My Nonprofit Reviews

I have traveled with Orphan's Tree since 2009. In the past 11 years I have had the opportunity to work closely with their staff and program participants and grow deep, meaningful relationships with them. I have watched at families have overcome obstacles in marriages and parenting young children. I have laughed with, cried with and prayed with young men and women who come to the Ministry Centers in search of help and hope. Through the dedication and love of the staff they have discovered both of those things which they so desperately desired. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Orphan's Tree family.

I recently returned home after my ninth trip to Russia. My first trip was in November of 2008. This latest trip was during the first week of October 2016. So many things have come and gone in my life in the last 8 years, however I am so grateful that my desire to continue to develop the relationships I have with the people of Russia continues to grow. During my last trip I was thrilled to be reunited with so many people whom I have come to know and love as though they were my biological family members. This is a phenomenon that I have never known until these people entered my life. When I was in Russia in January 2016, I was given the joyous news that a young man and woman whom I had met on my very first trip were going to become parents! These two amazing "kids" who are now in their early twenties were embarking on the journey of parenthood...when all they have ever been known as was "orphans".

Baby Daniil was born in early September, a healthy baby boy. When I arrived in Ivanovo I could not wait to see his sweet face and embrace his mom and dad and share with them in their joy. A brand new family! The cycle breaking in front of my eyes. All of our prayers, hopes and dreams for them as young people growing up with a daily struggle of not knowing a family of their own had been answered.

I am completely humbled to share that I was asked to become Daniil's Godmother and be present with them for his baptism while we were in Ivanovo. I wish I had the ability to describe what that meant and means to me. This isn't an honor that I ever could have imagined or even dreamed of in my life. Only God could have orchestrated my steps into this place in time. And I am so grateful that He did.

I am so grateful for Orphan's Tree and the opportunities that it provides for Graduates in Russia to dream their biggest dreams, learn what they have been told they would never know and grow into thriving, active participants in their communities and families. I am thankful to be part of this story of change and hope in Russia and to know what it means to be used by God to watch His hope come alive in hearts and lives.

The Russian people are the most warm, generous, laughter-filled and genuine people that I've ever known. The opportunity we have to learn from each other about what it means to live life to its fullest potential is only possible when we say, "Yes. I want to go. I want to be a vessel. I want to be used by God.".

Thank you Orphan's Tree for allowing all of us the opportunity to be vessels.

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I first traveled to Russia in 2008. Since then I have made a total of 7 trips, 6 of them under the banner of Orphan's Tree. Working with Orphan's Tree is one of the greatest joys of my life. The heart of this organization is pouring into the amazing people of Russia and supporting them emotionally, physically and spiritually. I have great confidence in Orphan's Tree and our ability to collectively as volunteers, staff and nationals provide hope, joy, peace and laughter to the lives of our brothers and sisters in Russia.