June 2008



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2008

Mission statement: We pray that Robin's Nest will provide a nurturing, loving, safe, Christ-centered atmosphere in which all children will grow at their own speed --physically, mentally, and spiritually -- so they may develop their own
individual gifts, talents and abilities and become the person who God intended.

FEEL FREE TO USE OUR Gifting Form WHEN GIVING!

A Message from Michelle:

ROBIN'S NEST COOKBOOKS ARE DONE!

CLICK FOR ORDER FORM

Dear friends of Robin's Nest,

I have enjoyed my time in the states, (although it was much too cool for me), and being with my family and friends. It was an honor to speak at a different church each Sunday and see some supporters along the way and be able to thank them in person. If I didn't see you, please know that you are appreciated. Your prayers are so important to the ongoing work of Robin's Nest and the financial support helps us to keep going ahead. The first part of the boys' dorm, "Jake's House" is done. There are 4 rooms, kitchen, bath and 2 bedrooms. We are so grateful for those of you who have given and who helped send the container down full of items to help. There is still an opportunity to have your gift for this project matched and lots of building left to do as more boys have come to the Nest while I was here. We invite you to contact our trip coordinator, Kim Ellenbecker, if you would like to get away from the cool weather and come enjoy our warm weather in Jamaica and serve at the Nest. Information is available on this website on the "Opportunities" page. Please read of other ways you can help as well. I invite you to read Stina's trip report below as it sums up what has been happening at the Nest recently.

May God bless each of you for your concern for the children of Jamaica.

Michelle

I just wanted to thank all those who invited me to your churches or other meetings. I was overwhelmed with the creative ways you all go about fund raisers to further the Lord's work with children in Jamaica.

One shadow on my time appeared when I was called to be notified of Shantara's graduation to Heaven. In my grief, I also am elated that she is now happy, healthy, whole and running with Jesus. We would covet your prayers during this time. Especially for Daphne who was her nest mom. Also for all the decisions I must make once I arrive and we plan for her service.

Pray for the children who will have to process this. All losses are traumatic, especially to children who have lost everything already. We will emphasize our rejoicing.

For teams coming, please do now dwell on those questions in front of the children. I will talk with all of you during devotions. She had the flu and went peacefully in her sleep. Thanks again for all you do to be Gods hands extended, reaching out to the oppressed.

Blessings, Michelle.

Here is a tribute written about Shantara from a team member who visited the Nest two years ago.

"As soon as I reached the nursery at Robin's Nest, I found myself drawn to Shantara, a two-year-old girl who had suffered a serious case of jaundice and a high fever when she was born.

    Shantara lay on a floor mat. Her spindly legs – half the width of my wrist – were too thin to support her body. Her neck turned sharply to the right. She was one of the 30 orphans at Robin’s Nest on Salter’s Hill in John's Hall, Jamaica. The orphanage had babies as young as two days old, toddlers and children as old as 13. Most had physical and/or mental disabilities.

    I quickly saw the potential in this sweet child when her eyes followed a staff member walking across the room. I took Shantara’s head and gently moved it center from its twisted perch. As I quietly spoke to her, she began to focus. I knew in my heart that with one-on-one attention, Shantara had the potential to learn a great deal.

    I pushed her in a swing, used her feet to move noisy gadgets on a baby activity center, gave her toys to clutch and talked to her."

Our Tribute to Shantara (C & J Larson)

You were someone special right from the start

Your reached out to us and captured our heart.

We couldn't help but fall in love that day not long ago

You were a gift from heaven above, and we often told you so.

Though your body was weak, some parts just wouldn't work

But your determination to try hard was a real perk.

You reached out to others with your bright eyes and big smile

And heaven has been gladdened, as you explore mile after mile.

You left this earth, we didn't expect it at all

But God's plan was not our plan, that day you answered His call.

You have seen Jesus face to face and you now live in that heavenly place

A place prepared by God Himself, for His chosen and no one else.

Our lives were enriched down through the years, we say goodbye with many tears

We'll see you soon only God knows when, there will only be smiles when we're reunited again.

Shantara, you are loved by many. Thank you for just being you!!

TRIP REPORT by Stina

I was blessed to spend five months at Robin's Nest Children’s Home this past winter. It was a tremendous learning and growing experience. It was so hard to hear how the children had suffered due to the mistakes or bad choices of the adults in their lives, but I’m thankful for the privilege to have been a part of the daily life at the Nest. This was my first visit back since the pod system was put in place. It is so great! The pod parents keep their children in small groups and separate from other pods for meals and playtime which results in the kids being more at ease and happier. I observed how they thrived by simply having their own parent figure within the house to go to for permission and help. The children light up when they are in their pods and talk amongst themselves about their pod moms/dads. It gave me a good perspective on what is best for them as opposed to what my previous ideas were.

THIS IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF my trip, which I’d like to share.

Two baby boys were delivered to the Nest on Christmas Eve. One of them, Matthew, was premature and at two weeks old, was smaller than the five-day-old. His health worsened and he was finally hospitalized. He was in and out of the hospital for several digestive problems and was so near death while awaiting surgery that Michelle told me to "prepare myself because he probably wouldn’t make it." I went first thing the next morning and walked right past his crib as I didn't even recognize him. He looked like a white person and I had to get my face right down by his in order to recognize him. We knew it would be a miracle if he made it. Michelle asked if I would take care of him and fight for him, and she made sure I got some rest during those times so that I could be strong for him. I am so grateful that the Lord chose to use me in Matthew’s life. I spent long hours – sometimes up to five hours without a chair -- standing by his hospital bed with him wrapped up in my sweatshirt.. My emotions ranged from anger to sadness to love and compassion. As much as I hated seeing him suffer and as much as it hurt, I feel so blessed to have been able to go through the struggle with him. I don't know how else to put it into words.

Robin’s Nest is headed in a great direction and God is faithful to continue what He started. From the new boy's dorm (Jake’s House), to the arrival of the container, the ongoing projects with water and electricity, to children coming and going, I am very glad I was able to share a part in it all for those five months..

SPONSOR A CHILD FROM THE "NEST"

In 2006, we began a new program, “Sponsor a child.” We are so grateful to the many of you who have faithfully given to this program which helps us to provide board and room for our children. For only 50 cents a day or $15 a month, you can help the children of Robin’s Nest. If you desire to be a part of this program or want more information, please fill in the area concerning it on the gift form (click here for the gifting form). You are free to choose any of the children listed on the Children's Page. We are so grateful to have Cindy Anderson now handling the sponsor a child program, so please contact her at canderson12@marykay.com.

Please note: We would like to do this program primarily by e-mail and automatic deduction. However, if you are unable to do this, please do not hesitate to sign up.

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Last modified: 11/25/08