TWO BABES IN A MANGER In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words: It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city. Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States. The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately...until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, "If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?" And Jesus told me, "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me. So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him for always." As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him...FOR ALWAYS. I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts. -- Author Unknown
As Christmas approaches my heart will be reminded not only of the children I met in the baby house in Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, but all children and adults alike who wake up Christmas morning not experiencing the love of family. My prayer is that they, like Misha will feel invited into the manger with Jesus, and realize that the offer of the warmth of their being is a gift to Jesus. Misha story is one of faith and hope. The true meaning of Christmas.
Leah and Christopher at Alex's baptism.
Angela,Rory and Alex.
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His adoption story is also one filled with miracles. I have come to realize with each child and parent I meet that God truly has called us all by name, and thru International Adoption his plan is perfectly executed. Many of us begin our journey with our own dreams, desires and possibly photo referrals in hand. Somewhere along the journey of documents,expiration dates and travel plans Gods presence is palpable and his plan is revealed. Alex's family opened their hearts to that leap of faith required for Gods plan. After many twists and turns and a harrowing ride on that emotional roller coaster called International Adoption Alex's, Angie and Rory's miracle took place. God created another forever family. We were honored to have a front row seat to their miracle and we will never forget the experiences we shared with this lovely family.
It was with great anticipation that we were reunited with Angie,Rory and Alex at Leah's baptism. We were so touched they took the time out of their, I am sure busy lives to share Leah's special day.
We are now also honored to be included in Alex's special day. Alex will be baptised this Saturday. We are excited about meeting his extended family and also having them meet Leah. We pray we will be able to continue this bond Alex and Leah share.
This is a picture of Alma ( our wonderful coordinator in Ust Kamenogorsk) Alex and Leah. When we travelled to take custody of Leah we knew Alex would be going home just 2 short weeks later so we asked Alma if we could bring Alex a toy his parents sent to remind him they were coming to get him. It was a wonderful meeting and I believe Alex understood what Alma told him.
My Godmother Cathy bought me this beautiful christening outfit.
Christopher I know you are smiling and I guess if you are holding me everything is OK. Who are all these people and why are they smiling at me???
Did you put something in my hair Mom???
My princess coat is over there.....
I am going to give Grandma a big hug like this Mom.....
