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Robin's Nest Children's Home |
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Fall 2007 Newsletter
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A Message
from Michelle: |
Container
to Robin's Nest in late November |
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(November note/change in introduction:
Dear
friends,
I
am just finishing up my time in the states and return to
Jamaica
November 13. As always, it has been a joy to get to see
some of our supporters and always wish there was an
easier way to see all of you and thank you in person.
At this Thanksgiving time, how I praise God for each of
you and your prayerful support. Without your prayers,
our children at the “Nest” would be just another orphan
but now we are able to share the love of Jesus with them
and give them some hope.
Original note from Michelle:
Dear
friends,
I am here in the states for one month and hope
to be able to see some of you while there. I still have
some open dates on my schedule (see below), so please
get in touch with Paula Merkouris,
salem@alliancecom.net, or Marian Edelen,
cmedelen@earthlink.net,
if you’d like me to speak to your church, organization,
or small group. If you are near where I am speaking, I
hope that you will come and join me in support or pray
for me as I speak in various places. All speaking
engagements are open to the public.
Our next big project is shipping a container of items
down here. We need all of you to be our prayer warriors
concerning this. It has to first get safely from the
Cities to Miami to the docks and then safely to Jamaica
and arrive without being broken into, stolen from, etc.
Please check out the “opportunities
page” for a list of items that we need
and how to get them to us.
We are also in need of a good
used church or school bell to ring daily.
There was an old bell tower on our property for the old
church next to us and we would like to restore it. This
will help call the children to school and the community
to any events and a reminder of church on Sunday. If
you know of a church that has one, please contact Brian
Brynell on the opportunities page.
With winter ahead, we hope that some of you will want to
come to sunny Jamaica for a great vacation with our
kids. We are always looking for people of varying
talents to come down and help us. We were so blessed
this summer to have several teams come down and help us
with various things here and in the community. It is
amazing how much can be done in one week with “many
hands” committed to doing Christ’s calling. The teams
that come are truly servants and we so appreciate their
giving of themselves.
We
now have another new girl, Jodi, who is also older and
needs your prayers. She is not use to structure so pray
for the staff as they deal with her as well.
Most recently, we have 2 more new ones, a girl age 12,
Latidria, and baby boy Neyo, about 1 month.
Check out the “Children’s
Page” for updates on all the children and some
pictures of different children from the Nest. We are
always in need of more sponsors for our children and new
sponsors for these new children. Please look under the
“Opportunities Page”
for the “Sponsor a Child” program.
As
you enjoy harvest in the states, we also continue to
plant and pray for a good harvest of fresh vegetables.
Please remember us in your prayers each day. That is
the greatest gift you can give us. The staff and I want
to continue to keep Robin’s Nest focused on Jesus Christ
and the children and bring Him glory in all that we do
here. We trust that your harvest time is one of praise
to our Lord and Savior.
God bless each of you, Michelle Robinette
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We will be shipping
a container of items to the Nest early November. We
appreciate any help we can get in filling this. The
list below will be updated often on the website so
please check back with Brian before purchasing, especially the larger
items. The container is sitting in White Bear
Lake, MN at Brian Brynell's place, our shipping
director. If you have anything for it, please
call Brian on his cell, 651-274-0244 ONLY after 7 p.m.
or on the weekend. You can also email or call
Marian Edelen,
cmedelen@earthlink.net, 763-862,7252, and she will
contact Brian. Thank you so much for any and all help.
LARGER ITEMS NEEDED:
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New front
loading heavy duty commercial washing machine
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Industrial,
commercial stove with 6 burners or 4 burners and a
grill
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Quality play set
for the area by the school
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New electric
stove
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2 large
(24"X18"X5') steel storage cabinets (rodent/bug
proof) for storing food
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2 industrial
children's wagons w/ air tires
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Portable lumber
mill
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Shop smith
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6 x 8 tilt bed
heavy duty trailer for hauling
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Good weather
resistant padlocks with keys
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Lockable key
cabinet similar to those at auto dealerships
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Jig saw blades
(assorted)
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300 watt or
larger work lights
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Craftsman slip
joint pliers
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a
church/school bell
(see Michelle's letter on home page)
As
always, we need diapers, pediasure, baby wipes, baby
shampoo, lotion, powder, kids' toothpaste, bandaids,
exam gloves (prefer vinyl), cotton balls, vitamin a&d
ointment, cough and cold relief, powdered pedialite and
gatorade, similac and baby formula, single snacks that
are low in sugar (like granola), peanut butter and a
blood pressure cuff for children.
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Team
Report |
Michelle's
Fall Speaking Arrangements |
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My team of 57 from Bethel Free Church in Fargo, ND teamed
with World Servants and spent
an unbelievable eight days
Serving God.
A
group of teens and a few of their parents and me had the
opportunity of a life time to go
to Jamaica. I went there
not really knowing exactly what I was getting into. There
would be
extreme heat/humidity, no electricity, bugs,
outdoor toilets and a large group of people that I
didn’t
really know but, I had this feeling that this is where God
wanted me to be.
We went to Salter’s Hill a little community in Jamaica. Our
purpose was to serve God by
assisting at the Robin’s Nest
Orphanage. We met Miss Michelle (the person who packed up
everything and moved to Jamaica to serve God by saving the
children). We worked hard
making cement the old fashioned
way. Forming bucket lines passing buckets to make the
supports for the new boys’ dorm.
We also had time to love on the children and I think the big
hugs and bright smiles they
gave us did more for our hearts
then theirs. The team we went with was unbelievable.
Teenagers and adults and not one complaint (thanks for all
the prayers). God was shining
through the work and the love
of our team. It was like one big happy family and we all
were
dreading getting back to the real world.
Seeing how unselfish and loving the people at the Nest are
really opened my eyes and heart.
I want to make God shine.
I thank God for this experience and Miss Michelle for
letting us come
to her little heaven on earth.
All
for Him – Barb, a team member (some of the children pictured
here)
  
  
  
  
  
  
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ARRIVES TUESDAY OCTOBER 16
Sunday, October 21
Messiah Lutheran, 2848 Co Rd. H2, Mounds View, Mn.
55304,
7:30, 8:30 & 11:00 services and 8:30 a.m. Bible Class.
Contact person - Marian Edelen, 763-862-7252,
cmedelen@earthlink.net.
Wednesday, October 24
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 9201 Normandale
Blvd., Bloomington, MN 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Marijo Ose,
marijo.ose@comcast.net
Sunday, November 4, morning, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. and
evening presentation at 7:00 p.m.
Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 3rd Avenue SW, Rochester, MN
Contact: Lisa Kipp, Director of Youth Ministry,
507-288-2649 or
lisakipp@zumbrolutheran.org
Monday, November 5 7:00 p.m.
Informal gathering with Michelle at Beaver Valley
Lutheran, 26214 484th Ave, Valley Springs, SD. Michelle
will share through pictures and words an update on the
children at the "Nest." All are welcome to come for a
short time of coffee and inspiration. Please contact
Paula at 605-582-7019 with questions. Beaver Valley is
located 2 miles east of Brandon, SD, on way to Valley
Springs, just 4 miles from Minnesota border.
Tuesday morning, November 6, 10:00 a.m.
Chapel at University of Sioux Falls
Contact: Paula Merkouris,
salem@alliancecom.net, 605-582-7019
Tuesday evening, November 6
Board meeting at Lake Elmo,
MN
Thursday, November 8
Riverview Baptist Ladies Day Out;
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
14 E. Moreland, W. St. Paul
Contact: Marj Lang, 651-457-0234,
haroldlang@juno.com
Thursday, November 8
12:30 Lunch Fandrei's,
Contact person Marian Edelen
cmedelen@earthlink.net
Friday, November 9 & Saturday, November 10; 9:00 – 4:00
Trash & Treasure Sale at
Hope Lutheran Church
5729 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN;
(612) 827-2655
Contact: Mary Peterson;
marybbpeterson@hotmail.com
(can also contact Mary if you have donations)
November
10:
Final
container packing 9-12
November 10:
Jamaican Splash Dinner, Radisson Plaza Hotel,
Minneapolis.
Contact person
Marian Edelen
cmedelen@earthlink.net
Sunday, November 11,
9:30 a.m. Church Service,
10:45-11:30
Presentation at Hope Lutheran Church, 5729 Cedar Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN.
Contact: Mary Peterson,
marybbperterson@hotmail
Sunday, Nov.
11, 7:00 P.M.
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd.
6, Plymouth, MN
Contact person: Jeremy Lahaie 612-220-3932 (cell) or
email him at
jlahaie@spdlc.org
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Trip
Cut Short by Hurricane |
Robins nest was amazing. There
are so many things that I learned from volunteering
there even though our time was cut short by Hurricane
Dean. I was in the group of 22 that evacuated for the
hurricane. I can’t even find the words to describe my
experience; it was beyond everything I could have ever
expected. It was so crazy- yet so calm, so loving- even
after cruelty and pain, so amazing and beautiful- yet
there was poverty all around. Doing chores like laundry,
cleaning grates, and pouring concrete didn't feel like
work, because we were doing it for God.
Michelle came down to our retreat center a few times
and told us stories about the children, how they came to
her and their progress etc. I felt so moved by
everything she said. If I wasn't just a teenager, I
would have tried to start another orphanage with the
same values right then and there. Hopefully I will have
the opportunity to do that when I am older. I sincerely
believe that when you go to Robin’s Nest you gain so
much more than you give. Hopefully, we will find a way
to pay Michelle and the kids back. The whole experience
was so intensely amazing there really isn't a way to
describe it, you either have experienced it or you
haven't.
This is
taken from Leah’s email home once they had been
evacuated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Thanks so much
for sharing, Leah.
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ATTENTION TEAMS
INTERESTED IN SERVING |
Please follow this procedure when inquiring about
serving at the Nest:
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Contact Kris Killian @
k.killian@att.net
She will forward a trip packet to you for your
response.
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Kris will inform Kim Ellenbecker, US Trip Director,
of your interest, and Kim will contact you to
discuss if your dates of interest are open on the
team calendar.
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As described in the trip packet, a “per person”
deposit is necessary to hold your space on the team
calendar; team calendar dates are first come first
serve, so getting deposits in ASAP is necessary to
guarantee your team’s service dates. All
deposits and final payments should be mailed to
Kim's address in Stillwater as specified in the trip
packet.
-
Confirm/book airfare and/or lodging with Kim or
through alternative means.
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Children at the "Nest" |
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First Name |
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Short
Description |
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Isha |
F |
Bright
lady-like soft-spoken nice girl. Does well
in school with all teacher reports
favorable. |
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Shana Kay |
F |
Really matured
since first of 2007. Extremely helpful
beyond her age with chores & others. |
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Peter |
M |
Not sure what
we'll do for his school in the Fall.
Struggles with lisp, not with smile. |
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Gabriel |
M |
Continues to be
disconnected. A lovely girl with beautiful
voice and smile to match. |
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Ion |
M |
His smile is
exciting and delightful. Continues to
progress with CP, excited when anyone
talks/touches him. |
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Evion |
F |
Bright girl,
good reader. Still goes through days of
depression after calls from her Dad or Mom.
Strong athletic skills. |
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Timar |
M |
Pray for
adoption to be final soon. |
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Shaquille |
M |
Vacillates
between stress and peace. Bedtime is still
traumatic. Growing taller daily. |
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Ian |
M |
Progress is
slow, functioning at two years old (very
good). Able to communicate more. |
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Stacy Ann |
F |
Pray for her
foster care and adoption by a staff member.
They are great together. |
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Dean |
M |
Continue to
pray for Dean's adoption. It would be such
a blessing for all. |
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Shantara |
F |
Has started to
walk a few steps with help. Working to
modify a walker for her. |
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Shanice |
F |
She's become
delightful. Nice girl and does well in
group or single situations. |
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Avalee |
F |
Loving and
open. Loves to held. Getting taller every
day. Loves school. Still needs 200%
supervision. |
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Noah |
M |
Scoots all over
the house, despite Spina-bifida &
hydrocephalic condition. Bright shiny
beacon. |
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Martika (Joy) |
F |
Sharp as a tack
and has to be just as carefully handled. |
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Tamara |
F |
Working out her
2-year old personality, to the dismay of us
all. Success will be imminent. |
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Akiem |
M |
He should be
the next hush-puppy commercial with his
round brown eyes and smile. |
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Shanna Kay |
F |
She is one of
the funniest kids we have. Loves to be with
people. |
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Usian |
M |
If he gains any
more weight we'll need a hoist to lift him.
Will be a football player. |
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Zoe |
F |
Don't be taken
in by her sweet winning grin. She's waiting
to do just what she wants. |
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Senika |
F |
Still charming
but extremely strong willed. Cute as a bug
and fair skinned. |
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Enoch |
M |
One of the gang
now. No one would know he came to us
malnourished. Awaiting an adoption. |
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Yvonne |
F |
A mild,
sensitive baby. Does not care for noise or
commotion. Needs to be treated gently. |
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Shammoy |
F |
Crawling and
rocking. Pleasant baby content most of the
time, unless he is hungry. |
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Grant |
M |
Hops like a
frog, lurching forward as he learns to
crawl. Very cute and a nice baby. |
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Jodi-Ann |
F |
Not use to
rules or routine, please pray for staff to
cope with the inappropriateness. |
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Neyo |
M |
A nice little
baby boy, growing steadily, new to the nest
this fall |
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Latridia |
F |
New young lady
at the Nest, small girl, behind emotionally,
needs your prayers |
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Would you like to make a
donation to Robin's Nest?
All money is wired
directly to Jamaica. Please send to:
Robin's Nest U.S. Office; P. O. #122; Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(Robin's Nest is
a 501(c)(3) organization,
and all gifts are tax deductible to the
full extent allowed by law.)
For more information on
Robin's Nest,
you may or email:
k.killian@att.net
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Visit the
Children's
Page
to see photos of
the beautiful children |
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