Well, last Thursday was the first Team Meeting for our Russia Team! Not everyone was able to make it, but it was nice to put some names and faces together!
We started out by having pizza and introducing ourselves. I think we have a good mix of people. Both genders, a good range of ages and very different backgrounds, which is nice. I know God brought together this specific group of people because of what we can offer.
We went over some information about the trip- more details about the itinerary (which I will post once I get the new version), got our paperwork for our Visa's and filled out a sheet stating our preferences/likes, etc.
Finally, we split up into groups and prayed for each other, for the orphans, for the caretakers of the orphans and for our trip. Next time we meet we will start planning exactly what we are doing to do with the kids!
Here's something I didn't know- in Russia, orphans are looked at like 2nd or 3rd class citizens. They are not respected. Furthermore, the people who lovingly take care of said orphans are also looked down on and treated with little or no respect because they associate with the orphans!
In the USA we tend to feel pity for those in the foster care system and those without stable or living parents, but for the most part I think that the majority of society is impressed with and think highly of the foster parents or foster care system workers. I had no idea that they were all considered a different "class" of people. It breaks my heart :(
So, it will be nice to love on the kids and also love and show how much we respect the workers!
I will update you all after our next meeting. In the meantime- THANK YOU to everyone who helped me get the funds for the airfare! I still need about $1800 before I have everything covered and then I will start working on getting the supplies we need to bring with us! I have a long way to go, so prayer and financial support is VERY much appreciated!
♥ Janessa
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
PictuRes for Russia
Ok, so I couldn't do a double R this week, but I tried. haha.
Anyway, if you are in the West Michigan area, check out this wonderful promotion that Evergreen Photography Studios is doing to support my trip to Russia!
Contact Michelle Curnow (yes, my sister-in-law and VERY talented photographer) to schedule your session! If you can't make it on either of these Saturdays, call for an appointment and don't forget to mention me & my trip! ALL proceeds go towards funding my trip and I still have quite a ways to go!
It's a win-win-win- you get FANTASTIC photos, Evergreen Photography Studios gets your business and I get money to go towards my trip to Russia! Can't pass up this great deal!
Also, don't forget to check out my previous blogs, like this one, this one or even this one for more details!
♥ Janessa
Anyway, if you are in the West Michigan area, check out this wonderful promotion that Evergreen Photography Studios is doing to support my trip to Russia!
Contact Michelle Curnow (yes, my sister-in-law and VERY talented photographer) to schedule your session! If you can't make it on either of these Saturdays, call for an appointment and don't forget to mention me & my trip! ALL proceeds go towards funding my trip and I still have quite a ways to go!
It's a win-win-win- you get FANTASTIC photos, Evergreen Photography Studios gets your business and I get money to go towards my trip to Russia! Can't pass up this great deal!
Also, don't forget to check out my previous blogs, like this one, this one or even this one for more details!
♥ Janessa
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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
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
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Rubles for Russia!
At long last, my friends, here is the information you've been waiting for!
If you are interested in helping to support me financially in my mission trip to Russia, please continue reading! Also, here is the link to the post where I listed the itinerary: http://mission-love.blogspot.com/2010/04/mission-trip-to-russia.html
Please pray & consider supporting me financially in this mission trip. Know that your monetary gifts will allow me to share the love of Jesus Christ with orphans in need.
The total amount I need to raise to fund my trip to Russia is $3,500.00. This includes: airfare, food, bottled water, lodging, interpreters, transportation, sightseeing, cultural events, etc. I need the first 1/2 by June 1, 2010 and the second 1/2 by July 1, 2010.
All Gifts Matter!
One Day Sponsor= $350.00
1/2 Day Sponsor= $175.00
1/4 Day Sponsor= $87.50
All gifts make a difference, no matter how big or small. Money is tight and the economy is rough. If you are unable to sponsor a full, 1/2 or 1/4 day, your support is important to me! Please consider donating what you can!
Easy to Give!
There are 3 ways to donate to this cause!
ATTN: MISSIONS
2001 West Plano Parkway Suite 3700
Plano, TX 75075 USA
* If you would like a tax-deductible form sent at the end of the year, please include a sheet including your name, address, phone # & email address. Also, if you prefer sending your checks to me directly, still make it out to Orphan Outreach & you can email me (janessac917@yahoo.com) a request for my address.
- Make sure to put my name- Janessa Curnow as the Trip Participant and Trip Code RU10-08WFM!
It's Tax-Deductible!
Gifts to Orphan Outreach, with an expression of preference for my trip expenses, are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If I am unable to participate in the trip, your gifts will be used to support the short-term mission program of Orphan Outreach!
Thank you in advance for your financial donations. And don't forget to PRAY! Christ's love to you!
Grace & Peace,
Janessa ♥
If you are interested in helping to support me financially in my mission trip to Russia, please continue reading! Also, here is the link to the post where I listed the itinerary: http://mission-love.blogspot.com/2010/04/mission-trip-to-russia.html
Please pray & consider supporting me financially in this mission trip. Know that your monetary gifts will allow me to share the love of Jesus Christ with orphans in need.
The total amount I need to raise to fund my trip to Russia is $3,500.00. This includes: airfare, food, bottled water, lodging, interpreters, transportation, sightseeing, cultural events, etc. I need the first 1/2 by June 1, 2010 and the second 1/2 by July 1, 2010.
All Gifts Matter!
One Day Sponsor= $350.00
1/2 Day Sponsor= $175.00
1/4 Day Sponsor= $87.50
All gifts make a difference, no matter how big or small. Money is tight and the economy is rough. If you are unable to sponsor a full, 1/2 or 1/4 day, your support is important to me! Please consider donating what you can!
Easy to Give!
There are 3 ways to donate to this cause!
- Mail a check: made payable to Orphan Outreach & including my name (Janessa Curnow) & trip code (RU10-08WFM) on the memo line to:
ATTN: MISSIONS
2001 West Plano Parkway Suite 3700
Plano, TX 75075 USA
* If you would like a tax-deductible form sent at the end of the year, please include a sheet including your name, address, phone # & email address. Also, if you prefer sending your checks to me directly, still make it out to Orphan Outreach & you can email me (janessac917@yahoo.com) a request for my address.
- Mail Cash- to mail cash to me, please email me (janessac917@yahoo.com) and ask for my address.
- Credit Card or EFT (electronic funds transfer) Payments can be made at www.orphanoutreach.org!
- Make sure to put my name- Janessa Curnow as the Trip Participant and Trip Code RU10-08WFM!
It's Tax-Deductible!
Gifts to Orphan Outreach, with an expression of preference for my trip expenses, are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If I am unable to participate in the trip, your gifts will be used to support the short-term mission program of Orphan Outreach!
Thank you in advance for your financial donations. And don't forget to PRAY! Christ's love to you!
Grace & Peace,
Janessa ♥
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Recycling for Russia!
Hey everyone!
Fundraising has begun for my trip as I finally got the "official" confirmation that I am going to Russia! There will be more information on my fundraising efforts posted soon (hopefully this weekend) but here is one thing you can do to help...
If you live in Grand Rapids or Holland, MI (or near by), I would love bottle donations. Anything that is empty & recyclable in the state of Michigan would be great! If you can bring them to me or meet me, great, but I am willing to come to you to pick them up as well (depending on where you are and how many you have!).
So far I have had a few people tell me they'd save me their bottles and some have dropped them off at my desk at work! You can commit to one donation or all bottles throughout the summer!
Every little bit counts... $.10 is $.10!!
And remember... keep a look out on this blog for more ways to help! :)
♥
Fundraising has begun for my trip as I finally got the "official" confirmation that I am going to Russia! There will be more information on my fundraising efforts posted soon (hopefully this weekend) but here is one thing you can do to help...
If you live in Grand Rapids or Holland, MI (or near by), I would love bottle donations. Anything that is empty & recyclable in the state of Michigan would be great! If you can bring them to me or meet me, great, but I am willing to come to you to pick them up as well (depending on where you are and how many you have!).
So far I have had a few people tell me they'd save me their bottles and some have dropped them off at my desk at work! You can commit to one donation or all bottles throughout the summer!
Every little bit counts... $.10 is $.10!!
And remember... keep a look out on this blog for more ways to help! :)
♥
Friday, April 2, 2010
Mission Trip to Russia!
Hello Friends & Family!
Thank you for visiting this blog!
I have set up this blog specifically to bring you along on my journey as I prepare and travel to Russia!
Here are some more details:
I will be traveling August 13-22, 2010. Leaving Grand Rapids and flying to St. Petersburg, Russia! I will be working with a group of 30 and partnering with Orphan Outreach, Mission Network News and WAY FM! We will be ministering to orphans in Russia who may not know that they are loved, let alone loved by our Amazing Savior, Jesus Christ!
Here is my Itinerary:
Friday, August 13- Depart Grand Rapids for St. Petersburg, Russia (via Chicago and Duesseldorf).
Sat, August 14- 3:45pm – Arrive St Petersburg, Russia Check in to hotel, team meeting and dinner.
Sun, August 15- AM- Team devotion and worship PM- Visit Hermitage and Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Mon, August 16- Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center PM- Visit Baby Home orphanage.
Tues, August 17- Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Wed, August 18- Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Thurs, August 19-Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Fri, August 20- Travel to Luga (Leningrad) for ministry in orphanage and Luga hospital.
Sat, August 21- Sightseeing.
Sunday, August 22 — AM- Early departure for the US 7:55 PM- Arrive Grand Rapids
The most important thing my team and I need is PRAYER!!! Please pray for the work we will be doing, the people we will be meeting and prayer that we bond as a group! God has a great plan for us and we pray that we will live out Christ's plan of love in Russia!
There will be more information coming about financial support, so please start to prayerfully consider supporting me financially! Right now I'm working on getting all my paperwork/deposit into Orphan Outreach so they can set up my donation account!
I will update on this blog to let you know how I am coming with fund-raising. I will also keep you updated as I meet my team and prepare for the trip. Photos and stories will be posted after the trip is completed!
Thanks for supporting me with your prayers (and possibly financially!!).
Grace & Peace!
Janessa ♥
Thank you for visiting this blog!
I have set up this blog specifically to bring you along on my journey as I prepare and travel to Russia!
Here are some more details:
I will be traveling August 13-22, 2010. Leaving Grand Rapids and flying to St. Petersburg, Russia! I will be working with a group of 30 and partnering with Orphan Outreach, Mission Network News and WAY FM! We will be ministering to orphans in Russia who may not know that they are loved, let alone loved by our Amazing Savior, Jesus Christ!
Here is my Itinerary:
Friday, August 13- Depart Grand Rapids for St. Petersburg, Russia (via Chicago and Duesseldorf).
Sat, August 14- 3:45pm – Arrive St Petersburg, Russia Check in to hotel, team meeting and dinner.
Sun, August 15- AM- Team devotion and worship PM- Visit Hermitage and Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Mon, August 16- Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center PM- Visit Baby Home orphanage.
Tues, August 17- Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Wed, August 18- Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Thurs, August 19-Evangelism Ministry to orphans at the Crisis Center.
Fri, August 20- Travel to Luga (Leningrad) for ministry in orphanage and Luga hospital.
Sat, August 21- Sightseeing.
Sunday, August 22 — AM- Early departure for the US 7:55 PM- Arrive Grand Rapids
The most important thing my team and I need is PRAYER!!! Please pray for the work we will be doing, the people we will be meeting and prayer that we bond as a group! God has a great plan for us and we pray that we will live out Christ's plan of love in Russia!
There will be more information coming about financial support, so please start to prayerfully consider supporting me financially! Right now I'm working on getting all my paperwork/deposit into Orphan Outreach so they can set up my donation account!
I will update on this blog to let you know how I am coming with fund-raising. I will also keep you updated as I meet my team and prepare for the trip. Photos and stories will be posted after the trip is completed!
Thanks for supporting me with your prayers (and possibly financially!!).
Grace & Peace!
Janessa ♥
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