Mom of 6 teenagers!

If someone told me a few years ago that you would be the mother of six teenagers. And they all will live in your small and cramped apartment. I would say that this is not for me. "No! No! What are you! Never, ever in my life!!!" And I would laugh out loud! :)))

Welcome three more teens to our family! Two beautiful young ladies and a teenager boy.

Sveta, 15 and Natasha,15

Vova, 14

   Yes, it is noisy, and we have a lot of inconveniences. One bathroom, a very small kitchen, very crowded where everyone pushes each other, the girls sleep in small beds in three and much more. But the children are happy!  Sveta is in the 10th grade of a regular/hight school, Vova is in the 9th grade, and Natasha is studying as a hairdresser. 

  The life is crazy here! We are super busy with kids!Some children require a lot of attention!!! The last few months I sleep for 5-6 hours. Iam so happy when I can sleep 7 hours! :))) I am learning to be more organized to take care of children and to continue serving in orphanages. Learning. A lot of learning...Now I understand more large families! Lol

  We see how children change and learn something new. We learn together :) They learn to take care of their things, use household appliances, keep order in the house, be responsible and much more.

Sveta and Natasha learn how to buy and save money

Well, and most importantly, learn to forgive, enjoy and be thankful for small things, help each other, enjoy life and just love.

   Every Sunday our family goes to church where children can hear the Gospel and be in fellowship with Christians.

  

    Our main goal through life in the family is not only to teach the main life skills but to show the care and love of Christ. So that one day the Lord would become their Heavenly Father and Comforter.

Girls do their school homework

Precious girl rejoices of the fountain

  There are so many different difficulties besides teenage behavior problems... Difficulties with the government, documents, a lot of confusion and different nuances. I don’t know how long these children will be able to live with us. But every day for me is another opportunity to show the love of Christ. Every day is another opportunity to comfort, encourage, hug, teach something new, share the Word of God and just love. It`s a great joy and privilege! ♥♥♥

  We also have financial difficulties. Every day we need to give children funds for bus and meals at the school. Often in the school they need to buy notebooks, books and various things. Only $40.00 a month is needed for an one kid for bus ticket and meal at school.All children have digestive problems, with teeth, etc. They often complain of abdominal pain, often get sick. Some eat a lot because they were hungry at their homes and orphanages. We need to help children become healthy so that they can study well and enjoy life. We spend a lot of finances on food and hygiene products, in addition to other needs. 

We need someone whose heart belongs to orphans. Someone who has burden in heart for teens. Someone who can adopt these beautiful children in their heart and support monthly.

These are orphans, whose parents are alive but abuse alcohol and do not fulfill their parental responsibilities. Children visit their parents from time to time. Recently, one of the girls said. When I sleep in cold and  dirty bed in the village in the house visiting my parents, I cannot wait to return here (home to us) to a clean, warm and soft bed. :)

Yes, when they return from the villages, they take a shower and wash their clothes. There is no running water, no firewood, no electricity, no livelihood. Nothing!

  If the Lord touches your heart to bless these beautiful souls bloom and become successful members of our society, you can send your gift of love through Ting Ministries. Please, consider this need prayerfully!

1. Donate online through:PayPal tingministries@comcast.net
2.Or send a check:
   Stephanie and Brian Carpenter
   Ting Ministries
   29 East Poplar Street
   Lebanon Pa 17042
   USA
All donations tax deductible and 100% goes to BOM! THANK YOU so much!!!

   

   And as always, during blogging time I reach out to all of you and ask for your prayers! Would you join me in asking our great God for prayers of strength, inspiration, and strong physical and emotional my health, God`s wisdom, and His patience, please? And for my beloved sister Oksana.Would you join us in prayer for changing hearts and minds and for the salvation these sweet teens? That God will bless and provide for all their needs. And that God bless and placed these precious souls where they are needed to be...

God sets the lonely in families (part 2)

  Last year, when we first took teenagers to the Carpathian mountains. We were very worried, there were a lot of difficulties and experiences. But God blessed in an incredible way! And it was one of the best trips!!! During the week while we were living with the children together, God began to work with my heart. Knowing the horrible stories from the life of children, it overwhelmed my heart even more knowing what awaits them outside the orphanage... The more I prayed, the more and more God gave me the desire to take several girls into my family to help, protect, teach them life skills and surround them with care and love. I knew it would not be easy... Perhaps even harder than I could imagine. I knew that I would spend more than one night in tears and that more than once my heart would be broken. But the heart pain for these abandoned and defenseless girls was stronger. Stronger than me. Love and incredible desire was beyond my strength. 

 My greatest fear was. Can girls get along with a special girl? Will I not be a witness to insults and strife? Can I handle it? How will Masha feel? and so on...

 I forgot many details of life in the orphanage. But when the girls started living with us and doing some things. My brain turned on in a moment and I remembered that we did the same thing at the orphanage! Wow! At some point, it became shocking to me and scared a little! I was even confused for a moment by suddenness. That I do not remember much, but my brain remembers! I thank Jesus that He set me free and healed my heart!What a mighty God we serve!

The girls are sweet and very different ...

 Luba, brave and confident in herself, at first glance, was very worried and afraid to live in a students dorm ... When she heard that she could live with us, the girl burst into tears...

For one of the girls we were told that she was a difficult teenager. I decided to try and prayed that the Lord would give me the opportunity to try to help this beautiful young lady, to do everything in my power. "Even if she lives several months and go, I will be grateful to You my Lord", I prayed. My heart was broken.We know her from 4 years old, when she was in the Children`s House, which BOM also supports.

Lyuba at Children`s House

Lyuba at the orphaange

On the first day of trade school, it turned out that the administration had "forgotten" Luba to add to the list of students who had to live in dorm and there was no place there. Coincidence? I do not think so! God already knew and prepared a place for her! If people forget, but not God! God has a place for orphaned child!

  Sveta had a similar situation, problems with the settlement in the domitory. She was very frightened, confused and defenseless ... Again an random event? God has no random events! He had already prepared a place for her also! When she officially (according to the documents of the trade school) came to our home. You would see her! She became so happy, joyful and even more talkative!We could not believe our eyes!

"God sets the lonely in families..." (Psalm 68:5)

 Girls live for almost a year with us.This is what Lyuba says:

•  During these years you have replaced my parents.

• You support me very much, both emotionally and physically. I learned a lot from you.

• I changed a lot for the better while living with you. Everyone noticed and is talking about it. I became softer, generous and grateful. You taught me a lot to appreciate what I have. In spite of some difficulty, you need to love what you have, that I live, I have my arms, legs and so on ...

•   During this year, when I live with you, I do not remember when I was crying. I was more pleased and more joyful!

• I saw a lot, and learned a lot about what I did not know before. I also learned a lot about God. Since our guests at the orphanage told only about the creation of the earth and nothing else.

• I learned that God is not only there in the Heaven, but always near. He represents Himself through someone when trouble comes. When it's hard for me, I always turn to God and He helps me. I used to think that God created everything and just watched us. Now I know more about Him. I did not even imagine that He would act so fast in my life!

• Without you, I would not find a job and get into trouble. Thank you for the help!(Lyuba is going to work soon during summer time).

•   If I lived in a dorm, then I do not know what would happened with me... I have no idea. But I see how girls survive in the dorm.

•   I have no one to share my worries as mom and dad are constantly drinking alcohol. And you are always near me and constantly support me! You are always with me when something is wrong.You became like mom for me.

Love heals broken hearts!!! ♥♥♥

The other girl was very reserved, rarely spoke, only briefly answering questions. She always looked sad and with her head down. Sveta has very low self-esteem, uncertainty...At the boarding school, she had little contact with anyone and rarely was friends with someone. Sveta did not know what she wants from life, did not know what she liked or what she loved, there were no desires or dreams. :( She looked like a small cute snail that hid and was afraid to lean out.

Children who grow up in secluded places and are isolated from the world cannot see anything. When they finish an orphanage, it is difficult for them to adapt and face various difficulties. Very often graduates of orphanages are 5-10 years behind their peers and often immature. Sveta is such a sweet girl. God gave the desire to take her into our family, teach life skills and protect against all dangers. Once, when we gave her money for her needs (for a bus ticket to school and other needs). She burst into tears ... and revealed her precious heart about her personal experiences at her family...

Over time, Sveta began to unfold more. Talk more and even laugh! Today, every day you can hear this children's light-hearted laugh in our house! She found friends and became much more confident in herself. She began to defend for herself and to assert her rights. The girl began to study better in school and in her free time to practice her favorite needlework. When she hears words of encouragement, you would see her shining eyes!Sweet girl...

Looking at her, I see myself in childhood, with low self-esteem and many other problems. She still has a lot of problems. But we see huge changes in her life and behavior! This gives us tremendous hope! We pray that Jesus saved her and healed her broken heart!♥

Sveta is studying for cooker in a trade school

  Both girls became wonderful friends. Once Lyuba said: "I never thought that we would be friends with Sveta! After all, in the orphanage, we were not friends at all!" :) When she hugs, she keeps you for a few minutes without letting go. ♥

The girls learned to cook pizza

   Children came from very difficult families, where they were deprived of childhood. :( The girls had to go through and see a lot of things ... Orphanage, a shelter for children and a lot of terrible moments both in the families and in the boarding school. Insult, humiliation, ridicule, indifference, loneliness, abandonment, helplessness, drunkenness of parents, tears, fear, hunger and many, many other things.

 And you know what? God turned my greatest fear into a blessing!They became best friends with Masha! :) They protect her when necessary, help, have fun and more. And they even fight together against me and Oksana! Haha

Yes, we have difficulties ... Big and small. It is not easy to be a mom of teenagers with a broken heart and soul. I realized that I, as a mother, need to learn a lot more, very, very much! Every day I learn something new... Every day I learn to depend on Christ, needing His wisdom, patience, and strength. We need a lot of prayer, love and patience ...

Lyuba often remembers and is delighted that we remember and support her from the very childhood.Once a few months later living with us, she asked:" Maybe you adopt me?" And Sveta. "Yes! Yes! And me too!" This is impossible by the law of Ukraine. And I always tell girls that I adopted them in my heart. ♥♥♥We are very attached to each other and love them dearly! We are feeling blessed to support and love them! They stole my heart...

 So, our small family is growing ♥ :) God is doing AMAZING things!

Please, pray for the hearts of these beautiful young ladies! God cover their needs.So that they entrust their lives to Jesus Christ! That He changed their minds and healed broken hearts. So that in Him they find salvation, comfort and peace in hearts. Thank you so much! ♥

It greatly touched my heart...

This week we could have Biblical meetings at 4 different orphanages with teenagers, who will start independent life in few months. Each meeting was wonderful and we had such a nice time with young people.It is hard emotionally. Because we remember them as little boys and girls. They have grown up. They have changed and ready to leave orphanages... But as for all of us, they remain still children... In their behaviour, thoughts and such naive. Time flies so fast! Unbelievable!

Also we were able bring jackets to little ones with special needs. Oh, my! You would see how they were overjoyed and happy! They screamed, jumped, hugged. Soooo sweet and priceless!  Thank you very much for sending boxes and giving the opportunity to visit little souls and bring joy and love!Thanks a lot for your wonderful support!

But at one orphanage the meeting was very special! We have noticed that was present teacher, who was singing with us and learning Bible together with teenagers. We saw how attentively she listened every word. Then in the end of the meeting she stand up  and with tears thanked greatly for teaching of these young souls and she never heard such wise words and it greatly touched her heart. Wow! God, you are awesome! After she approached to administration of the orphanage telling them about our meeting. Administration was surprised and started to thank us. 

Amazing! God's word is powerful! Praying Lord Jesus change hearts not only precious kids but staff of the orphanage, who has a great impact on lives of these souls!

Much love to all!♥

Precious teens will stay warm!

Our hearts full of joy and delight!We praise and glorify our mighty and loving God! We are so thrilled that we are done!We could finish latest project Keep Teenagers Warm thanks God!Yay!

Our trouble finally is over. Thank you very much for your prayer support! ♥ It meant so much for us...We feel so restored everything is behind thanks God.

So, we purchased such beautiful jackets and boots for 50 precious young people.God blessed abundantly that we could purchased 11 warm jackets for little ones in Children`s Home also! Amazing!

We felt terribly cold, when purchased and got tired soooo much... Imagine, when you go to store to dress an one child. But we needed to find over 60 different sizes for jackets and boots. Phew! But when we started unload loading, we have been surprised that could buy so many. Ha ha! So, we were happy!

I love how it looks! :)

First we visited little ones in Children's House and blessed them with these beautiful gifts.

Precious kids

The director was so happy that started to hug and kiss bro. Misha! You(BOM) are so dear to my heart! she said. :) What an amazing testimony of God's grace and goodness!

When we came to the next orphanage the boys were ready and happy to help to unload.

Beautiful young ladies

Poor guy wore summer shoes in winter...

I love how he looks in new jacket and shoes! Isn't he handsome young man?

Can you imagine to wear in cold and snow those shoes in winter? This beautiful young lady(not only she) did because she had nothing. She said that felt cold...What a joy she has beautiful and cozy boots now!

We are so grateful absolutely to everyone, who was participated even partly! That helped not only show love and care of Jesus but keep teens warm because today in the orphanage is very cold and they wear 2-3 sweaters to stay warm. All children and adults wear coat or a jacket even inside of buildings. We praise God for His goodness and mercy to these young beautiful people they can stay warm and feel cozy today. Awesome blessing!!!Thank you!!! THANK YOU very much be wonderful hands and feet of Jesus!!! Thank you for your loving and generous hearts!You all are such amazing blessing for so many Ukrainian children! ♥ May God bless you!!!

A little bit about everything

A very short update. We continue to serve our Heavenly Father, visiting lonely souls and orphans in orphanages.

Most meetings we have with graduates.

With those, who will start to live independent life in several months...

 Most of the kids are scared and  afraid to leave orphanages .

Please, remember them in your prayers.

Finally we have prepared a main program to go to orphanages. Tell kids a Bible story about Birth of Jesus and bring gifts.It takes us longer then we planed. But anyway we are very excited! :)

If anyone has a chance to help us with acrylic paint, ANY color and ANY number. We would be very grateful!!!!!! As we often need it. Thanks.

We were so glad to have packed these special gifts to our dear teens and young adults.

Over 240 orphans will receive these so needed personal care items. The socks deodorant, soap, shampoo, shower gel and chocolate :)

 THANK YOU so much to everybody, who took part in this awesome project!!! You are such an amazing blessing to many Ukrainian kids! Many thanks for your sending parcels, what helped and became such great blessing also! ♥ 

What a great joy will be soon in orphanages! :)

Also we have funds for one more month to hire caretakers! Praise God!!!! As you see(on the right side of the blog,PitchIn) God blessed by $4,150. THANK YOU to those, you send those gifts of love to the sweet boys. Please, keep sharing! To follow, know all events and updates you can HERE.

PLEASE, continue to pray for Ukraine!!! Troops finally left Maidan at the capital. It seems there became more quiet... But the situation is still VERY tense here. Everyday something happens.So many different things is going on! But the most. Please pray that Ukraine would not split and for our government. We love our beautiful country and our people, but the situation more and more hard... Our hearts are saddened and it hurts very much. :(