Irina

Last Monday, we were unexpectedly prodded by the Lord to consider hosting an orphan from the Ukraine for Christmas. For several weeks, we'd known about a group of orphans traveling to the states, but had been too busy and distracted to even consider participating. And yet, the Lord kept tugging on our hearts. We began asking questions and learned that there were children with airline tickets and no hosting family. It became obvious to us that we needed and wanted to participate. Darin called me from a business trip one morning and said, "It's not really a question of whether we should do it. It's a matter of who should we host." And so we were matched with 9 year old Irina.  

Here is what we know about her:

Irina lives in a country orphanage in Mykolaivka, and was born on April 13, 2003. She is described by the facilitator as: "Friendly and curious. Irina is responsible and likes to help adults. She likes reading fairy tales and dancing. Favorite color is pink. She likes candies!" She speaks no English and is available for adoption. 

Our goal in hosting Irina for three weeks this Christmas is to connect her with a forever family. The orphanage provides her with basic needs, but it doesn't provide her with the love that comes from belonging to a family. We are praying that this trip to the states would make that connection for her. What we most want to share with Irina though is the love of Jesus Christ. We want her to see that anyone who believes and receives Him is adopted into His family forever!!!! What could be a better gift to give her?!! We are praying that despite the language barriers, He will speak through us in the way we love her while she is here. 

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, 

he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12  

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, 

that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us 

that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Will you consider partnering with us? The most important need we have is prayer. Will you commit to praying for our family, our three weeks together and for Irina's heart? Also pray and consider telling others about Irina's need for a forever family? We will be providing for all her needs while she is here. She will arrive with only the clothes on her back. If you have used girl clothes that you are willing to donate, we would be grateful. Or, if you have other tangible ways you could show Irina love while she is here, please let us know. (dental services, talents you'd like to share, etc.)

We are excited for this adventure for many reasons, but mostly for the joys in following Him. Already, we see huge blessings by just agreeing to host her. As time permits, I'm hoping to update this blog with tales from our journey and to give you a glimpse into Irina's personality. I am sure there will be some funny stories as she adjusts to living with three little boys! I have to admit, it will be pretty fun for me to have another girl in the house. 

Thank you in advance for your prayers.