9/30/2007 - Sunday

• 9/30/2007 11:18:38 PMKrakow Auction Wrap-upWhat an awesome day we had!  You couldn't ask for a better fall day.  Today's auction was near the town of Krakow.  It was set to start at 11:00 AM and we had to be there 2 hours in advance.  On the way in, we swung by the Piggly Wiggly and picked up a dozen doughnuts and a few extra 12-packs of Mountain Dew because we were a little low on that flavor.  It is a good thing we did - more about that later.
  
  
  When we arrived at the auction site, Mary, Grandma Carol and Grandma Karen were all there waiting for us.  I was glad to see my mom (Karen) was able to come.  I had spoken with her earlier in the week and asked her for help.  I wasn't sure if we were going to need the extra hands or not but I wanted her to be there either way.  She stopped in at some bakery in Pulaski and purchased a very large box of very large sweet rolls.  These are not your ordinary grocery store doughnuts.  They were massive!  The kind that make you quite full if you decide to eat the whole thing.  She also bought some smaller cake-doughnuts.  These were in addition to the doughnuts we brought from the Pig.  We weren't going to sell coffee but at the last minute we decided to do so.  I'm glad we did.  We decided to sell some of the doughnuts.  They were so huge and there were too many for us to eat.  
  
  - 8 oz. Coffee  $1.00
  - Cake doughnut $1.00
  - Massive Roll  $2.50
  
  We ended up selling the entire pot of coffee (18 cups) and Mary put the remaining half gallon of water into the pot and we perked that as well.  The first pot of coffee was a little too strong.  NOTE TO SELF: 2 measuring cups of coffee is too much for the percolator.  This combined with the sugar from the sweet roll is enough to put you into a coma.  PERSONAL NOTE: I don't need 4 doughnuts...
  
  
  It was a little breezy and Mr. Bahrke decided to put is in pole shed so we wouldn't have to fight with the wind.  That was a good thing.  The wind was enough that it could have caused problems for the grill - either with a flame-out or uneven heating.  We setup our tables facing the crowd.  I fried the burgers, Grandma Karen filled the hamburger buns from the magic burger bath and kept the flies at bay.  Peggy wrapped the burgers and handed them to Mary.  Mary took and filled orders, got doughnuts and filled coffee (and took all the photos).  Grandma Carol ran the register.  Megan filled soda orders and James separated frozen patties.  Ellie made friends with another little girl there and collected every single acorn in the yard.
  
  
  It is hard to say exactly how well we did.  The customers were steady for 3 hours.  I only fell behind once causing one customer to wait.  In all, we sold 171 cans of soda.  The favorites seem to be Pepsi, Root Beer and Mountain Dew.  We sold all of the regular Mountain Dew and have a few cans of diet left.  I cooked about 5 cases of burgers which is about 180 patties (in 3 hours).  We brought in $702 (gross) and netted about $563-ish.  We have 2 more auctions scheduled and aside from having to purchase more soda, we are well in the black.  According to my personal accountant - Peggy, we have raised $24,056.10 since we began our fund raising efforts in June.
  
  $24,000+ in four months.  Wow!
  
  
  During the early days of our adoption adventure, I purchased a lottery ticket thinking it would help me decide on what to do.  I didn't have the winning ticket but that doesn't mean I didn't win.
  
  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
  
  
  More auction photos

9/25/2007 - Tuesday

• 9/25/2007 1:53:47 PMBlessed EmailEach week, my web hosting provider sends me a report of how the adoptionproject.org website is doing.  The data comes in the form of
  - Page Views
  - Pages Per Visit
  - Popular Pages
  - Top 10 Referer Domains
  
  It is impersonal and purely statistical feed back.  It is good stuff to know if Search Engine Optimization is important to you.  However, if you have higher things on your mind it is of limited value.
  
  Here is a message of value I received today from a blog reader:
  
  
  Prayers for you...and a question.
  
  Hello!  I happened upon your site tonight and just wanted to let you know your family and Yuri will be in our prayers!  We are currently prayerfully considering holding a trip in our area (Maryland) for Russian Orphan Lighthouse Project.  We are just in the beginning stages of planning and gathering information, but it sounds very exciting!  Our church is starting an orphan ministry, and we have been looking for a program like this to get involved with.  It was very exciting to read about your story - someone who has been through the very experience we are contemplating.  
  
  The cost of the adoption is probably the scariest thing of all...
  however, I really appreciated your perspective on borrowing money to pay for the adoption.  After all, it is not about us, but about giving Him the glory in all we do.  Through Him, it is possible.  Thanks for the  encouragement for those of us out here ready to take a huge leap of faith!
  
  God Bless & may Yuri be home with you soon!
  
  
  Wow!  Thank you very much for the letter.  One of the many things that we pray for is to have an opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.  This is great feedback and yet another confirmation that we are on the right track - the center of doing the Lord's will.  I am glad our story is encouraging to others.
  
  For more information about the cost of doing God's work, there is no better resource than the Bible itself.  Specifically regarding adoption, go to BibleGateway and read James 1.  Be sure to read all the commentaries too.  Pay close attention to James 1:27.
  
  You may also want to do a bible search on the words "orphan" and "fatherless" and see what scripture has to say regarding God's opinion of those who take advantage of orphans and widows.
  
  Finally, check out Crown Financial Ministries and do a search for the word "borrow" and see what comes up.  Here are some specific articles:
  Borrowing and Lending
  
  Borrowing to do the Lord's work
  

9/23/2007 - Sunday

• 9/23/2007 2:02:01 PMKids helping kidsOn Sunday, we received two more donations for the adoption from kids we know from the homeschool group and church.  Today it was from brothers Caleb and Colton.  Their donations added to another we receved earlier in the week from Josie added up to more than $100.  These kids have taken it upon themselves to find ways to raise money and work for it so that they can give.
  
  It brings tears to my eyes to witness people behave so unselfishly.  What a powerful witness it is to the people who see this happening and the children who learn how to serve and give at a young age.  What kinds of adults will this kind of behavior produce?  Can you just imagine a world filled with people who want to work, serve and give?

9/22/2007 - Saturday

• 9/22/2007 4:52:40 PMGillet AuctionThe Gillet auction is now complete and there is good news and bad news.  First the good news... we purchased $360 worth of beef patties and we pulled in a gross total of $340.  At first you might be thinking that we didn't make anything at this auction - and you would be correct.  It was a small auction.  We went through 2 boxes of patties (72), 13 of which we ended up eating because they didn't sell.  It was a beautiful warm day and we went through a lot of soda.  In the end, we need less than $100 in gross sales at the next auction to break even.  Everything after that will be profit.
  
  
  Now the bad news...  Shortly after we arrived, I began to setup the cash register along with the deep cycle battery and power inverter.  I have done this dozens of times since we worked the fireworks tent back in July.  Without even thinking, I connected the negative cable of the inverter to the positive post of the battery.  After a short flash of light followed by some sparks - the inverter was fried.  At first I thought that perhaps there was some kind of built in fuse or breaker.  Nope.  Right on the back of the inverter case, stamped into the plastic it reads, "Be careful not to cross the terminals.  This will damage the unit and void the warranty".  Ugh!  
  
  
  Fortunately the cash register was not connected at the time and there was no damage to it.  The battery survived and is still in great shape - which is good since that is the most expensive part of the power solution.  We were able to plug directly into the house to run the register and the coffee pot.  So while we lost the inverter, we were able to continue without skipping a beat.  It was hard to enjoy the rest of the morning thinking about what a bone head I am for doing that.
  
  Here is some good news: the new grill worked great!  The standard Bahrke burger is so large in diamater that I can only fit 12 on at a time, but other than that the grill cooks great.  I will have to play with the side burner a little.  It is hard to tell how high the flame is and sometimes I had the burger bath boiling.
  
  The next auction is supposed to be in the Pulaski area and rumor has it that it is going to be large.  Peggy will go into town this week to get extra supplies (and a new inverter) so we are ready to go.  Stay tuned!

9/17/2007 - Monday

• 9/17/2007 10:15:29 PMPreliminary Documents and PhotosWe are in the process of assembling all of our preliminary documentation and one of the requirements is that we have 12 to 16 photos of us and our home.  The photos should reflect each room of our house and show us as a happy, loving, and interactive family.
  
  In the past, we have always taken photos with the thought that, "they are for us" or "for our eyes only".  This was especially true when we got a digital camera.  They went right on to the computer without stopping at the photo-mart first.  our photo albums reflect who we are and in many cases they are only understood by people who already know us.  When we see a picture that we think is funny, soothing, or sad, it is because we remember the circumstances of when it was taken.  Now however, it seems that we must subject ourselves to the unspoken international standards by which they will be judged.
  
  "Are they smiling?"  
  "Are they dressed well?"  
  "Are they dressed too well?"  
  "Do things in the picture seem orderly?"  
  "Does the home look like it is in good repair?"
  "Why are they seated that way?"
  "Why did they choose THIS photo over a different one?"
  
  If you spend too much time thinking about such things, you will drive yourself crazy.  I remember thinking a similar thought while taking the MMPI-2 Personal Inventory.  I couldn't spend too much time thinking about the questions because then I would never answer them and fail to complete the questionnaire. In the end, we must be the people we are and nothing more.  In fact, we can be nothing else.  There is no single picture (or question) that can capture that.  I guess that is the stressful part.

9/14/2007 - Friday

• 9/14/2007 1:58:33 PMHave Not because you ask notJames chapter 4:2-3 reads:
  "...You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives..."
  
  Within 24 hours of my posting about the 4th auction, a doner stepped forward and offered to cover the cost of a new grill with a side burner.  I am still floored by this.
  
  May the blessing's return to you 100 fold.

9/12/2007 - Wednesday

• 9/12/2007 4:21:42 PM4th AuctionMr. Bahrke called today and offered another auction opportunity to us.  This makes a total of 4 auctions for us over the next month+.  Two in September and two more in October.  Thank you Lord!
  
  I think we are not going to offer as many different food choices as we did on the first auction.  For now we are only going to have
  - Hamburgers
  - Cheese Burgers
  - Water
  - Soda
  - Chips
  
  We had some customers last time ask us about coffee and depending on the weather we may have that too.  Coffee will require electricity to run my large 36 cup percolator.  This will be in addition to a crock pot to keep the burger bath hot.    
  
  I saw a nice Char-Broil grill at Menards that was very similar to Grandma Carol's but with a side burner.  The side burner could be used to keep the burger bath hot rather than rely on electricity and a crock pot.  There is no guarantee we will have power.  It was on clearance for $119 but I don't think we're in a position to make that kind of purchase.  We will have to make due.
  

9/11/2007 - Tuesday

• 9/11/2007 10:03:17 PMChamber of Commerce MeetingI spoke with Grandma Carol last night.  At this time we are scheduled to meet with the Oconto Falls Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 18th.  I'm not sure if it will be for a breakfast or luncheon.  From what she tells me, they usually have their meal first, then the business meeting followed by the guest speaker.  I will likely have somewhere between 15 and 45 minutes to make a presentation.
  
  I'm not nervous about giving the presentation but I want to make sure that I deliver a message that is appropriate for this type of meeting.  Please pray that I will deliver the words they need to hear and that they have ears that hear and are receptive to the message.
  
  I hope to have more details in the next few weeks so stay tuned.
  
  Very exciting!  Very Very Exciting!!

9/7/2007 - Friday

• 9/7/2007 1:40:59 PMFundraisingJuly and August were busy months for us.  We were able to work many fundraisers, each was somewhat different but all of them made for a creative and exciting summer.
  - Fireworks Stand
  - Seroogy's Candy Bars
  - Auction Food Stand
  - Rummage Sale
  - Booyah Stand
  
  Additionally, we must remember all of the other individuals who had their own fund raising activities:
  - Leomonade Stand
  - Rummage Sale
  - Aluminum Can Recycling
  - Standing on a street corner asking
  
  Plus all of the people that donated non-saleable items that supported us - clothing for Yuri, food for us to eat at the various events so we didn't eat into our profits.
  
  Also we must remember the many donations sent to us via the church or Community Bank Financial
  
  And we must not forget all the people who have continually petitioned the Lord in prayer over this.
  
  When September came around, we wondered what would come next.  Here are a few things that are currently in the hopper...
  - Tupperware Sale
  - Consession stand at Lambeau Field for Packer Home Games
  - Meeting with the Area Chamber of Commerce for a presentation
  - Revamp of the website for a local radio station
  
  This came in today:
  Pastor Kuhn from church called today and said that Jeff Bahrke (Bahrke's Auction and Real Estate) has another auction opportunity.  This is the second time Pastor Kuhn has referred our name to Jeff and it is very much appreciated. - Thank you Pastor Kuhn!
  
  Peggy called Jeff and it turns out that he has 3 auctions coming up.  One in Late September and two more in October.  This is great news!    Gas up the grill and let's get cookin'!

9/5/2007 - Wednesday

• 9/5/2007 8:38:30 PMPreparing To TravelThere is a great drought in the land and the crops of two farmers were showing the signs of lack of water.  The first farmer goes out and prays for rain.  The second farm also goes out and prays for rain.  However, when he returns home, he begins to prepare his fields for the coming rain.  Which farmer has faith?
  
  I heard this story told recently in the movie "Facing The Giants" and I think it is kind of symbolic of where we are now in regards to the adoption.  Today, I received an email from our adoption coordinator that contained 3 attached documents.  They described some of the travel arrangements we need to make, costs associated with staying in Russia and things to bring to the U.S. embassy.  
  
  Just reading through them makes the hair on my skin stand up.  There is excitement in the air as we begin to prepare our home and the fields of our hearts for the fulfillment of prayers and God's will.  This adoption is going to happen.  The finances may not come early but they will certainly not be late either.  So while we wait on God, we prepare.

9/1/2007 - Saturday

• 9/1/2007 10:19:21 PMHalf Full vs Half EmptyToday marks a milestone in our journey to adopt Yuri.  In the few months we have been actively raising money (May, June, July, August) we have raised nearly $20,000!  That is a mind blowing thought to ponder.
  
  When we first began to consider adopting Yuri, even before he came to visit us, we contemplated the cost.  "What if..."  
  
  What if it was $15,000 or $20,000?  
  Could we burrow that amount?
  Should we burrow that amount?
  What if it was $25,000 or even $30,000?
  How far can we stretch financially?
  What if the cost was so high that it was obviously beyond our reach?
  Could we mortgage the house and live off of hot dogs and maceroni and cheese (without the cheese)?
  
  Peggy began to think out loud, "What if the amount was so high that it was way beyond the reach of our best efforts to finance it ourselves?  What if it was so high that it in order for it to happen it would take and act of God?"
  
  Well, the cost is that high and God has been faithful to provide opportunities for us to earn money as well as soften the hearts of many people to give generously of their time and resources.  Many different people from diverse backgrounds have been brought together under a common umbrella.  In everything that has happened, we lift up the Name that is above all names for no one else could do what has been done.
  
  There is no turning back.  We will continue to push forward waiting and watching diligently for the Lord's movements and aligning ourselves with His will accordingly.  Even though we are at 50%, our view of the situation must be one of optimism:
  - We are so close
  - we are already half way
  - we can see the light at the end of the tunnel
  - the smell of victory (and booyah) is in the air
  - the glass is half full
  
  At this point it is hard to restrain ourselves from trying to calculate how the final 50% might come in.  Or in other words "counting eggs before they hatch".  Only God knows for certain the events of the future.  What an exciting adventure this has been.  I'm looking forward to the day when Yuri can read and understand English so I can tell him all about it.