Lighthouse Project Testimonials

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This page contains testimonials of parents who have had successful adoptions or memorable experiences through our program - Come Here Often!

Stefanee, from Minnesota (November 2010):

My family asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day. My reply? A donation toward my next trip with Lighthouse, whether it's $10 toward a plane ticket, or a tube of kids toothpaste to offer the children I'll meet in Russia. Last fall, I was determined to travel with Lighthouse. Money was tight, as we were in the process of moving cross-country and for that time were burdened with two mortgages. But a few extra jobs and a yard sale later, my goal was in sight. By the time I returned home, I realized that I had benefited as much as the kids I had met.

My life looked so much different to me now; I had always been appreciative of my family, but I had a heightened awareness of just how abundant were the blessings in my life. This has spread to my three young children, too. We talk about the Lighthouse kids by name; we hope and pray for them together. They understand that some children face the world alone, and they have a better understanding of the importance of family. When I look back on "wish lists" of years gone by and wonder how many hundreds of dollars were spent on things like perfume, yet another pair of shoes, and so on, I realize that not one of those things made a bit of difference in my life.

But my trip with Lighthouse was a gift - to a group of precious, beautiful children - and to myself. It wasn't a gift that ended up in a yard sale months later or was forgotten completely, but an irreplaceable one that will remain in my memory as one of the most fulfilling and meaningful weeks in my life.

Barrie, from Iowa (August and November 2010):

Without a doubt, the Moscow Lighthouse Project trip, apart from Jesus, my wife and children, has had the greatest impact in my life, and I‘vehad a few impacts. Jesus stated, “It is far better to give than to receive,” and this is exactly what I experienced. Sponsoring a child to spend some time with adults traipsing all over Moscow, sightseeing and hitting all of the tourist attractions, in a variety of weatherconditions is uplifting, encouraging, heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking. On my first visit to Russia, we made the decision to adopt the child we had sponsored for this trip. I thought this would be a no-brainer for the child, but in retrospect, what a courageousdecision she made when she agreed. What goes through a child‘s mind when she is asked to give up all she has ever known, including her mother tongue, for the unknown? Now, that is courage. What we are doing is not anywhere near as courageous.

One of the memorable parts of our trip is when we got to share the gifts we took over for the children. The joy they showed is worth all our effort and expense of getting to Moscow. When we told our friends and family we were going to Moscow to visit with some children for a week,they asked how might they help. We told them small gifts and new clothing are always welcome, and that‘s what they did. I firmly believe that one should never deny anyone the opportunity of doing something good for someone, so our trip to Russia allowed others to participatewho are not in the position that we are blessed to be in.

I could go on for a long time, but suffice it to say, if you embark upon one of the Reverse Lighthouse Project trips, your life will never be the same. And believe me, that‘s a good thing. You will never look at the plight of orphans in the same way again. I would encourage you to sponsor a child, take the trip, and prepare to have your heart broken.

Lori, from Michigan (March 2010 and March 2011):

The words "life changing" come to mind when thinking about the Moscow Lighthouse trip; however, the words “lives changed” may be more accurate! The lives of 15 children forever changed because someone traveled 9,000 miles and spent time with them. Just by playing games, walking, laughing, holding hands, and sharing a smile, you have made an orphaned child feel important and loved. It really is that simple. A child who arrived in Moscow just one week earlier with sad and empty eyes climbed aboard the return train with a glimmer of hope and wonder in her eyes. Not only was the life of a child changed during the week but my life was forever changed, too! So is it worth the time and money it will take to travel to Moscow? YES!

General Testimonials from Others:

Thank you for the most amazing week !!!! (March 2011)

I knew I had to go on this trip - and it FAR exceeded any of my expectations! (November 2010)

Going on the August trip was the most life changing trip I have been on. I had a certain impression of what Moscow and the children would be like. They taught me so much. (August 2010)

Thank you, Becky, very much for the trip. This is going to change my life! (March 2011)