Where are we?

Where are we? Well, as of this coming Saturday we will have completed all the training required to foster-to-adopt. We are SO EXCITED!!! We are praying for the children the Lord has for us and look forward to meeting them. I'll let you all know once our kids are placed in our home :)! Thank you for all your prayers and please keep it up!

Living out His calling...

What a roller-coaster ride we have been on with the adoption process. All I can say is through it all God is GOOD! How patient he is with us as he teaches us how to live out his calling on our lives.

For those of you who may not know, Clay and I have once again made changes to the direction we are heading with adoption. We had the joyful pleasure of working as camp counselors at Royal Family Kids Camp this month. What a great experience to work with kids that have been abused and/or neglected and are currently in the foster care system. While we were at camp I felt like THIS IS WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO BE DOING! That is crazy coming from someone who was dead set against adopting children through the foster to adopt system. From the beginning of this adoption process, the foster system was one of the first things we explored. Clay was game and I WAS NOT. My heart was changed at camp and I am looking forward to seeing how things progress. While we were at camp I felt like the Lord impressed it upon my heart that having children was NOT about me but all about showing HIS glory to these children he entrusts us with. Even if its for one day or for a life time, your (my) job is to show the love of Christ to this/these children. Most of you know this, as I did, in my head but not in my heart, till now.

We are praying for just one child for now, the one the Lord has planned for us, preferable an infant, and for him/her to be with us prior to Christmas! Please join in prayer with us.

May we walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord!

My sister Julia came into town and we enjoyed a night out at an FCDallas Soccer game!  What FUN!!

Adoption update

So, what's the latest?  Well, we have now completed our home-study and it is currently being written up.  I'm sure it would have been done already but there were some changes requested.  Most importantly, we now have requested a sibling group of three, between the ages of five years old and twelve months old!  :)  How much fun will that be! Understanding this, we know our children are currently living in Peru.  Please be praying for the Lords protection over them, for their health, for the care that they are currently being given, also, be praying for their emotional state.  Pray for their little hearts to be open to hearing the Word of God!  That they would, at a young age, come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!

What's next?  Once the home-study is written up and completed it will be sent along with the I800A paperwork into immigration.  They say it can take up to 90 days to be processed.  Be praying for it to happen quickly and that we wouldn't have to wait the whole 90 days :).  

Thanks for remembering us in your prayer!  

Pearls of all kinds

I'm so excited to have added many new jewelry products onto my website.  Check it out and let me know what you think.  There are more to come.  www.ShiversChalet.com  

Adoption update

So it's been a while since I've posted!!!  For those of you who don't know...we are moving forward with adoption and are SUPER EXCITED!!!  Prior to the holiday's we completed infertility treatment and that wasn't what the Lord had planned for us.  So, we are taking the next step and adopting.  We are very pleased to have chosen Villa Hope as our agency.  Villa Hope is based out of Birmingham AL.  (Yes, I know, I can't stay away from B'ham).  Villa Hope works with Peru and that is where we have chosen to adopt from.  For those who are unaware, my Daddy is from Peru and Clay and I have a love for this country!  We also have picked Hope Cottage as our agency that is based out of Texas.  We have an appointment today, be praying all goes well and we can get our home study scheduled quickly.  Be praying for our babies!!!  Yes, we are asking for one to two :).  A sibling group would be great!  We'll see what the Lord has in store!

Argentina Vacation Trip

Clay and I had a wonderful time on vacation in Argentina.  We visited Gabriel and Sandra, sweet friends of ours.  During the trip we enjoyed steak and potatoes, Tango dancing and seeing an amazing water fall that is larger than the Niagara Falls called Cataratas del Iguazu, in English, the Iguazu Falls.  

Let me personalize your stuff...

Call me to set up a time to drop off your items for me to personalize. Prices vary depending on what you want done.

Shivers Chalet Embroidery Designs 972-955-9416

The Perfect Pair

Onesie and Bib Set

Get a 100% cotton Onesie that has a three snap leg closure with babies initials or name. Available colors: White, Kelly Green, Baby Blue, Chocolate, Pale Green, Red, Pink Berry, Pale Yellow, Black, Navy or Pink.

Plus

Get a 100% cotton Bib with rounded velcro closure to match with the babies name on it! Available colors: Baby Blue/White, Pale Green/Pale Yellow, White/White, Chocolate/Pink, Pale Yellow/White, Pale Green/White, Navy/Baby Blue, or Pink/White.

$22.00 for one set

Something for you...

Women tee's with the words, Faith, Truth, Beloved, Love or a special request that you would like on it. Tee's come in White, Pink, Black, Baby blue and Chocolate. Sizes are S, M, L, XL, keep in mind that these Bella tee's run a bit small. $25.00

A Great Wedding Gift ~

This is a great gift for a wedding or any occasion. They come in two styles and both come in four colors: White/White, White/Soft Green, White/Baby blue and White/Pink. Size is 12X16 boudoir pillow case. $60.00 monogramming included.

Shivers' Chalet Embroidery Designs~ Baby Blankets

Personalize it...

....Monogram it

Baby Blankets have been selling like hot cakes! They are great to give as a gift for the next baby you know that is being born. The blankets are baby bunny soft. They come in different colors and sizes. Mini size is $24.00, great for in the car & the regular size is $45.00. If you would like to place an order, or have any questions email me at nylsa@shiverschalet.com or call 972-955-9416.

Up For Some Coffee? Latte? Cappuccino?

Clay is getting better and better at his designs...The purchase of his massive machine was one of the best splurges we have done. He not only loves having a "drink" everyday, but even better he really enjoys making them for others. So, anytime you feel like a Latte or a Cappuccino, don't head to Star Bucks, give Clay a call :).

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Clay and I were blessed with being able to spend time in San Antonio visiting friends and family, before heading to Mississippi for Christmas. We spent three days with his family and enjoyed our fill of southern cookin'. :)! Thanks Gran!
For New Years, we spent a quiet evening with the Rothermel Family. Kimberly and Todd Rothermel are my dear friends that live in Doha, Qutar. They were in town for the holiday's. They have two sweet children, Ryan and Kiley. We spent the evening at Joyce's house. Joyce is Todd's mother who lives in Richardson. I'm always happy to spend time with my wonderful sister Kimberly.
Lastly, I wanted to give you an update about our family. Be praying for us as we are moving forward with the adoption process. We have a few things in the works and are watching to see the Lord move with adding to our family. We may end up with three before the year is up...:), we'll see what the Lord has in store for us. It is very exciting!!!!

Russia Mission Trip

CASMI
November 2007 Russia Mission Trip
Update
Hello Friends and Family,
I would like to take this time to thank you so much for the generous response to the letters I sent out. Many of you have sent wonderful words of encouragement, while others sent financial and collections support-- I sincerely thank you for that. There are twenty-one members on this team and we leave this Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 5pm we are planning to return on Sunday, November 11, 2007.

Here is an update of my support teams:

• Praise the Lord! All of my financial support came in for this November trip. I sincerely thank all of you who gave and all that prayed for the financial support. Any financial support that came in above what was needed will be used for the purchasing of more sewing machines and supplies to be given to the orphanages. So, if you forgot and still want to give, feel free to go to www.comeandsew.org to do so. Thank You!
• We also were able to meet all of the needs for fabric, medical supplies and all other needs that were asked for. Thank You!
• For my prayer team, on the following pages you will find my tentative schedule, my prayer requests and my flight information. Please keep in mind that it is 9 hours later there than here in the US . So, when you are going to bed at night, you can be praying for our following day—it will just be starting. Thank you so much prayer warriors, I truly need you!
  
  Tentative Schedule
  
  November 1-11, 2007
• Nov. 1 Thursday Arrive DFW @ 2PM Flight leaves DFW @ 5:20 pm Flight UA 8865
• Nov. 2 Friday Layover in Germany (aprx. 4.5 hours) - arrive in St. Petersburg 6:30 PM - Light dinner at hotel after we arrive
• Nov. 3 Saturday Pushkin and Catherine's Palace/lunch and Mission outreach to new location in Pushkin
• Nov. 4 Sunday Church with Neiamiah House and sewing workshop Neiamiah
• Nov. 5 Monday Baby house in AM - Visit pastor and church - Lunch @ Loopohinka and sewing workshop with kids
• Nov. 6 Tuesday Sewing workshop at Nekolske - lunch at orphanage
• Nov. 7 Wednesday Orphanage # 7 - workshop/odd jobs for them - sightseeing and open market shopping
• Nov. 8 Thursday Hermitage AM - St. Isaacs - Final tourist shopping - Fellowship @ Hotel evening (day to refresh)
• Nov. 9 Friday Prayer and planning for seminar - visit Nadya's new flat and CASMI flat - Split team: Harbor (small group) Rodnichock Street Center workshops
• Nov. 10 Saturday Masters' Seminar - 8 till 10 PM
• Nov. 11 Sunday Leave 4AM (or earlier?) for full day of travel home. Flight Departs @ 5:50 AM - Munich - Chicago - Dallas @ 5:14 PM Flight 1147 UA

Prayer List

• For safe travel for team. For on-time flights, no hassles making connections, that all luggage arrives with the team, no jetlag
• For protection over our health, especially with my digestive system problems and from any other illnesses
• For safety for those at home
• That I will be a glory to Him and a blessing to others
• That the team members will crucify SELF and not get in God's way! For the teams unity, grace and flexibility between members
• That He will make opportunities for me to speak to those He sends my way. That I would not look for contacts, but let Him send them to me
• That every person on the mission team will be forever changed, open for God's leading and directions daily
• For God to stretch each of us
• To be sensitive and compassionate, and a willingness to learn from the Russian culture
• To be willing workers for Christ - no matter what the task
• To be led by the Spirit, sensitive to hear His voice
• That I will keep my eyes on Christ and what He is doing
• That I would trust Him
• That I will not be discouraged
• That I will not have fear at night while trying to go to sleep, and for peace while sleeping
• That we will not get lice while at the orphanages
• That we would adjust to the change in weather
• For opportunities to minister and love on God's people
• That the Lord will be preparing the hearts of the orphans to hear and respond to the gospel
• For the Master’s seminar – pray for those that will hear gospel for first time and for those that know him already – for all to be touched by the Master’s hand!
• For workshops to go smooth. For it to be a blessing and encouragement to all.
  Pray for all of the translators, for grace to overcome the language barriers, for clear communication
• Pray for the travel agent, and bus driver and their personal schedules during the week they will be with the team.
  
  Flight information:
  
  UNITED AIRLINES 01NOV DALLAS TX FRANKFURT 520P 905A UA 8865 THURSDAY DALLAS FT WORT INTL 02NOV W ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A340 LH 0439 FLIGHT OPERATED BY LH LUFTHANSA RESERVATION CONFIRMED LUFTHANSA 02NOV FRANKFURT ST PETERSBURG 145P 630P LH 3218 FRIDAY INTL PULKOVO W ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A319 RESERVATION CONFIRMED LUFTHANSA 11NOV ST PETERSBURG MUNICH 550A 645A LH 3251 SUNDAY PULKOVO FRANZ J STRAUS W ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A319 RESERVATION CONFIRMED LUFTHANSA 11NOV MUNICH CHICAGO IL 905A 1205P LH 434 SUNDAY FRANZ J STRAUS O'HARE INTL W ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A340-600 RESERVATION CONFIRMED UNITED AIRLINES 11NOV CHICAGO IL DALLAS TX 245P 514P UA 1147 SUNDAY O'HARE INTL DALLAS FT WORT W ECONOMY AIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-500 RESERVATION CONFIRMED
  
  Thanks you for your support and willingness to join me on this mission trip!
  
  Love, Nylsa

Shivers Chalet Embroidery Designs, LLC

It's official, I have started a business!!! This is such an exciting time for us. It is an embroidery business, although don't let the picture fool you, I will be doing all kinds of embroidery designs. I just wanted you to have a peek at my first work. I also just landed my first business account. God is so good!!! He is the one that has opened so many doors for this to happen. All I am doing is walking and trusting in my Lord Jesus Christ for guidance and wisdom in this.

I'm in the process of having my graphic artist create my logo and print. While my dear sweet husband is creating my website, when he has free time (which is not often, but he will get it done:)) Once that is complete it will be much easier to order stuff from me. Also, it will give you a bigger picture of all that I will be doing. Until then, if you would like to order anything email me at nylsa@shiverschalet.com what you are wanting and I'll get back to you.

I bet you are wondering why we named it Shivers Chalet... for those who are not familiar with french, "Chalet" means cottage. Well, this business, God willing is just a small piece to a much larger puzzle. It is our hearts desire to, some time in the future, have a bed and breakfast. The intention is that this business will allow us the funds to put towards that dream. The B&B will be much more that just a B&B. Both Clay and I have a love for missionaries. We would like this to also be a place where missionaries can stay while transitioning in or out of the mission field. We will see what the Lord does to make this dream come true. Until then, I will be pleased to have your business.

The University of Texas at Dallas

Well, I got the letter...they have accepted me to be a student at UTD! Are they crazy? Hee hee! God willing, I will be starting at UTD in January. :) I'm pretty excited! By then, I will only have two years left and I'll have that "valued" piece of paper they call a Undergraduate degree. Yippee, I will be able to check the box!!! Don't misunderstand me, I do value the knowledge that I am gaining by going through this wonderful process.
Here is to many future nights studying!!!
Cheers

Want to see pictures...

Click on the "Nylsa's Picasa Pic's" link to view our collection of photos.

Our new table is here!

Well, our new table came in this week!!! Yea, finally. Okay this is a picture of the the table without the two leaves (?) in place. With them, it will seat many for a great Thanksgiving feast. So start your planning to join us this coming November!

San Antonio-io

Well we just made it back from a quick visit in San Antonio...my home town :)!!! Oh so beautiful!!! That is all I can say about the Texas Hill Country. Clay & I met up with the Farr family on Saturday and went to the First Annual Hot Chili & Salsa Festival at the Wildseed Farm in Stonewall. It was so nice. Later, Clay & I went to Fredericksburg to the one and only Rustlin' Rob's where YES, more SALSA... Clay was enjoying himself for sure :). For those of you who know me, know that I really don't do hot stuff. Although, I enjoyed my fill of Rustlin' Rob's sweet stuff.
It was so nice to be able to visit with family and a few friends. We are hoping to get back to town more often so we can see all of our wonderful dear friends. Until then, know I think of you all often.
Thanks to Julia's hostel for another wonderful stay :)!!!