tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18572651427518025572024-02-21T15:51:47.536-08:00The Sol TrainESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-77717411485327938472013-01-07T07:28:00.001-08:002013-01-07T07:28:27.622-08:00Wonder<br />
I recently read the book <i>Wonder</i>, by R.J. Palacio. <i>Wonder</i> is one of those youth fiction books that is geared for youth, but is equally enriching for adults. I"ll admit I was a little afraid to read this book as it deals with one of my soft spots- how children with disabilities are treated by society. But while there were certainly parts that were tough for me to read, the overall tone of this book is triumphant! I think this book would make a great read aloud to your pre-teen children as it provides much discussion about important life lessons such as how we treat people who look different from us, the importance of how we choose our friends and how to overcome our fears. <br />
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One theme throughout the book is kindness. I love this quote from J.M. Barrie that is used in the book:<br />
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"Shall we make a new rule of life...always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?". </div>
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Practicing kindness, kindness goes just a bit further than is necessary, is a wonderful way to live- and could truly change this cruel world.</div>
ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-80296988421153214242012-12-28T12:57:00.002-08:002012-12-28T12:57:35.767-08:00The Face of GodThe starkly contrasting events that happened in my life in the days before Christmas have left me a bit breathless.<br />
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Just a few days before Christmas, the 2- year old daughter of one of my sorority sisters passed away unexpectedly. This sweet mama lived across the hall from me for a few years and was roommates with a beautiful friend of mine who lost her 2- year old son a few years earlier. I am deeply sad for my friend and trying to shake off the fear about my own son's worsening heart condition. <br />
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On December 23rd, the young teen who I have been home schooling this fall gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who she lovingly placed for adoption. To think of the joy of these waiting, adoptive parents at Christmastime! To sit beside this young mother, as she heard the cries of other newborn babies, and held her own for a few days, before handing him other to another to raise has changed me. <br />
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I have been reminded of how short and precious this life is. How foolish we are to grip it too tightly. I want to spend my life and my love every minute I can while I am here on this earth. With the words from Les Miserables reverberating in my heart and soul, I know this: "To love another person is to see the face of God".ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-31342845340545817712012-10-22T19:55:00.003-07:002012-10-22T19:55:52.057-07:00Arnaud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This little sweetie is Arnaud, born on February 9, 2009. He was abandoned when he was about 7 months old. At that time, he was placed in an orphanage, and he is now available for adoption.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Since arriving at the orphanage, Arnaud has been diagnosed with Sickle Cell anemia (SS type). He is receiving treatment, but he does have a serious strain of this disease. Otherwise, he is in good health. He is pleasant, agreeable and loves to play with the other children in the orphanage. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">His adoption would be facilitated by Adoption Advocates International, Burkina Faso program. Burkina Faso generally requires a small family size. If you have room in your heart and home for this little one, I'd be happy to help you get more information.</span></div>
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ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-84288752347112043792012-10-22T12:01:00.001-07:002012-10-22T12:01:24.884-07:00These Girls are Going to Change the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr5nohgYAFtAQcTg3CARFci1Sm2pF8juSQrkSiZiqfQDUwObo36NcLV8HJFgjQ8fb3qLx0f-kx23LUQJ5SMgOnvDaCWW3ODzDbJ0hF-JneW-Bm0cHctnjuCdm9UXyOBu8oVg3JsRzkTVe/s1600/map+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr5nohgYAFtAQcTg3CARFci1Sm2pF8juSQrkSiZiqfQDUwObo36NcLV8HJFgjQ8fb3qLx0f-kx23LUQJ5SMgOnvDaCWW3ODzDbJ0hF-JneW-Bm0cHctnjuCdm9UXyOBu8oVg3JsRzkTVe/s320/map+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this picture!</div>
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Last weekend we reunited with friends who we met when they had only been in America for a few days. </div>
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Each girl is pointing to her home country- Ethiopia, Burundi, and Burkina Faso.</div>
ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-86200362310838433142012-10-17T20:45:00.001-07:002012-10-17T20:45:38.408-07:00SentI never wanted to home school. But God laid it on my heart that this would be the best educational and emotional choice for one of my children.<br />
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After much sighing, praying it away, and a few tears, I submitted. <br />
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And God ran with it.<br />
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Today I find myself not only home schooling one of my daughters, but also a pregnant 15 year old. She came to me via the Safe Families program. <br />
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And it is hard. And it is good. And I have little time to blog anymore, but more time to <i>marvel at God</i> and how He works and how He invites us to join Him in his plan. <br />
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And sometimes I think, why am I doing all of this? Does it even matter? Is it worth the cost? And then I get a text. A text from the mother of our heart baby we took care of last fall and winter. Many texts and pictures with an update and that little pumpkin is thriving! And my heart is full. So happy to have played a part. To be a small part of an absolute miracle! <br />
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And I stand in awe of the One who sent me on that mission. And continues to send <i>ME</i>, scared and weary me,to do his work. To be his hands and feet. And I am grateful. And I am honored. And I am changed.<br />
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I am not amazing, I am SENT.ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-49791316576637186452012-09-14T12:04:00.001-07:002012-09-14T12:04:56.176-07:00My Book ReportToday, Therese and I finished reading a biography of George Washington Carver. I'm sure I had read his story as a child, but as with many things in life, as an adult I now have a much deeper appreciation for this extraordinary man and his contribution to the world.<br />
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George Washington Carver changed the world as he taught poor black farmers how to grow better crops, and made it possible for many young black people to be educated at time that wasn't possible. He added beauty to the world through his art and his kindness to plants and people.<br />
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One thing that just struck me about his story, was it's traumatic beginning. Infant George and his mother, Mary, were captured by slave hunters. Their owners tried to everything they could to find Mary because they loved her and desired to set her free. She was not found, but baby George was! The Carver family raised George as their own son. George moved throughout his life in pursuit of his education, and along the way kept finding other families who loved him and nurtured him along his path to greatness.<br />
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Today, throughout Africa, many children are abandoned, left to die in a field because of the circumstances of their birth. Few of these children will be found, and placed in orphanages. Most will die alone. <br />
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What if the Carver's hadn't persisted to find Mary and her baby? What if they had decided it was too inconvenient? What if they didn't spend the money to pay the rider? <br />
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There are George Washington Carvers dying out there in the bush. There are George Washington Carvers languishing in orphanages around the world. They are in a America, stuck in a system that cripples them for life. <br />
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We need to go. We need to run after them. ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-29578975781906545832012-09-14T08:54:00.000-07:002012-09-14T08:54:31.864-07:00Little Ones Needing a FamilyToday I want to share with you the photos of two sweeties who live in an orphanage in Burkina Faso. Two little ones who will break your heart with their vulnerability. They severely lack the medical attention they need. They lack mothers to hold them and rub lotion on their fragile bodies and sing them to sleep. <br />
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But this does not need to be!<br />
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To think what these children can become if adopted into a home! The difference it would make to have a sister or a brother to show them how to be a regular kid! How physical therapy could bring this child mobility! A mother's prayers, a father's protection, and a community's care could bring these children in to the light!<br />
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If you are interested in bringing one of these little ones into your home, or would like to sponsor the child's care, I'd love to help you do so. Consider sharing this post on facebook so the word can get out.<br />
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Sweet Christina</div>
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born in January 2012</div>
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Darling Karim</div>
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born in August 2012</div>
ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-46130025494603451262012-08-31T09:51:00.000-07:002012-08-31T09:51:36.295-07:00Yum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Making Burmassa! </div>
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Today Therese made a Burkinabe dish. It's basically fried bread dough. You can make a bunch of variations on this dish such as adding a filling of onions in the middle, or making it sweet by adding sugar. </div>
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I was a little nervous about how this might turn out since we of course don't have a recipe, but Therese LOVED it, so I guess we guessed right! African style all the way. </div>
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With this post, I have to give a plug for older child adoption! While their are challenges to be sure with raising the older adopted child, there are incredible moments that can be shared because they can share their life experience with you. </div>
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Bon Appetit!</div>
<br />ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-44347701968865148022012-08-27T12:04:00.003-07:002012-08-27T12:04:47.133-07:00Surprising Myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have never, never wanted to home school.<br />
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I like my public school. I like my personal time. I like my sanity.<br />
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But God.<br />
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Last spring, I started to feel that the best option for Therese might just be home school. She was about to enter middle school, but was academically way behind her classmates (understandably). She also displayed a love of learning and work ethic that was way above those students she was being grouped with academically. I began to see how I could keep her home and get her caught up. I began to see how this would provide us with the time we need to grow as mother and daughter. <br />
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I started researching my options and boy was I overwhelmed! I didn't even want to tell anybody I was thinking about doing this, because I was afraid of the deluge of information that would befall me. After wading through the sea of options, I found a fit! And I began to get a little excited. Some of my fear was melting away. We'd concentrate on reading and math and the rest would be icing on the cake. She also has the opportunity to take a class at the middle school and play on the school soccer team. Truly the best of both worlds.<br />
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Today, we are eight school days into this experience. And you know what? It's going great. I have never seen a happier Therese. She is thriving because all her work is at her academic level. She is soaking in all the one-on-one time. She has space to try new things, ask the questions she never could, and has the time to heal from her past and soak in my love. <br />
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As for me, God is faithful. I don't hate it! Yes, I could do with a few more hours of alone time. But this just feels so right. There is so much relief and pleasure in obedience. I am so grateful that God showed me the most excellent way for my daughter, and that He provides the strength for me to walk in it.ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-63162247929414557222012-08-24T09:41:00.002-07:002012-08-24T11:56:18.536-07:00MarginI skipped one of my kid's curriculum nights.<br />
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I didn't sign-up to receive text messages about my child's homework assignments. <br />
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I said no to yet another Safe Family placement.<br />
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I didn't sign anyone up for AWANA.<br />
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No more "extra" physical therapy for my boy.<br />
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What the heck is going on with me?<br />
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Focus.<br />
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Room to breathe. <br />
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Grace.<br />
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I need to make room for these things in my life, or they won't happen. <br />
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I remember a few years ago hearing Jill Savage talk about creating space in your life- she called it having a "margin". Having that margin means if one thing goes wrong in your day, you will have enough energy, time, and patience to get through it. <br />
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Days where I have no margin completely stress me out. Next Tuesday is one of those days. I'm double booked in the afternoon and triple booked in the evening. I need to do something about this. <br />
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I don't love having <i>nothing</i> to do, in fact a little positive stress keeps me going. I<i> like</i> going to bed tired. But too much, and I am too easily irritated with my kids. Too much and I can't find time to meet with that friend who needs me. Too much, and I'm not laughing anymore. My joy is gone.<br />
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But no one can lighten that load, but me. It means saying no and cutting things out. Even good stuff. <br />
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I'm still finding my rhythm this school year, but I am determined to make space to experience joy for myself and offer grace to my family and friends.<br />
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<br />ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-34370949130826705802012-08-16T10:11:00.001-07:002012-08-16T10:11:24.646-07:00First Day of School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do they look ready to learn, or what?</div>
ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-2940117360904384302012-08-15T19:47:00.002-07:002012-08-15T19:49:18.875-07:00You Can't Fight City Hall<div>
...nor did we try to, however:</div>
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We live on a fairly busy street kiddie (kitty? kiddy?)-corner from a large public high school (my alma mater). So clearly we didn't move into our house thinking we had secured a house with maximum privacy. But yesterday, our little world became a little more public. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNvsxQI2I1Jh0BNZm7YHR_AeQB1EQdrQtXxwxlXghENJwLcpaUuQw5FJbDdmMMeEOqT5Mor5X4pWhk9FqUQvSXhK0MobNsl2Cdr7xt81yK2wN_RXMjgPrHy1onTCOtOlciqxotSGToXaN/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNvsxQI2I1Jh0BNZm7YHR_AeQB1EQdrQtXxwxlXghENJwLcpaUuQw5FJbDdmMMeEOqT5Mor5X4pWhk9FqUQvSXhK0MobNsl2Cdr7xt81yK2wN_RXMjgPrHy1onTCOtOlciqxotSGToXaN/s320/tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkHfrGeOrIpdOxsFy3diYI9LjJZqIhXq6Hvc3y0b-RcaRcinOTDYFxDWbqE8vIteGLE-2TyUD89RwqgHXiAmuwtr5KhhvKYNk-_vJl8GY7-_yrm0Sm_AwbfCRVpggGWqgbEe0imRLxZ45/s1600/stoplight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkHfrGeOrIpdOxsFy3diYI9LjJZqIhXq6Hvc3y0b-RcaRcinOTDYFxDWbqE8vIteGLE-2TyUD89RwqgHXiAmuwtr5KhhvKYNk-_vJl8GY7-_yrm0Sm_AwbfCRVpggGWqgbEe0imRLxZ45/s320/stoplight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In ONE day, the city removed three huge trees that we see from our yard and installed a stoplight at the corner. Apparently a few kids have gotten hit by cars, or almost hit by cars in the last few years. Not to sound like a curmudgeon or anything, but somehow kids have managed to make it across this street for decades without incident, and now it is a problem? I'm gonna wager it has something to do with kids and their i-pods. or that darn texting.</div>
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End of the curmudgeon report.</div>
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ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-84502318534678947222012-08-10T20:55:00.000-07:002012-08-11T09:10:03.960-07:00Happy Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZNTUbl2ugDNCyOrM50uTkyj0SA5hH4o2k4Pca5Z3Ar_JUrWcBoVRki4ax3Di3dOu5hpRPkhUtXDH_jQD0Jyjwqm0bIZXEPm8IS3Vud_mnhzjBNvoR3QtrZ5CWf3GGksDfa1wwnbkBjDe/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZNTUbl2ugDNCyOrM50uTkyj0SA5hH4o2k4Pca5Z3Ar_JUrWcBoVRki4ax3Di3dOu5hpRPkhUtXDH_jQD0Jyjwqm0bIZXEPm8IS3Vud_mnhzjBNvoR3QtrZ5CWf3GGksDfa1wwnbkBjDe/s320/IMG_6885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just wanted to share one of my favorite sights in our house. </div>
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It's just happy proof that you don't need a lot of square footage to have a love-filled home. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS- Therese insisted that she and I be the same color and next to each other. Even our toothbrushes are working on attachment!</span></div>ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-47041418802655737712012-08-07T13:34:00.002-07:002012-08-07T14:43:27.552-07:00EduoardOn Saturday, a group of young people from Therese's former orphanage, Sheltering Wings, were involved in a serious car accident. One of the injured was an aide worker from France; she was fortunate to be able to fly back to France to receive medical care. Eduoard is a young Burkinabe man who has achieved excellent grades and is a kind and compassionate. He needs our help to continue receiving the medical care he needs. He has suffered a traumatic brain injury and is in a great deal of pain. Conditions in the hospital where he is staying are described as deplorable, however; it is still the best place for him to be right now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylPUCW-a8bcb0FJj5-2UZP2oP_fyJT4VBNsznTk8VH8YvHM74dCMQXPPpPnzFfe-CB5CXbujFySPknOGz_h1LMwKQnlGqr3H8fiL8idJnAZI49OX5qHQz0UKpnyM7CTOwP3FQ_BOaToFY/s1600/ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylPUCW-a8bcb0FJj5-2UZP2oP_fyJT4VBNsznTk8VH8YvHM74dCMQXPPpPnzFfe-CB5CXbujFySPknOGz_h1LMwKQnlGqr3H8fiL8idJnAZI49OX5qHQz0UKpnyM7CTOwP3FQ_BOaToFY/s320/ed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in making a donation to help with his medical care, you can donate through Pay Pal <a href="http://www.sheltering-wings.org/#/donation-center">here</a>.</div>
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Thank you for remembering Eduoard in your prayers.</div>ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-46927636143857518942012-07-13T16:57:00.000-07:002012-07-13T16:57:18.449-07:00Love in a Dry SeasonSo last night, Casey and I had a rare hour of complaining about our financial woes. We kinda hit a limit on things breaking and falling apart. The romanticism of Casey biking to work while we save for a new car was wearing thin. We had had it with the broken cell phone, worn-out mattress, and slower than slow computer. Why suffer a with a broken sofa-bed couch another day? How do we call ourselves adults when don't have one comfortable chair in the house?<br />
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We began fantasizing about throwing our usual financial conservatism to the wind and instead charging up a storm. It was either gonna be that, or sell everything and head out on the mission field where going without is admirable. <br />
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And even though we didn't feel like it, we prayed, lifting all our first-world burdens to the Lord. <br />
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And low and behold if I didn't wake up with a much improved perspective! Friends are letting us borrow their super cute Mini-Cooper. I was able to sub at the food co-op I used to be a part of and brought home a ton of food for a very generous price. Got the mail only to find a bunch of checks that will enable my husband to go on a trip to Colorado to help with the fire damage. And most perspective rocking, was talking to a friend in deep financial and relational trouble. Had a serious count your blessings moment. <br />
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And so, I am thankful. Deeply, deeply grateful. Grateful for friends who care. Grateful for a Heavenly Father who is a magnificent provider. I have a husband who is deeply committed to his family and to his God. I have children who delight me. I truly have all I need.<br />
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And I am grateful that we are not rich. If we were rich, we wouldn't need to depend on God. And being dependent on God is where I function best.ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-69957156773448510942012-06-26T14:24:00.001-07:002012-06-26T14:27:37.035-07:00ONE MomsToday I discovered a new way to connect to other women involved in the fight against HIV and poverty. It is called ONE Moms and this is their mission:<br />
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ONE Moms is a movement of moms everywhere using their extraordinary power to spread awareness for the against extreme poverty and preventable disease.<br />
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"Like" the ONE Moms facebook page today and you'll be informed of new opportunities for you to break the cycle of poverty for someone in need- today!<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-79388289768647623742012-06-12T11:23:00.002-07:002012-06-12T11:23:55.644-07:00Gee Whiz, Kids, Be Careful!I had NO idea I was exposing my kids to such harm when I took them to the park the other evening! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EzZnVsOgUlsudQtVWTA0QSEeXGOOryaRCesxAfPYWt-7einoi6XPdWNA23J5ThfxAN6RDfu4jU3S6iJQEeoYQPyJbhVRVIim7Ds7aexWPF3n1WLCZz2Y0DGWJye7oD9d1uUxRXnIsbuh/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EzZnVsOgUlsudQtVWTA0QSEeXGOOryaRCesxAfPYWt-7einoi6XPdWNA23J5ThfxAN6RDfu4jU3S6iJQEeoYQPyJbhVRVIim7Ds7aexWPF3n1WLCZz2Y0DGWJye7oD9d1uUxRXnIsbuh/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And we call ourselves a Safe Family!<br />
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And from the looks of it, our habitual lack of helmet wearing was actually in our favor this time!ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-46351136900959321172012-06-08T20:21:00.001-07:002012-06-09T10:23:58.937-07:00Good-bye, T!Today we brought our Safe Families toddler back to his mother.<br />
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We had him for five weeks and saw him go from frequent tantrums and biting episodes with little ability to play, to a much calmer, happier child. We managed to fall in love with our Afro-sporting, bow-legged friend. <br />
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Along the way, I had some interesting conversations with friends. The darker tones of those conversations revolved around the "is it worth it?" question. I mean, we keep this child for five weeks while mom accomplishes, let's say, not as much as you might like to see. Meanwhile, we interfere with the child's attachment with his mother and break our backs cleaning up messes, waiting out tantrums, and waking up in the middle of night to console the distraught child. <br />
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Phew.<br />
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The good news is a conversation like that really makes you think. Really examine WHY we are doing this. We are not interested in enabling. After all, we've read, <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Helping-Hurts-Alleviating-Ourselves/dp/B003L1ZXJS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1339211951&sr=8-3">When Helping Hurts</a></u> (which I highly recommend, even though I don't entirely agree with it's message).<br />
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Here is my conclusion:<br />
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No, it might not be worth it. In earthly terms, the results are probably not there. But I believe something is happening in the heavenlies. This child is PRAYED over and will be for life. That child is protected and covered. That child knows someone loved him well. <br />
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Who loves children more than the Lord? Don't you think he is pleased, when he sees one of his children scoop up a more vulnerable child? <br />
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"when you count the cost and it all seems lost, LOVE IS STILL A WORTHY CAUSE"</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Sara Groves)</span></div>
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Over and over I hear from friends who are not fostering or hosting Safe Family children say, "oh, I could never do that because it would hurt too much to send them back". Yep. Guess what? We don't do this for US, we do it for the kids. It is a <i>sacrifice</i>. I personally do not possess a gene that protects me from worrying about this child as he goes back to his rough life. It is not especially easy for me to see them go. But we do it for the kids. We do it for the joy of giving our lives away.<br />
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"when you're pressing on though your strength is gone, LOVE IS STILL WORTHY CAUSE"</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Sara Groves)</span></div>
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But what about our kids? The permanent ones? This has been a sticking point for me! I hate to see them hurt! Yes, my kids were bitten. Yes, they had to step up and help by playing with our little one, changing diapers, and cleaning bottles. And remarkably, they end up grieving when the little guy leaves! They treated this little guy like a brother, even though they knew he was not going to stay. <br />
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Evelea wrote a book called <u>The Departure</u>, which details her feelings about our time with the little guy. I hope I get to show it to you someday because the illustrations are amazing! But I'll leave you with her words:<br />
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Once upon a time there was a girl. Her name was Evelea. That girl was me. Once a upon a time there was a boy. His name was T___. That boy was you. Our worlds were so different.<br />
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Then you came to me, to your Safe home. I held your hand and you held mine. I didn't want to let go.<br />
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I soon learned that you weren't perfect...<br />
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But you were worth it.<br />
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We played Patty-Cake.<br />
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We played outside on the slide and the swing that I set up just for you. If I held one end of a jump rope, you would hold the other and I could lead you around!<br />
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I calmed you down by "boop-ing" your nose. You would go from sobbing to cracking up!<br />
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I knew someday you would have to go. I tried not to think about it.<br />
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But that day was so much sooner than I expected. Friday. My world was suddenly black and white.<br />
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And now, dear boy, you must depart from me. I will never forget you, for you stole part of my heart. I can't go with you but my God can. I am sending him after you, and one day, if you let him, he'll be your God too. I will miss you, my sweet T___. I will always be your Eea, and you will <u>always</u> be my T___.<br />
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The joy is worth the pain in the end.ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-38493218947495726732012-05-24T10:26:00.000-07:002012-05-24T10:26:09.780-07:00Africa in our Backyard<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you think this hole in our driveway looks quite a bit like Africa, or is it just me?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7av023eEFetO86tFObHoyCFGtziAK5HOrJs9LX1PNv7wNYwCnMnUOCEFpX_6k2Co7sxevD8dGPIvyitYXlDyfJ1q0E5-IUUm1AWHDE_emLN25QH-YIO1FsFEU8TpsilsJSNvS42woGep/s1600/IMG_6755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7av023eEFetO86tFObHoyCFGtziAK5HOrJs9LX1PNv7wNYwCnMnUOCEFpX_6k2Co7sxevD8dGPIvyitYXlDyfJ1q0E5-IUUm1AWHDE_emLN25QH-YIO1FsFEU8TpsilsJSNvS42woGep/s320/IMG_6755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-87244465168338147172012-05-23T06:57:00.002-07:002012-05-23T06:57:57.948-07:00Free to LoveOne of my favorite things is watching my children who were adopted serving others. The world had a plan for these girls, but God's plan for their lives won out. Now they are free. Free from poverty and hopelessness. Free to love and serve.<br />
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Here are a few pictures of Sitota sharing her love with our Little Man T. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhHhWtA3sP5UQQTJOVG0cQbUHELaFJBcO0ksFbfo7y3S0hFO7vP0nyxPmtQ9i0wdv2Pi-wO8YrcBUmE8bZT5rJptf6a2VVG4OdTwp4HOJWjhpXgjRTLOZbogVhO5loXf5rYMFnmwaG1sd/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhHhWtA3sP5UQQTJOVG0cQbUHELaFJBcO0ksFbfo7y3S0hFO7vP0nyxPmtQ9i0wdv2Pi-wO8YrcBUmE8bZT5rJptf6a2VVG4OdTwp4HOJWjhpXgjRTLOZbogVhO5loXf5rYMFnmwaG1sd/s320/IMG_6750.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sitota is a wonderful helper and does an amazing job keeping up with Little T!</div>ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-63952830132056826672012-05-22T12:00:00.001-07:002012-05-22T12:00:43.349-07:00You've Got a FriendHow I felt this morning before I met up with my friends:<br />
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How I feel now, after sharing my heart with my friends:<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxolyBaM-ws__-pNVZiImNx2lWQW1Vz3YTEO1BvHjBJFpvGkZb" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxolyBaM-ws__-pNVZiImNx2lWQW1Vz3YTEO1BvHjBJFpvGkZb" /></a></div>
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(Side note: I bought my husband red Converse for Valentine's Day. Is there a better way to express your love? I think not.)</div>
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I had been feeling more than a little beaten down, suffering the after-effects of a cold, and emotionally tapped out from caring for our frenetically-attached Safe Family toddler. I don't think you'll find "frenetically- attached" in any official literature, but it works here, trust me. I had let the words of another make me doubt everything I was doing and totally forgot for Whom I was doing it. </div>
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Enter my friends. They reminded me that it does matter. They gave me the One Day at A Time speech- that never gets old and is always true. They affirmed how hard it really is. They would have given me grace if I threw in the towel, but they saw I still had a spark and they flamed it. </div>
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I walked away thinking, "it is wearying to absorb someone's trauma, but isn't that exactly what Christ did for me? And with Him inside of me, why couldn't I do this?".</div>
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Are you weary and overwhelmed? Reach out to a friend! Like a real life conversation. Let the kids play in the backyard and bear your soul! You will feel so much better. I know I do.</div>ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-69797557933833829172012-05-10T07:10:00.001-07:002012-05-10T07:10:35.987-07:00Adoption FundraiserCheck out these great shirts!<br />
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A friend of mine is working hard to raise money to bring their little one home from Ethiopia. The shirts are only $12, so you could buy a bunch! Only $10 for kid's sizes! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvy_dqM5jClUezS_5KezDSkjBctuUcOAUy-J3fWiqjavBLcX1zKpqbfvA3n-9J8fx3lyIiNkGjYLFQHGNZvbH1jSm_PsNsvc0JeRUGuYZWSR9xHHqtkwXzvuP9_BL26aeSAAMR89LIZi9/s320/dawn_prather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvy_dqM5jClUezS_5KezDSkjBctuUcOAUy-J3fWiqjavBLcX1zKpqbfvA3n-9J8fx3lyIiNkGjYLFQHGNZvbH1jSm_PsNsvc0JeRUGuYZWSR9xHHqtkwXzvuP9_BL26aeSAAMR89LIZi9/s320/dawn_prather.jpg" /></a></div>
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The 4 million they are referencing is the number of orphans currently living in Ethiopia. Friends, we can do something to bring that number down!<br />
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Contact Dawn at dawn_prather@yahoo.com to order your shirt.ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-75722056720792291802012-05-10T07:01:00.004-07:002012-05-10T07:01:59.551-07:00Urban Ministry in the BurbsOne thing I know about myself is that I could feel sorry for just about anything and anyone. <br />
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I feel sorry for convicted criminals, telemarketers, and the curling iron I never use that sits all lonely in the drawer. Really anything. I guess that is the gift of compassion I have that my grandpa warned by mom about when I was just a tike. He said my mom better "toughen me up" so I wouldn't get by heart broken so much. <br />
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My heart is drawn to so many things, that sometimes I wish I could just pick one thing to focus my compassion on. I wish I could be utterly sold out to helping Africans secure clean water, or serving the homeless in Chicago. But at this point in my life, my heart is bleeding all over the map! <br />
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One thing I know, I am committed to serving the Lord right where I am today, and that is in the suburbs. <br />
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One incredible way we are able to do some urban ministry in the suburbs is through the Safe Families program. We are practicing Biblical hospitality by hosting an 18- month old in our home for the next several months. His mom needs some time to take some steps to provide a better environment for her children. We are going to give her that time to get healthy, and build into her little one for as long as we have him.<br />
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The Safe Families program is in 25 states. You do not need to be a licensed foster parent to participate. You not actually have to host a little one in your home to participate. Maybe you would like to host a pregnant teen? Maybe you can supply a package of diapers to a host family? Maybe you would babysit for a host family? Would you pray for hearts of the little ones living away from mom? <br />
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I encourage you to check out their <a href="http://www.safe-families.org/">website</a> to see if this is something God has for you. <br />
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I cannot say enough good things about this ministry. We have hosted four children so far and it is one of the most rewarding and stretching experiences I have ever had.<br />
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<br />ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-34112792204045228882012-05-02T08:26:00.003-07:002012-05-02T08:26:52.928-07:00Mommy Meltdown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlL-kpbHWWM_BE13rOzh72J7t2mPR9L1BB-uAwYCwfueuW0nj7xAeFSgtqcxaqky4ecnm9nSG5Pl_rx38rVNlSny925XRFbxqGWnrgCJEKdgr6tuJ7CEd6WR0nyOsSDzVziGts1lnrRme/s1600/IMG_6729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlL-kpbHWWM_BE13rOzh72J7t2mPR9L1BB-uAwYCwfueuW0nj7xAeFSgtqcxaqky4ecnm9nSG5Pl_rx38rVNlSny925XRFbxqGWnrgCJEKdgr6tuJ7CEd6WR0nyOsSDzVziGts1lnrRme/s320/IMG_6729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As part of my <u>7</u> , An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, we are giving away seven items from our home every day this month. My girls have jumped into this project with their whole hearts. They have stunned me with their generosity giving away clothes they still liked, but didn't need. Toys that they still like, but don't love like they used to, as long as someone else would love to have them. <br />
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But THIS, my heart could not bear! Are my girls really ready to give away their <i>fairy wings</i>?<br />
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I know two of them will be middle-schoolers in a few months and I guess I can't actually remember the last time they dressed up like that, but STILL. <br />
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I suppose I can accept they may be too old to dress up with fairy wings on their backs, but... I will make it my mission to ensure they never lose the fairy wings in their hearts.ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857265142751802557.post-30365807877238601142012-04-18T07:17:00.000-07:002012-04-18T07:17:33.600-07:00Therese's Hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFlBPZWXa69i855WFXd_V4bHiErx9LeLqv7jxtmNT2ZrjA_0DIJpC2lIBaQG1IdjdEB1OKa2jk1EmIBbSDP282Y2pNB6Xpr8iX_crIN6Y4iqpf_f7umfe5DEpdA6c3SBJZWwXwQcFdeSK/s1600/IMG_6728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFlBPZWXa69i855WFXd_V4bHiErx9LeLqv7jxtmNT2ZrjA_0DIJpC2lIBaQG1IdjdEB1OKa2jk1EmIBbSDP282Y2pNB6Xpr8iX_crIN6Y4iqpf_f7umfe5DEpdA6c3SBJZWwXwQcFdeSK/s320/IMG_6728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the highlights of our trip to visit the First Baptist Church in California, MO was the incredible privilege of getting to meet Therese's sponsor, Howard. <br />
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Howard met Therese days after she arrived at the orphanage. A doctor warned him not to fall in love with the girl, because she maybe had a year to live. But it was too late! Howard agreed to sponsor Therese, even paying double the sponsorship fee to provide life-saving medications. He tried to bring Therese to the States on a medical visa, but was she was denied. It looked like she might need a heart transplant, and non-citizens are not allowed on transplant waiting lists. <br />
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Through the years, Howard prayed faithfully for Therese, supporting her any way he could. <br />
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Do you know how humbling it is to think that our family was part of the answer to his prayer for Therese's life? Can you imagine the debt of gratitude we feel to the man who kept our daughter alive? <br />
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The woman in this picture is Ruth Cox, affectionately known as Mama Ruth, the director of the Therese's former orphanage and school. Another hero in this story of God's saving power. <br />
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Child sponsorship saves lives. <br />
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Prayer changes everything. <br />
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God uses his people as his hands in feet in the world. <br />
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If you are interested in sponsoring a child from Therese's former village, <a href="http://www.sheltering-wings.org/#/sponsoradopt/featured-child">click here</a>. Save a life.<br />
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<br />ESolgoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05203757259724893426noreply@blogger.com2