That Was Easy

We have all seen the advertisements with the famous "easy button."  We know that somethings in life are easy and some things in life are more difficult.  We want to make helping children as easy as possible.  Watch this video to find out just how easy it is. http://www.screencast.com/t/L7dQJ8jJu2V

Interview with Gary Ifft

We are starting a series of interviews with orphan care workers from all different types of contexts to help you understand this big and complex issue of caring for orphans.  We have chosen many different people and asked them all the same questions.  We will be sharing their responses with you and we hope it helps give you a better understanding of orphan care.

We are starting with Gary Ifft.

From L to R: Solomon Negash, Kedir, Peggy Ifft, Gary Ifft, & Temesgen Obsa

1.     In what context are you involved with orphan care?

Here in Ziway and Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, we are operating schools on three campuses.  Contrary to most schools around the world which prefer the smartest and most able to pay, we give priority to orphans and vulnerable children.  Many times, the number of orphaned and vulnerable applicants fills the entire enrolling class, leaving little room for those we would normally desire to select.

In addition, we have a home for vulnerable children, named Samuel’s Home, where we are raising ten kids in a family environment, with a real mom and dad.  All ten children came to us from very dire circumstances, but now are interacting as normal brothers and sisters, going to school, going to church, and participating in other normal child activities.

2.     In your current context, what do you see as the biggest need?

Always, the highest priority item we need is prayer—prayer for wisdom for us and all those who impact the children’s lives.  That means the Samuel’s Home parents, the school teachers and administrators, and everyone who influences a child in any way.

3.     What is one thing that you wish other people would know about orphan care?

We often see that many people feel the only way to solve the “orphan crisis” is to adopt a child from a developing country.  We wish people would understand that much of the time the better solution is to provide the orphans and vulnerable children a chance to succeed in their own country.  There they are familiar with the language, the culture, the food, etc.  They fit in naturally.  By educating, encouraging, and nurturing them, they can grow up to be the scientists, engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs, etc. that can improve their country of birth, as well as themselves.

4.     What is one resource you would recommend and why would you recommend it?

This is not meant to be a flippant answer, but the best resource for dealing with the orphaned and underprivileged is the Bible.  It gives many teachings as to how to deal with the less fortunate segments of society.  If responsible persons in all countries and cultures were to follow the Scriptural guidelines, these types of problems would be greatly diminished.

5.     What advice would you have for Village to Village Intl. as we seek we seek to make a difference in the lives of children? 

As your ministry expands to encompass more children, more countries, and more caregivers, be sure you really know who you are dealing with.  It’s hard work, but the time spent on research and referrals is worth it.  There are a lot of less-than-honest people out there who want to partner with Westerners only to enrich themselves.

Family Spotlight: Hartson Family

1.     What is your name and where are you from?

We are both grew up in Pella, Iowa and still live there today.

2.     What is your favorite place you have visited?

We don't do a lot of traveling, but our favorite place we have visited is Ethiopia. When we were there over 2 years ago, we immediately fell in love with the country and cannot wait to go back.

3.     What is your favorite movie?

Jeremy:  Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Sarah:  It's hard to pick a favorite.  I love romantic comedies.  I'm lucky that Jeremy will watch them with me.

4.     What is your favorite thing to do on a date?

We just enjoy going out and spending time together talking.  Our dates usually include dinner and a movie.

5.     What is your favorite sports team, if you have one?

Jeremy:  New York Yankees, Atlanta Falcons, and Iowa Hawkeyes

Sarah:  I don't follow many sports, but I grew up in a family that watched everything pertaining to Iowa State Cyclones, so I definitely cheer for them in any sport.

6.     What is your favorite food?

Jeremy:  Ethiopian

Sarah:  I love to cook, so I enjoy trying new foods, but my favorite is probably anything Italian.

7.     What is your favorite book?

Jeremy:  Crazy Love

Sarah:  Crazy Love

8.     How did you meet your spouse?

We met while we were in high school.  We went to different schools, but both worked at a local pizza joint.  We became friends and later started dating.

9.     Who is someone you would like to meet someday and why?

We both love music.  I introduced Jeremy to Jeremy Camp when his first album came out.  We've been to a few of his concerts, but would love to meet him in person. :)

10.   When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Jeremy:  I wanted to be a doctor until I realized how much schooling it would take. 

Sarah:  I grew up on a farm and always enjoyed spending time outside with my Dad, so I wanted to be a vet.

11.   If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you tell them?

Jeremy:  Don't force your views or beliefs on others. 
Sarah: Develop relationships with others and listen to how they think and feel.

12.   Have you ever tried sushi?  Did you like it?

We have both tried sushi and liked what we ate.

13.   What are two of your favorite websites?

Jeremy:  Guitar for Worship and Ultimate Guitar

Sarah:  Pinterest and Facebook

14.   Do you have any updates on your adoption process?

Right now we have turned in all of our paperwork and are just waiting for a referral.

Kidney Stone and Orphan Care

A few weeks ago I (Matt) had the unfortunate experience of passing a kidney stone.  For those of you who have also experienced this "opportunity for growth," you know what I am talking about.  For those of you who have not had this experience, I can sum it up in one word: PAINFUL!

As I was writhing in pain my lovely wife was trying to help by reading all sorts of different things people have done to get rid of kidney stones.  Here are a few that she shared with me:

1. Drink 100% pure cranberry juice
2. Drink apple cider vinegar mixed with honey and warm water (it was disgusting)
3. Jump up and down
4. Drink lots of water
5. Add lemon to your water
6. Drink wheat grass
7. Keep moving

And the list goes on.  Everyone swore by the remedy that removed their pain.  What cured my problem was a mixture of several home remedies.  I don't really know which one was most effective, because I was willing to try anything and everything to ease the pain. 

Thankfully, the stone passed and I was pain free.  So how does this relate to orphan care?  Let me try to explain:

When I see children without families, children placed in orphanages due to poverty, families breaking apart and the children suffering, families being faced with excruciating decisions because of poverty, war and disease, I feel a strong pain for these kids and their families.  I search the internet looking for remedies to help ease their pain.  I read books and talk to people that live among those hurting.  Sometimes the best remedy is providing basic needs, counseling, adoption, reunification, orphanage care, foster care, a group home, etc.  It's not possible to say that one remedy works every time.  Sometimes it seems "cool" to criticize what others are trying when it comes to orphan care.  Unfortunately, it is not that simple.  Children suffer because families suffer because cities suffer because nations suffer because our world suffers.  When it comes to orphan care it seems similar to a kidney stone to me because there are many things you can try to do to help remove the pain; some may help and some may not.  Sometimes you try one thing and tweek it a little or move on to something else entirely when it doesn't seem to work.  But to leave the body in pain because you might choose the wrong remedy is silly.  You try something, you listen to others, you learn and make changes, and you pray the pain will go away.

I am truly thankful for the great people behind the amazing organizations we are working with.  They are trying to ease the pain of hurting children and families.  Thank you New Day Creations, A Heart for Korah, The Crossing, Samuel's Home, Holy Savior Children Helping Association and all the adopting families for loving and caring for children in your own unique ways...because they matter.

Complete the Village

When we say the word "village" here at Village to Village Intl. (V2V) we are speaking of 1,000 people.  It has always been our vision here at V2V to see a "village" (1,000 people) giving $10 a month to help orphans.

This year we are going to focus on completing our first "village."  We have set a goal to find 900 people, who are willing to give just $10 a month, to fulfill our first "village."

We are going to break 2014 into quarters and focus on finding 225 people per quarter.  We will be tracking this progress and posting it on our website and on our Facebook page.

So to be clear, this year we are asking 900 people to give $0.33 a day, which is $10 a month, to help provide care and loving homes to orphans both internationally and domestically.

How do you do this?
1.  You can sign up here on our website.
2.  You can simply text $10 to 574-707-8625 and follow the directions.

What else can you do?
1.  Share this on your Facebook page.
2.  Do you know 10 other people who think that helping orphans is worth $10 a month?  Ask them to give too.
3.  Host an open house and share V2V with your friends. (You can host or a rep from V2V could help you host as well).
4.  Invite V2V to come to a special event at your church (ie. missions conference, Orphan Sunday, etc.)

If you have other ideas or would like to host an event or invite V2V to an event please contact us at matt@villagetovillageintl.com.

Family Spotlight: Walters Family

1. What is your name and where are you from?

Bret & Mandy Walters, Warsaw, IN

2. What is your favorite place you have visited?

Mandy - besides Haiti to visit my kids, Jamaica with my husband!  Bret - Jamaica on our honeymoon

3. What is your favorite movie?

Mandy - The Blind Side/Hunger Games, Bret - Shooter

4. What is your favorite thing to do on a date?

Dinner & Movie or an Indianapolis Colts game

5. What is your favorite sports team, if you have one?

The Indianapolis Colts

6. What is your favorite food?

Mandy - Filet Mignon & Crab legs, Bret - Porterhouse steak & lobster

7. What is your favorite book?

Mandy - Anything by Karen Kingsbury, Bret - Deadline by Randy Alcorn

8. How did you meet your spouse?

We met at a restaurant that I (Mandy) was waitressing at.

9. Who is someone you would like to meet someday and why?

Our first grandchild - a grandchild is a very special person in your life and someone you can tell stories to and teach life's lessons. 

10. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Mandy - Wife & Mother,  Bret - Baseball player or Special Forces in the Army

11. If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you tell them?

Do some homework before jumping into something you know nothing about.

12. Have you ever tried sushi? Did you like it?

Mandy - yes, depends on what kind, Bret - yes, its ok

13. What are two of your favorite websites?

Mandy - Facebook & Google, Bret - Facebook & Bing

14. Do you have any updates on your adoption process?

After a year of being in process but waiting we have found it necessary to change agencies and unfortunately begin again with our son. We feel we are on the right path and God is going to bless us with some movement and see at least one of our children home in 2014!

Year End Opportunity

As you reflect on your Christmas and year-end giving, we would like to ask you to consider a financial gift to Village to Village Intl. 

Did you know that Village to Village Intl. does not take an administrative fee from any donation?  From our inception, over two years ago, we have been committed to 100% of every donation going toward the givers intended purpose.

I think the following thank you note, from one of our families to an anonymous donor, illustrates why we are committed to continue with our 100% pledge.

To the person who touched my heart today,

I am trying to find the words to express my gratitude…I am still in awe of your generosity!  When I was told I received a $2,000 donation from someone I didn’t even know, I literally began to cry…right there while I was at work!  I was told that you wished to remain anonymous & I respect that; however, I had to let you know how grateful I am for your incredibly generous gift!   The impact goes far beyond financial…it is just another confirmation that God does hear our prayers & He answers them in the most amazing ways!  Your gift is life-changing…for my future daughter & for our entire family.  I can’t thank you enough for being part of our adoption journey & our faith walk. 

Thank you for blessing our family!

Kim

As you all know, there are expenses to run an organization.  We are committed to operate Village to Village Intl. as lean as possible in order to bless more children worldwide, however, we cannot ignore our need for operating expenses.  Some of our on-going expenses are:  insurance, web hosting, web domain registration, email marketing, staff, marketing, etc.  Your year-end gift will allow us to continue to do what we are doing to help children all over the world as well as help us to maintain our 100% pledge.

You can give your year-end gift on our website by clicking here and choosing "One time admin gift" from the drop down menu during checkout.  You can also give by check.  If you are giving by check please make the check out to Village to Village Intl. and mail it to 317 East Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514.

From the board of directors here at Village to Village Intl. we would like to thank you all for loving children - Because they matter.  Together we are making a difference!