I would if I could....

I would adopt them all if I could. I can't. My heart literally aches for these children. The children who were abandoned in Eastern Europe at birth because they weren't "perfect." I know God doesn't make mistakes. They are all made in HIS image and they ARE PERFECT.

While I can't adopt them all...because I am only one person....I can do my part.

I know what I must do.

I can reach out to those who can adopt....

And I can work to improve the lives of those who are not adopted into a family. 

I have an amazing opportunity. 

We all do. 

What part are you able to play?

The director of a mental institution (the very institution that Stas would have gone to by the time he was 6 years old) is a wonderful man. This "home" houses people with disabilities ages 5-35. (sigh) He has been there several years and is working to make a difference in a place that was not well cared for prior.

I was setting out to gather Physical Therapy equipment, just good thing for building strength, etc...for the people of this "home." I was looking looking for these items: good quality treadmill, therapy staircase, good quality stationary bike and more. I still need these things...but the list just grew.

This is good.

Amazingly, I have been given a list from the director of the needs they have. The items in blue are the ones that I am supposed to procure. But, everything on this list is needed.

How will this get to Ukraine?

Chalice of Mercy is the organization that is working to get these items. This is a 501c3, based here in the US, but is supporting the needs of the most vulnerable in Ukraine.  Sisters Mission Outreach, based in Chicago, will be collecting the items and be responsible for the shipping. Any items collected in Chicago can go straight to them. Any items collected in the Twin Cities will come to me and I will have a truck going down to bring them. If you are able to send me anything thing here that can go through the mail, I will add it to my shipment.

When you look at the list below, do you know anyone that is connected to retail, hospitals, nursing homes, hardware stores, etc... Any therapists that may have extra equipment. I know my therapy place said they get things donated and they could give them to me. My church has a couple extra wheelchairs, etc....

Do you have friends in Chicago that have connections?

Please let me know or email me at dgthibault@comcast.net if you are able to help in any way.

THE LIST:

Massage tables (preferably with adjustable/tilt head) - 10

Variety of hand massagers

Air mattresses (preferable king size to be used to take bedridden children outside)- 4

Tarps (to cover the ground and protect the mattresses or equipment)

Inflateable pools - 3 pieces (the size 6.5 ft x 6.5 ft and 6.5 ft x 10 feet) for bathing children

Large Exercise balls (Yoga balls) - 5

Disks with cartoons, CD with sounds - birds, river, sea, etc.

feeding bottles - 100.

Diapers from 12kg to 24kg - 10000

Wheelchairs (up to 12 years) - 5

Other Wheelchairs - 10

Matresses for children  with a waterproof cover from age 6 to 15 years - 50.,

Adults - 45 pcs.

Play pen (to take children outside) - 5.

Lifting machine for bedridden children - 2

Sterilizing lamp - 5.

blood pressure monitor - 3 (Automatic - 2)

Glucose monitor with 1000 strips

Anti bed sore pillows - 50.

Electronic scales for weighing bedridden children (weight 50 kg, height 1m70sm) - 2

Athletic shoes for boys:

sizes 12-4.5 (European size 30 to 37)  - 40 pairs
sizes 5-11.5 (European size 38-45) -  65 pairs

sizes 10.5 to 11.5 (European sizes 44-45) - 2 pairs

Blankets:

 Adult size (width 5+ feet)  - 45

 Baby - 30

Thermometers – 20

***We are also looking for ANY physical therapy equipment that would be useful to the children/adults of Kalinovka.

Remembering my Dad

William G. Muller (a.k.a. "Dad")

On Wednesday, January 11, 2012 by dad, William (Bill) G. Muller died at the age of 69. It was sudden and unexpected. He died in his sleep. He was in his favorite position. He was cuddled up to his pillow and his hands tucked and curled up under his chin. He looked comfortable and peaceful.

At my dad’s funeral, my two brothers, Bill and Matt, and my sister, Sue, and I offered these words of remembrance for those who were present. We each took a part, and made a pact not to cry. We would speak with volume and confidence, just as dad would want us to. Here is how it went:

*************************************************************************

(Matt—the funny guy):

Blessed are the poor in spirit - for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the meek - for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are the peacemakers- for they will be called children of God.”

If this sounds like the man whose death you are here to mourn—I think you are looking for the Larson funeral at Faith Lutheran just next door.

While poor in spirit, meek and peacemaker are not the best words to describe our father, there are numerous other words that come to mind:

Smart:  Dad was smart.  Dad graduated from St. Joes in 1965—the year my brother Bill was born—and went on to earn two graduate degrees over the next decade. Dad was a smart guy. He knew a lot about a lot – And what he didn’t know – he said with confidence and volume and moved on.

The smartest thing my dad ever did was to marry our mom, MaryAnn. She loved him so well with everything she had and everything she was.

(Bill):

Teacher:  Dad taught grad school at three different universities – two in Iowa and one in Philly.  Dad liked to teach.  Dad liked to share his views…regardless of your willingness or interest in “learning” from him at that particular moment.

His children learned a great deal from him.  From Dad we learned that most things can be accomplished if you confidently forge ahead - despite the risk of personal injury to himself or others.  Failure -- if you live through it – is the most successful learning experience.

Dreamer:  Dad lived in the moment – but he was a planner and a dreamer.  To him, planning was living in the moment, and the plan – big or small – well thought out or not -- was everything. Dad didn’t often sweat the big things (like crashing a car on prom night) -- and too often sweat the little things (like slamming the refrigerator door) – and whether or not his plan or dream actually came to fruition didn’t really matter that much to him.

(Gretchen):
Humility: While humility wasn’t Dad’s strong suit – he did humble himself to God and was a generous servant. Whether he was making rosaries for the church or great plans for the parish – he was a good steward.  Dad had a great sense of humor – especially about his mortality.  Dad’s sense of humor – regardless of its level of appropriateness – was a great gift to all of us.  We pray that God shares this sense of humor – at lease to some degree. 

Dedicated: Underneath his brusque exterior -- Dad was kind at heart.  He was dedicated to providing for his family and played his part in providing for mom, raising two wonderful daughters and two (pause) sons.  (Best when said by one of his wonderful daughters :-)

(SUE):

So where is Dad now and what is he doing?

I hope dad is in heaven, with his grandchild, Michael and all his miscarried grandchildren; his sisters, Helen and Marion; his nephew, Robert; his parents, and our friend, Helen Miller. But, I think it is best to assume that my dad is in Purgatory now.

I imagine Purgatory to be like that of CS Lewis’ description. He describes our time in Purgatory to being like a man on a long journey who, at night, finally reaches the beautiful mansion illuminated on the hill.  He can look inside the window and clearly see all of the sumptuous food displayed beautifully on an endless banquet table.  But, he realizes he needs to clean up before he can go in.  So there he waits, not yet ready to join the banquet.

With this description in mind – I can see Dad, ball cap on, a little rumpled and a bit grimy from the journey – with his nose pressed up against the window – mouth watering – waiting to go inside.  I can also see the table – sauerbraten, spaetzle, pickled herring, liverwurst, and why not – icy cold beer.

(This, you see, is when Sue broke the pact…she couldn’t hold back the tears any longer—we each resigned to the tears) So we must all keep Dad in our prayers and ask God to reward his goodness and his love – and forgive him of his failings.

And Dad – by now you have realized that that there is nothing you can do but accept God’s endless mercy – soak up God’s love – and pray for us so that we will all be united in heaven for eternity.

(Matt returned):

“Blessed are those who mourn – for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – for they      will be satisfied.

“Blessed are the clean of heart – for they will see God.”

***********************************************************************

I love you dad. While I never really got to say to you all the things that I wanted to say; And I never got to know if you knew what it is that I wanted to say to you….it no longer matters. Because you get it now. You have heard it. You have been shown it. You understand. I have such great peace with knowing you understand. It is freeing. I feel only love and I miss you now.

Thank you for all of the good that you have done for me and for each of us.

Again, I love you. Please pray for me as I too shall be praying for you.

Love, Gretchen (your “Gooch”)

What would we do without adoption?

We know all 8 of our kids were chosen by God. Three of them we seemed to have a little more of a say in. We didn't know which kids we were getting with 5 of them....just merely that we were getting them.

What would we do without adoption? I can't imagine that life and would never want to. Each on of them bring such a joy to our lives. They reach deeper into our heart and teach us a new lesson on love.

We didn't adopt because we wanted more laundry, higher grocery bills, a larger van, a tad bit more noise around the house, or that we wanted to take up a whole pew in church.

Why did we adopt? God placed our children on our heart. Each one of them, in his time. It is funny. I remember before each one of them thinking my plate was too full. Viola! God spoke.

So many people tell us how lucky our three adopted kids are to have us....oh, on the contraire....it is us that are so, so, so blessed to have them. They are all gift. Look at them.

They are all gift!

Do you see gifts?

God knew just what He was doing when he spoke to us in our hearts.

Thank you God!!!

He's a big boy now!!!!

Ricky lost his first tooth!!!!

Happy Old Year!

Just want to share a few photos from our Happy Old Year before the new one rings in....in just over an hour.

We are enjoying some family time together in the great white north.

My beauty Jenny!

"What'd you say?" ---Lizzy's photo...cool huh?

Look who found the blueberries he got from his godmother!

Our house Christmas eve eve.

Maggie was sick for 7 days over Christmas. 

And now we await the NEW YEAR! Bless us Lord. Help us above everything to love and serve You in this new year.

Micah Six Eight: GOD IS ON THE MOVE....

Micah Six Eight: GOD IS ON THE MOVE....: HE'S MOVING PEOPLE. God is moving in hearts. THE BABES ARE MOVING UP!! Don't miss out. It is beyond fun to watch the little ones climbin...

Micah Six Eight: The Passed Over Babes

PLEASE READ JULIA'S Blog here and then scroll to the bottom to go to her blog and be a part of this great giveaway.....either do it ofor the sweet little loves or for the hope of winning a neat prize!!!

The Passed Over Babes

On Saturday I opened up the Angel Tree and began to scroll through the faces.

Many of them new faces... first time Angel Tree children.

But many were way too familiar. And it saddened me. Faces of children who have sat for two or more years on the tree.

Artem Sergei Spencer

Children who will AGAIN be hanging ON a tree this year instead of sitting UNDER it. Children who have spent one more year of their lives isolated and alone. Most of them passed over because of bad pictures or because of sad expressions on their faces. How to get them noticed? How to get them from being passed over another year??

Jin Wu Arina Danila

What could I do?

I clicked on several of the links. Prayed over them - wondered. What could I do? I felt the Lord nudging but what could I do? I don't have money for a big Giveaway. I'm well aware I have done precious little for Spencer's grant account. Artem is still without a family. There are so many more. So many more.

Robyn Dimtry Mark

They all have Christmas Warriors so why shouldn't I just concentrate on my own???

What could I do??

Yet the faces of those who have hung for so long lay heavy on my heart. What could I do? God was nudging but what could I do?

Meredith Nikita Paul

Amazingly, God wasn't just nudging my heart. Another Mom's heart was also being nudged. He nudged her enough that she sent me an e-mail. On Saturday morning about the same time I was staring at faces on the Angel Tree she was writing me a letter. Her Angel Tree child has been wasting away on the Tree too. No family in sight. What could she do? She had some money set aside and offered it to me for a Giveaway. We could raise money AND AWARENESS for Spencer and for her little guy. And anyone else I chose.

I sat stunned and in awe. OUT OF ALL THE ANGEL TREE KIDS... Her Angel Tree child was ONE OF THE CHILDREN I HAD CLICKED ON. HER LITTLE GUY WAS ONE I HAD PRAYED OVER!

Sergei

Dear Lord. The Father of the Fatherless nudging hearts into action.

All the faces of the little ones whom I recognized on the tree from last year... and the year before. They flashed in front of me as I read her offer. THOSE were the babes I wanted to help. Those little ones. My Spencer, My Artem, Her Sergei and more.

Yegor

I know I can't do much but I can do something. I can give those kids another opportunity to be SEEN. Put their faces out. Remind you that they have been waiting FAR TOO LONG. The passed over babes on the past Angel Trees.

So here is the deal...

The kids above have all been on the Angel Tree since 2009.

All of them are close to or are already transferred.

We are doing a PASSED OVER BABES Giveaway...

WE HAVE 10 AMAZING PRIZES IN THIS GIVEAWAY!!

You give FIVE DOLLARS to TWO OR MORE kids below and leave me a comment - I will enter your name in our Giveaway - ONE ENTRY FOR EVERY CHILD!!

AND

AFTER YOU DONATE TO TWO OR MORE....

IF you BLOG about these kids..... you get another chance to win in our Giveaway.

AND/OR...

IF you FACEBOOK or TWITTER about these kids... you get another chance to win in our Giveaway.

Give FIRST, then share and share.....

Put their faces out there. Let people know these are the PASSED OVER BABES who have sat far too long on the Angel Tree. THEY NEED FAMILIES.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN???

1. A KINDLE TOUCH - (99.00 value)

2. FLIP ULTRA HD VIDEO CAMERA 8 GB 3RD GENERATION - Newest Model (150.00 value)

3. 100 DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THE VINTAGE PEARL

Each and every piece is handcrafted from start to finish in the studio. They use sterling silver and freshwater pearls in their creations!!

4. A SIGNED COPY OF BIBLIOPLAN'S ANCIENT HISTORY BOOK (59.95 value)

by Rob and Julia Nalle

5. A set of 4 hand-carved wooden Christmas ornaments (50.00 value)

6. A 50 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

7. A 50 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

8. A 25 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

9. A 10 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

10. A 10 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card.

These YOUR CHOICE cards are to ANY store, restaurant, mall etc. that you desire. You tell us what you want and we will deliver!! Amazon, Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Starbucks, Kohls, etc. etc.

Will you help the PASSED OVER BABES??

They have been on the Angel Tree since 2009.

I know that many of you have ALREADY donated to some of these kids... I'm asking you to donate again. Donate because all I am asking is for 5.00 for TWO OR MORE KIDS who have spent their lives being passed over. Please - don't pass them by again. NOTICE THEM. Their pictures may be bad. They may not be smiling. Their descriptions may scare you off. But they are PRECIOUS PRECIOUS BABES.

Let's NOT pass them over again this year!!

THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH!!

If you have trouble leaving comments in Internet Explorer - then switch to another server (Google Chrome works great) or FB me... JULIA NALLE

CLICK HERE to be a part of this great offering!!! Micah Six Eight: The Passed Over Babes: On Saturday I opened up the Angel Tree and began to scroll through the faces. Many of them new faces... first time Angel Tree children. ...