Renovations in Russia

Do you like how I have this "double R" thing going for my post titles? I do. Makes me feel witty... just me? Ok. haha.

Anyway, there is a point to this title. Our itinerary has changed a bit from what was originally planned, but I am confident that this is what God has had planned from the beginning!

Our original plan was to spend the majority of our time in one orphanage- Crisis Center #15. However, the government has mandated some renovations/construction in the months of July & August, so Crisis Center #15 will be closed for that time. The children of #15 will be dispersed to other orphanages while the renovations take place. Though the we & the staff are sad we will not be able to spend our time there, this is exciting news since these renovations- fixing a leak in the basement and repairing roads/driveways to the hospital- are much needed.

Here is an excerpt from the email we received from Orphan Out reach that discusses our new plans:

Having assurance that God is in control of these events and our trip and has a purpose in it all --- our plans are now to spend our time with the children from orphanages #2, #14 and #40 at their summer camp locations just outside the city of St. Petersburg. Each summer, the children from orphanages in St. Pete have the opportunity to leave the crowded city and spend some time in the country. This is a special time for them where they can run and play in the wooded areas near the Gulf of Finland. The camps are made up of very old buildings and houses and the grounds are not manicured but the children enjoy the time in the fresh air away from the city. I can assure you that the time we spend with them will be the highlight of their summer.

We will still be doing a Vacation Bible School type program and we hope to share the love of Jesus Christ with the orphans of these 3 locations.

As far as fund-raising goes... I have been getting quite a few pop bottle donations (THANK YOU!) and I have now started to receive a few donations in the mail (THANK YOU!!). I still have quite a ways to go to even get to the 1/2 that is due by June 1st, but I am putting my faith in God that he will speak to peoples hearts and donations will be made.

In addition to that (no, I'm not just sitting around, waiting for checks in the mail!) I am still collecting pop bottles, I will be selling some items (contact me at janessac917@yahoo.com if you'd like to know details before I post them on Craigslist!) and I will also be offering these services:

* Babysitting
* Tutoring
* Budget-planning

Contact me if you would like to take me up on the offer of these services. I do work full time, so we'd have to work around that, but all payments for these services will go to my Russia trip!

I'm sure I'll do other things to fund-raise as well (if you want/need family photos this summer & you're in West Michigan, hold off. I will have an awesome opportunity soon... details to come later!), but I haven't got all the details sorted out. If you want more details of supporting me financially click HERE.

Thanks for your support both financially & in prayer!

Grace & Peace

♥ Janessa