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Next week's art project in drawing flowers with oil pastels..... see you in the next video!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
blog #4
If you can support me these next few months please call H2H at: 1.877. 590.4051
or check out the website www.h2hint.org
There is also a new "adopt a project" program where you can adopt a particular project. For example a, "Go to an Art Museum" project. And you can donate specifically to a project and the needs or cost for supplies or transportation of that specific project.
Thank you again for watching and continuing to support me financially, emotionally and spiritually!
I couldn't be here without your support!
"Mommy moments"
It is amazing to me how much I can feel like a parent even though I have no biological children. I sure do have a lot of adopted sweethearts though. This last month was full of very special mommy moments and they never get old. Hearing my name called through the halls of the orphanage is like a special song just for me. With every arm wrapped around my neck and kisses on my cheek my heart swells even larger. The kids come to me for that little need of comfort or cuddle. This week one of our littlest first graders was sitting on my lap looking at me intently studying every aspect of my face... it was endearing and as I looked back I thought of how precious he is to me and how I could love him so much even though he is not really mine. Then in youth group one of our older, "cool" boys sat next to me and respectfully held up the words to all the songs for me and made sure I could read along. Then when we went to pray he leaned his head on my shoulder and prayed alongside me. I was in charge of the youth group lesson this week and it was about love and respect and our words matching our actions. As I shared the stories words and scriptures of the lesson I thought this is exactly what a parent shares with their kids to help them become well respected adults. As if those moments weren't enough to give me that "mommy" feeling, God put it on my heart to talk to some of our older girls about sex and relationships. I shared some personal experiences and the importance of waiting. The girls not only listened, but afterward two of them thanked me for sharing and opening myself up to them and having trust in them. I can't imagine a group of kids being on my heart any stronger than these wonderful kids who have captured my heart over and over again. I thank God He would use me, despite my lack of experience of being a parent, teacher or role model to help shape and mold these wonderful children; that He would let me have these moments of pride of “my kids” and priceless feelings of love.
"Mommy moments"
It is amazing to me how much I can feel like a parent even though I have no biological children. I sure do have a lot of adopted sweethearts though. This last month was full of very special mommy moments and they never get old. Hearing my name called through the halls of the orphanage is like a special song just for me. With every arm wrapped around my neck and kisses on my cheek my heart swells even larger. The kids come to me for that little need of comfort or cuddle. This week one of our littlest first graders was sitting on my lap looking at me intently studying every aspect of my face... it was endearing and as I looked back I thought of how precious he is to me and how I could love him so much even though he is not really mine. Then in youth group one of our older, "cool" boys sat next to me and respectfully held up the words to all the songs for me and made sure I could read along. Then when we went to pray he leaned his head on my shoulder and prayed alongside me. I was in charge of the youth group lesson this week and it was about love and respect and our words matching our actions. As I shared the stories words and scriptures of the lesson I thought this is exactly what a parent shares with their kids to help them become well respected adults. As if those moments weren't enough to give me that "mommy" feeling, God put it on my heart to talk to some of our older girls about sex and relationships. I shared some personal experiences and the importance of waiting. The girls not only listened, but afterward two of them thanked me for sharing and opening myself up to them and having trust in them. I can't imagine a group of kids being on my heart any stronger than these wonderful kids who have captured my heart over and over again. I thank God He would use me, despite my lack of experience of being a parent, teacher or role model to help shape and mold these wonderful children; that He would let me have these moments of pride of “my kids” and priceless feelings of love.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Praying for the Unseen
A couple weeks ago, I saw a sight that has stayed with me since. Please know I have debated on sharing this, but I believe when truths are revealed that is when healing can come. I saw one of the teachers at the orphanage slap one of our girls in the face, repeatedly. One of our girls began to cuss the teacher and talk back, apparently it had been an on gong thing and the teacher finally had it, and slapped her. Although I never condone hitting a child, I could see this usually calm, caring teacher was at her wits end. I could see that the girl's words hurt her and she was overwhelmed with anger. This scene played over and over again in my mind and I questioned what my own actions would have been had it been me. I also questioned what other things are happening that I don't see? It got my mind thinking about all the struggles our kids have gone through, and are going through. I shudder to think about the abuse our kids have suffered, the pain and grief they have felt at such young ages. I see the effects of this pain, the desire to smoke, drink and find comfort in sexual actions. I think of one of our girls last year who left the orphanage, only 15 because she was pregnant. I think of how her life will be now, no education, no means to provide, attempting to take care of a baby. I remember thinking when I heard about her, and my disbelief.... I would have never guessed she was sexually active. Sometimes admitting our kids partake in sexual actions, drinking and smoking and violence is too much to take, and I have to focus on the positive. I know there is darkness that exists in the orphanage and as much as I don't want to think of my innocent children partaking in actions so dark and harmful, I have to admit it is there and pray. I pray for change, I pray for these kids hearts and eyes to be open to the truth. I pray the teachers and staff would have soften hearts and take refuge in the God above. I pray through our work at the orphanage the kids will learn and see there are other ways to deal with their emotions than violence, drugs and sex. I pray their eyes would be open to the consequences of their actions. I pray for healing from past scars, I pray for the wisdom to teach, love and provide for our kids. Please pray with me, pray for the unseen, for the darkness and for light to reveal the truth. May our kids see themselves through the eyes of Christ, as valued, cherished and loved and worthy of more.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
I can't believe it has been a month in a half since I updated this! So sorry I am behind, so much has happened these last two months. December was a month full of parties and celebrations for Christmas. It was also a month filled with challenges, heaters not working, electricity out, water shut off due to ice and weather. There was even a day of two ministry was changed, postponed or even cancelled due to weather issues. It was a crazy month, but it was also a memorable month filled with joy, laughter and love. There was so much joy in knowing our kids had a sense of family through us. We attended every program or Christmas special, we stood with pride as we watched out kids shine. I felt blessed to be a part of such a special time with our kids. Even those late night preparing or sewing that last star on the dance costume I felt all the joys I can only imagine a mother feels.
They say pictures are worth a thousand words, so I have included several pictures from our December adventures!
I also was able to go home for Christmas this year and was blessed by friends and family. I couldn't have asked for a better time at home. Even with my luggage missing almost 10 days, and traveling to three different states with delays along the way, I was overwhelmed with joy, comfort and love. I ate at all the place I missed, had sushi twice, got a new hair-cut, got spoiled with gifts and special brunches and parties.... I felt a sense of comfort and love that reminded me I am not forgotten back home.
I also was able to go home for Christmas this year and was blessed by friends and family. I couldn't have asked for a better time at home. Even with my luggage missing almost 10 days, and traveling to three different states with delays along the way, I was overwhelmed with joy, comfort and love. I ate at all the place I missed, had sushi twice, got a new hair-cut, got spoiled with gifts and special brunches and parties.... I felt a sense of comfort and love that reminded me I am not forgotten back home.
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