celebration at the Children's Place is always such a joyous time for me. Joanie was excited to take part as well and boy did she love on some toddlers!!

Here are a few pics of the kids getting their gifts...I will try to let you know the childs name and who the sponsor is although you may recognize the backpack....

We are leaving for 3 orphanages shortly so I will not get them all posted but promise to post more tonight.....

Pictures above are of Enktuul sponsored by Teresa Phillips and Family
Sara sponsored by Steele Family
Amraa sponosored by Madeleine and Doug Vrona
Baby Bat-Erdene sponosred by Roger & Rolande Paradis/and monthly sponsor is Dawson Family
Bilguun sponosored by Gabriel Brown and family

A Thanksgiving to remember....

2011-11-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

We started our Thanksgiving day at the Community Center focusing on the Bright Future project for street and vulnerable children. The community center offers a program from noon to 4, four afternoons a week where street children can come, be warm, eat a healthy meal, shower if they like and even wash their clothes. One couldn't help but notice it was all the older children ( 14-17) that were coming. When asked where the little ones were, we were told that the older ones scare them off. They want any benefits that the Community Center has to offer for themselves. Some revisions to the program would need to be made to include the most vulnerable of the street children. We are working on specific days and hours for the younger ones etc.

The irony is that the 14-17 year olds are not the top of the hierarchy living in the sewers- there is yet an older, very rough, looking group that stands at the top of the sewers and checks out the children entering. A bunch of the 14-17 year old kids did not have coats ( and believe me it is COLD!)- when our friend Ulzi asked them where their coats were- they replied they had them but they have to hide them. If the older gang sees them with them they will take them. So each gang protects their own and preys on the younger...

Unknown to us- the Police had scheduled a two day raid to bring in all the homeless children they could find and register them. This was happening on Tuesday and Wednesday. They had rounded up all the children that had come to the community center just hours before we ad arrived. They took 15 of the children down to the central lockup.

When we arrived back at the center,yesterday to have lunch with the street kids they were telling us that they had been held until 8:00 pm and then they were released- all but one. Little Autumnbat had not been released with them..WHAT- Autumnbat is the little boy that stole my heart last year. I had posted many pictures of him and just loved on him and encouraged him that there are people that care about him. Well, he heard that I was in town and so he came to see what I may have brought for him? We did not know that he had been taken into custody but not just anywhere...they take the kids to the "holding facility" that I spoke of in my earlier post. Abuse is rampant here and this is a little boy ( now 7 years old, last year he was wearing size 4t)..
The authorities will only release children to their parents. What were we going to do? We had to get him out of that Facility. It is something when living on the street is preferable to police custody!

I had an awful, sick feeling in my stomach and everything in me was saying "We need to get him out of there"

Thankful for our friend Ulzi who knows many people in high places.....it turns out Ulzi has a friend who is a commander general in the Police Force. As we made the long trek out to the detention facility inching along in traffic , Ulzi was on the phone. Was Autumnbat still in detention? We didn't want to get all the way there and find he had been released ..We did not even know his last name. ..Will they release him to non-guardians?

Autumnbat sleeps with older boys under the stairs in the apartment buildings. He spends all night being chased "up and down and up and down" by the residents on the floors. His mother and stepfather and their two children live in a ger in the city- no phone, no money, no car- his mother would not be coming to get him and his stepfather beats him so bad, even if they knew he was in the lockup- they would not be coming to get him.

Finally the Commander calls Ulzi- they have located him and he has ordered the boys release to him.

So we arrive and Ulzi and Tamir go inside while Kim and I wait in van..... about 15 minutes later, out of the detention center, swaggers this little boy with a grin from ear to ear! He got right into the van and sat with me and immediately began talking and talking. We had a nice long ride back into the city to try to decide what our next step would be...

We were in awe of this little 8 year old. ( he really looks about 6 with the sweetest little raspy voice). He was so anxious to tell us about how he got the scratches on his face from a fight -that he almost won! Ulzi was asking him if he would like to come live at an orphanage where he could have his own warm bed and food everyday..currently he begs for money and buys what food he can everyday. But surprisingly, he did not jump at the opportunity... He values his freedom very much ..The bravado had us in stitches! then he says " Just don't leave me alone- I am afraid of being alone." He said that the people at the orphanage will beat him - Ulzi assured him this would not happen. But Ulzi did tell him he would have to go to school ..This was not so appealing but we could tell he was considering it. He mentioned that in the past, he was unable to attend school as he had no supplies:(

So we were all hungry by this time and figured he was too...so we went to a great restaurant in the city. When we told him that we were going to eat, he quickly took off his coat and turned it inside out, claiming that the inside was much cleaner to go into the restaurant. Overwhelmed with the menu, he ordered 2 chicken breast, salad ad french fries. I think the plate was larger than him! He ate and ate and we could tell he was getting full and that he was very tired. Once we told him that he could take the rest with him, he stopped and said he was full but did not want to leave any.

Tamir, one of the helpers at the community center offered to take him for the night, get him a bath and keep him safe. Laws limit our ability to really help these kids as the parent, even though she sends him to the street night after night and allows the step dad to beat him, they have to give permission for the child to be signed into an orphanage or help center.

So we pray for healing in his family, for his mom to protect and fight for her children or for her to be willing to put him somewhere safe. The community center will be following up and Autumnbat will now be coming to then community center on a regular basis again. For now, he is warm, fed, and surrounded by people that care and want to help him. May God be his protection from all harm......

Reaching the ends of the earth...Literally!!

2011-11-23T17:34:00.001-08:00

These are special needs children throughout the country that are receiving help and therapy for the first time through the Reaching the Light Developmental Center. Most of these children are in need of ongoing therapy and equipment.It cost's between $300-$500 to outfit a child with CP with necessary equipment. With the right equipment and treatment plan, these kids can thrive!!!

Developemental center is doing great things in Mongolia.

2011-11-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we also got to see the Reaching the Light Developmental center - It was very so exciting to see this place in action! It holds a special place in our hearts as it is reaching vulnerable, special needs children from the countryside who previously had no resources for their children.
One of the biggest delights was seeing a little boy who was using a walker for the first time, almost running across the room! He has cerebral palsy diplegia and before could only take little baby steps while holding onto things.
The developmental center has a great system where 5 families come for 1-2 weeks (1 if a follow up and 2 if new evaluation) and receive services. They have a pediatrician, physiotherapist and an occapational therapist evaluate each one and create an individualized program. They then teach the program to the parent while they are there and tweak it as necessary before they release them home. They also assist the families in acquiring MUCH needed equipment such as walkers, standers, sitting aids, and rolling chairs. All this equipment is made by a carpenter here and is really lovely and functional. Many of the families do not have the funds to purchase the equipment so the center also helps them pay for it. Your donations have made a significant difference in the past and will continue to do....

We had dinner with one of the well known lama's here in town....was kind of like being out to dinner with a celebrity. The news media sat, anxiously waiting for us to finish dinner so that could get an interview with him. He is a very compassionate, loving man. It was quite the experience.

Having a special lunch for the street kids today and are hoping to gather up a list of needs. Some need warm pants while others need a winter coat or boots. Everyone will be ready for some winter weather when we are done with them.

We pray everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving...we are thinking of you all and missing our families!!

Stacy & Joanie

A visit with Maiah's friends......and baby time!!!

2011-11-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

It is always a great day for me when I visit the Children's Place orphanage. I am not sure why as I recall Maiah kicking, screaming and biting us.....
The nannies were talking in Mongolian and saying you remember, Nandin screaming , ahhhhhhhh, I did not understand what they were saying but I did understand the screaming part and it all made sense. Here a few pics of Maiah's friends. Most were off to school when we popped in to say hello today. They are in such a loving place. You can tell how much the nannies love the kids and truly care for them as their own. They have several new babies that we got to hold and rock today:) We will be having a celebration on Friday. For those of you who sponsored a child, be watching for pics on Friday morning, your time. You might see your sweet face here too......

Oh, and thank you for our winter coats!!!

Desires of my heart.....

2011-11-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

For those who know me, know how much joy it brought me to see this sweet girl today. Please pray for God's perfect plan for her life!

Who will fight for me??

2011-11-23T06:44:00.000-08:00

If you are reading with your children, please be advised.....
The closer one gets to the details of these orphaned children's lives, the closer we are to a world we can not even imagine. The stories we have heard this week are the ugly reality of situations where the family structure has deteriorated, there is no religion, no education and tremendous poverty- then throw in a large dose of alcohol.

There was a young female student (16) at Fathers school who came to him last year and said that she was pregnant. This is itself is not unique but when father asked her what her plans with school were all the details spilled out- she was given away by her birth mother to another women to raise. ( not uncommon in Mongolia) The birthmother and her son live in a ger in the country. At a school break they young girl went to see her birth mom. When she arrived at the ger her birth mom was not home but the son was (her brother she had not grown up with). He raped her and she became pregnant. Father first commended her for not having an abortion but he said " you should report this to the police- he needs to go to jail". The young girl said that the two families ( her adoptive vs her birth) had worked out some type of justice. She would have the baby but then the baby would be sent to the countryside to be raised by the father and his family- WHAT? So this is what was done- she had the baby several months ago and is now back at school living with the family that raised her as if nothing ever happened. Where is the justice??

The police realized that they needed a temporary facility to house children who are left parent-less when their parents are arrested. It was intended to be a holding facility for like 24- 48 hours until someone from the family could be notified to come down to the station and pick up the child. As life has it- the facility is now notorious and children are often housed there for months at a time. The sexual abuse that occurs at this facility is the worst imaginable. Older children prey on the younger ones and then they prey on the new ones.....These are very young children I speak of. When no one comes to claim these kids, eventually the police will take them to an orphanage. Then of course, is the start of a viscious cycle to take these children who have been so severely traumatized that they need special treatment, not available in Mongolia- not to be simply put into a orphanage of innocent children. We all know that the cycle of abuse is self perpetuating.

Sexual abuse amongst these vulnerable children is a huge problem that the government does not want to acknowledge or address.

We have many more individual stories but we know you all can "get the picture". There are some people trying to draw attention to these vulnerable kids and help prevent trauma and to save a life. Unfortunately, our supplies and donations can't change these kids worlds BUT prayer can.

Please pray for the strength of those who are " swimming upstream" against the tide here. Please pray that their efforts can bring about real change and that these children are given a chance at a having some type of life, because this does not qualify...
Who will stand and fight for them? Who will be their voice?

More Pics.....

2011-11-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

Michele, please take a look at how our "giggler has grown!!! He seemed to be doing so much better:) Joy, joy!!

A Hand Held, A Cheek Rubbed, a Belly Fed!!

2011-11-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

What a great day loving on the kids at the IS! They were all so very sweet. We held some, kissed some, and were able to stay and help feed them lunch. We followed up with orphanage director regarding some of the children we saw last year. I am so happy to report that one of the little girls we prayed for and loved on last year, the sweet girl that was missing an arm and had a few other special needs. She has gone home with her mommy!
It is very uncommon for a parent to come back for a child especially for a child with such significant needs. This news warmed my heart!
We also saw many of the other boys with CP. They have all grown and seem to be doing well. They are actively using the chairs/walkers that your donations built for them. It is great to see a difference being made in these precious lives.

So by 4:30, our little team, including myself, were all falling asleep in the car. 13 hour time difference is a killer. We just got in at 8 pm and are preparing for our visit to Father Carlos place tomorrow.

We have backpacks, school supplies, thermals, socks, and underwear for all of his orphan boys. It is a privilege to come along side Father Carlo in providing some basic needs as he does an amazing job preparing these boys with a strong education and trade skills.

Many of you have asked for our schedule. Here is the tentative schedule for our week:
Tuesday: visit with Father Carlos orphans/ trade school/ visit with developmental center staff.
Wednesday: visit vulnerable families in Ger district/distributing large bags of flour, rice, and coal for heat. Children are abandoned in Mongolia especially in the harsh winter months due to inability to heat their Ger and inability to provide basic nutrition. This food and coal will help these families with special needs children stay together this winter. One family has a little girl with down syndrome, many of you may remember her smiling face from last year.....I can't wait to see her again!!
Thursday: visit with 150 orphans ages 7-16 years old/holiday celebration with 25+ street kids in the afternoon
Friday: Children's place holiday party/backpack distribution for 25 children
Saturday: Morning: visit big house orphanage/backpack distribution for 25 children/ Afternoon: No 58 orphanage/gift distribution for ~76 kids

Thanks for praying!
Stacy, Joanie, Kim and boys

Safe and Sound in Mongolia by Grand Caravan

2011-11-20T05:31:00.001-08:00

Hello Friends,

November 19

Well we are off to a great start......at check in at the Norfolk airport, all of my baggage fees were waived and let’s just say that I had 18 bags too many!!! My friends Kim and her two Mongolian born sons, Jack and Dillon and Joanie, who checked in bags in Chicago and St Louis also had great favor and were waived on through…….Many thanks to United Airlines and MIAT Airlines for their great compassion!! Please send them thank you emails saying how great you think it is that they did this!!!!

Then, on the plane, a very sweet gentleman from North Carolina, also an adoptee handed me a $100 bill and said to buy some orphans coats and boots!! How great is that. Don’t worry Scott, I will take pictures for you!!

So, many (15 I think)hours later and not sure what happened to Saturday, we landed in Beijing and had to check in with our connecting airline. We had a letter from some high official authorizing us to have 25 bags of humanitarian aid for Mongolian orphans. Only problem was that the 3 of us had a total of 38 bags!! So as we stood at the counter praying and waiting, watching them make phone call after phone call, the guy handed us our boarding passes and said have nice time in Mongolia!!! Off we went, rejoicing to say the least. We were looking at over $6000 in total fees that they could have charged us. All we can say is Wow!!!

November 20

If everyday is as eventful as this morning…..we are certainly in for the trip of a lifetime! :)
We arrived at the Chingiss Khan airport at 2:30 in the morning from Beijing. We were greeted by Children’s Place staff, Ulzi, a dear friend of Kim’s who has been a huge blessing in getting us through customs year after year and Bil who is Mongolian college student that lived with Kim in the states for 2 years. Thank God, Ulzi has security clearance to enter into customs because for the first time (probably because of the quantity), the officials began questioning the containers for both duty charges (19% of value) and when we mentioned we had medicines and medical supplies they said that it is the Minister of Health Law that all medicines go through his department and be quarantined before entering the country. A very interesting negotiation occurred.... Mongolians do not like to say "no" so they just don't agree . It was interesting to watch as Ulzi was explaining why we should be allowed thru duty free (the stuff is for orphans, etc) and could not afford the time or money to quarantine the meds. So the head official was not saying no but he would not agree……a ton of pregnant pauses and staring and then when the official decided he finally wanted to go home, he said just go! Keep in mind, arriving at 3am does have it’s benefits in that everyone wants to go home!!!
So, we get thru customs and we are in the airport lobby with ALL these 38 bags and huge bins....The Children's Place Van would not start ( Hence the need for a new one!) so they were there in a regular car…..Bil was suppose to bring a truck but his friend sold it earlier this week.....Ulzi was there in his mini van!!! We had room for maybe 8 of the 39 bags but then no room for people!! LOL.....actually this was no laughing matter at 3am, with no sleep for 2 days and it is zero degrees!!! No place to rent a vehicle at now 3:30am!! So, Ulzi goes to see if we can rent a ton of taxis to get this stuff to the orphanage- not one waiting taxi as it is now like 4:00 in the morning. Ulzi spots a flatbed truck picking up some boxes that arrived on our same flight. He approaches him to see if he can help us out. We knew we had to do something and pay whatever the fee!! Ulzi comes back -Yes he will help us out but it will cost us..$35 Dollars!! We could not believe it!! In the states this would have cost a couple of thousand! An hour drive with all these bins and bags……let’s just give thanks where it is due!! Thank you Lord!!!!
So, the 4 cars traveled in a caravan down the single lane road connecting the airport to the city at about 25 mph as the bags were piled so high on the truck. One sharp turn and the whole thing was going over!! Joanie and I prayed over every bump and turn.
All that said, every bag is safe and sound and we spent the afternoon sorting through everything and dividing up medicines, clothes, school supplies, etc between the orphanages.

The fun begins tomorrow….loving on special needs children and infants at one of the government run orphanages. Can’t wait to share and spread the love and blessings you sent!!

Have I mentioned it was 0 degrees when we arrived and tonight it is -11!!

Stacy, Joanie and Kim
Dillon and Jack

5 days until departure!!!

2011-11-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well Friends, it has been a very busy few weeks but it looks likes our little team is going to pull it off because of your generosity!! I will be leaving on Friday morning, meeting up with Joanie and Kim in Chicago and then off to Beijing we go and finally arrive in Mongolia on Sunday morning.

Stay tuned for posts from Mongolia and pictures of the very children you have blessed!!!!

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Blessings,
Stacy

Backpacks, school supplies and lots of love.....

2011-09-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Some have asked, why backpacks? How is that life changing? Well, it is not really about the backpack, it is about the love that comes with the backpack!! The love of a complete stranger across the world can make them feel so loved and important and special even if just for a moment....and the love of Christ extended thousands of miles across the ocean to a child in need.

Backpacks are still needed......as well as toothbrushes, sanitary supplies for teen orphans, socks, underwear.

Be part of this trip and be a blessing,

Stacy

2011 Back to school drive......

2011-09-09T08:36:00.001-07:00

Dear Family, Friends, and Partners,

I am writing this letter asking you to consider partnering with me in something that is very important to my family and I. You see in 2006, our lives were changed forever when we visited a small in orphanage on the other side of the world. We stepped out in faith and adopted a beautiful 3 year old Mongolian girl and it was during that process, we made a decision to not forget her friends, the orphans that we were leaving behind, the one's that may never know a family of their own.

Mongolia is the complete opposite side of the world. It is a beautiful country but quite desolate with freezing temperatures for 7 to 8 months of the year. Children who find themselves abandoned, often take refuge under the city streets during the freezing months. It is the hot water pipes that keep them warm and begging is how they survive until they are picked up by police and brought to a local orphanage. Mongolia is kind of forgotten about when it comes to receiving aid and for this reason, we continue to do humanitarian drives and support on going projects there.

We started this mission in 2007 with sending Christmas gifts, medicines, hats, gloves, coats and boots to our daughter's orphanage, then expanded to include our now, 9 year old son's orphanage. We adopted him in 2009. We have since returned the last two winters to bless children in 5 orphanages with winter gear, Christmas presents, medicines, etc..... It is because of the many partners, child sponsors, and prayers that we have been able to truly make a difference in over 300+ lives!!!

So, with that said, the 2011 drive has begun. I am looking at traveling over Thanksgiving to deliver all that we collect. We are collecting much needed school supplies such as backpacks, crayons, pens, pencils, folders, erasers, rulers, etc....as well as school shoes and winter boots for children ages 5-16. We will also put small treats in bags such as bracelets, hair things, gloves, candy, etc......

Financial gifts are also needed to purchase much needed medicines such as Tylenol, Motrin, diaper rash cream, benedryl, and hydro cortisone cream.

If there is anyway that you can contribute or would like to get involved, please let me know. I would be happy to share at your small group or church about this mission of love!! If you have a contact in the shoe, boot or backpack industry, please see if they would like to get involved. All donations are tax deductible as both the orphanage and the ministry I now work for are both non profit organizations.

Thank you for making a difference!!

Blessings,

Stacy & Family

stacypetrin@gmail.com

www.2mongoliawego.blogspot.com

Orphanage needs your help!

2011-06-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Children's Place Orphanage needs your help. I was sent an email letting me know that a main water pipe that provides bathing and drinking water for the orphanage is broken and it will cost around $10,000 to fix it. The orphanage is responsible for fixing it and that kind of money does not just sit in the budget when providing for 20+ orphans.....

I have approached Orphan's Promise and they are willing to match all funds that come in designated for the Mongolian water pipes. If you would like to contribute, please send your tax deductible gift to :

Orphan's Promise

977 Centerville Turnpike

Virginia Beach Va 23463

Attn: Stacy Petrin SHB325

For Mongolia/CP

Blessings,

Stacy

Community Center impacting lives of street kids....

2010-12-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

A special celebration for some special kids!!! Can you tell what little boy stole our hearts? He showed up both days/outreaches in a tank top and cotton pants (it was minus four)...we had lots of 4T's that fit him perfectly! He received 2 long sleeve shirts, long johns, a winter coat, snow pants, hat, gloves etc.....he was so appreciative,he kept saying tank yuuuuu...with the sweetest little accent....
Also a picture of the young adults that run the street children program, they were such a blessing, helping us make over 150 goody bags and shop in the freezing cold to help us carry winter coats and snow pants & boots......many thanks to them!!!

Developmental Center changing lives......

2010-12-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Children with CP and significant special needs are coming here from all over the country to receive free treatment and after the intial treatment, the ladies follow up in their homes to make sure the parents are trained as to how they can best help the child succeed in the home....these kids are spread out all over the country as you can see in the map and the follow up visits are key but costly....we are hoping to get more support for this vital program......parents with children that thought their children would never walk, are walking with walkers and cutches and children that have never made eye contact with Mom and Dad are now making contact.....baby steps but miracles for these family's!!

Father Carlo's Visit.....

2010-12-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

Father Carlo and the Catholic church in Mongolia are truly making a difference.....
A technical trade school built from the ground up by an amazing man...and I witnessed the respect over 300 kids have for Father Carlo!! It costs $200 to partcipate in the program and he runs and orphanage too.....educates the orphans through 9th grade and then they attend this technical...wait until you see the photos..a sewing shop, auto mechanic shop, welding, plumbing, etc.....truly giving these kids a chance at a life above poverty!!

Kindergarten orphanage and Big House Orphanage

2010-12-05T17:04:00.001-08:00

Baby and special needs orphanage visit and gifts...

2010-12-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

It was nap time so we did not get many photos but we toured and talked with director about needs...gave cash donations and medicines and antibiotics for the winter.....

Our last day and trip home.....

2010-12-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

Well, we celebrated with our sweet friends at the Children's Place on Friday evening..it was a grand celebration with the children singing songs and reciting poems for us as well dressing in their very best.....they all looked so beautiful. It is very traditional to get all dressed up for a celebration with guests.....

I will not be able to post pictures of every single child tonight.....I was quite sick with a massive headache and vomiting for the last 7 hours of our travel home...I feel a bit better now but am heading to bed shortly. I will email each family that sponsored a child, pictures of their sponsored child getting gifts and some even wearing their coats and I will also be forwarding an small ornament with their photo.....

Blessings,
Stacy & Kate

Each child has a story to tell......

2010-12-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

Woke up to snow this morning and the first thing Kaytlin said was that she hoped our flight was canceled as she does not want to leave. I have watched my little girl grow this week and have seen her eyes and heart opened in amazing ways....

Yesterday, we went to the market and bought bulk flour, rice, potatos and carrots to deliver to some poor families....over 70% of Mongolia is considered to be poor and these are the poorest of the poor, on the verge of losing their children. They have 1 light bulb,no running water and an out house...your pee is frozen before it hit's the ground!!! The high was 2 degrees today.

We also had the opportunity to visit with a family that has a little girl with down syndrome. I stand in awe of the this family as they kept their little girl against the advice of doctors, family and friends. She cannot walk and has 2 holes in her heart but because she has down syndrome, she is not considered a high priority for surgery. Her mother is quite concerned as she should have had this surgery before 2 years of age but the hospital and doctors keep putting her off. Please pray that God would open doors for this little girl to have surgery and get some help. I believe that she could walk if given proper therapy as she had good mucle tone and can stand and walk with help.....she is very smart, obeying every command her mother said to her and performing for us. She was quite the little ham.....her mother allowed me to take all kinds of pictures and video in hopes that I would show them to somone who might be able to help:( I will certainly talk to and show it to everyone I can! She has certainly stolen our hearts!!!

When you look into the eyes of each of these children that I have talked about this week, there is a deep emptyness but I have to say that there was a significant difference between those in orphanages and those still out on the streets fighting and fending for themsleves. Most of the children we met over the past week have amazing testimonies!! They range from being physcially abused as a 4 year old girl with physical scars that show all she has been through but now, she is a healthy 10 year old with a sweet confidence about her, an amazing little lady that cares for the younger children in her orphanage!! Another has a mother in jail and yet another that has no idea where his parents disappeared to over 4 years ago. Another 6 year old boy found wandering the streets, hungry and malnourished. Every director shared about the positive changes in the children after having them for 6 months and a year. This warmed my heart.

My overall takeaway is that the street and vulnerable children are truly the ones that need to be reeled in. They need love, food, and education among other things or their circumstances will not change. I was told when I arrived that there were no longer children living under the streets yet I took pictures of 2 boys and a girl going down into the ground yesterday through a manhole cover. I am not sure how people just walk by like it ok and normal.....for me, this is not the world I want to be a part of. Why is it that the rich are really rich and the poor are really poor? Plus, these children did not ask for this, it is not a choice that they have made....we will continue to do our small part, trying to make a difference in 1 child at a time. We hope that you will continue to partner with us....

I will post lots of photos when I get home, sorry for the computer issues and posting delays. Pray that I dont get fired for frying my laptop. Not really sure what happened but I hope there is insurance or this trip just got really expensive:)

Every Blessing,
Stacy & Kaytlin

I figured it out....

2010-12-03T03:23:00.001-08:00

More pics

2010-12-03T03:13:00.000-08:00

Pictures.....

2010-12-03T03:07:00.000-08:00

Not much time to post but I promised a few pics....

Day Three...In the trenches and a meeting with the Presidents wife.....

2010-12-02T16:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry for teh rambling, I am short on time....

We visited with all of Seth's friends today who are extremely blessed. You see, shortly after we adopted Seth, many of his friends ere do to turn 7 and were to be moved to the not so nice orphanage that houses children 7-16 and there are are over 150 children there. So, the presidents wife who has an adopted daughter herself....chose to pull all the children out of the government run orphanage and start her very own private orphanage for them. Let's just say that it is very nice, and should be a model for how all orphanages should be run. I will say no more about this right now....Lets just say that if you happen to be cute, smart and talented then you were of the chosen 24.

The Presidents wife heard that we were coming to visit Seth's friends and requested a time for us to meet to see how we could partner and make a difference in the lives of the children in Mongolia. We had a wonderful conversation and her big request is money for school supplies and winter clothes from the USA as the quality is so much better. More on our meeting later......

We left the meeting and went straight to the community center to see the friends we had made on Tuesday. They all showed up again and brought brothers and sisters and friends too.....we gave them all the items we had purchased for them and fitted the children that had not come on Tuesday. There were many emotions as I shared about the love we have for the them but that there is a God that loves them more than we do and unconditionally no matter what their circumstances are....one 19 year old boy had tears in his eyes and I challenged them all to make good choices and that we would see them next year. We have identified 2 young adults that are quaified and committed to teaching them computers and how to read. From the donations given this year, we will begin to fund a feeding program Monday through Thursday instead of just twice a week as well as a reading class, computer class. I believe this community center and the woman who runs it have sooooo much potential and very good ideas, they just need funding to make it happen. This is an opportunity for lives to be changed for the long term....

I promise to post a few pics this afternoon, being without my computer has not been easy...everyone knows I love to share what is happening and I love to post pics even more....but my laptop is fried. There was a spark/overheating incident on day 1 and so I have been relying on the business center and the orphanages computers.

Kate and I are well, she wants to come back this summer and then again next winter. She fell in love with the street children, there is just something very special about each one of them and they certainly have the greatest needs. The children in the orphanages are very well cared for, have food, shelter and clothing and someone who at least cares, these kids are alone, hungry and feel hopeless. There is a huge difference....

Blessings from Mongolia,
Stacy & KAytlin

PS Today we will meet with Father Carlo and his ministry to street boys that are now in trade school as well as visit 3 family's that were identified by Holt International. They are very poor and are vulnerable to the children being put in orphanages....we are bringing them big bags of rice, carrots and bread as well as some winter gear for the children. Then, we have the Christmas party for the kids at the Children's Place. Long and busy day....thanks for the prayers.

Day 2 On the Move in UB.......

2010-12-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

So we were picked up at 930 this morning and went straight to load up the vehicle with the suitcases of goodies for the orphanages we were going to visit. We visited the Kindergarten which currently houses 68 children, although the director is planning for 100 by Christmas. As the temps fall and people can not afford to heat their Gers, they will come bring their children to the orphanage rather than have their child freeze to death. We had a great visit with her and many positive changes have taken place since Seth's adoption. We did not get to visit with the children as it was the morning school session. When asked what the children needed, she mentioned some warm felt slippers and warm Mongolian vest for each child. These are usually wool lined so they really maintain heat. Because of your generosity, we were able to give her a monetary gift so she could purchase these items for the children. As much as we would have loved to shop and give the gifts ourselves, it is just not possible to size and shop for 68 children. She will send me pictures of the holiday celebration where the gifts will be given and I will post them.

Then we were on to infant/special needs orphanage which currently houses 73 children but she too expctes to see that number rise in the coming weeks. We arrived to a very quiet orphanage as all of the children were taking an afternoon nap:( I was very sad as I was hoping to see the special needs children that we loved on last year. We did get to tour the building and see all the wonderful improvements they are making and lots of sleeping, sweet faces. She did allow me to go in and hold a few hands and say hello to the special needs boys, most of them we lying in their cribs awake. The director spoke praises about the the donations from last year and how much progress the boys with CP have made....again, thank you!!! We also asked her how we could meet needs this year. She is quite savvy and so she does well with her budget but she mentioned antibiotics for the winter so the children don't suffer from infections and how she had hoped to have a party for the children with special food that they don't normally get, maybe a treat (things our kids get daily), and some singing and fun!! So, we were able to give her the funds to do this and she to will also send photos of the celebration and smiles.....

Next, we were straight off to the black market to shop for the street children that we sized on Tuesday. You have to be prepared and diligent and move quickly or you freeze. Well, we froze anyway but we left with more bags than the 5 of us could handle. These will be distributed today at a special lunch we are hosting at the community center. We still have lots to do and time is passing quickly but our days have been very productive, not always going the way we them to (I would have rather held kids today than looked at them sleeping in cribs) but it is all good!!

OK, gotta go....we are off to breakfast and I will try to download a few pics at the Children's Place this afternoon.

Stacy & Kate

Day 1 Survivors

2010-11-30T17:02:00.000-08:00

Today, Kaytlin and I had the privilege of meeting an amazing group of young survivors!! They range in age from 5 to 19 years old. Several have at least 1 parent alive but that parent is either an alcoholic or caught up in a depressive state because of their poor circumstances. This leaves the children to fend for themselves day and night surviving the harshest of winters with temps well below zero for 3-4 months. They do not attend school and wander daily in search of someone to care for them and someone to feed them. They show up twice a week to the community center where Kate and I are sorting through all the bags. A few young students, who come from very poor families themselves, recognized the need for these children to be loved, fed, and taught about the unconditional love of God, a father that loves them no matter what their circumstances. Kate and I were both immediately drawn to the youngest and most vulnerable little boy. He has dark eyes that tell many stories, scratches and scars all over his face and body and his clothes were filthy yet none of that mattered. He was first to arrive at 11am for a 2pm lunch that the center provides. He was very curious as to all we were doing, wandering and peeking at the 100 matchbox cars that lined the table as we were making goody bags.....I took his hand and put a green sports car in his hand and touched his tummy as to say, it is yours...we saw the biggest smile ever. Then I took it and sent it racing across the floor and we almost heard a giggle....to us it is a 77cent matchbox car but to him it is a million dollar sports car....this is why we are here, to bring smiles!

With the help of the staff, we sized and fit all the street/vulnerable kids that arrived giving them jackets, snow pants, gloves and hats. For those that we did not have the right sizes, we are shopping this afternoon and will give out everything on Thursday afternoon at a special lunch that your donations will provide.

Sorry for the delay in posting and for the lack of pictures, I am having major computer problems and am unable to download pics right now. I will try to post pics from the orphanage later today.

We are being picked up at 10....and will visit 2 government run orphanages. One houses infants and special needs children and the other school age children 4-7. Seth lived in both of these and we have many friends that have adopted children from these 2 places. We are bringing many gifts on behalf of the families and will ask the directors how we can help them meet needs for the harsh winter. Then we will be buying bulk quantity of snow pants and winter coats at the black market...pray we find what we need quickly as it is below zero and an outside market. I am not sure how these kids survive this weather....they are truly survivors!!

From Mongolia,
Stacy & Kaytlin

We made it!

2010-11-29T04:02:00.000-08:00

Safe and sound in our hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Breezed through customs with all 14 bags, they checked each tag to make sure we were only taking our bags but did not charge us any taxes!! Well, it is only 8pm here and neither of us can keep our eyes open so we are crashing now. We are getting picked up in the morning and will meet up with a few students that will help us sort out the gifts, size children, pack and makeup the beloved goody bags.
Until tomorrow,
Stacy

Waiting for our final flight....

2010-11-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has traveled to Mongolia knows that it is quite the trek....I just have to say that my daughter Kaytlin is a 13 year old trooper!! Lots of waiting, long layovers, bloodshot eyes, no shower since Saturday morning (I keep smelling myself, so far so good)and not a complaint out of her. Here we are waiting for the last leg of our journey. Bed is gonna feel sooooo good tonight!!

Ambien is my friend.......

2010-11-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

So, I slept for the first time ever on a plane and it had to be dramatic!! I took an Ambien right after we boarded in New York, afterall it was 1 a.m. so I was tired and should have been sleeping! So I woke up like 7 hours later and dont remember much, feeling good and thinking "Wow,time sure is flying by". Well, the flight attendant comes over to me and asks me if my neck is ok, so I said yes and found the question a bit strange. So, Kaytlin looks at me and says in a disgusted teenage voice....Mom, everyone was gathered around you checking to see if you were ok as your head was hanging forward and you looked dead and everyone was concerned. She said at one point she checked my pulse as she could not wake me up. I had flight attendants continuosly checking on me and bringing us juice, water and treats for the remainder of the flight. I think they were happy to see me walk off the plane. Kaytlin said that she assured them that I was just very tired yet they remained concerned. I slept, that was the important thing and Ambien works as I have never, ever been able to sleep on a plane, train or in the upright position for that matter.

Now, we have arrived and have an 8 hour lay over. We will get something to eat (trying to find the Dunkin Donuts)and wait to leave. I hope Mongolia is ready for us and thank you God for the heat wave in Mongolia. It looks like the highs will be above zero the whole week.

Stacy & Kate

Rerouted already......

2010-11-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we are off to Mongolia. Kate is a trooper, 51 hours of travel does not intimidate her a bit!! We arrived at the airport with all 14 fifty pound bags plus carry ons, a laptop and winter coats only to find out that the little toy plane we were booked on to New York could not handle our carry on bags never mind our extra baggage. So, the rerouting began and so we flew south to Atlanta only to fly north to New York! However, we did get a discount on our baggage fees ($300) and both flights have been uneventful except for the little boy from India that does not want to wear his seat belt and has screamed for about 30 minutes now:) Delta is also offering free in flight Internet service which I am taking full advantage of. Kate and I had our last Chick Fila sweet tea for a week....I think we need to open up a Chick Fila in Mongolia!!! Now there is an idea and the profits can go toward supporting orphans!! Now that is an idea.....wheels are turning!

Thanks to all for the prayers, help and fundraising. It takes a village to pull this off and we (all of us together) will make a difference in the lives of Mongolian children this week!!Oh, to see them smile!!

Blessings,
Stacy & Kaytlin

Thank you......

2010-11-22T15:14:00.000-08:00

I realize that nobody wants credit for giving....however, I thought that I would thank people, churches and organizations as we go along. Afterall, organizations that give back are organizations that I like to support and maybe you would too...

Many thanks to the 25 family's sponsoring children (they have bought their child a winter coat, hat, gloves,scarves, clothing and a toy for Christmas!)You know who you are and we pray that you are blessed this holiday season!!
Orphans Promise for matching funds raised and providing medicines, blankets, toys and other gifts
BRAFF for helping raise funds to purchase orphan needs
New Life Western Branch Children's Ministry for collecting, hats, gloves and scarves
Smithfield Baptist Church Missions
Excel Hair and Beauty salon
Antonuk Family
Lily Family
Nash Family
Carol and Ben Ortiz for hours helping me pack suitcases:)

Thank you, thank you, thank you on behalf of the children!!

Trip Update

2010-11-22T10:22:00.001-08:00

Mongolia Trip Update
November 27th- December 5th

We will visit, love on kids and meet spiritual and physical needs at the following:

-The Children’s Place Orphanage (Maiah’s orphanage) run by Margie Stone and Rita Browning sponsored by Orphan’s Promise (23 children ages 6mo-10years old)
-Street Children Ministry/Feeding Program/Bible study(40 children ages 8-12 years old) My 13 year old daughter, Kaytlin, will be sharing the candy cane story with these kids, please pray for this to touch hearts.
-Infant Sanatorium is government run, 58 children ages 0-3 year olds as well as special needs children.
-No 58 Kindergarten(Seth’s Orphange) is government run for 78 children ages 4-7 year olds
-Fr. Carlo’s Boys Ministry for teenage street boys that are committed to learning a trade

Thank you to the 24 families that are sponsoring children and for the $1755 in donations so far…..

We are still raising funds for the following:

40+ Street kids- Evaluate their needs and supply winter coats/boots/hats/scarves/gloves as needed. Here is the breakdown of what the items cost to purchase in Mongolia.

Quality winter coat: $25
Winter Boots: $20-25
Snow pants: $11-18
Hats and gloves: $2-4 per set ( I am bringing some with me as well but mostly smaller sizes, the average age of the street kids is 8-12 and mostly boys)

Infant Sanitorium for special needs boys with Cerebral Palsy:

Last year, we saw these boys lying on the floor and they were tied to radiators and wooden gates so they would not roll away and with your donations, we had them evaluated by a therapist and helped them get fitted with special shoes, braces and splints. They now need continued therapy to learn to walk as well as the following medical equipment:

Forearm walkers: $150
Corner Chair built of wood with special separator for legs: $175
Bolster Chair for 7/8 year old boy with CP: $180

We would also like to bless the IS Special needs unit with some new developmental toys to help with continued growth and developement, large balls, etc.:$150

Monetary donations are also being collected for the IS, Children’s Place, and NO 58 Kindergarten. We are hoping to host a small party for them and supply meat pies (they don’t get much meat in their regular diets), goody bags and hopefully a small toy for each child. I am also hoping to purchase medicines such as Tylenol, Motrin and cough syrup for each orphanage to supply them for the winter. Donations toward luggage fees for bringing gifts, as well as country taxes are greatly appreciated. Thank you for partnering with us to bless these kids….

To Mongolia we go,
Stacy & Kaytlin

P/S Please pray for safe, uneventful travel and for us to touch each child that God puts in our paths!!

Warm from Toes to Nose 2010

2010-10-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It is that time of year when we take the time to give thanks for all we have. It is also the time of year to look for ways to bless others. For our family, we don’t have to look too far to remember the promise made to Maiah and Seth’s friends in Mongolia. The promise is that we would not forget those we left behind in the orphanages!! We pray for them throughout the year and help with needs as they arise but at Christmas, we really like to show them that they are loved and not forgotten.

This year, in partnership with Orphans Promise again, we will bring the hope, joy, and love of Christ to some very special orphans in Mongolia.

Last year Mongolia had one of the most devastating and coldest winters on record, and as the average winter temperature in Mongolia is -29 degrees, we are hoping to bless 200 orphans with a new winter coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves and scarves. For some street orphans, this may be their very first winter coat ever. In 2007, the year we adopted our daughter, I will never forget the bleeding, split hands of a sweet street boy asking me for my leftover food as I was leaving a restaraunt. This little boy changed my thought process, my heart and my life, forever.

I will be bringing some winter coats and winter accessories with me but with baggage fees on the rise and new taxes being implemented on all items coming through customs, we found that it will be more cost effective for the shopping to be done in Mongolia. We hope this does not deter you from participating, your gift is still needed!!

Here is the breakdown of what it will cost to purchase the winter items in Mongolia:
Thick Winter Coats: 20-25$
Boots: 20-25$
Snow Pants: 11-18$

So, here are a couple of practical ways that you can help:

(Now through November 15th, 2010) Sponsor a girl or boy for Christmas: email me and I will send you a picture of a child to shop for: be willing to bless the orphan with a new winter coat and any winter accessories as you feel led. A small monetary donation would be a blessing to help with shipping/customs taxes of these items. Please keep in mind that all items that I will bring must be shipped or dropped off to me by the 15th of November.

(Now through December 15th, 2010) Make a tax deductible donation to Orphans Promise and mail to:

Orphan's Promise
977 Centerville Turnpike Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23463
Attention: Stacy Petrin/Mongolia Christmas

**Please be sure that checks are made out to Orphans Promise and not me**.

We are also hoping to bless the older children with a basic computer and the younger children with some new developemental toys as well as medicines and vitamins to get them through the winter. Please let me know if you would like to contribute to any of these needs as well.

Thank you for being a blessing in the life of a child.....we can make a difference one child at a time!

Contact me to participate or with questions: stacypetrin@gmail.com

Blessings,
Stacy

A Request......

2010-02-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

When we left Mongolia, we committed ourselves to the needs of the children for the long term. Most of the children in Mongolia have weak bones and are anemic because of poor nutrition. Today, we received a request from the government run orphanages letting us know that they need children's vitamins with iron......there are none to be found right now and with a very limited budget and lots of children, they could use some support in this area.

This little supplement helps with keeping them healthy and strong.....if you can help out by purchasing some vitamins and or making a donation so we can purchase some...that would be so appreciated. We dont want to help once a year, we want to help when there is a need.

Thank you and God Bless,
Stacy & Michele

Just a quick note

2010-01-08T14:52:00.001-08:00

Hi all,
Michele here, with a brief update. Stacy has asked me to give a full account of donated items and how the monetary donations were spent. I do still intend to do that, just trying to catch up after being gone and Christmas etc...

For now I wanted to let you know that I shipped a box yesterday to the Infant orphanage containing 2 baby Bumbo seats, 14 bottles of vitamins along with 20 tubes of hydrocortisone cream with aloe. Even though we have been home almost a month now, our trip is not "over". The kids will continue to benefit from your generosity!

Michele

More Pictures

2009-12-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

I put a few more pictures into the web album today. These were taken on Sat. before we left for the airport. Sad goodbyes!! The children at the Children's Place were using my camera to take pictures and were posing, some of them showing off their gifts. If you see your gift with another child, it is because they are so used to sharing everything, they just do:) Plus, they were swapping and trading like crazy, kind of cute actually!! All together there are over 400 photos, let me know if you need instructions to view them. I know some people have had difficulty. Shoot me an email @ stacypetrin@gmail.com and I will email you the link.

Merry Christmas,
Stacy

Oh yes, more tears....

2009-12-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

I know when you come back from a trip like this, your emotions are very vulnerable.....but I am just crying about everything. The songs on the radio, things my kids say,just looking at them and how blessed we all are. A trip like this usually changes a person but I had no idea how I would feel after getting home. I was already passionate about the children in Mongolia and the needs they have... Having adopted Maiah and Seth, God has blessed us with the opportunity to see first hand the empty, sad look turn into bright eyed, healthy, joyful kids. Anyway, what I wanted to share was this.....

Last night, we were all talking as a family in the living room and Seth asked how long until Christmas? How many more days? We responded with 10 more days until we celebrate Jesus' birthday. We are not big on pushing the whole Santa thing, we have always just left it up to them and whatever they believe. So, Maiah kind of believes and Seth has been telling her for the last couple of weeks, that Santa is not real. Well, Maiah argues with him that he is real as he left her a present last year and the year before. You can see the puzzled look on Seths face. Well last night, the truth came out about why Seth does not believe. With tears in his eyes, he said that Santa never, ever came to his Mongolia and that he never got 1 present from him. He thought maybe it was because they were bad kids. I assured him that was not the case. I told him it took Mommy and Daddy a long time to find him in Mongolia and so maybe Santa could not find his way. Shortly after, as I tucked him in bed, he said that he was happy for his friends and happy that Mommy went to bring presents to them, he was sure they are happy. Seth's English is far from perfect but he sure did express himself perfectly tonight. Ok, needless to say, I held in the tears all night, until I dropped them off at school again this morning and then the Christmas Shoes song came on the radio which make me cry anyway......I needed some windshield wipers for my eyes this morning....

I am so thankful to God for continually confirming the purpose and passion of this trip. Many said it was a lot of money and was I taking something away from my own kids in going? I truly believe in my heart that I was supposed to go and that all 4 of my children gained something in the last week and would choose to sacrifice something again...so that a glimmer of hope, the love of Jesus and Christmas joy can be given to those left behind but not forgotten.

Merry Christmas,
Stacy

Tears that flow for the One!!!

2009-12-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

Well friends, back into the normal routine this morning of bringing my 4 sweet children to school and driving home, having my cup of coffee and then starting to work on my list of things to do.......only this morning on my drive home, I found tears just streaming down my face. I thought of last night, my first night home....and tucking Maiah into bed and rubbing her belly until her eyes gently closed, putting both of my hands on Seths face and looking right into his eyes and telling him how much I love him, brushing Kaytlins hair away from her face and kissing her goodnight on the cheek and Nate greeting me with the biggest bear hug as I walked in the door. I think God brought these thoughts to my mind as a reminder of how important "touch" is in our lives. I had many thoughts running through my mind this morning, all of individual child encounters while in Mongolia. I think in my heart and in my mind I know that lives were touched and the true Spirit of Christmas was spread. However, I cant stop thinking about the children in the special needs orphanage/unit. They were very sensitive to touch and extremely ticklish. Usually,this is a sign of lack of touch. Seth was very much this way when he first came home. If the only reason I went to Mongolia was to hold the hand of a precious, scared little girl, or to hold a little boy with CP and look into his eyes and tell him how much he is loved, or to tell a 9 year old scarred girl that she is beautiful, then the trip was worth it. The bible teaches us to go after the "One". I believe that is what this trip was about, sharing the love of Christ with one child at a time, making them feel loved, important, and special and to let them know that they are not forgotten nor are they forsaken.

Stacy

An amazing trip.....

2009-12-13T18:43:00.001-08:00

Well, the 30 hours of travel for us to get home was an exhausting end to our journey. However, Michele, Erica and I are all at home with our families back in the USA! I thinks our hearts are full of hope for the orphans of Mongolia. I think we were pleasantly surprised by many positive changes especially in the government run facilities. A wise woman once told me that the very best orphanage is still an orphanage.....it cannot compare to being in a family. As we get our thoughts together, we will share more of the trip with you. We are already making plans for next year and hope you will be part of this again. Looks like we will have room for 8 to come next year. We will start raising funds and organizing in July 2010.

A few thoughts for those who sponsored children: All of the gifts were removed from the pretty gift bags and place into Walmart bags with the childs name for packing and travel. However, once we got everything o Mongolia, several gift bags had no names on them and some toys had to be switched around because of germs. For example, a 3 year old girl needed a doll that could be washed so I switched it out with another and gave the older girl the doll with yarn hair that could not be washed. Also, some children received winter coats and ski pants so their items had to go into a larger bag than you had probably sent. Be assured that the items you sent were a blessing to maybe not just one child but 2 in some cases. We evened out the gifts the best we could with the older children getting a few more clothing items as they have nobody to share with. I managed to catch some of the kids in their new outfits/slippers or playing with toys....will be sorting and posting those pictures shortly.

More to come,

Stacy

Our last day.......

2009-12-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Some friends blessed us yesterday by surprising us with a visit to the countryside. We went to the Chinggis Khan statue and a beautiful lodge in the country for lunch. We did a little shopping, mainly for our adopted Mongolian children (keepsakes for them). A saying in Mongolia is: Buy it when you see it, pee when you see a bathroom, do it while you can as it wont be there when you get back. We learned this the hard way as we saw camels on the side of the road and decided we would eat lunch and then come back and go for a camel ride. Not a good idea as the camels were gone when we got back:( We are now part of the "saying"! Here are a few pictures of our day of rest......we needed it to unwind before the long flight home/4 layovers/30 hours of traveling.

Love you all, thanks for praying and blessing the children.......

Blessings,

Stacy

Heading home

2009-12-11T14:47:00.000-08:00

It is Saturday early morning here in Mongolia, Stacy and Erica are still asleep. I thought I would just jot a note before the chaos begins. We have been so blessed by so many people it is hard to put into words. I want to personally thank all that donated items and monetary gifts to help bless the children of Mongolia. This is a trip that will forever be with me. I believe Stacy mentioned in an earlier post that one thing we are going to be working on when we get home is buying a few pairs of orthopedic shoes for the special needs children at the I.S. (this is the "baby orphanage that is run by the government, where my son Jack lived) The Dr. there has also requested a few items that they are unable to get here in Mongolia. Hydrocortizone cream with aloe and some iron tablets are a few things. I will be shopping for those things and shipping them after I get home. Stacy said it takes about 3 weeks for them to arrive via the postal service.
We have been adding pictures at the end of each day, sorry that we have not gotten detailed on the days events. It is a whirlwind and we intent to post more details after arriving home and settling down. We did accomplish everything that we had intented to while here and hopefully shared the love and spirit of Christmas with the people of Mongolia. We were told over and over,"Thank you for coming here while it is soooo cold" Coming in December when the temps are not friendly really helped establish some trust and respect in what we hope becomes a long term relationship.
Michele (one of the "yellow hairs" as we are known by)

Comments is now fixed!

2009-12-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

Sorry, many of you mentioned trying to comment on the blog but could not. I just found the problem....and it is now fixed. Thanks for the prayers,we know you have been reading and praying as everything has gone so smooth, doors were opened and hearts were touched....... just the way God wanted it.
Stacy

Where to begin...

2009-12-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

The last few days we have experienced every emotion possible. There have been a ton of laughs a ton of tears(none of which came from Erica, she claims we need one in the group to keep it together or we would be all a big blubbing mess. She has "misted up" a few times.) We have been amazed, humbled, organized, disorganized, very cold, hot (only when showering), filthy and overall thankful for what we have and for this opportunity to make a difference in this short time we are here.
Today we went out in search of the street kids. It was -24 here, with a wind chill. We were dressed in many many layers, but the cold still made it through. Imagine what those that live in this every day with no layers feel like. With the help of a friend of Stacy's and her Mongolian students we were able to help a group of children with hats, gloves, scarves, food and a small goody bag filled with toothbrushes, chapsticks, and some candy. We gave each one a candy cane and read them the Christmas story to go along with it.
We were all extremely humbled when we went to visit a family that lived in a Ger who had recently lost their mother. There were 5 children the oldest boy who was 21 the youngest was 7. There was no mention of a father. The oldest boy had broken his back in an accident and was unable to work. The entire family had tested positive for TB. This was what took their mothers life along with 5 other siblings. The oldest daughter had been unable to attend school during her mother's illness as she was the caregiver for her. She told us that she had "big dreams" to attend college. She has recently gone back to school, she is in the 7th grade at 15 years old. She is obviously a few years behind. We spent about $50.00 and purchased meat, rice, flour, vegetables, bread and pastries. For what we spend on a nice dinner out, will feed that family of 5 for a week.
Will post more tommorrow for it is late and we are sleepy!
Michele

how to view the pictures

2009-12-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

If you are having troubles viewing all of the photos (290+) go to pictures on the right hand side of blog, click on the cute girls face. Go to Stacy's gallery then Mongolia orphan trip or go to my photos and click Mongolia orphan trip. ( Depending on what browser you are using will depend on how you get to the album) We apologize for this, having some technical difficulties. Will post more later! We are off to see the street kids this morning.

Day 2 & 3 The eyes of the one........

2009-12-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Well, most of day 2 was spent putting together gift bags, goody bags and bags for the street children. We have put together about 500 gift and goody bags in the last 2 days.....and all of them will be distributed by this time tomorrow.

Day 3, today was emotional especially for Michele and I as we were able to visit the orphanage/rooms where our boys were taken care of/lived for the first parts of their lives. Several nannies who have been around for years remember our boys. We visited the Infant and Special Needs orphanage looking into the eyes of and loving on the sweetest babies/children, some just recently abandoned. One 2 year old little boy in particular was just left last month. The orphanage has come a long way since the new director took over in 2006. We did some shopping in the afternoon to meet some needs the orphanage had for hand sanitizer, bouncy seats and developmental mats. We are also praying for a connection to get 3 little boys (6, 7 &8)orthopedic shoes, so if anyone has a suggestion or "friend in the business", please let us know.

At 6pm tonight, we had a Christmas party at Seths orphanage with his friends. I think they were just as happy to see me as I was happy to see them. They passed around the pictures of Seth and talked about him for the first 30 minutes or so......then on to snacks and the gifts. These kids were so thankful for the many blessings you sent. The facial expressions were that of a 16 year old getting the car of his dreams.........only they were getting matchbox cars and tiny baby dolls. I will share more about the times/conditions of the orphanages later. We are exhausted tonight as it was a long, cold, day. Tomorrow we are off early to meet up with some street children.

Pictures are posted in the new "Pictures" section of the blog, just click on the beautiful girls face, go to My Photos and then click on the Mongolia Orphan Trip 2009.

Blessings and thanks for the prayers for our mothers hearts,

Stacy

Day 1, Childrens Place Visit.....

2009-12-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

All I can say is what a day it was!! The party began with prayer and then the children took over.
After a few weeks of practicing and dressed in their very best Christmas clothes, they began to perform Christmas carols, a worship dance routine and the most amazing gymnastics surprise....it was awesome, brought smiles to our faces and tears to our eyes. Erica, Michele and I watched in awe at the grace, pride and love for Jesus each child has and shared with us. Here are some defining moments of the day:

Bionicles 101: Michele was getting schooled by a few boys on how to "properly assemble" a Bionicle and it was not really going so well. See the picture:) I want everyone to buy Jack a Bionicle for Christmas so that she will be a "pro" by next year.

Erica's Boys: Erica will not be coming home with me as I am sure will be arrested by customs as she tries to leave the country with 2 little boys in her suitcase....we are trying to make an escape plan!!

A Doll that really pees: The biggest hit of the day for both boys, girls,and nannies was a doll that pees (Way to go Deanna!). This made for hours of entertainment and laughs. If someone could ship some replacement diapers, that would be great as the one now weighs 17 lbs!!!

1st Gingerbread House of Mongolia: I bought a Gingerbread House kit hoping to have some time to make it with the older kids. We all had a wonderful time and they did a great job, checkout their house in the pics.

Scarves, Jewelry & More: We spent the day swapping out scarves and jewelry with some of the little girls when (Tulga a boy) decided he wanted a turn with the scarf.....soooooo cute:) See the pictures.

Tomorrow , will have a party at the IS (government orphanage for babies and special needs children then in the evening we will go to the Kindergarten for another party with Seth's friends.
Thursday we will meet some street children and visit with a boys and girls shelter........

Thanks for the prayers......it is a bit chilly & dry here (0 during the day and the negatives at night). We had a "brisk" walk to catch a taxi last night. Mongolia redfines the word "brisk". We are all well and have shed some tears and have had lots of laughs.

and then there were four.......

2009-12-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Huslen,Munkbhat, Batbayar,Amraa

More gifts.....

2009-12-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

In order, Anu, Batbold, BJ & Munk.....please be patient as I know everyone cant wait to
see their cute face......

Merry Christmas & More........

2009-12-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

Happy boys: Bilguun, Batbold, Enkhjin, and Choi receiving their

gifts.....lots more to come!

Hello from Beijing.......

2009-12-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

We have proof that Santa is alive and well in Beijing.We are in the Beijing airport and are wearing hats, gloves, scarves and are waiting to see snowflakes start to fall. Yes, we are inside!! Michele made her connection and the 3 of us just got off our very, very looooong flight to China. 12 hours, 51 minutes, 39 seconds but who is keeping track? We are not really sure where Sat. went. We flew through it and it is now Sunday morning.

I (Stacy) was so happy to finally meet my internet friend (Michele) after communicating by phone/email for the last 3 years or so. We are very excited to be on this mission together. Everyone on our flight was curious as to why 3 american women were traveling to Mongolia. We have been able to share our hearts and passion for the orphans of Mongolia with a Hindu man, a flight attendant,

and several others who were curious about our travels. They could not believe that we had over 1050 lbs of gifts and such in the belly of the plane.....this far exceeded

any plan that I had in my mind when I sent out the first email asking friends and family to sponsor a child this Christmas. We are totally amazed at all God has done

in this.......

Anyway, we are hearing that the internet is down in Mongolia so we are not sure when we will post again...please pray today for the last leg to Mongolia and

then to breeze through customs with our 21 suitcases!!! Thank you:)

From China,

Stacy

Michele

Erica

We are HIGH Maintenance!!!!!

2009-12-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

As we were taking this picture, my smart brother said "boy, you girls are high maintenance", and there we have the title of this post!! So, here is the VA leg of the trip leaving with our 12 50 lb suitcases. Our personal items are in 2 little carry on bags....that is all we allowed each other to make more room for the kids stuff! The airport had to call in backups when we arrived. Thank you
Carol for showing up with the duct tape....yeah, all 12 bins/suitcases made it through the checks and are on the way!!! Was a little concerned about our little prop plane getting off the ground with all 600 extra pounds. I think Seth has a bigger plane.
Just made it to Charlotte NC, next we are on to Los Angeles and then to Beijing. Please pray for Michele as
I just got a text from her and she is still stuck on the ground in Green Bay. It seems
her flight is having mechanical problems!!! Please pray for her to make the connections so
we can meet up in California. Erica and I are doing well, a little anxious about the long flight....my left leg
was cramping on the 1 hour flight:(

Will update next chance we get.

Stacy & Erica

5 down 4 to pick up

2009-12-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

Here is my sister's van we are headed to the airport, meeting up with Jamie to get 4 more bins. Total of 9 bags- yes 9- Thank you for blessing the kids with these wonderful gifts!
PS- my personal things are in one small carry-on. (Not pictured)
That in itself is a miracle, I usually pack 2 suitcases of stuff for an overnight trip!
Michele

Our prayer for this trip.....

2009-12-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

Comes from the words to the song....Give Me Your Eyes....

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see

Father, Give us your eyes so that we can see....
Allow us to not miss the lonely one......
Allow us to be your arms around the broken hearted, those who feel forgotten.....
The ones we never thought we could reach....but You can!!
Fill us up as we go to love on your children, the ones closest to your heart....

Stacy

Introduction from Erica

2009-12-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Salutations blog readers. I am the third person in this trio of trespassers. When Stacy presented the idea of sponsoring the children in Mongolia for Christmas again, I never in a million years thought that I would be going over there and meeting these little faces. When she did some math and realized that it was worth more (to her heart and soul) to go and bring these gifts to the kiddios, I agreed before I realized what I said. I had offered to go with her to get Seth if Derek was not home from Iraq when they got the call but...that worked out and he was home. I agreed to this plan before I checked with my husband, my work or my school. But doors opened and we are off to Mongolia on Friday. There is one thing I know, this is not about me or a trip to Mongolia, this about the kids. Maiah and Seth were lucky enough to go home with the Petrin crew, but the ones that are still there deserve the right to feel that same sense of love and family. Even if it is only for 6 days. I thank every one who is involved with every ounce of my being and wish everyone a happy, healthy holiday season.
-e

Awesome packing dilemma........

2009-11-30T06:12:00.000-08:00

So, here are 2/3 of the the toys, clothing, winter coats, boots, hats and gloves you are sending to the children
in Mongolia....I am so grateful to Carol Ortiz, my friend who just spent 7 years in Mongolia ministering
to orphans there, for coming over and helping me pack everything....she knows all the packing tips and tricks. Please
continue to pray for favor with the airlines as 2 of us will be leaving from VA with 8-10 suitcases and it looks like Michele will be flying out of WI with 4-5.......pray that we can take everything and for minimal baggage fees. The airlines are telling us that it is up to whoever checks us in.

Stacy

An introduction

2009-11-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Michele Antonuk, for those that don’t know me and as one of the trio; I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and my family and let you know how I got involved in this amazing journey.
My husband and I adopted our son Jack from Ulaanbaatar Mongolia in September of 2006 at the age of 2. He is the absolute joy and love of our lives! Stacy and I became friends via a Yahoo group we both belong to for Mongolian adoptions. While we were in the waiting stages of our second adoptions we formed a great friendship between emails and phone calls. Seth is home now while my family continues to wait for our second child to be revealed to us.
We received the email that many of you did from Stacy seeking sponsors for Christmas presents. I jumped at the chance to bless the kids and signed up for 2 boys. November 4th I emailed Stacy to see how she wanted the things shipped to her. At that time she emailed back and said “It looks like I will be taking all of the stuff to all 3 orphanages”. Tears came to my eyes and an overwhelming feeling that said “you are going too”. I emailed her back, saying that I have no idea what my husband is going to say, I have no idea what I am going to do with Jack (I am a stay at home mom and my husband Jeff travels with his job) I have no idea how much a ticket costs, but other than that- sign me up! This is totally unlike me, I do not do things like this, I am the one who likes to write a check and send someone else. November 6th I booked my ticket.
God has cleared the way for me and I am obeying him and trusting him and GOING TO MONGOLIA- IN DECEMBER! I am very excited to be a part of this incredible trip; I know that God is going to do amazing things. Even though we are a party of 3 traveling, we bring an army with us.

Michele

Thank you for extending your hand to.........

2009-11-25T18:23:00.000-08:00

Instead of the Christmas ornament this year, this is the magnet you will be
receiving instead. This can kept out so that you can continue to pray for the
child you blessed this Christmas.

To Mongolia We Go!!!

2009-11-24T20:08:00.001-08:00

This all started with a Moms heart to not forget the children left behind in the orphanage and a small Christmas tree in my church last year. Let me explain.....

Last year, we made 29 Christmas ornaments with sweet little faces on them and the families in our church each took a sweet face and shopped for a child for Christmas. All the presents were mailed to the small orphanage in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia that we adopted our daughter from in 2007. Although the gifts did not arrive until late January (no express shipping to Mongolia unless you own stock in FedEx) they were so welcomed and so appreciated by the small smiling faces.

So, with the addition of our son Seth to our family this year and a connection to another orphanage in Mongolia and more smiling faces....we decided to try and double the number of children sponsored for Christmas this year....

I should have known that when God births an idea in a Mothers heart...He is in it!! An email was sent out to friends, family, and friends of friends, etc..... All 60+ children were sponsored in the first 5 days by families in 15 states. Now, we have also been blessed with baby formula, medicines, over 100 sets of hats, gloves,scarves and chapsticks to be given to children that call the streets "Home". After much prayer and feeling like I was supposed to go and personally deliver these things, a team was birthed. Michele is another adoptive Mom from Wisconsin, my sister in law Erica and myself will be leaving on December 4th and returning on December 13th. We will spend 6 days in country, visiting 3 different orphanages, distributing the many blessings you have made and purchased for the children. We feel honored to be your delivery people.

Prayer Requests:
Airlines would waive some extra baggage fees and allow us to bring everything!!
Safe travel
Pray for our health as there is currently a quarantine in effect for the swine flu
Lift up our husbands and children and those helping to take care of them while we are gone:(
For doors to continue to be opened there/hearts to be softened and ready to receive

Much thanks to all of you who have prayed, shopped, sponsored, donated and have come along side this blessing project!!

Love and Thanks,
Stacy
Michele
Erica

You are not forgotten.....

One last busy day, down to the wire!

Backpacks in Hand......

Backpacks Delivered

Thank you sponsors.......

2 children in hospital.....

Big House Orphanage Backpack Delivery Service....:)

Orphan Care Center ages 6-16

Digging in.....

Ganbayar...a special little guy!!

Babies and more......

More sweet faces happy to get filled backpacks!!

More Backpack Excitement.....

Sorry for the delay in posting....

A Thanksgiving to remember....

Reaching the ends of the earth...Literally!!

Developemental center is doing great things in Mongolia.

A visit with Maiah's friends......and baby time!!!

Desires of my heart.....

Who will fight for me??

More Pics.....

A Hand Held, A Cheek Rubbed, a Belly Fed!!

Safe and Sound in Mongolia by Grand Caravan

5 days until departure!!!

Backpacks, school supplies and lots of love.....

2011 Back to school drive......

Orphanage needs your help!

Community Center impacting lives of street kids....

Developmental Center changing lives......

Father Carlo's Visit.....

Sponsored Kids......

Kindergarten orphanage and Big House Orphanage

Baby and special needs orphanage visit and gifts...

Our last day and trip home.....

Each child has a story to tell......

I figured it out....

More pics

Pictures.....

Day Three...In the trenches and a meeting with the Presidents wife.....

Day 2 On the Move in UB.......

Day 1 Survivors

We made it!

Waiting for our final flight....

Ambien is my friend.......

Rerouted already......

Thank you......

Trip Update

Warm from Toes to Nose 2010

A Request......

Just a quick note

More Pictures

Oh yes, more tears....

Tears that flow for the One!!!

An amazing trip.....

Our last day.......

Heading home

Comments is now fixed!

Where to begin...

how to view the pictures

Day 2 & 3 The eyes of the one........

Day 1, Childrens Place Visit.....

and then there were four.......

More gifts.....

Merry Christmas & More........

Hello from Beijing.......

We are HIGH Maintenance!!!!!

5 down 4 to pick up

Our prayer for this trip.....

Introduction from Erica

Awesome packing dilemma........

An introduction

Thank you for extending your hand to.........

To Mongolia We Go!!!