For Those Who Have Wondered How They Can Help

I have wonderful friends. I definitely feel blessed. After posting our news about orphan hosting, we've had some friends donate clothes, supplies and a bed. I even had someone unexpectedly order some cookies and push pops from me with a HUGE donation for these kids. We had a garage sale and raised a little money, but there is still so much that we need. These kids come to America with nothing. Almost every day, I purchase something ... just to help our household grow to 4 kids from 2 kids. We had to finish out the Jill portion of our Jack-n-Jill bathroom upstairs. We didn't even have a light fixture in there, much less towel racks, etc.

In addition to the "donation love" I've received... yesterday I received a text from a friend who said she wanted to go on an outing with me and the 4 kids. Does she have any idea what that means to me?? Whew! This is what the equation looks like:
Mom (who isn't a fan of Texas heat but loves to keep kids very active in the summer)
+
Oldest son (who has a brain that likes to confuse things, including directions, numbers and a whole bunch of what is being told to him)
+
Eastern European daughter (who speaks a language that I have yet to meet or know anyone in the area who could even come close to speaking it)
+
Eastern European son (who is young, doesn't know English - and from our extensive training will "most likely run off in crowds")
+
Youngest son (who is generally a helpful and exceptionally behaved child - but that was proven differently last Saturday)
=
YES! I'LL TAKE ALL THE HELP I CAN GET!
(and if anyone has a pool in his/her backyard and can have us over, you'd be our best friends. I mean it.)

For those who have asked how they can help, here's a list of items that we've been told we should have ready for these children:

• Girls socks
• Girls (gently worn) shoes, sizes 2-5
• Kids' slippers/house shoes - all children wear them in European orphanages
• Girl used clothes and shoes - approx. 10-12 year old sizes (have no clue until she gets here) or gift cards to buy clothes when she comes
• International calling cards
• Disposable cameras (so they can take their own photos)
• Photo album or scrapbook for photos they take here
• Boy digital watch - solid color preferred
• Girl digital watch - solid color preferred
• Sketching pad/paper, for the girl
• Notepad/markers, etc. for the boy
• Jewelry - nothing fancy - $5/$10
• Hair rubber bands, barrettes, etc.
• Legos
• Tickets for an event - amusement park, movies, pottery class, zoo, aquarium, etc.
• Texas gifts?
• Coupons for ice cream/shaved ice... something local?
• Eastern European dinner (for those daring to try a German/Russian/Ukrainian/Latvian/Swedish recipe for us, I'll take you up on it)

I think we're good on boys' clothing, although we'll definitely take any gently used shoes (sizes 1-4?)


GIFTS NOT ALLOWED

• Electronics, things that require batteries
• Name brand items (makes them a target with other orphans)

If you have an mp3 player you're not using (generic is fine) that you'd like to donate to the older girl for the summer, I was told the kids generally like that. They won't be able to take it back home, but they'll enjoy it while here.

In addition, I'd like as many people to come over this summer to meet these cuties.

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS! 
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Matthew 21:22