Lost at Sea
Ahoy everyone! First we owe a huge apology for not ‘blogging’ before now…it is totally the password kings fault…Troy. We have arrived safely overcame a few hiccups going through customs, but have been blessed beyond measure.
Yesterday (Monday) was amazing and so moving. We were able to visit two orphange hospitals in Kiev. What a time we had with the kids playing around (Uri was having a blast…until he came away with a headache…after being hit with a wiffle ball!). Deb, Casey abd Lindsey kept the kids rocking doing the Chicken Dance. The skit team (Marty…played God, Troy…played Lucifer, Candace, Taylor, Georgia, Brittney, and the whip cracking director Jill) performed the “Everything” skit which brought tears to some of the kids and administrators. One boy even pulled up his sleeve to show marks where he had attempted suicide. Needless to say we came away receiving more than we gave. (look it up on Godtube.com to see Lifehouse perform it)
We have been spoiled with a bit of R&R today as we head down the river. Having to make ourselves enjoy five course lunches, delicious icecream, and a fabulous view. We just met the captain of the ship and are now anxiously waiting for dinner!
Please keep each of us in your prayers and the young lives we will meet along the way…33 Amigos Yuri, Ira & young Yuri
May 27, 2008
Leslie, so glad to hear from you. Prayng for your small group and for God to continue to bring hope to children. Love, Reba
May 27, 2008
HELLO RHONDA, TROY,GEORGIA,TAYLOR,AUSTIN & JOE,
WE ARE SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL!!! we are praying for you all. We sent emails to madgeclan@comcast.net – not sure if that is the correct email. I know that all of you are touching each child’s heart as they are touching yours. All is great here. We miss you and we love you!!!
Susan(mom), Rachel & Luke
May 27, 2008
Hey Team! Thanks for the updates, as you touch those little hearts over there. You’re making a difference in so many lives! We’re excited and proud to have such a great group in action.
I know you have a busy schedule so enjoy your time off while you can! Please keep us posted on your activities.
Prayers and blessings,
Doug
May 27, 2008
Its great to hear everyone is having a blast. It awesome to be a part of something so moving yet you have so much fun doing it. The children will remember these experiences for a lifetime. Keep up the good work and we are all praying tat God will open the childrens hearts and understand that they are truly loved.
To Jill,
We miss you and love you. The boys send a big hug. Seth made it home with no major injuries.
Keep up the blog as we always like to hear about your day.
Rex
May 27, 2008
Blessings to each of you. Praying for all, but especially our special friends, Jenny, Candace, Troy. We know from personal experience the blessing you are giving as well as receiving from visiting orphanages. Sleep well.
May 27, 2008
Hello to all,
It’s SO good to hear from you! I wish I could have been there for the hospitals. Sounds like it was such a special time! I miss not being with you guys this year. We are praying for you every day.
Chad and Katie, We love and miss you so much! Have fun and watch for that God is going to do. He is so amazing! The open house was busy, but don’t know if we got any takers. No jury duty today. WOO-HOO! If Vlajic is still there, give him a big hug from me tomorrow. Wish I was there to do it myself.
Everyone else is still asleep, so they can post later.
I love you madly,
Wendy/Mama
May 27, 2008
TROY, RHONDA, TAYLOR & AUSTIN,
just in case you didn’t get any of our emails – I will fill you in on the wkend. I picked Luke and Holton up for church and since they did not have Sunday school -we went to family worship in the Fusion Hall and that was fun. We went to my house and got “rock band” – went home swam -played and then came in to rock out. Only to find out that Luke is amazing on guitar and drums and Holton has a secret passion for singing whenever not playing bass guitar. Rachel came home and we all went to see Narnia II – which was very good. Luke went back to Holton’s yest late afternoon and Rachel and I had “girl’s night” – ate egg drop soup -crab rangoon and colored posters while watching disney. They both say “hello” and that they miss you and love you very much.
Susan
May 27, 2008
Georgia and Joe,
I hope that you both took meds I sent and are not see sick. I am so thankful that you both got to go on this trip together. I know it will be something very special for the two of you to share. I wish I could see the skits you are doing. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers. You both would have gotten a good laugh at me trying to be lead singer for Luke and Holton -
Jack says that they are working very hard on his trip. I love you tons and tons and tons.
Mom
May 27, 2008
Thanks for the update. Glad to know the trip is going so well. We’ve been praying for you – and especially for our friend, Kim Jewell. Please tell her she is in our thoughts and prayers everyday! Blessings to all of you.
May 27, 2008
Hi Sandy,
Sounds like you guys are already making a huge impact! We are praying for you and the team with you to shine God’s bright light and love to these precious children.
Love and prayers,
Tammie
May 27, 2008
Hi Mom, Dad, Taylor,and Austin,
Hope all is going well with everybody! Are you having Fun? I sure hope so. Jessica and I are having a great time but I miss you all a lot. I can not wait until you all come home and I am thinking about you everyday.
Taylor, YOUR PHONE IS AT HOME!!!!! HAHA
I love each of you so much please e-mail back!
Love Rachel
May 27, 2008
Dear Pastor Gene and Dan Tam,
We prayed for you guys, and a bunch other short term missions teams in our service and in our Sunday School. Sounds like your whole team is having lots of activities. I guess advising you guys to have plenty of exercise during a cruise is truly not necessary! Glad you can bring love and hope to those that are much less blessed as we are. Can’t wait to have you come back and share with us what God has done in these two weeks. Keep in touch.
May 27, 2008
Georgia,
I miss you so much and hope you are doing well! Im so proud you are doing something so special and I am thinking about you everyday. Have a ton of fun and I cant wait to see my PRETTY BRID!!!! We have so much to talk about its scary. Vanessa sends her love and says jungle kitty haha! BE SAFE AND I LOVE YOU!
Joe,
Hi sweetie hope you are having a great time and I cant wait to see you!
The madges,
It’s great to hear everything is going well. Rachel and Luke are such great kids and have been very helpful. Be safe and keep making progress.
Love Jessica Solis
May 27, 2008
Hey Taylor and family,
I just wanted you to know how very proud I am of you Taylor and all of your family! I am praying for you and can’t wait to hear all the amazing stories you have for us! We love you and miss you! Stay safe and know that God has mighty, mighty plans for you!!!! See you soon!
Smiles,
Teresa
May 27, 2008
Leslie, So far everyone is still in one piece and all have on clean clothes (or at least they started the day that way). Bailey doesn’t like the dog name of “Invisable Dog” so she is shortening to “Izzy”. We love you.
May 27, 2008
Hi friends!! I was so excited to see the first update! I think of all of you each day and wonder what you are experiencing!! Jill- did you blow out your expensive hair straightener this year? LOL I miss everyone from last year- it brings back so many incredible memories.
Big hugs from me to all my buddies-
Keep the blog entries coming- you know i’ll be checking daily!!
love,
Nancy McMahan
May 27, 2008
hey everybody! We were so excited to finally have an update and hear all the news! Sounds like you all are having a blast and showing love to all those kids.
Casey, it has been so quiet around the house – we decided who makes all the noise!
Love to all and give Taylor a hug too.
love, mom, dad and and your favorite sister, ally (only)
May 27, 2008
Hello my beautiful Taylor!
oh i miss you so, but i know God is using you for amazing things wherever you are at this moment
i was praying for you this morning and came across 1 timothy 4:12:
Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in faith and in purity.
i don’t know what endeavors you are experiencing, but i hope that jesus motivates you to spread your faith through youre beautiful, contagious spirit
I am so stoked to here about everything! we are praying for you, along with africa coming up! Gods got you.
casey, i miss you so much as well and i have been praying that this experience is everything you hoped for and more!
i love and miss you all!
hi Ms. Rhonda& Mr. Troy too! hehe
–Lauren
May 27, 2008
Chad and Katie,
Howdy! I love you guys! Be careful and take care of each other. Loveth, Olivia…
I love and miss you, Papa and Katie. Love, Elizabeth…
Hi, Papa and Katie, you were right, the belt came today! I love and miss you both. Love, Andrei…
Hey guys! What’s up? I hope you are having a good time. It’s been alot less slap happy with you gone, Katie. I love and miss you guys. Love, Andy
Love and miss you both like crazy! XOXOXOXOXO Wendy/Mama
May 27, 2008
Dear Daddy,
I miss you very muuch.I can’t wait until you come home.I can’t wait to hear about your fun adventurs.And I can’t wait until you come to my feildtrip.I love you sooo much.Oh and did you meet that boy that you were talking about?Areyou having lots of fun?And remember I love having you as a dad.
from,
julia mwwa.
Hi Daddy,
I miss you very much,and can’t wait until you come home. I am praying for you each night.I am also praying that the Lord will use you and the whole team to reach these children and help them realize that the Lord loves them. Make sure that you stay safe and healthy. Do not forget any details about the trip so that you can tells us about every detail when you get home.I love you sooooooooooooooo much. I hopwe you are having fun. I love you and hope you come home soon. Have a great time.
Love you
Paige
May 27, 2008
Darling Georgia and Dear Joe,
The English chapter of your fan club is cheering reeeaallly loudly. Your trip is proof positive that you can make a difference in a very real and very personal way. We are so proud of you.
Love
Devoted Dad and Emmsie
May 27, 2008
Hi all! Wow, the skit sounds great! It sure sounds like ya’ll are having a wonderful impact and receiving too.
Everyone in Snyder knows ya’ll are in the Ukraine. They’re all very excited for you.
Joe and Georgia have the time of your lives. You’re making a difference that you’ll neveer forget.
I’m proud of you both, love you both and thinking only wonderful thoughts for both of you.
Big kiss and giant hug
Dad
May 27, 2008
Dear Joe and Georgia
What’s your favorite part so far? Did ya see any good movies on the plane?
How’s Mr. Troy’s back?
You are both on a trip that for most is a once in a lifetime experience. Sometimes, that trip is something fun. Sometimes it’s something meaningful. It sounds like you’re receiving both.
From the time both of you were little, you gave to others. Georgia, you’ve constantly taken care of your brothers, your mom and me too. You’ve always had a soft part in your heart. You’re a wonderful, young woman on a important journey. I bet you’re on cloud nine.
Joe, to say you’re sweet is an understatement. Since you were little, you’ve had that sly grin that speaks volumes.
You are a good boy! You care for others, you help others. Now, you have a chance to help more than you’ve probably ever imagined.
I love you both very much. As your grandfather Badger would say, I’m not only proud of you–I’m proud for you..
I think of you everyday. Oh, how I would love to see you both in action.
Be sweet! Joe, mind your sister. Georgia, just be you!
I love you
Dad in Snyder
May 27, 2008
Leslie,
It is great to hear from you and what is going on there. It sounds like you are touching lots of lifes. It was great to see Mike and all of the kids yesterday. Jocelyn has been very entertaining. It has been wonderful to get to spend time with her. We will be praying for you and your team.
Love,
Mom & Dad
May 27, 2008
We meant to say our special friend, Toye. House full of company and can’t think straight. The main thing is that we are excited for all of you. Our hearts “beat Ukraine.” Remember the Word says “pure religion is to visit widows and orphans in their affliction.” What a great opportunity to do just that. We know the Lord Himself is pleased with your response.
May 27, 2008
Mom (Alicia),
I got a new remote flying plane wish you were here to fly it. I miss u so very much. Make a lot of friends. I am praying for you every night.
Hey Al,
We are praying for you not just at night but every waking minute. I know your are having fun and I am sure God is working thru you to spread his love and fun. I would say help keep the girls out of trouble but its more than likely the other way around. Staying up late at night? You are going to be so messed up on your sleep when you get home.
Well, we three boys (that should be a song)are very proud of you, God has worked thru your life for so many young folks, i am sure that your book in heaven is having more pages added because its running out. Many people at church more students than adults have asked about you. You are missed.
Love
Lee, Dylan, and your knuckle headed teen Shannon
PS Kyle at church said that in the fall there will no longer be any high school sunday school (no access) so your off the hook on leading small groups. But now you have a home group with more students. If its more girls I’m moving!!!
May 27, 2008
Deb,
Hi my sweet friend – who knew you were with so many people I know – Chad and Katie AND Casey Vaughn….she’s a sweetheart! I am praying for you every day! I know you are such a blessing to the kids in the orphanage – and I know they are blessing you too. Don’t forget – Fomin (Bo) will need a friend!! (: On another note, Gatlin had a great session today – AND we got to meet Tom Hanks. Isn’t that fun!! He was SO nice to us – it was really a great time. We fly home in the morning.
Love you!
Wendi
May 27, 2008
Mom (Andrea),
We miss you so much and can’t wait for you to come home. Dad is letting us stay up till midnight every night and we are playing football tournaments on the Playstation. Carson won his game tonight 9-8, Daddy was a little uptight but we had it under control. We are praying for you and your team every night. Dad wanted us to tell you that the house is clean, laundry is done and we even ate our vegetables last night.
Hey sweetheart, the boys are doing great and we are so proud of the work you all are doing over there. We just keep pleading the blood of Jesus over you and everyone on the trip for safety, health, peace of mind. We look forward to hearing your beautiful sweet voice. Have an awesome day tomorrow. We love you so much!
May 28, 2008
Oh my goodness! I first want to say how badly Kevin and i wish we were there! But the God has different plans for us this year!
I was very excited to read that you are doing to the Everything skit! Its one of my favorites and i even had a thought earlier this year that it would be a great skit to do in Ukraine, i guess God thought so too! I love all of you so much and i am encouraged greatly by just reading this! I am praying for you guys!
May 28, 2008
Ok. Today’s fun fact. The Ukraine was one of the first countries to sign the charter establising the United Nations in 1945. Ok, so it isn’t that fun but it is interesting. What part of the Ukraine are you in at the moment?
devoted dad and emmsie
May 28, 2008
HI all. The work day’s just beginning out here on the Llano Estacado.
I bet ya’ll are pooped after a busy time. Good thoughts and blessings to you.
Love dad
May 28, 2008
Hi Chad and Katie!
Just wanted to let you know we’re sending up prayers for all you guys from NC!
In HIS extravagant love
Angie and the gang
May 28, 2008
Good Morning – okay maybe it is good evening to you. I know that today was awesome and I cannot wait to hear about it. Luke had a baseball game last night and they won BIG. I think that Rachel and I have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome from coloring lots of fuzzy posters. They got their swim goggles last night and loved them – they said they have been really wanting some of those. I think that Rachel is having a growing spurt – I cannot fill her up. Marlena came to the game last night and she and Rachel really hit it off. Hope you don’t mind if Luke and Holton hold auditions for the rest of their band in the garage this wk – they are really getting to be very serious performers
We love you!!!!
Susan
May 28, 2008
Katie and Britt(and everyone know on the team actually),
I am so glad that God is working is such incredible ways! I am saying a prayer for you guys every time you come to mind. (I was surprised to see your name in doing the skit Britt I am so glad you helped though and that god moved threw that!)I love all of you guys. Reading how God is working on this trip is just getting me more pumped for mine.
Your in my prayers,
Casey
May 28, 2008
Linda,
Sounds like you guys had a wonderful experience at the first orphanages. The boys and I really miss you. We pray over you r day’s agenda every night and I remind the boys where you are and what you are doing all throughout the day. We can’t wait to read more details about how God is working at the orphanages through the team’s efforts. Hope you enjoyed your day of R&R yesterday before visiting the orphanage at Zaporozhie today. Love & Miss you,
Budde, Matthew, and Andrew
May 28, 2008
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
I just wanted to let you know what a blessing each and everyone of you is to this world. Going to the Ukraine to show God’s love to each beautiful child in the orphanage is the true meaning of what it is to call ourselves Christians. Loving, caring, and spreading the Word of God to the world is what we’re called to do.
As the Word says in Matthew 28:19: “Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you ALWAYS, to the end of the age’”.
Thank you for helping to spread the love of the Kingdom to those who need it most. Remember that God is with you and in you.
May 28, 2008
Jenny and Candace,
We miss you lots. Have found enough food to sustain life thus far. Hope you are having a great time and that the weather has gotten better. Make sure to have a bowl of borsch for each of us. Hope you had a good time at the orphanage today. Hopefully Candace has been able to fit on the bed without having to put her feet on Jenny’s! Love, Ross, Justus, Lynn, Nick, and Jacob.
May 28, 2008
Debbie and Lindsay,
So glad to hear you made it safely. It sounds like you are having a good time so far. You are doing wonderful things! I am excited to hear all about it. Can’t wait to see you!! Wishing you well. Love, Kerri and Matt
May 28, 2008
Hey Madge clan and friends,
It is awesome to read the trip blog and hear how amazing your trip is going so far. GOD Rocks! We are praying for all of you big time. Keep my buddy “Troy” in line and keep a watchful eye on him. He is a “prankster” for sure… Kidding.
Miss ya big time buddy!
Troy, please take a look at the guitar that Deb has, I am hopeful that you might be able to fix the tunning key with the missing screw… If not, tell Deb no worries. I will fix it on my next trip. Lot’s of hugs and love to ALL on this trip from Chuck, Nancy, Paris and Morgan Y.
May 28, 2008
Oh my goodness…I must admit that a tear came to my eye as I read yalls blog (it’s about time Troy…or should I say Lucifer?? haha love you!). I so wish I was there, but am praying for such a strength of spirit and for the Lord to absolutely lavish yall with His perfect presence as you pour His abundant love into the children and people you meet on this journey. Oh what a privilege it is that He considers us worthy to share His truths with such a lost place!
Rhonda…I’m praying for you earnestly! I have not a doubt in my mind that you are doing an incredible job…you always do! May the Lord give you the endurance you need.
Troy…I miss your hair gel (haha), but more so watching you be such an efficient servant of the Lord and our conversations at meals. I’ll continue to pray for you as you head to Africa!
Sweet Tay Tay…AHHH! Say it’s not so?! are you really there without me?? I LOVE YOU and am so incredibly proud of who you are! I’m on my knees for you, girl…knowing that you will not only brighten every orphans face, but your team’s as well.
My wonderful Austin…or should i say American ipod champ…try not to win over all of the girls this year, ok? I know that may be hard for you! Seriously, I wish i was there with you…but am so glad you have Joe! That’s gotta be fun! Love you so much!
Grace and peace to the entire team. May you feel His rich blessings as you meet God in incredible ways in this time. All my love and more….Elle (ps…i know that was super long….sorry!)
May 28, 2008
I just want to let you all know that I am praying for you all. I’ll be praying for your safety among other things. I know you guys can really make a wonderful difference in Ukraine. Never loose faith in that, and that God is with you and loves you always.
I don’t know all of you, but I do know Casey and Taylor. I just want you to know I love you guys so much and miss you. I can’t wait to see you guys when you get back.
May 28, 2008
Leslie, Kids are all doing well. We had fun at the lake although weather was only so-so. Jocie started playing immediately at Norm’s and didn’t seem upset when we left. They went to the zoo today. Stella, Jake and Bailey arrived in Florida and are doing well also. Bailey didn’t like you dog name, so she is going with Izzy. I tried to post yesterday but I don’t see it so hopefully this one goes through. We love you.
May 28, 2008
GEORGIA,
Jessica Yarbrough’s number is not in the phone. I know you want to see her brother while you are in the Ukraine. Do you remember her parent’s names or address?
May 28, 2008
Hello everyone,
I am out of town and have not had access to a computer to read the blogs — until now. WOW! How awesome to read the updates. I have been praying for you guys like crazy – along with all of your family and frieds. What a treasure to read all these comments and realize how many people are praying for your mission. God will do amazing things this week in and through you.
Rhonda, my sweet friend, thank you for the wonderful leader that you are and your willingness to serve in this way. I pray for you daily and I love and appreciate you and Troy so very much. Cousin Gene, thank you for going again this year and for all that you will contribute this week. (How’s your Russian holding up?) Jill, I hope you are having a wonderful week! To everyone – thank you for your hearts of compassion and your sacrifice this week. I pray you are each richly blessed this week. Please give Yuri, Ira and Bogdan a big hug for me. That should be 33 hugs for each of them. Think that will make them miss me? — just kidding. Keep updating us.
With Love and appreciation,
Deneen
May 29, 2008
To Kim Jewell
Dear Kim,
We think of you everyday and pray that God is doing an awesome work through you to those wonderful kids you’re coming in contact with. I would imagine it is breaking your heart and blessing you to be exposed to these “precious little ones” who desperately need your love and care. I know you are blessing them with your gentle spirit and bright smile. I pray that what God is doing through you on this trip will bless you now and for many months to come. I pray that you can “bond” with a few of the kids and keep them close in your heart long after you get home. Stay Blessed and hug some kids for us! Love, Chris & Pat
May 29, 2008
Hello Alicia and all the girls keeping her up late at night,
I know ya’ll(southern lang.) are having fun. We wish we were with you, but know that we are praying for everyone (while we are on the beach). Alicia you are missed these boys want their mommy because daddy is too tuff. Casey there is a job opening at Chilli’s when you get back, I understand you have been training waiting on tables on the boat.
One a real note I am praying for everyone of you. God places people in the right positions to spread his word. Its not just your words, when Gods with you people know. Young people watch and do what we do, so by staying close with God that will reflect to them. God spoke several times in the old test about leading children and how important its was that they know about him. He says that the children will lead this earth.
Girls you are truely disciples of God. Keep strong, keep close, keep good Christian friends, and most of all keep talking about your faith.
You are loved back at home,
Love you Alicia,
Lee