tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35008763006937093432024-02-19T05:56:55.812-08:00Two little wings and a prayerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-5688892997749120992015-01-22T11:06:00.001-08:002015-01-22T11:06:45.986-08:00Redeemer House Extreme Home MakeoverHappy New Year everyone! I am so excited about what is to come in 2015! To start, I am kicking off a fundraising campaign to refurbish a home for 12 of the most precious boys at <a href="http://familylegacy.com/our-ministries/tree-of-life-childrens-village/" target="_blank">Family Legacy Tree of Life</a>! <br />
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This project started with Macnab, I met him several years ago at church in Zambia. All of the children in Family Legacy's full time care who live at Tree of Life gather for church and invite the American campers to join. We found ourselves sitting next to each other on the back row. He is quiet, sweet, SO smart, very attentive and just simply adorable. I texted MR from Africa and said I just might sneak this one home with me. I poked around for some details of Macnab's story and how he found his way to Tree of Life. He and his siblings (3 brothers) have similar stories as many of the children at Tree of Life, orphaned with no family, living in the ditches, begging for food, barely surviving and in Macnab's case, HIV positive with some extreme medical needs. When I met Macnab, he had been in Family Legacy's full time care for a couple of years, his medical needs had been addressed and were being monitored. He was healthy when I met him. From the staff of Family Legacy, I found out that Macnab had a rough start at Tree of Life. Like in any child setting, you have bullies, he was on the receiving end and struggling with self esteem issues and not wanting to take his HIV meds. Luckily he had some awesome mentors and siblings there to encourage him along. You can't see a trace of that kid today, he is always all smiles, very smart and has set some outstanding goals for himself! Last summer he told me he wants to be a Dr when he grows up (which is a huge improvement bc the year before he told me he wanted to be an entomologist... study BUGS!) He recently passed his 7th grade exams, which is a huge deal in Zambia. I have no doubt this kid will be a college graduate and experience great successes in his life!<br />
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Macnab has a younger brother Chrispen who is just sweet as pie. They are two peas in a pod and I have never seen them not by one another's side. Along with these two, 10 other boys live in their house at Tree of Life. The house is named Redeemer House and was built many years ago. As you well know, keeping a house maintained with a family of 4 is tough, but put two house mom's and 12 boys in a home in Zambia and things can get a little beat up and run down rather quickly. <br />
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Like all good and helpful organizations, Family Legacy has learned some lessons along the way. The first homes at Tree of Life were built with the materials that were available at the time. Just like with our homes, there are newer, safer and more efficient materials available. So lets just say Redeemer House needs some upgrades. <br />
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The original windows were slated windows, with the rainy season and general wear and tear, many of the window's glass slats are gone. We now have access to sliding windows with locks. This is my first priority, to replace the windows, to provide warmth (it is in the 40s at night) and safety for these kids. <br />
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The shower is broken, if you can imagine 12 boys and one shower, it is in constant use. <br />
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The walls need a fresh coat of paint, again 12 boys running through a 3 bedroom home get tight! <br />
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General home goods. The Moms use the same pots/pans/plates/cups/sheets/wash rags/towels/blankets over and Over and OVER again, they need replacing. A lot of the dishes have broken, the sheets are barely hanging on by a thread. 12 boys, many years of use, washed by hand (no delicate cycle) and things wear down quicker. <br />
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This is my first leap into raising funds for this project. I am looking to jump start this project with cash donations and become more creative as the process continues. If you ever thought about helping one of my kids, this would be a great time. Tonight, when you lay your head down on your warm pillow (none of these kids have pillow) covered in your heavy blanket (they only have a sheet and very thin fleece blanket) take a moment to consider helping these kids know they are loved and blessed with comforts. <br />
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Donations can be made to <br />
<a href="http://familylegacy.com/redeemerhouse" target="_blank">REDEEMER HOUSE .EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER</a><br />
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I appreciate your help and I promise, these boys will be beyond appreciative and grateful for your love. <br />
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Keep in touch...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-55020544500162847542014-12-11T14:45:00.002-08:002014-12-11T14:45:37.060-08:00hurt and hopeful...This will probably be my last post of 2014, as you can tell, I am not so diligent at posting on this blog. I wanted to touch base with the few of you that have asked about Lydia and baby boy. Their past are exactly the same and I am hopeful that in some way, their futures will be as well. <br />
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Lydia is doing WONDERFULLY! She is in full time custody of Family Legacy, she is recovering from a list of medical issues that were within inches of taking her precious life. I hear she is a bit of a "stinker" and keeps the house mommies on their toes. She had gained a lot of weight and is starting to look like a normal 4 year old. There is hope in her sweet little face, joy sparkles from her eyes and her body is functioning healthily. I am so thankful, for each hand that touched her, in physical medical attention from Dr Guffy and the staff at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, with motherly love from Ashley and the House Mommies, with prayerful words from each of you. Not a day goes by that I don't wish that I could have scooped up her little body, flown home with her and loved her unconditionally each and every minute of her life. I sit here, what feels like a million miles away and wonder how all of this will effect her in the long run. She was so sick, but so engaged with her biological mother, she now has new "mommies" and living in an environment that I am sure she could never have imagined. Her brother, Steven, has passed away, the last time she saw him was as we were escorting her to the hospital from the medical tent at camp. Life drastically changed for a sweet little four year old in the blink of an eye, she will never go back to where she came from, and although the future looks bright, aren't we always somehow connected to where we have been? <br />
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Baby Brother spent some time in the hospital in really bad shape. His real name is Geoff, which I am pretty sure NOT what his mother told me when we met, but non the less, he is now baby Geoff Kameli. He is with is biological mom now. Several months ago, she asked Family Legacy to take him, but has sense changed her mind. That is tough to wrap my head and heart around, bc I know he is in a very volatile environment. All we can do now is pray that Mom takes care of him and if at any point feels as though she needs help, comes directly to Family Legacy. I worry about Mom, she is a prostitute, it's what she has to survive. The chances of her having another baby, spreading the HIV and not being able to fully care for the children is quite possibly a never ending cycle. I will never know the pain of not being able to provide for your sick child, but I imagine it is a pain worse than anything on the Earth. There is no chance of her getting mental help for the losses she has endured in the last year, pray for the Mom and all the other like her, they are hurt and they need some hope. <br />
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Hope you all had a wonder 2014 and move into a prosperous 2015. I won't be back to Zambia for Camp Life this summer, but I will working on a very special project for some very precious kiddos there. I need to raise $21,000 to "Refurb Redeemer House". It is my version of Extreme Home Makeover, we will "move that bus" and re-invite 12 handsome little boys into their home. Windows need replacing, house needs painting, cabinets need doors, bedding, pots, socks, toys and the list goes on. If you are at all interested in helping with this project, please let me know! <br />
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, keep in touch...<br />
<br /><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-37379809898234678432014-10-08T20:38:00.001-07:002014-10-08T20:38:47.131-07:00It just doesn't get any easier...We found "baby boy", it's not pretty, he is malnourished, has diharia, a cough, and has lost a lot of weight. <div><br></div><div>Today marks one month since I found out Steven died. Today I got the email that we have "baby boy" in our custody, who, our Dr believes, only has a 25% chance at life. We have admitted him at the same hospital that treated Lydia. I have to fully believe we can get him through this. I need your help, prayers, good mojo, sunshine and rainbows- whatever you've got- send to him- "baby boy"/ (aka) "nugget" needs it! </div><div><br></div><div>This morning I was going to blog about a new project I am taking on for some kids that the Tree of Life, but I don't feel like I can totally start on that until we have this precious baby well and in our permanant care. </div><div>Sorry so brief, these post don't seem to be getting easier and I don't seem to be able to say so much...</div><div>I still beg you to, </div><div>Keep in touch...</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-80167785061017135682014-09-10T17:58:00.000-07:002014-09-10T17:58:09.089-07:00sometimes it's not all rainbows and butterfliesI have told you about Lydia, and her sweet baby brother. They are precious, I love them.<br />
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I have told you about Steve, who is the eldest brother and the reason I met Lydia and baby brother. I love him.<br />
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I fell in love with them the moment my eyes were exposed to their sweet little souls. I can't help it, I just look in their beautiful eyes and I am done, in love and forever holding them in my heart.<br />
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So this wipes me off my feet and punches me in my gut,<br />
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Steve died on Saturday, I just got the email today. I was sitting in a meeting, and there is was on my phone screen, "Stephen died on Saturday"<br />
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WHAT?<br />
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just like that, "Stephen died on Saturday"<br />
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what is that, my heart on the floor being pounded into the smallest pieces and my brain running a sprinting marathon trying to understand it all.<br />
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He died, his precious little life ended, I don't know why, I don't know how and to that end may never really know.<br />
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In Zambia, you can die from a stomach ache, a toe infection, a run in with malaria, or any number of things that we could cure and live long healthy lives after in America.<br />
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My mind has gone all over the place on this, maybe it is the way the grieving process works. The "what ifs", "should have done this", "could have done that", "why didn't we", "HOW", "WHY", it's just a running loop of a bunch of thoughts that are simply speculations, wishes, and unexplained scenarios.<br />
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Steve died.<br />
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My heart is broken.<br />
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A while back, I came home from Zambia and replaced my heart break of trying to have my own children with the love I have for these children. Loving these children has helped heal my heart after some really tough losses. This one hurts too, I can't get his hopeful little face out of my mind.<br />
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I wanted to save him, I wanted to make sure he was cared for. I have to believe that he is in a better place.<br />
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I had asked for your prayers, and I appreciate each of you who have reached out to help these kids. Tonight, I am asking you to pray for baby brother and mom. Mom has moved, we don't have baby brother in our custody. I need prayers we find mom and baby healthy.<br />
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keep in touch...<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-84396383072024492122014-09-06T12:31:00.002-07:002014-09-06T12:31:53.870-07:00updates and prayers...Y'all, my cup overflows!<br />
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Baby Lydia is out of the hospital, she is living at Chelstone (our transitional housing for Tree of Life). She is eating and playing and enjoying LIFE! She is precious, I mean REALLY precious.<br />
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Today, an amazing family stepped up to sponsor her little brother, he will be moving in soon.<br />
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TWO lives incredibly changed and made new. This is wonderful news. Thank you for all of your kind words and help passing the message of my sweet babies along to others to help find a way to save them.<br />
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As I sit here with pure joy in my heart, I also feel the pain of knowing that Steven (the older brother) is still living in the same situation, and these beautiful children's mom must be hurting for making such a huge sacrifice.<br />
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I am exploring options with Family Legacy for what we can do for Steven. Please keep him in your prayers, specifically, that we can get him in our school program and that his mother will be able to better provide for him and his disabilities.<br />
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I would also beg of you to pray for "mommie". She loves these kids, I saw it, I know she loves them. She showed up to the hospital each day to visit Lydia. They had a compassionate connection, the love of a mother and a child, it is there. So, for "mommie" to give her child up for the chance at a better life, knowing she could not provide enough to keep Lydia alive has got to be one of the toughest things a person could ever do. My heart breaks for "mommie", Lydia and baby boy. I know these kids will have a better chance and we can physically care for them better than "mommie" could. I know our house moms will love these kids like their own and be the best parent they can. It does not take away from the fact that there is a loving bond between a mother and her children and the ties have been severed, it will never mean the love is gone, or any less or replaceable. There is love there and my prayer for each of them is that they can remember and always know that they love each other and that bond will always exist.<br />
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No big secret, I love these children, each and everyone of the little souls that I meet, look in their eyes, hug their frail little bodies, touch their sweet little cheeks and cry over for house on end. I can't understand how it is possible that I meet these littles and in less than the time it takes to blink, I have fallen in love with them. They consume my heart and make me feel a passion I have never experienced before. I fully take on the responsibility of loving, worrying and praying for their sweet souls. All from a distance, through longs times of absence, hundreds of miles and oceans apart, I keep praying for them and advocating for them because I can't help but BIG love each of them.<br />
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keep in touch...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-33600891798596489502014-09-05T08:38:00.002-07:002014-09-05T18:50:19.885-07:00meet Lydia's little brother...If you have been directed here by FB, you have already seen his precious little face. <br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKfaXCr9O6oOwACVTa22wXYsHZ9V6XSin_2aFMNM0ct9KK8w5VEeJRLtySA6eCnHGoghsjLFvNKs_ve4FI7q_CAL9gq9jojFfWa7rXGC5Kc0bm12QTXtiVSoL4klz52EThm-e9AlAlsU/s640/blogger-image--1636264575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKfaXCr9O6oOwACVTa22wXYsHZ9V6XSin_2aFMNM0ct9KK8w5VEeJRLtySA6eCnHGoghsjLFvNKs_ve4FI7q_CAL9gq9jojFfWa7rXGC5Kc0bm12QTXtiVSoL4klz52EThm-e9AlAlsU/s640/blogger-image--1636264575.jpg"></a></div><br>
I wish I could put a name to his face, but honestly, the way we met, there was so much commotion it is all a little fuzzy. I will post his name as soon as I either remember or someone tells me! <br>
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This is a different situation than most for how children become part of our full time care at Tree of Life. <br>
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Here is where things get so hard for me, the lack of education can not overcome the love this mother has for her kids. They don't understand how HIV is spread, I am convinced they don't totally understand how babies are made and to follow up all of that, they don't have the skills to work and jobs are hard to come by. They don't have the luxury of going to school, they don't have the means to provide good medical treatment for themselves or their babies, they scrape to get by in complete poverty. I believe these people find a way to survive, this mother is no exception. I say all of this, because I want it to be understood that although a lot of parents in Zambia don't appear to care for their children (by American standards) this mom, I believe, loves her babies. She is just helpless as to care for them and is caught in a vicious cycle. So, I beg of you, as you read the story of this little boy, know that in this situation, it is in the end, a mother making the biggest sacrifice she will ever make. It is a story of complete desperation and love of life that brings us to this point. Please read with an open mind and a loving heart, she is doing the best she can, and I feel like we have been called to help her and these precious children. <br>
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<span class="null">I actually found this little boys brother, Steven, who is paralyzed on his right side and has a substantial burn on his left upper arm on Thursday of Camp Life. I asked our community leader to bring him to camp on Friday for medical treatment. On Friday, Steven, showed up with his mother and two siblings. Immediately, Dr. Guffy (our infections disease Dr, who is on staff with Family Legacy) said he could not change Steven's situation, but we could save the sisters life. You can read about my sweet Lydia's situation <a href="http://aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2014/07/finding-lydia.html" target="_blank">here</a>. He examined the baby, and at the time, with the information we had, felt like the baby was being provided for and could go home with mom. <br>
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Yesterday, Family Legacy reached out to me to say, "mom has reached out to us, her situation has changed and she does not feel like she can care for this little boy." I guess she has come to the realization that she can't provide for the 10 month old once he is not nursing and has asked us to take him. While we have them at camp, everyone was tested for HIV, the baby, Lydia and Mom all tested positive. </span><div><span class="null"><br></span></div><div><span class="null"><br>This baby boy is precious, I got to hold him while Lydia was being examined. He is so small for a 10 month old and barely sits on his own. I didn't know at the time he was 10 months old, I thought he was 5-6 months. <br>
<br>This child will be in our Tree of Life program. He will live in a home with 12 other beautiful little souls, have three meals a day, regular medical evaluation and treatment, lots of love and an amazing education in our private schools. He will be given not only a chance to live a healthy life, but an opportunity to have a full life with opportunities to thrive and be a significant part of the future of Zambia. </span></div><div><span class="null"><br>
If you want to know more about our program, go to <a class="_553k" href="http://www.familylegacy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.familylegacy.com</a><br>
<br>Sponsoring a child at the Tree of Life is a long term commitment. The monthly fee is $250 month for full term care. </span></div><div><span class="null"><br></span></div><div><span class="null">If you are interested please contact me. </span></div><div><span class="null"><br></span></div><div><span class="null">If you feel called to sponsor a child but not at the $250 level, we have children who live at home, who would love to attend our schools In their community for $65 per month. I can get you in touch with folks who have met these sweet kids and tell you all about them. <br><br>
I fall so hard and fast in love with these kids, I want to take them all home and love them for the rest of their sweet little lives. The goal of this program is to educate and empower the future of Zambia. If you can help us, we can change a nation. </span><br></div><div><span class="null"><br></span></div><div><span class="null">It is the only place I have ever been that feels like home. I would trade the luxurie of my life to spend 10 more minutes in their life of poverty to hug them for a second more.</span></div><div><span class="null"><br></span></div><div><span class="null">If you can help- I would be forever greatful. -xx</span></div><div><span class="null"><br></span></div><div><span class="null">- Keep in touch </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-32711240479965731932014-07-25T12:27:00.000-07:002014-07-25T12:27:37.288-07:00Finding LydiaWe spend an afternoon with our camp kids in the compounds they live in. As we were meandering through part of Chaisia, we met a boy who was sitting on the side of a pass through. He had what appeared to be a bad burn on his left upper arm and clearly had some sort of paralysis on his right side. Luckily, my group was traveling near one of the Family Legacy American staff members as well as one of the Zambian coordinators (discipleship leader/ DL) that work in Chaisa. The DL agreed to bring the boy to camp the next day so we could have the Dr check him out. The boys name is Steve.<br />
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Friday morning, Steve shows up to camp with his mother and two siblings. We all head to the medical tent for evaluation. It is determined that Steve is paralyzed on the right side, he doesn't have much control over his right arm or leg. The burn on his arm was from a few weeks prior when he lost his balance and fell. The nurses cleaned and wrapped the burn. Unfortunately, there was nothing more we could do for this child. He appeared to be in good health, HIV screening came back negative and he would be sent home. </div>
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Within seconds of seeing this family, the Dr said he couldn't do much for Steve, but we could save his sisters life. Lydia is four years old, she weighs just under 20 pounds, was substantially malnourished and according to the Dr, probably within days of dying. </div>
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I have never in my life seen a human body so frail, it was a case of "skin and bones". Dr said she had hypothermia, so we bundled her up in a blanket and I held her to keep her warm. I could feel the edges if every bone in her precious body poking out. She had so little energy she couldn't cry, she just released these soft little moans and cringed her face at the pain. </div>
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Her mother had no explanation as to why this child was so malnourished. The two brothers and mother had clearly been receiving nourishment, they were not even skinny by Zambian standards, they were "fat" (fat does not mean obese in Zambia, it means normal size, healthy weight, meat on your bones/ it is a compliment...). We didn't find out why Lydia was malnourished, we didn't need to know why, we just needed to do something about it. </div>
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Within a couple of hours of Lydia showing up to our medical tent, it had been determined we needed to get her to a hospital for treatment. She tested positive for HIV and needed food and nutrition in her precious body ASAP. I carried her frail little body to the car and handed her off to get treatment. The head nurse at Tree of Life went to the hospital with Lydia, it was important to have the right person admitting her. If you can imagine, Zambian health care is different and ensuring her admittance was going to take a strong Zambian personality, they could have easily turned we away for lack of hope. Luckily, she was admitted. </div>
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As I carried Lydia to the car for transport to University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, it took more energy to not cry and pray for her recovery than to hold her extremely fragile body. The mother was not upset, she didn't seem to realize there was something wrong with her baby girl, she didn't seemed concerned that her daughter was withering away right in front of her. I didn't want to let her go, I wanted to sit there and make this child well and love her for every sweet minute she is alive. </div>
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Lydia is beautiful, she has these big beautiful dark eyes, thick eyelashes that curl perfectly around her beautiful eyes. A tiny little perfect nose and these plump little pouty lips that I know will make for an amazing smile once she has recovered. She really is one of the most beautiful faces I have ever seen. I am in LOVE with this baby, she stole my heart the second I picked her up.<br />
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I have hesitated to post this, there is a lot more to this story and I will update you as I can. This has been weighing so heavy on my heart, and I just crumble when I think about the situation.<br />
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I am begging you all, please say a prayer for my sweet Lydia, she is still at the hospital, I am still waiting to hear if the government is going to place her in Family Legacy's full time care, as well as waiting for updates to her recovery.<br />
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This was the hardest goodbye in Zambia, keep you posted on her progress...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-48577913665538952992014-07-18T05:02:00.001-07:002014-07-18T05:02:30.994-07:00Della's House opened today ...<div>I just saw this didn't load when I was in Zambia- sorry! This is what it was like the day Della's opened...</div><div><br></div>We opened Della's house today. It was adorable, the girls were so excited! <div><br></div><div>The day started out with a run to the grocery and then to a street vendor for patio furniture and a quick stop at the nursery. Through a comedy of events we made it back to Tree of Life with everything we were looking for. </div><div><br></div><div>The house opened at 2:00, all the children from Tree of Life stood outside while we were inside prepping last minute details and praying over the house, the sweet girls movin it and all the blessing we are provided. </div><div><br></div><div>We lined the road for when the bus drove in, got the girls off the bus and headed to the house. We stood infront while greeted by songs from the Tree of Life children, many prayers and blessings and then the reveal! The girls were told to cover their eyes and turn around, on the count of three the girls uncovered their eyes and saw their house for the first time. At one point I had my arm around one of the little girls with my hand over her heart- it was racing! I think the excitement was overwhelming for all of the girls. </div><div><br></div><div>Once they were inside, everyone found their bed and sorted through all their gifts. The found new shoes that fit sifted through all of the new clothes. Everyone got a "dolly", which was a big hit! We all went outside for more pics, then headed inside so Trish could tell all the girls about Della. </div><div><br></div><div>We had cupcakes for everyone and lots of candy (I am pretty sure the girls will not sleep for days)! One if the little girls said a prayer before the group ate their cupcakes. I think the opening was a success, I believe all of the girls are happy and will thrive tremendously in their new home. </div><div><br></div><div>We wrapped up and headed up to meet with the other camp attendees. </div><div><br></div><div>It's been a beautiful day of making new friends, spending time with Zambian family and watching hope enter the lives of so many. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-59506998459878504992014-07-16T09:15:00.000-07:002014-07-18T05:01:23.309-07:00My boys, 2014Camp flew by this year, honestly, I don't feel like I spent 10 minutes alone with each of my boys. I got very sick the day before camp started and couldn't seem to get my act together after I missed a few days.<br>
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This year was a much different experience than years past. I am still trying to make sense of it all, if I get it figured out, I will let you know!<br>
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The group this year was, for the most part, all kiddos I have had in years past. I got one new cutie, Moses, who was a first timer at camp and such a hoot to have in the front of the line.<br>
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By amazing folks with big hearts, Moses already has a sponsor and will be attending our Lifeway Christian Academy in January.<br>
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The other boys were my alumni group. The boys line up in height order, so that is how I will update them here.<br>
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Kennedy, one of MR and I's sponsor kids got bumped to second in line, he was finally a little taller than one other kid! He has only missed one day of school in the last year. I was really thinking we would be having complex English conversations, but he just isn't quite there yet! I couldn't quite tell if he was not able to respond in English or if he is just still so shy and quiet. I know he is thriving, I know he is doing well, and I can't ask for much more.<br>
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Robert was back this year! It was such a blessing to see him doing so well. His family had declined his participation in our school program two years ago. Last summer, I dropped by his house to tell them that at any point they needed our sponsorship, I would make sure he got into the program. Unfortunately, due to cancer, his grandmother (caretaker) passed away in the last year. Luckily, she had the foresight to make sure he was enrolled in our program last January and is thriving in our school. He is so sweet and helpful, he wanted to carry my backpack each day. Every morning and each day before boarding the bus, I got big hugs from sweet Robert. He has always been a sincere, compassionate child. I think he will do so well and be a huge success going forward.<br>
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Haggai was in for round two this year! Still very quiet and shy, but a little more confident than last year. He still lives with his siblings and Grandfather. Comparing the photos from last year to this year, you can tell the nutritious lunches and love have made quite a difference in this young mans life. Last year there was minimal eye contact, this year, he looked at me and answered questions when asked.<br>
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Elias was new to me this year, although he is already sponsored and attending our school. Unfortunatly, I didn't get to spend much time with him and getting to know him bc I was out so much dealing with my illness. When I was around, he spent most of the time running and playing, he was hard to sit downs, there was too much fun to be had!<br>
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Richard was new this year as well, again, I feel awful for not being able to learn more about him, I was just so out of the loop and the time was so limited. Richard has been sponsored for quite a while, he has been attending our school and from the little time I spent with him, I felt confident that he was doing well and his home situation was good.<br>
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Steven, our second year together, still says he wants to be a Pastor, and speaks the most English of all in the group. He lives with his Dad. His best friend lives in our Tree of Life program, and unfortunately for our time together, he spends a lot of time asking to move in the Tree of Life. We had to have a conversation about how his life situation does not warrant being taken away from his Father and moved into Tree of Life. We struggled with this for the second year. I am not sure I was as patient as I could have been about explaining why he couldn't live at Tree of Life, but I think he got the message.<br>
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Richard, also a second year camper is still a sweetheart and so happy each day. He is always so cheery and eager to have fun. He is one of the older boys, but still has a little of that little child attitude in his heart. He wants to be loved and paid attention to. Definitely a people pleaser and peace maker.<br>
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Isaac, one of my original campers from 3 years ago, is still the most handsome Zambian I know. He is sweet and kind hearted. He is so quiet and you have to almost force a smile out of him. My parents are his sponsors, he is doing well in school and I know he will be fine.<br>
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David was new to me this year by way of a dear friend wanting to sponsor a child, so I added him to my group. He is sweet. He has been our school program for several years, he is very smart. Unfortunately, his original sponsor was not able to continue to fund his sponsorship, luckily, I had a dear friend who wanted to sponsor a child and David was allowed to continue in our program.<br>
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Those are my ten camp boys in a quick review. They are all safe, healthy and doing well in school. I explained to each of them that they are holding up their end of the deal and I am I am so proud of them for doing so. I promised to make sure they have sponsorship through their grade school years if they will continue to attend school regularly.<br>
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There was one kid, Harrison, that didn't attend camp. He found me on community day, to ask why he wasn't at camp. After some confusion and reaching out to the Community Leader that works with our kids in Chaisa, I figured out Harrison has not been attending school enough to attend camp. Family Legacy started a reward program a few years ago, they made it a treat for the kids to miss a week of school and go to camp. If you have less than 75% attendance, you do not get to attend camp. Harrison unfortunately has not reached that goal. This may have been a tough love lesson for both of us, but I had to explain, that he needed to attend school and that if he would commit to that, he could attend camp next year. Hopefully, he will shape up. I will be checking in with Family Legacy in a few months to see if he is making an effort.<br>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-18611977827500087552014-07-15T05:32:00.001-07:002014-07-15T05:32:54.520-07:00Life in Della's HouseIt is real, they are in and all is well. Della's House is no longer something dreamed of or a "work in progress" it is real. The house is precious, filled with all things girl, frills and flowers, pink and smiles, bows and barrettes, dolls and love!<br />
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It all happened so fast! In the matter of two hours, girls were moved in, prayed over, shown most of their new things, pictures taken, cupcakes eaten and whoosh, it was over. It all happened so fast!<br />
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I am not sure if it was the expectaions I had or the fact that life really does go a mile a minute, but I didn't get to know each of the girls, I didn't get to show them each little thing that was prepared and sent with so much love for their special soul. It all went so fast! I wanted to be able to walk you through each detail of every minute of pure bliss of what it is like to open a home for 12 girls who have known so much hurt and pain and tell you about the moment I could see in their faces that all was well and they knew a beautiful life was ahead.<br />
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Honestly, my perception is quite different. I can tell you, the moment before we showed the girls their new home, I had my hand on one of the little girls chest and I could feel her heart about to beat right out of her chest. The anticipation and nerves were overwhelming, there were 300 children singing, at least 40 Americans standing in watch. It was a lot of pressure! I became so nervous for them, it was so much! I am sure after the dust settles and there is a routine, everything will be fine, they will be comfortable in their own home and life will become normal. If I really think about it, normalcy is what they need, along with a lot of love and faith.<br />
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The girls are precious, they are a sweet and they are appreciative. I know life as they know it will forever be changed and that Della will be watching over them as they grow into amazing ladies.<br />
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If/when I get updates from anyone in Zambia about the house or the lives that are being transformed within the walls of Della's House, I will update you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-9581526590882363592014-07-04T13:37:00.001-07:002014-07-04T13:37:38.953-07:00Lusaka 2014Here is where the exciting part of the journey begins! I am in Lusaka prepping Della's House with so many amazing friends and Zambian family. Tomorrow is the big day, we will move our 12 precious girls and 2 amazing house moms into their new forever home. Full of love, opportunity, laughter, hope, joy, and praise. As we prepare this structure to become a home, my heart is rejoicing for the sweet lives that Della will continue to touch. <div>After a year of planning and hard work and prayer by so many, I am feeling infinitely blessed to be able to be here in Lusaka, to welcome these beautiful children home. </div><div><br></div><div>To each of you who have so genrously helped us bring this to fruition, I will never be able to say thank you enough. You have impacted the lives of so many, the future of a young nation and myself. You have made a difference in ways I never expected to understand, but see so clearly now through your kind hearts. Thank you again, a million times over. </div><div><br></div><div>It's the Fourth if July, we celebrated with fireworks and singing the National Anthem. It's was pretty awesome to be celebrating our independence as a Nation while also preparing a home of independence for our girls. </div><div><br></div><div>I wish I could tease you with some sneak peeks of what the house looks like and all the neat stuff inside, but we worked till sundown and didn't get any pics. I will be sharing the house opening and lots of details soon. </div><div><br></div><div>Erin, if you are reading this, we miss you desperately, it is really tough being here without you. So many times today, I have said, "I wish Erin were here" while we set up the house. I hope you will be happy with how we pull together your hard work and dedication to making this house spectacular! </div><div><br></div><div>Keep in touch!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-27086340569577014052014-06-19T10:45:00.000-07:002014-06-19T10:45:54.865-07:00thankful...so near and dear.My second "thank you" is to those who are so close. There are many and the love is BIG. These are the folks that have pushed me to keep going, who have instilled in me to love God's people, the ones who have shown me what it looks like to help others and appreciate the things I have.<br />
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I will start with Mom and Dad, they showed me what it looks like to help others years ago. Each of them have pushed me toward Zambia in their own way. I doubted myself for months before getting on the plane to Zambia, I clearly remember asking my mom if I was the right person for this mission, I had not been to church since elementary school, I couldn't quote the bible, I wasn't (and still not) sure I understand all of the bible and only mildly believed in God at the time. My question to her was, "who am I to go to a Christian camp, tell children to believe in God and have anything to back up what I say to them?" she said, "you have love, you have all this love to give to these kids and the best example for learning about the Lord was to show them it was okay to ask questions", so I went, I loved unconditionally and I asked a lot of biblical questions from folks much wiser. Then I came home, joined a church and have been learning ever since! My Dad, was the one who asked me to start a blog about the experience, he was the first person to say he was "in this with me". He is an advocate for me and my kids like no one else. He agreed to sponsor Isaac before I got home from my first trip. My Dad had been preparing me for years without knowing what he was preparing me for. While working for him, I had the time to volunteer with a lot of amazing charities. It was initially for business development, but quickly became clear to me that I wanted to do more to help people in a very personal way. My parents have done countless favors for my boys in Zambia, their love and thoughtfulness has extended to lengths I never thought it would for these kids. I won't ever be able to say thank you enough, I doubt any child ever can, but we must keep trying. <br />
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Steve and Trish, my father and mother in law. They have hearts for orphans. If not for them, I would not have gone to Zambia three years ago. I doubted every second leading up to making the commitment to go and then every other five minutes before leaving. They have been there every step of the way, Trish literally has walked through this with me and I am so blessed to have had her by my side for this insanely emotional roller coaster. The three of us are off for round three at the end of the month. I cannot wait to see what God has planned for us! Steve is working in the medical tent at Camp, I haven't told him yet, but I have 10 precious patients for him to give a good look at. <br />
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My boys sponsors, I won't name them by name, bc I have never asked if that is okay, but without them, my kids would be lost, uneducated, hungry and possibly not alive. Because of GREAT love and amazing people who are willing to open their hearts and checkbooks, all of my boys go to school, have a healthy meal each day, get medical attention and are loved unconditionally by our staff in Zambia and their sponsors here. I am eternally appreciative for these folks. This is a commitment to a child through high school, although most of my sponsors will not meet their child, I will be forever grateful for the love they show a child who they do not know. I will forever be grateful that they allow me to shower them with gifts, blessing and love for them each summer. <br />
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My MR. I could go on and on about him. He supports me on the good days when I can only think of the joy I find in Zambia, he hugs me on the hard days when I can only worry and fear what is happening in Zambia. He listens to me for countless hours while I ramble on and he has not (at least not yet) fussed at me for taking over an entire bedroom of our house (The Africa Room) in preparation for my next trip (starting the day I get home each year). He only gently makes fun of me for the amount of stuff I buy to bless our children in Zambia. I don't know that he understands my love for these children, but he never questions it and is always supportive of it. <br />
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My sister in law, asked me to go on a girls trip while the boys went to a Red Sox/Cubs series. What girls trip doesn't include going half way around the world to complete poverty for two weeks to love on orphan kids? Not one second of my life will ever be the same. I can never say thank you in such a way that would show the insane gratitude I have for Erin introducing me to this life. I. just. do. not. have. the. words.<br />
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God, I thank him daily. My Faith is stronger, more peaceful and incredibly thankful for what He is doing in my life. I make sure to start my prayers with "thank you", because again, I can't say it enough. <br />
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I am grateful each day for the love that has been shown to me for the children in Zambia. I could never have imagined this would be my path. I still pinch myself sometimes. I cannot wait to share this journey with you all. Thank YOU for following me in this mission, for supporting me and praying for me. YOU are blessing these beautiful children<br />
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Keep in touch...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-85360169299989280772014-06-15T19:15:00.003-07:002014-06-15T19:15:36.846-07:00thankful...for those far away and in extended absence.This past year has been such an eye opener for me. I have always known I was blessed with amazing family and friends. The thing is, when I thought about who that was, they were close, immediate family and friends I see and communicate with regularly. This year I was reminded that friendships last lifetimes, even if they are from a distance and left untouched for a while. Family runs deep and is an unconditional love that I have found a new respect for. Part 1 of my "thank you" is to my big, distant, spread out family and friends. Those of you who have come to me from years past and extended absence.<br />
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Through the last year, I have asked for so much. To prepare a home for 12 precious girls at <a href="http://www.aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2014/05/catching-up.html" target="_blank">Della's House</a>, as well as continued support for my sweet boys in <a href="http://www.aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-two-2013.html" target="_blank">Chaisa</a>. I am continually blown away by people's love and giving for these kiddos half a world away.<br />
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I was at Office Depot buying supplies for the House and boys, a lady in line asked if I was buying my kids school supplies, I explained who I was buying for and she helped pay for the supplies at checkout. No name, no contact info, just a generous person who lent a hand to someone trying to help others.<br />
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I posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aimee.ordeneaux" target="_blank">Facebook</a> that I was putting together gift boxes for the girls, I got replies instantly asking where to send money to sponsor a box. The love came from friends who I bar tended with in college, folks I work with now, and distant cousins that I have connected with via social media.<br />
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I made Christmas ornaments from beads made in Zambia to raise money for Della's House, sorority sisters who I haven't seen in years, friends of my husband who I barely know, family who sees more ability in me than I know I am capable of and sweet friends who live within a few miles that seem to be separated by a million miles; all reached out to support the project.<br />
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A beautiful soul who teaches at an AMAZING and "JOY"ful school, showed her class the lesson of loving a world away to raise money and pick out toys and necessities to fill Dellas House. Another creative lady who makes beautiful wreaths donated the perfect piece to welcome all who enter Della's House. So many people poured out to support each spoon, towel, pillow, outfit, rug etc to fill an empty home with all the comforts we are accustomed to.<br />
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A child who was in my group two years ago who's grandmother wouldn't allow to attend our school, came back to us and is now in our program, I needed to find a sponsor for him. One Facebook post led to numerous offers for sponsorship. So Robert is now in school with a sponsor from the love of a work friend, who I will never be able to thank enough for reaching out and supporting this amazing little guy. From that request, I found sponsors for other children. I asked Family Legacy if they had any children that needed sponsorship, to no surprise, there are always children who need help and luckily I had a sponsor for them. These ladies are changing the lives of these boys. I can not wait to share there successes and stories with them when I come home from Zambia.<br />
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I asked for 10 people to sponsor a $20 blanket for each child in my camp group, over 33 blankets later, I am blown away by the love and support of folks that I haven't seen in years. Girls I went to middle school with and haven't seen since the 8th grade, a precious guy who I worked with in a bar in Austin, again my sweet friend who is so close (yet so far away), precious ladies who I have not spent much time with since high school, folks I have met through other philanthropic adventures, a friend who's music makes my heart smile, part of my extended Lucy's family, sorority sisters, work colleagues, family friends and the list goes on. These people jumped out there to love a child and make sure they at least get a warm blanket to cover them in the cold dark nights.<br />
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No doubt, I have been made more aware of the love I am surrounded by. I prepare for this trip to Zambia with a new respect for the love in my world. I am packing my bags with deep thought and full intentions of showing the love that has been shown to me to all of these precious souls in Zambia.<br />
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I have said it so many times, my heart breaks each summer I make this journey. It breaks when I say goodbye to MR, because even a few days away from him is hard for me. My heart breaks when I see the first child in the slums who needs their little nose wiped, a healthy meal and hug from someone who loves them. It continues to break when I hear that another of my kids parents have passed and they are sad, and fearful of where their next meal will come from or if anyone will want to take care of them. I continue to feel my breaking heart when I see the children who have been touched by the evil witch doctors that live a few doors down, or the little girl who is continually abused by men who are either trying to rid themselves of HIV or are just sick and violate the precious girls innocence. The hardest heart break is the goodbye, because it is not good, it is hard, and I worry for a year until we meet again. My heart is just broken each step, but as we touch the lives of these kids, as we reach out to the parents and care takers of these little ones who I love so much, we make a difference. We are showing parents through our love of their children, the hope for their future, that things can be different. We provide a new light and hope for what can be and what is to come. We introduce them to love of a "mazunga" (white person) from the "other side" (United States).<br />
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I am so proud to say "WE" because if not for each person who has helped me have the opportunity to do this, I would not be able to bless the number of children I do. With each heart break I encounter along the way, I also experience a tremendously strong thread that mends the break from the love of each of the open minded, loving folks that bless me to bless them. You all keep healing my broken heart, throughout the year, you stitch me back up, you make my heart full to break all over for these babies I so dearly adore.<br />
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This is my thank you to those of you who have stepped up to my plea to help these beautiful children I have fallen so deeply in love with. I can never say it enough or truly show you the impact you have made on my life and theirs. My hope is that when you come back to catch up, you will see the love and excitement in the faces of the kids YOU are blessing.<br />
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From far away and extended absence, thank you, for reaching out from miles away and so many years between.<br />
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keep in touch<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-53548930433017382412014-05-13T12:16:00.003-07:002014-05-13T12:16:33.460-07:00Catching upHello! Been a while since my last post. So many things have happened, so I will try to catch up before I am Africa bound and then post as God blesses me with my third trip to Zambia.<br />
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I will start with Della's House: <br />
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A little over a year ago, we decided to build a house- in Zambia- for 12 precious girls and two house moms at the <a href="http://familylegacy.com/our-ministries/tree-of-life-childrens-village/" target="_blank">Tree of Life</a>. Through much prayer, and by the pure grace of God in just shy of one year, we reached our $100,000 goal to build the house. I can't begin to comprehend the love and compassion so many people have shown through donations, encouragement and prayer for this project to come to fruition. My SIL coordinated the biggest garage sale I have ever seen, we sold t shirts, we made/sold hand stamped jewelry, we swapped donation checks instead of Christmas/Birthday gifts, we poured our hearts out to anyone who would listen to our love for Zambian orphans AND... God provided! <br />
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With the house being funded, we were tasked to raising money and supplies to stock the house. From every tiny sock, wash cloth, spatula, toilet scrub brush, toy, bible, rug, toothbrush, pillow case, chair, hanger, pink shirt and skirt combo and beyond we shipped everything for the house to Zambia in January. Everything X's 12 for the girls, and X's 14 for general goods. That's a lot of stuff! I have to admit, this was the easy part for me, shopping for little ones is just as enjoyable for me as Sunday ice cream runs with the MR, or Thanksgiving dinner! <br />
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We don't know these sweet souls, but I can tell you in each purchase of a hair bow, page of stickers, bottle of bubbles, pink pair of undies, flower print dinner plate, red mixing spoon and orange Tupperware I thought so hard about what a little girl might love to see in her kitchen, I fussed for hours over the house moms comfort and ease of use of the pots and pans and color of umbrella and scarf. Would they love their aprons, does this towel match that rug, will this wall art make them smile when they finally get to sit for a minute and soak it all in? I have prayed continually for these little girls and the house moms. Different prayers on different days, some for peace of mind, for patience, for cooperation, for their understanding that God loves them and their family is so much larger than they could even imagine. <br />
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It's all been sent, a few loose ends and extra blessings are being gathered and packed up for our trip in July. I have reached my bag allowance and still need to pack a change of clothes for 2 week adventure.<br />
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We will unpack, set up, decorate and pray over every single item that goes into our home. This is going to be a safe loving home for girls who have never known this life is possible. We were used to provide a home, built with love, in Della's name to give life back to 12 beauties who thought all was lost. <br />
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Our house is being built in memory of my husband's grandmother, Della. Della's House is going to be a tribute to the love Della showed throughout her life for all that she touched. We know she has been watching over this process and her love will be present in each life that flourishes in her house. <br />
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This has been one of the most amazing projects I have been able to be a part of. I am ready to meet these precious girls and the two loving Zambian house moms. </div>
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These girls come with a tremendous amount of unfortunate circumstances. Things that are unimaginable have been done to these sweet girls. Della's House is their safe home. The abuse, neglect, fear, stress, fighting, heartache, and many other awful actions that have happened in their short lives ends here. <strong>Della's House is the game changer</strong>, it is the hope, the life, the love, the opportunity for a beautifully loved future for 12 more orphans. The hands laid upon these children will be those of God's loving care takers that have 100% interest in these amazing little lives joyful future. <br />
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There is so much more to say, so keep in touch! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-6964884828375156142013-09-11T20:01:00.001-07:002013-09-11T20:01:05.244-07:00Forget...never...It's 9/11, this days weighs on my heart, not only today, pretty often. Like so many others my life changed 12 years ago. I woke up to heart breaking news that made it real that this life we are living can be over in a second. I didn't know fear like I experienced on that day, and I didn't know patriotism until then either. <div><br></div><div>I love this land- I love being an American, I appreciate my freedom and I can't begin to thank those who have worked so hard to gain and secure it. Kind of like the song says, "I am proud to be an American..." </div><div><br></div><div>As I drove around town today, I noticed our flags- flying half staff, I will never forget, this day will weigh heavy on my heart for as long as I live. </div><div><br></div><div>God bless America! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAD0ywaAHlmCYoEeYypGjpc22v4SL8xXmufZrQ9qFBRfyQZFecSmy2sDOMisvu7FGZOWg0TJ6EACOM2jH6jwo0rc3boyCUrNxAvQpoz5Nr9H0Z2Q47sfnxNEtgwuUoDWYKQZxXXIaLBc/s640/blogger-image-335516495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAD0ywaAHlmCYoEeYypGjpc22v4SL8xXmufZrQ9qFBRfyQZFecSmy2sDOMisvu7FGZOWg0TJ6EACOM2jH6jwo0rc3boyCUrNxAvQpoz5Nr9H0Z2Q47sfnxNEtgwuUoDWYKQZxXXIaLBc/s640/blogger-image-335516495.jpg"></a></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMBVqgOJHT8cs3HzFCVBVMRE3sGEEx9upb6LNthLyIwa-bTbWw7YLwEiprN3emlXhPAHbwnpOqOBau2uUZB051yI77wOOtZf-IHoLcLQM0lDSjlzBLn4fP5WLH9_iU3vz9xW5eQWt9RE/s640/blogger-image--1966716107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMBVqgOJHT8cs3HzFCVBVMRE3sGEEx9upb6LNthLyIwa-bTbWw7YLwEiprN3emlXhPAHbwnpOqOBau2uUZB051yI77wOOtZf-IHoLcLQM0lDSjlzBLn4fP5WLH9_iU3vz9xW5eQWt9RE/s640/blogger-image--1966716107.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuLi_iOhPN8lHb3cpsdtoKBNqZaWvzPy_Id38AI_CGNnqOeAdgCbIixM7jTBy4Mu3A3Cr6MaQrj9X5zHVKMcH0XgOpxKc-0zBpuJFZutdOlAvEC1CKONo8gNnjY1hu1RKmFRz9IFH5TA/s640/blogger-image-399248480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuLi_iOhPN8lHb3cpsdtoKBNqZaWvzPy_Id38AI_CGNnqOeAdgCbIixM7jTBy4Mu3A3Cr6MaQrj9X5zHVKMcH0XgOpxKc-0zBpuJFZutdOlAvEC1CKONo8gNnjY1hu1RKmFRz9IFH5TA/s640/blogger-image-399248480.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzSJculc-3gxQmio7iUM_ZoUPOzIp-yz7yW5bYfV0p0vFj8Pd1gsd8Gz6GWKA3QtcDiAaxSXeN6EiIQ-j8X0v_i6ALzmWjCASIqTd3Z2nXUTd5LLkO4R2MiIsp0dR7gxiIxoJi330Mj0/s640/blogger-image--2026303612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzSJculc-3gxQmio7iUM_ZoUPOzIp-yz7yW5bYfV0p0vFj8Pd1gsd8Gz6GWKA3QtcDiAaxSXeN6EiIQ-j8X0v_i6ALzmWjCASIqTd3Z2nXUTd5LLkO4R2MiIsp0dR7gxiIxoJi330Mj0/s640/blogger-image--2026303612.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-75252234154313831182013-09-10T12:24:00.000-07:002013-09-10T12:24:02.445-07:00celebrating and a little rambling...<br />
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The MR's grandmother had a birthday, we all </div>
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went to a fabulous lunch with family and friends</div>
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to celebrate her big day. This is the only pic I have from the trip, but clearly fun was had by all! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKMaqA-SMKWVqakWOIRhtTWhWk_F0JBrGkcsJvJT9zRRItyoPn0IZ98m3aYfbuxlXW4IiLowlQKR4dl7cxI6e1PqZgkIVrwHfEGIPbqM3jqS2QZ9T1agBtsnufStoAff10aq79VPcmAM/s1600/wanda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKMaqA-SMKWVqakWOIRhtTWhWk_F0JBrGkcsJvJT9zRRItyoPn0IZ98m3aYfbuxlXW4IiLowlQKR4dl7cxI6e1PqZgkIVrwHfEGIPbqM3jqS2QZ9T1agBtsnufStoAff10aq79VPcmAM/s320/wanda.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My grandfather, who has silently declared me his </div>
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favorite granddaughter, </div>
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had a birthday celebration as well! </div>
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89 years young! All the kids, grandkids, </div>
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great grandkids and some family friends gathered for the famous "winkie burgers" and cake. I am not sure what we are doing to the poor man, but I am sure he likes that two girls are fighting over him...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc0eqroAc4Wz0N7dBRBLh8ThsG8DpPB6UG3m6Ho7lHQuuFjxFrdbHYA-FvMNvkuPOWb5LMcnhILJTPF0Vt9RN37QiSk27lILASGFRj5L4o9uL-9wGozCQ3ebA1h27Y6PZ3_D1nhbkNB0/s1600/elmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc0eqroAc4Wz0N7dBRBLh8ThsG8DpPB6UG3m6Ho7lHQuuFjxFrdbHYA-FvMNvkuPOWb5LMcnhILJTPF0Vt9RN37QiSk27lILASGFRj5L4o9uL-9wGozCQ3ebA1h27Y6PZ3_D1nhbkNB0/s320/elmo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUoggmSlcvmBh8GGrcdVxHO4qe2I0HaIYXOU1iEQP-TwRGqQD520vBMW9ctXqIjKfuClTnuyqcGEnXKx8I4hcod5mpOCyYUMvCD7bMTe1QhoEqQN5A1BjuYjNIAT72RAdIY1YBZNAmLA/s1600/run+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
I have been trying to run... well, lets be real, its a new activity I have dubbed "jalk" which is a nice fusion of a jog and a walk. If I can find someone with a pace I like, I call it "jalking" which is a combination of jogging, walking, and stalking the pace... Well the other morning I decided to keep my eyes out for things to make this 3 mile experience more fun, here are some things I thought were worth sharing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUoggmSlcvmBh8GGrcdVxHO4qe2I0HaIYXOU1iEQP-TwRGqQD520vBMW9ctXqIjKfuClTnuyqcGEnXKx8I4hcod5mpOCyYUMvCD7bMTe1QhoEqQN5A1BjuYjNIAT72RAdIY1YBZNAmLA/s1600/run+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUoggmSlcvmBh8GGrcdVxHO4qe2I0HaIYXOU1iEQP-TwRGqQD520vBMW9ctXqIjKfuClTnuyqcGEnXKx8I4hcod5mpOCyYUMvCD7bMTe1QhoEqQN5A1BjuYjNIAT72RAdIY1YBZNAmLA/s200/run+2.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4du5_kDrFqGmJQLkqZ53nX-aiAh5H41oELVjiX0DZCEszNLc2MevSRTGx47tLsY4MlQmBQ29V2gqamoull-y5J4IGSKtkaXI-_3HQYJpeefFwBMLtXhlC7mEHc1DknyRhI090a-bPHc/s1600/run+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4du5_kDrFqGmJQLkqZ53nX-aiAh5H41oELVjiX0DZCEszNLc2MevSRTGx47tLsY4MlQmBQ29V2gqamoull-y5J4IGSKtkaXI-_3HQYJpeefFwBMLtXhlC7mEHc1DknyRhI090a-bPHc/s200/run+1.JPG" width="150" /></a></a></div>
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And just for grins, I want to give a little shout out to my boys! I love these boys! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlMb2Pld3liy6QkbB0LvlQgBVRzdgfuVy2klRQh0RUWIwdNBq4wlgCYXOMH_HdD8GG0hRqEywP11hpq67C7EJpvF-TzZ9w78xdsPGKRl0Kz4NpOx3scbkQ13I0dUWDUPfs_v2I_EY918/s1600/d+bug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlMb2Pld3liy6QkbB0LvlQgBVRzdgfuVy2klRQh0RUWIwdNBq4wlgCYXOMH_HdD8GG0hRqEywP11hpq67C7EJpvF-TzZ9w78xdsPGKRl0Kz4NpOx3scbkQ13I0dUWDUPfs_v2I_EY918/s200/d+bug.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiaw89mdn9xC8jSG6GmhaCJ5UcUYp1W-qUeXEVsB2ncfT1VNKhUsuwxyids6arMRwcQ03d9edXZBUQt0qQf70muEOec75tlct08BWex7FFl1ktZfsksR9znGvcx0TIhwPSNDpNgkrawc/s1600/huck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiaw89mdn9xC8jSG6GmhaCJ5UcUYp1W-qUeXEVsB2ncfT1VNKhUsuwxyids6arMRwcQ03d9edXZBUQt0qQf70muEOec75tlct08BWex7FFl1ktZfsksR9znGvcx0TIhwPSNDpNgkrawc/s200/huck.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaIAm3aTfiqPbMixGi9FOYDpZL1VqyaXpKnQNdI7pMvBOLhTuZYeGWyTS4brYEiJNOa_pgEBh9OEGqW9FQcthGQmVfd9iyhAzBOW3ohpaE5ctG9E7tRYqKPvvOMBUJmwtNhJ4xoIl-Q0/s1600/cat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaIAm3aTfiqPbMixGi9FOYDpZL1VqyaXpKnQNdI7pMvBOLhTuZYeGWyTS4brYEiJNOa_pgEBh9OEGqW9FQcthGQmVfd9iyhAzBOW3ohpaE5ctG9E7tRYqKPvvOMBUJmwtNhJ4xoIl-Q0/s200/cat.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Keep in touch...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-63968352520214689482013-08-27T09:00:00.002-07:002013-08-27T17:20:48.128-07:00They are not my own...This is something that has been really weighing on my heart, and I have felt like maybe it wasn't for the world wide interweb to have, but this blog is mine, these stories are my life and these words are how I feel, and if i am going to share the glorious stories of these kids lives, I will also share the tough parts of my journey with them. So, here is a really hard truth I am struggling with...<br>
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They are not my own, the children in Zambia, they are not mine. They are there, with parents/grandparents or caretakers that get to make day to day decisions of their lives. They either protect them or they don't, they feed them or they let them go hungry, they love them or they loath them. I do not get to make those calls, I do not have a hand in how they are treated at home. I can get them to school through sponsorship, and pray for their health, happiness and safety, but that is ALL I can physically do for these sweet boys. <br>
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They are not my own, the children at Casa who I see once a week. They either go home to a biological family that hopefully has been "fixed" or adopted by a forever family that wanted so desperately to love a child as their own and opened their doors and hearts to bring them home. They are not mine to make health decisions for, they are not mine to do anymore than pray for and love for a few hours each week. <br>
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I got down in the dumps, I was looking at Facebook and all the cute kiddos going to school on the BIG first day of the new year, reading about moms feeling overwhelmed and proud, scared and shocked that time had flown by so fast. I read each post and prayed for each mom and kid. I thought about what it would mean to each of the kids that "are not mine" to have someone love them so much that they cried when they dropped them to school for the first time, or worried about them fitting in at their new middle school, or if they were really ready for all that high school is. What would these children "who are not mine" be able to do if someone cared for them like the moms of the kids I was reading about on FB. <br>
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They are not my own, they never will be. Luckily, they are all gifts of God and my only hope is they each feel him wrapping them in hugs of love each and every day. <br>
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I have been struggling with kids being placed in my life and taken away. I wrap my whole heart around each child that God so graciously places in my life, the ones in Zambia, the ones at Casa, the ones I didn't get to meet, my family member's kids, friend's kids. I love them entirely and without hesitation, and then they go, or I go, or there is distance between, or life just happens (or ends). God gives and he takes away, I know it is true, I know it is not in ill will, I know it is natural, but it just hurts sometimes. It is sometimes hard, and I sometimes can't wrap my head around it. <div>If I can love "the least of these" with all my heart, why do they have to know any less love on this earth? I know God has a plan, I believe whole heatedly in that, but He didn't give me the great gift of patience and I want to see that plan clearly RIGHT NOW!!! And, somehow, I want to know that these children's plans are those of happily ever after, safety, health, full bellies and love. Most importantly a lot of love. I can believe that is the plan, but humanly, selfishly and very impatiently; I want to see it with my own eyeballs! <br>
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I found out, one of my Zambian boys has moved, his Grandmother took him and his sibling to the Village (this is not a good move). He will not be able to go to school, I will probably never see him again. He begged me to help him and I thought his situation was good enough to stay at home with his family. I talked to his Grandmother, who promised me she would send him to school everyday. She moved him to the Village, where there is less than there is in Chaisa, very little hope or resources. He is not mine, but my heart is broken like he is...<div><br></div><div>The same question keeps replaying in my head, " how am I supposed to live this very blessed life, where I have need for nothing more than I have, I want for nothing , but can not give that to "those that are not mine." </div><div>
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keep in touch<br>
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</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-14424324548529197022013-08-06T10:11:00.000-07:002013-08-06T10:11:48.568-07:00making friend on the "other side" This is for the few of you that say my other posts are sad and make you cry... <br />
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I made some new friends on "the other side", they should make you smile...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mawTScsDZkoDKRi8F58eym9W0DAmx1BhCP5ir5y4TQWz5J3lkBxIBE5r9mo9BUdm8ADhyHtUdddjKgMkxZVEVt3C7_p86M9A9JBMve5HYyC67GRz7A-GCbr0ZfqesZYkhaL3UFk03Y8/s1600/Mr+Burger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mawTScsDZkoDKRi8F58eym9W0DAmx1BhCP5ir5y4TQWz5J3lkBxIBE5r9mo9BUdm8ADhyHtUdddjKgMkxZVEVt3C7_p86M9A9JBMve5HYyC67GRz7A-GCbr0ZfqesZYkhaL3UFk03Y8/s1600/Mr+Burger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mawTScsDZkoDKRi8F58eym9W0DAmx1BhCP5ir5y4TQWz5J3lkBxIBE5r9mo9BUdm8ADhyHtUdddjKgMkxZVEVt3C7_p86M9A9JBMve5HYyC67GRz7A-GCbr0ZfqesZYkhaL3UFk03Y8/s320/Mr+Burger.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
First up, the Burger's, I don't even know how to describe them. They are all crazy... I think Jan and the kids drove Mr Burger to crazy, but that's just my opinion! :) ----------------------------------proof------------------><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U99dHQIhXdhJ4HE3R4g6DOIG_Sp9YBYN4RpnfGf8AKClhrnAe9mLsrTYys-ifZHhibYaJp4WSQ10NnyWD6UqbApOYm0UlWiep1kIdmWtPwQlEXb4szpJcc_fw6GH5IJZdvVhRs7ah6s/s1600/Burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U99dHQIhXdhJ4HE3R4g6DOIG_Sp9YBYN4RpnfGf8AKClhrnAe9mLsrTYys-ifZHhibYaJp4WSQ10NnyWD6UqbApOYm0UlWiep1kIdmWtPwQlEXb4szpJcc_fw6GH5IJZdvVhRs7ah6s/s1600/Burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U99dHQIhXdhJ4HE3R4g6DOIG_Sp9YBYN4RpnfGf8AKClhrnAe9mLsrTYys-ifZHhibYaJp4WSQ10NnyWD6UqbApOYm0UlWiep1kIdmWtPwQlEXb4szpJcc_fw6GH5IJZdvVhRs7ah6s/s1600/Burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U99dHQIhXdhJ4HE3R4g6DOIG_Sp9YBYN4RpnfGf8AKClhrnAe9mLsrTYys-ifZHhibYaJp4WSQ10NnyWD6UqbApOYm0UlWiep1kIdmWtPwQlEXb4szpJcc_fw6GH5IJZdvVhRs7ah6s/s1600/Burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U99dHQIhXdhJ4HE3R4g6DOIG_Sp9YBYN4RpnfGf8AKClhrnAe9mLsrTYys-ifZHhibYaJp4WSQ10NnyWD6UqbApOYm0UlWiep1kIdmWtPwQlEXb4szpJcc_fw6GH5IJZdvVhRs7ah6s/s320/Burgers.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="240" /></a><br />
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They invited me to be the lettuce of the family, as long as I am the crispy green leaves... Looking forward to a life long friendship with this family.<br />
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Jan and I found ourselves on a little safari one afternoon while the rest of the crew was napping... we think it's a kudu, it was so wild, took both of us to calm it down and make it stand pretty for the picture... Wild adventures at Chamba Valley Exotic Hotel...<br />
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On my Father's Heart trip I was joined by staff member Ashley and her precious daughter Riley. This is a sweet family, they have moved to Zambia to work with Family Legacy and are expecting their second child. Riley is an angel, she is so loving and sweet to the Zambian children (who are very interested in this small mazungu!) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFIE1-J4gFfpzoRlPj1LuG4QpbTn91WkDwQRtNGtPbvj0pxUIiA1pOW8uMoKPXoNPbS9DF7ZnUQymPnHA22LBN5cgpTCf-FuEbaGvv6CxxLYGPMSVm1YZPEmCTxZCXVX3ajy9gSYaSuk/s1600/Riley+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFIE1-J4gFfpzoRlPj1LuG4QpbTn91WkDwQRtNGtPbvj0pxUIiA1pOW8uMoKPXoNPbS9DF7ZnUQymPnHA22LBN5cgpTCf-FuEbaGvv6CxxLYGPMSVm1YZPEmCTxZCXVX3ajy9gSYaSuk/s200/Riley+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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These two girls love people, and clearly as Ashley walks </div>
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along this path with her daughter by her side, </div>
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they will make some drastic changes in the lives of those around them. </div>
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This mother let Ashley hold her child and Riley was right there to love him too! </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3c2ZgI57c5HMK-eTV6gLVU8Rc4oaDyjfwwvKBjJAHsCwU7T2c0OQq46WxFxjSXjsdRnbJ9jr4jfJx7C2dscM-bwxtkSPAt_RYYNhZn8lSDJdc_huOnHVFIC1Vf7eMK__jeJF6Z54a3A/s1600/Gift.+Riley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3c2ZgI57c5HMK-eTV6gLVU8Rc4oaDyjfwwvKBjJAHsCwU7T2c0OQq46WxFxjSXjsdRnbJ9jr4jfJx7C2dscM-bwxtkSPAt_RYYNhZn8lSDJdc_huOnHVFIC1Vf7eMK__jeJF6Z54a3A/s200/Gift.+Riley.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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She made fast friends with Chola's little sister Gift, and they both went to every home with us for our food drops. Seeing these two play all day was amazing! <br />
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After a long day of giving, we went to the city and grabbed a bite to eat, and luckily had a few extra minutes to let her play on the "bouncy house" outside of the mall. (for those of you confused, please keep in mind, the rich in Zambia are like us, the poor live on less than a dollar a day, so there are luxuries like restaurants, shopping, and fun activities, they are just not accessible to the people we are helping in the slums which make up a majority of the population of Zambia)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3BAEFqOtjxFbcfdJLdjMsRKaktdBbRwlYgX-SQEYj9OdTV-SxtKOy_vNftpHR4okks7d2UFhzIxBLWNA8lCn-FRv1LSaKWSEgSND8fWJyrAzk77as3Lu_OZaaHFs1uS1ml5foD8HMEw/s1600/Riley+balls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3BAEFqOtjxFbcfdJLdjMsRKaktdBbRwlYgX-SQEYj9OdTV-SxtKOy_vNftpHR4okks7d2UFhzIxBLWNA8lCn-FRv1LSaKWSEgSND8fWJyrAzk77as3Lu_OZaaHFs1uS1ml5foD8HMEw/s200/Riley+balls.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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On Sunday, I gave Riley a Della's House shirt, b/c she is the cutest model EVER! We matched, like in every way! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4_fDaNQNRqsBYFJwYuAOLIIZ6jINNR0LNgnXlzgEw90zqtautbTZRbjaGu4iSNFF_J9dSwexcay7TqBu46dBZVjms2TLfbOi4Gw4WuxQQVHirRHgEQGztijqUx2tO5QUJXWjzWXdhQE/s1600/Riley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4_fDaNQNRqsBYFJwYuAOLIIZ6jINNR0LNgnXlzgEw90zqtautbTZRbjaGu4iSNFF_J9dSwexcay7TqBu46dBZVjms2TLfbOi4Gw4WuxQQVHirRHgEQGztijqUx2tO5QUJXWjzWXdhQE/s200/Riley.JPG" width="196" /></a>Riley, "we have matching shirts, </div>
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we both have flip flops, </div>
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we both have blue in our skirts, </div>
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we both have blond hair, we match!"</div>
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For being such a big help on the food drops, I promised her some ice cream at the Sunday market (after we ate our lunch of coarse!) Which added to the matching b/c we both got chocolate! Then we headed off for some shopping at the Sunday Market. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRq4MEuSuLtNSvSsSov2XyNH1bNf12UmDLBl4mOprWLkgXPLAk306JOVMDdDgRCvzRgcdJ86SO4qbj3Q9wCuuOISJqkmHhCAhLr2EEOpXW4ncymDZKoOlA_kTUdKsWircDEkdqy0U788/s1600/Brooke.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRq4MEuSuLtNSvSsSov2XyNH1bNf12UmDLBl4mOprWLkgXPLAk306JOVMDdDgRCvzRgcdJ86SO4qbj3Q9wCuuOISJqkmHhCAhLr2EEOpXW4ncymDZKoOlA_kTUdKsWircDEkdqy0U788/s200/Brooke.JPG" width="150" /></a>Then there is this lady... Brooke. She is the ketchup in the Burger family, not sure why I got so lucky to be the crispy green lettuce and she is ketchup, but if I had to guess she is probably Fancy Ketchup! :) She has a heart for these children that is indescribable. She has been to camp (close to if not) 5 times (I think). She sponsors a beautiful young lady at the Tree of Life named SELAH (say-lah) She is mamma bear to this cub of hers, anyone who says you can't love, worry, feel all the pain, tears, joy, and pure happiness in a child on the other side of the world, call this girl, she can tell you all about it! </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLng1DV8jHRJerwqa4AJEgKi-6f0NFLfUWqlzmFRkUcTqSZwciE80MhyphenhypheneNv2GVCgHg8_HxcuqlvgL7OCelJo19kFxrh6HBsmQbxTcOh9AU2LPDBMR5PUT_AzN_uYNfuHnBq_tWC5bvA8/s1600/Brooke+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLng1DV8jHRJerwqa4AJEgKi-6f0NFLfUWqlzmFRkUcTqSZwciE80MhyphenhypheneNv2GVCgHg8_HxcuqlvgL7OCelJo19kFxrh6HBsmQbxTcOh9AU2LPDBMR5PUT_AzN_uYNfuHnBq_tWC5bvA8/s200/Brooke+2.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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I wish I had a pic of her with Selah, I don't, so here is her showing her abundant love for all children with this little cutie we found outside of the school in the Garden compound.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdg0Rh3oeRwryKTtc8GVU2MqHOKhd9QCMwG9t4Pet6LnlwVHgx_M7FKGGvkVJoEC6dgQtPRT1DybY2p0REPz08PdpLqzZwgNQBF3x5YN3ni9l_if79hLtOwe_bAefaVY2X1LELZxta-A/s1600/Sammi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdg0Rh3oeRwryKTtc8GVU2MqHOKhd9QCMwG9t4Pet6LnlwVHgx_M7FKGGvkVJoEC6dgQtPRT1DybY2p0REPz08PdpLqzZwgNQBF3x5YN3ni9l_if79hLtOwe_bAefaVY2X1LELZxta-A/s200/Sammi.JPG" width="200" /></a>Sami is officially adopted into the R clan! She is one of us! She went to Camp Life solo this year and I am pretty sure she is going to be back! She was a natural with her girls, and they fell in love with her in about half a minute! No surprise, she is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. A total trooper too! The minute we got off the plane she jumped on a bus with Trish, Erin and I to deliver some blessings and food to Erin's kids from last year. She was a photographer and a huge help with all the stuff we had to deliver. I am looking forward to this friendship, bc I truly believe great things are ahead for this special lady! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46y_f0Er4OChFBwHcz4r1AcVg_T5TIVt8NQeFpBoIkIaOGThkocuHh-Tb-JodFScevhCys9CFPJJ4Ly1Nti1Drqnl3VEMQzFJ9Imk-zmR9JBjY1iCNdxe6N86fk-Z_FwK5zMxCRB8J_c/s1600/Love.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46y_f0Er4OChFBwHcz4r1AcVg_T5TIVt8NQeFpBoIkIaOGThkocuHh-Tb-JodFScevhCys9CFPJJ4Ly1Nti1Drqnl3VEMQzFJ9Imk-zmR9JBjY1iCNdxe6N86fk-Z_FwK5zMxCRB8J_c/s320/Love.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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These are a handful of the folks that are supporting Della's House with our LOVE t shirts. If you want to support go to <a href="http://www.dellashouse.com/#!store/c4m" target="_blank">Della's House.</a> Spread the word and show the LOVE!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34pPNCJar6d0HwQR7BzQJrRWcW4QS5TAwRcAFBECvQV8V5NCYo10JRoCwA8F2UHlIx_ezX-NhSSt7eFZIRorzkNMXxklJ3N2rHf_QJccUuEExLMJ_ySYq-lVtLCoanqJASxhmWNO_T3g/s1600/Elija.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34pPNCJar6d0HwQR7BzQJrRWcW4QS5TAwRcAFBECvQV8V5NCYo10JRoCwA8F2UHlIx_ezX-NhSSt7eFZIRorzkNMXxklJ3N2rHf_QJccUuEExLMJ_ySYq-lVtLCoanqJASxhmWNO_T3g/s200/Elija.JPG" width="200" /></a>And now for the blessings I have prayed for since I left Zambia last year. Here is some quick background to help you understand why these two people were so special. Last year I got 6 kids that needed a lot of help, they could not speak English, I needed Zambian partners who were strong in faith, in our objective and passionate for the children placed in our group. Without harping on the negative, lets just say, I didn't have those two people last year. I prayed, I prayed, I prayed some more for a strong Zambian man who could understand these boys situations, feel empathy with their stories, and relate to the lives of each one of them. By the Grace of God (and Holly the girl in charge at FL) I got Elijah! He pastors at his church, I am pretty sure he knows every verse in the bible and he prays in big, loud, proud, thankful, believing Zambian style. There is nothing better when it comes to prayer than standing in the middle of a bunch of Zambian's, they pray out loud, and with some serious passion, the feeling I get when this happens is up there on the list of "my favorite moments in life". <br />
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Elijah took the tough stuff, sex, drugs, alcohol, HIV, and life in general and had a candid conversation with the boys. HIV is a big discussion, there are a lot of stories in Zambian culture as to how it is transmitted and what can be done to "fix" it. My boys are at the age that they need to know about these things, and Elijah made that happen! He prayed over them and shared his testimony, which was good for my boys to hear. They see struggle and pain every day, they do not see a lot of "Elijah's" who make it out on the right side with a job, a wife, a solid future and a love for the Lord. It was awesome to hear him tell his story and watch the boys listen so intently, glance up at him and nod when he said something that touched them. I will post and entire blog about Elija, so stay tuned, but I couldn't leave him out of my list of new friends! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt70Cl0dIqMbHveyjRVGvUHUfiAd9lpt21K09GawOFBL-vGzuOiFLsbq4iJDzTv25xxibgKZrwXF2ea2PlY6vmRUy77-WPjzETu8-nIm1vBZ00arNmZr9SPvdzWJW4YV5HBGPh2F9zxo/s1600/Elizabeth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt70Cl0dIqMbHveyjRVGvUHUfiAd9lpt21K09GawOFBL-vGzuOiFLsbq4iJDzTv25xxibgKZrwXF2ea2PlY6vmRUy77-WPjzETu8-nIm1vBZ00arNmZr9SPvdzWJW4YV5HBGPh2F9zxo/s200/Elizabeth.JPG" width="165" /></a>The second part of the Zambian partnership was Elizabeth, she is adorable, she sings in the praise group at her church, leads a bible study for girls in her congregation. She was a blessing to my boys, she taught them the Evangicube (tool they use to Evangelize on community day), while Elijah and I were at one on one blessing time with a child, she would have the rest of the group doing an activity I brought, discussing the lessons from the big sessions or playing games to pass the time. I can not lie, she is pretty, and some of my boys are teens and I was a little worried they would be flirty with her, but she was like a big sister to each of them, and I was so happy with that. When we were in the community, she was so attentive to each of the kids as they evangelized to the folks in their community, she helped the boys lead 4 people to Christ and made sure each of the boys had the opportunity to explain the Good Word. She is kind of soft spoken, but the boys always listened when she spoke, and they respected her. <br />
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And "this one" she is watching over my boys everyday! She is one of two, (Victoria) women who work as Discipleship Leaders in Chaisa. She and Victoria recommend each of the kids that go to camp, they go to each child's homes to assess the situation, they go to each home of a child who is sponsored to explain the program.. They are with all of these kids everyday. If a child stops coming to school, they go find them. Fanny knew were each of my kids lived. The first day I met her, I started rattling off names of each of my boys, she could tell me if they were good at school, what has happened in their family since last year and then could find them in a random group of children waiting on the side of the road. She promised to watch out for my boys and to give them a hug for me regularly. She is a single mother of one boy, Paul, she lives with her twin brothers (17ish) and mother in a two bedroom house. Her heart is big and her love of these kids is never ending. The kids love her too, as we passed through Chaisa, she would talk to all of them, greet their mothers and grandmothers and flash her big beautiful smile. I will be looking for her next year, she and Victoria have such an important job. There are thousands of children in Chaisa, they are responsible for finding the "least of these" getting them to camp and hopefully see them through the sponsorship program. They are responsible for communicating with the families of each of the children in school at Chaisa Lifeway Christian Academy and keeping the lines of communication open with the American staff in Dallas regarding each child. They have a big job, I believe it is only by the Grace of God and a Heart for the Children of Zambia that these two ladies have been able to do half the job they are doing! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U99dHQIhXdhJ4HE3R4g6DOIG_Sp9YBYN4RpnfGf8AKClhrnAe9mLsrTYys-ifZHhibYaJp4WSQ10NnyWD6UqbApOYm0UlWiep1kIdmWtPwQlEXb4szpJcc_fw6GH5IJZdvVhRs7ah6s/s1600/Burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U99dHQIhXdhJ4HE3R4g6DOIG_Sp9YBYN4RpnfGf8AKClhrnAe9mLsrTYys-ifZHhibYaJp4WSQ10NnyWD6UqbApOYm0UlWiep1kIdmWtPwQlEXb4szpJcc_fw6GH5IJZdvVhRs7ah6s/s320/Burgers.JPG" style="left: 178px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 198px;" width="72" /></a>Keep in touch...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-52360675469511582752013-08-05T13:57:00.004-07:002013-08-05T13:57:49.078-07:00Let's bless these kids... part 2 of 2Next stop was <strong><u>Haggai's</u></strong> house<br />
Haggai was at camp for the first time this year and the sweet Hogan's are his new sponsors. His father greeted me before we entered the house. He is the only father I have met of any of kids. He seemed kind and loving of Haggai, but also looked much older than the dad of a boy Haggai's age. I didn't get details but there is something wrong with his vision, I am guessing he may be blind in one eye and limited vision in the other, but that is just assumption from a very brief visit with him. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd7wWiAE58C4SEjUupiaE2474ST6EkYYdV5Mdom9vg_se9HOgifTYBTjCnoEDBl231bDvQqu8W9JxMm7chnLVGBpV_Z2NA224dGOxZ2sVR3IYQafP5YBDTYWrYv_lnRfv3QDjmXeFefM/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd7wWiAE58C4SEjUupiaE2474ST6EkYYdV5Mdom9vg_se9HOgifTYBTjCnoEDBl231bDvQqu8W9JxMm7chnLVGBpV_Z2NA224dGOxZ2sVR3IYQafP5YBDTYWrYv_lnRfv3QDjmXeFefM/s200/IMG_5949.JPG" width="200" /></a>Because this food drop/ sponsorship is a little unique, I spoke with Haggai's father about allowing him into our school program and wanted a commitment from him that he agreed to our program and Haggai would be sponsored going forward. He agreed, and all was well. The blessing started pouring out. Haggai was so happy and excited. His father sat on the couch watching all of the toys and clothes and gifts come out. I showed them the photo of Haggai's new sponsors, and they both smiled wide. Haggai placed the photo on the table and studied the two beautiful faces smiling back at his, then he held it and giggled while I tried to take a pic of him holding a pic...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuuLyz3vp20t2IoPGfT9awU-RauXJ-9wrJ1jT6DtyJm66WYaYS1gkPrJKgD0L9GF-jsedHhvYBwH8v_C2IBaCG7cB1GmTTgLZIamWh08v3Kd09dIXuptKvY2_yTArZzYewgBJG20jWDY/s1600/IMG_5968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuuLyz3vp20t2IoPGfT9awU-RauXJ-9wrJ1jT6DtyJm66WYaYS1gkPrJKgD0L9GF-jsedHhvYBwH8v_C2IBaCG7cB1GmTTgLZIamWh08v3Kd09dIXuptKvY2_yTArZzYewgBJG20jWDY/s200/IMG_5968.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Next we shared all of the food blessings with the family, his father was appreciative. Haggai called his younger brother in for a family photo and it was a wrap. The father had a light in the house, it was the first home I had been into that had a light, he was so proud of this, and wanted us to stay behind to show us how it worked. Haggai was immediately back to unpacking all of his gifts and making sure the traveling mob of children we had acquired by this time did not get away with anything. <br />
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I am so grateful for the Hogan's support, Haggai is my least educated and most in need of Lifeway Christian Academy. I believe he will really thrive in this program and although he is starting out a little behind, I think he is going to be an exceptional student and I can not wait to see the progress a year makes when I see him again.<br />
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Last stop: <a href="http://aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><strong>Issaiac</strong> </a><br />
This may have been my hardest stop. Issaiac stole my heart in the first minute of camp last year. He is beautiful, this sounds silly, but he is beautiful, like I think he should be a model beautiful. He is also very peaceful, something about looking in his eyes is calming to me. And then there is a smile, that isn't given away, but shared like light in a very dark room. His smile is something that warms my heart. SO... I had an instant click with Issaiac, we were fast friends from day one last year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m0aObOV1SjdO7rvylurHsQanqkPFYuDH3W02k3ARMTPdKGcOaYJPjmEl6ooh_Sh1W1rwldydm6UGDQLTVTFvK2voTDU7lRBxnJ3qJFb3_czvOLFMfz_RdWWcCw4rmg02S080JM7DM7A/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m0aObOV1SjdO7rvylurHsQanqkPFYuDH3W02k3ARMTPdKGcOaYJPjmEl6ooh_Sh1W1rwldydm6UGDQLTVTFvK2voTDU7lRBxnJ3qJFb3_czvOLFMfz_RdWWcCw4rmg02S080JM7DM7A/s200/IMG_6008.JPG" width="200" /></a>My parents sponsor this kid, and it amazes me how much they have fallen in love with this precious child. I had blessing galore for Issaiac. My mother had made him a blanket, Dad sent letters and books he found on their Alaskan vacation. I read the book to him, and explained that they had been on a big boat. I showed him his shoes and pillow, clothes and toys. The coolest part of the giving was when I told him they sent crayons, and I asked if he had ever seen so many crayons (it was a large box) and when I opened the box, his eyes got huge and he gasped (along with the dozen other children who thought that was awesome).<br />
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I showed him the pictures my Dad sent for him of my brother's kids, our grandparents, my mom, and of coarse the boys being cowboys on horses. Then I read the letter Dad sent, and I can't remember exactly what it said, but as I read it I cried, and Issaiac patted my arm, he is strong, he is a good kid and he is so blessed. <br />
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I told his mom about my parents and their sponsorship of Issaiac and how they had sent all of this food for her and the children. She was grateful, although very quiet, she was gracious. <br />
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Issaiac , his mom, younger brother and I went outside to take a few snaps and I was done. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-3695058946696097512013-07-25T09:47:00.001-07:002013-07-25T09:47:45.383-07:00Let's bless these kids... part 1Okay, you should have the general idea of the Father's Heart home visits by this point, if not, go <a href="http://aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2013/07/father-heart-take-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2013/07/father-heart-take-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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First, I am going to fill you in on some things going on during all of the food drops. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWhS7rVi2kxCoO7qDr-NWENURxajGY-p1hzwS9_gvC9ZNYiHrfGhM42WCnlyfCiMR2k5RxNWa0XmIvUQ795ScfORxlGi8AvnPEqdK3JDvsROPn1XAgRL7SbdcBgRDucjsYWckAPLY_iM/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWhS7rVi2kxCoO7qDr-NWENURxajGY-p1hzwS9_gvC9ZNYiHrfGhM42WCnlyfCiMR2k5RxNWa0XmIvUQ795ScfORxlGi8AvnPEqdK3JDvsROPn1XAgRL7SbdcBgRDucjsYWckAPLY_iM/s200/IMG_5843.JPG" width="150" /></a>~When a white girl shows up in the compound and starts delivering gifts and food, Zambian's come out of the woodwork! Children create small mobs and follow you around. They are so sweet and curious, they think it is so interesting to have a white person roaming around their neighborhood. Tiny toddlers just learning to walk, kids that forget to put pants on, teenagers hanging with friends, they all come out and look at what is going on. Lots of bare little feet walking through dirt, mud and trash watching and giggling the entire time. Women washing clothes in the ally or cooking dinner on the front step all look to see what you are up to, they smile, wave and stare, then go about what they were previously doing. <br />
~They don't have phones, but they have voices and feet and they spread the word! As soon as I show up in the compound, children start telling other children, they spread the word like wild fire and before I know it, I have kids from all over swarming around. It is amazing to me how quickly they all show up and how children will recognize me from camp! <br />
~The photos of this trip are taken by Brandon, a staff member at Family Legacy, seeing this trip from his perspective in the photos, and actually being there has greatly impacted this experience for me. <br />
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First up: <u><strong>Kennedy</strong></u></div>
Kennedy is one of the MR and I's sponsored children. He is small, but has a large personality, he is quiet, but can make himself heard, he is so sweet, and I just adore him! I will be posting blogs about each of the boys in a week, so read all about him in a blog to come! For last years info look <a href="http://aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2012/06/getting-to-know-my-boys-1-of-6-kennedy.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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When we show up, Kennedy is not home. In Zambia, children start roaming the compound as soon as they learn to walk, or have a sibling caring them. So, to find Kennedy, we asked three small children to go find him and bring him home. <br />
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Sure enough, within 5 minutes, Kennedy is home and looking a little shocked to see me in his house! I had told him I would be by to see him one last time on Saturday, maybe he didn't believe me or understand me, bc he looked so surprised that his "white person" was standing in the main room (which is the dining room, kitchen, living room, and all the children's bedroom). <br />
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Blessing time: I gave Kennedy a new pair of tennis shoes, we put them on his sweet little feet immediately and he was all smiles! I had a backpack for him stuffed with blessings, I pulled out a soccer ball, new clothes, flip flops, coloring books, colors, pencils, notepads, sunglasses, pillow and a big warm blanket my mom made for him, that backpack was like Mary Poppins case, stuff just kept coming out! He was so happy, he kept hugging me and saying thank you. Then came the food, I told Kennedy that all the backpack blessing were for him, then looked at his Aunt (his caretaker) and said that all of the food was for the family, she wept, she was so grateful, I told her most of what was in the bags, showed her the eggs, bag of mealie meal, and the meat. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUbzxjj2uvqURGz7yACFmonTkKe24dpsHbxkzFrsZT5wkTMQ0Vu4iG0E4TRiqFfl57q1h1NsvEFW-kGfmmK40-I41LDPsN5LZ6c0sIyk052_r6WHKyjMRkNZFCv2RV2MekW6V4_bhUyQ/s1600/785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUbzxjj2uvqURGz7yACFmonTkKe24dpsHbxkzFrsZT5wkTMQ0Vu4iG0E4TRiqFfl57q1h1NsvEFW-kGfmmK40-I41LDPsN5LZ6c0sIyk052_r6WHKyjMRkNZFCv2RV2MekW6V4_bhUyQ/s200/785.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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She was standing up when I told her all of this and when I finished she fell to the ground on her side and started clapping, then rolled to the other side and clapped, then she stood up and hugged me and said thank you. I wasn't quite sure what had just happened, and no one explained this behavior to me immediately, but I eventually found out that this is an expression of extreme gratitude. Whew, I thought she had fainted and I was pretty sure 911 was not an option! With that, we prayed with Kennedy and his Aunt then left them with all of the blessing and headed to the next home. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMia4GL6FDob6ooIXb__3Mm9zNVD_yUpOqFu6oJxEAsJ62EjgFON1iTQVFzcpGXI-huFWmZSCAEUJQ78BvSavGqOUp6LDvum9qRfSZLUBgPHPVG5bnY1pTGwc5vj2P8uSbu1EsQYypJs/s1600/804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMia4GL6FDob6ooIXb__3Mm9zNVD_yUpOqFu6oJxEAsJ62EjgFON1iTQVFzcpGXI-huFWmZSCAEUJQ78BvSavGqOUp6LDvum9qRfSZLUBgPHPVG5bnY1pTGwc5vj2P8uSbu1EsQYypJs/s200/804.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Second stop:<strong><u> Chola and Francis</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5gvPUoyxUHis9xB_rqNn5cTZijVu59zq6V_29X6Bmvw-HMufTZxalguwy5sKpZO8SP_IP7zCWWHNUPxr-HPJiw3O6gdnr0sPoYtKoJgHDnfmAlZGL8f_OkW7n2Gxk-LS8yFGIubrYi4/s1600/IMG_5795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5gvPUoyxUHis9xB_rqNn5cTZijVu59zq6V_29X6Bmvw-HMufTZxalguwy5sKpZO8SP_IP7zCWWHNUPxr-HPJiw3O6gdnr0sPoYtKoJgHDnfmAlZGL8f_OkW7n2Gxk-LS8yFGIubrYi4/s320/IMG_5795.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-boys-6-of-6-chola.html" target="_blank">Chola</a> (Rueben) (in the green shirt) and Francis (I love my life shirt) are brothers. MR and I sponsor Chola and MR's cousin sponsors Francis. As we drove to their house, we saw their Grandmother working at her vegetable stand in the market, we asked her to come home for a bit to visit with us. She joined us and the boys were waiting when we arrived. I had told Chola on Friday, that I would be by on Saturday, I saw Francis on Thursday and told him the same, so they knew not to go too far! We unloaded all of the food and gifts inside. Chola had worn one flip flop to camp all week, so I asked an American camper if he would sell me his shoes at the end of the week (he had another pair to wear home), he GAVE me his shoes and I quickly tied them on Chola's precious feet. Oddly, he took them off and put them away, maybe I am crazy and he likes being barefoot, OR my fear is, they are Nike and someone might hurt him for them. I don't know, I have to believe that God is going to watch over Chola and his new blue tennis and that Chola will wear them to keep warm and protect his feet! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmqzxqYvUpYnQSHiFs0uFMuU7ixXh5TbDiHNMqQg9jLRYQzHsG89wWsqGaNw0gSHRTVKwKPmBF1-xMNJlqK0zwUfidd4EYx9YBDkjhO1g8XMJZ3D_L7aPFIrfMDfR3FAn_dapPknzwg4/s1600/IMG_5801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmqzxqYvUpYnQSHiFs0uFMuU7ixXh5TbDiHNMqQg9jLRYQzHsG89wWsqGaNw0gSHRTVKwKPmBF1-xMNJlqK0zwUfidd4EYx9YBDkjhO1g8XMJZ3D_L7aPFIrfMDfR3FAn_dapPknzwg4/s320/IMG_5801.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
Blessings: Francis and Chola both got pillows and blankets (made by my mom with love and care), backpacks filled with school supplies, soccer balls, toys, deodorant, soap, crayons, and clothes. They were so happy, they just kept taking things out and looking at them. Grandmother seemed equally happy to have all the blessings for the boys. <br />
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Side note: Grandmother to Chola is Mother to Francis, and there are several other children in the house, Francis' twin brother (but they don't look anything alike), a younger brother (who is also sponsored and going to Lifeway with Chola) and a little sister named Gift, and she is just that, a beautiful little Gift! So I don't really know who is brother/nephew/sister/niece and I am not sure that the kids are totally understanding of it all either (I might try to explain this in the Chola (Rueben) blog, but it gets a little complicated...)<br />
I then showed Grandmother all of the food blessings, she did exactly what Kennedy's Aunt did and fell to the floor, clapped, rolled over and clapped some more! It was about 30 minutes after this episode that someone filled me in on what was going on. I had figured at that point it must be an act of appreciate, but wasn't totally sure! After that, there were big hugs and lots of love! <br />
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Francis' twin brother came in, he had about 30 rubber bracelets on his arms, I asked him about them and he gave me two... this is mind blowing to me, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02P8bivWi6QOfPOn8PbcNMhShLX9OZWJlAfnoe3Fy7sFu3J-LHd6foPnXKVvMEyrPpqDtVD4F3EyHbeAyyG_nJRIbTALRl1EG2Iy_lISggn0FU9P3GLa7OKjKgHtmzmx-u3xiS1aX-v0/s1600/IMG_5831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02P8bivWi6QOfPOn8PbcNMhShLX9OZWJlAfnoe3Fy7sFu3J-LHd6foPnXKVvMEyrPpqDtVD4F3EyHbeAyyG_nJRIbTALRl1EG2Iy_lISggn0FU9P3GLa7OKjKgHtmzmx-u3xiS1aX-v0/s320/IMG_5831.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I am giving them gifts, they are not supposed to be giving me things! I acted like they were made of gold and was very thankful for his generosity! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Him2A-HrUBzXHxK1xa9UZnckZE6zwp3C8Wk9VXUn9HXtY_iFAEB-PbFT8E3JzW4D1NFCyp6IQMWaWM_f2G46zLqc9pJWdf3I5XKk3BqjJa12Onu_MMljGe_OV-tX7NN5DlH3FajjZlY/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Him2A-HrUBzXHxK1xa9UZnckZE6zwp3C8Wk9VXUn9HXtY_iFAEB-PbFT8E3JzW4D1NFCyp6IQMWaWM_f2G46zLqc9pJWdf3I5XKk3BqjJa12Onu_MMljGe_OV-tX7NN5DlH3FajjZlY/s320/IMG_5837.JPG" width="320" /></a> At the end of our visit, we all joined hands in a circle and Fanny prayed in their native language. While we are in the house, random children are coming in to see what is going on, so we have collect an addition dozen or so kids in a small space, which could create total chaos with activity and talking and generally kids being kids, but not here, everyone is calm, cool and collected. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsQH4B86Ys2dakSZW9HtnyRJSSXvkCNicvtlOdDEvObonKS4VFw7MHmgyKMg-ZzJda-ll3sSMZKLPNOg4GouE_GwyZ6o_FYHVINFK7L8ZlHogiSQNw9AcdrgIzzL4y6soVnR54HqWX0g/s1600/IMG_5838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsQH4B86Ys2dakSZW9HtnyRJSSXvkCNicvtlOdDEvObonKS4VFw7MHmgyKMg-ZzJda-ll3sSMZKLPNOg4GouE_GwyZ6o_FYHVINFK7L8ZlHogiSQNw9AcdrgIzzL4y6soVnR54HqWX0g/s320/IMG_5838.JPG" width="320" /></a>As we grabbed hands with our children, Grandmother and the rest of the family to pray, the "add on" children press their sweet hands together in front of their beautiful faces and pray with us. I don't realize this is going on until the end when the "Amen" is much louder and coming from farther than our immediate circle. It made my heart melt, and luckily, I have a picture of them praying behind us.<br />
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Stop number 3:<strong><u>Rodrick</u></strong> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVJnuyGHVXOZAME27givrmpenPx1qzGGMHh4PSNmGOGJ1P1J607f5d7wiPD7Woy0H5FDxvNXF8hRhzgDMxgqED_f-hb7cYK62F7Q9alDztrelbuD2q9JJQwz_w9U8LPlWO1xoR0_fZzU/s1600/IMG_5874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVJnuyGHVXOZAME27givrmpenPx1qzGGMHh4PSNmGOGJ1P1J607f5d7wiPD7Woy0H5FDxvNXF8hRhzgDMxgqED_f-hb7cYK62F7Q9alDztrelbuD2q9JJQwz_w9U8LPlWO1xoR0_fZzU/s320/IMG_5874.JPG" width="320" /></a>So Rodrick is sponsored by my lifelong friend Kim. This is one of the "shifted" sponsorships, but I am feeling confident that Rodrick will go to school and this is going to be a good match! Kim had sent gifts with me for her original sponsor child Rabbi, and luckily, the two boys are similar in size and build, so the sweatshirt she sent was perfect for Rodrick! She sent him a warm blanket and a fluffy pillow, coloring books and school supplies in a really cool orange backpack. Rodrick also got a soccer ball, a lot of toys, pencils, colors, stickers and lots of other neat stuff. Kim sent a photo of herself which he loved, he stared at it when I told him who she was and that she wanted to send him to school. <br />
Kim provided a food drop for Rodrick's family, his mother was so thankful. This was by far the smallest house we visited, and after we had the three bags of food, crate of eggs, 50 lb bag of mealie meal, there was not a lot of space for us! <br />
I talked to Rodrick's mother about him going to school, she agreed that he would attend Lifeway, and was so thankful to be able to have a child attending school. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI2EWrqPm6jdJIzuz7XERMmacaAjpMP8Sh1cvTqvHV9m4UDJ1pOe6-TB4zyk4x5uxiKcy5dgVrnd7GZzTaXpeCJqXhtN17oHqGrW0vKLeGCxc7tUcV_Or1PQMaJ5ACJ5-d7jg7_5Lzyw/s1600/IMG_5880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI2EWrqPm6jdJIzuz7XERMmacaAjpMP8Sh1cvTqvHV9m4UDJ1pOe6-TB4zyk4x5uxiKcy5dgVrnd7GZzTaXpeCJqXhtN17oHqGrW0vKLeGCxc7tUcV_Or1PQMaJ5ACJ5-d7jg7_5Lzyw/s320/IMG_5880.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRnMrQ1BRlKPgZ0IKeJ8M_ElxUK-8UQMSK-SkxLLJDq5DbQ-rAAV7R-BOcjwoOJuw0RYHVGSOSp3smcaxPRZOerD94sSalV_5PTxvl4L0atzA-uyBKPvSshCRHdU30wVB-s8toG_o3X8/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRnMrQ1BRlKPgZ0IKeJ8M_ElxUK-8UQMSK-SkxLLJDq5DbQ-rAAV7R-BOcjwoOJuw0RYHVGSOSp3smcaxPRZOerD94sSalV_5PTxvl4L0atzA-uyBKPvSshCRHdU30wVB-s8toG_o3X8/s320/IMG_5886.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We prayed with the family and then said our goodbyes. As I left, there was a long hug with Rodrick telling him that I was so excited to have found a sponsor for him so quickly and that he would be attending school soon. This was a blessing that no one was expecting that day, so this was very heavy on my heart and I wanted Rodrick to be appreciative and excited about his new opportunity, and he is, and that makes makes my heart smile! <br />
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Number 5: <a href="http://aimeeoraley.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-boys-2-of-6-taurai.html" target="_blank"><strong>Taurai</strong></a></div>
I didn't have this little stinker at camp, so this is the first time I am seeing this kid in one year. <br />
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However, I did have a kid in my group that new Taurai and told him I was coming to see him. I wear a bracelet that has my boys names from camp last year stamped on it. I was wearing it the first day of camp and Richard noticed the name Taurai, he told me he was friends with him, and I asked him to say hello for me and let him know I would be by on Saturday to see him. Richard returned to camp the next day so excited to tell me that he went to Taurai, told him I was here and he said, "Taurai says hello and he love you!" LOVE... <br />
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Taurai's sponsor is my cousin Bunny (and her family), and it is a perfect match. Taurai reminds me of Bunny and I's grandfather, Elmo. He (Taurai and Elmo) are characters, always making people laugh, enjoy the company of others and generally happy people. They both love a good story that makes you laugh at the end (in the middle and hopefully at the start as well). So needless to say, when Bunny agreed to sponsor one of my children, this was an obvious pair in my eyes. That being said, I would never in a million years think that I could find anymore similarities to our family in this pair, BUT, I did! Taurai lives with his grandmother, she is exactly like our grandmother, Winkie! No joke folks, she is the Zambian Winkie! Crazy, right? <br />
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She is strong, but kind and full of love. She lets Tauria be a character, sits back patiently watching, never taking an eye off this kid. You can tell she treasures him (which is odd in Zambia) she sees his light, and it is a bright one. She has a clean home, with fabric covers for the chair and couch in the main room, as well as a lace "curtain" on the wall. She sat next to me the entire time, smiling, patting my leg when Taurai would pull another gift from his bag with excitement and thanking me continually along the way. I showed Taurai the photo of Bunny and her family, which I am guessing is probably being displayed on the wall of their home at this very moment. I explained our relationship and that Bunny's kids know all about him and that I made them a picture book from our time together last year. <br />
Taurai was running and leaping into my arms full of gifts and blessings before we actually got to his house! It was awesome, we were so excited to see each other! After we pulled out all of his clothes, shoes, blanket, toys, books, ball, colors, pencils etc, he put on his new sunglasses and started putting on a Taurai show. This kid could make anyone smile, he just has that knack, and I love that so much about him. I showed Grandma all of the food blessings that Bunny had provided them, she was thankful, and in that Grandma way, she hugged me and said thank you multiple times, I felt like I should thank her for Taurai, for loving him and taking such good care of him and letting us be a part of life... it's a grandma thing... We prayed together and then it was time to go.<br />
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When we went outside there were lots of little ones waiting to see what was going on. I got to sit down on the front steps and hang out with Taurai, I was telling stories of him from camp in 2012, the way he would slap his knee, laugh from his belly then point and wink at me at the end of his story. <br />
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Sorry this is taking so long, but there are so many things I want to share about these blessing times! Stay tuned for the wrap up of these stories!!!! <br />
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Keep in touch<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-34553326824953871732013-07-23T11:49:00.001-07:002013-07-23T11:49:56.355-07:00Father's Heart take 2<div><br></div><div>Explaining who gets a visit: </div><div><br></div><div>First, the boys that were added to my group this year live very near the boys we/friends/family sponsor, so they will be there when I deliver food and gifts. Awkward...</div><div><br></div><div>Second, since two of my boys from last year denied the program, I have shifted their sponsorship to two new boys, so the three in the Camp group who are not sponsored are going to wonder why they are not getting blessings. It was tricky, there was confusion and I am praying they understand. </div><div><br></div><div>Let me explain how the shifting of sponsorship worked out. 10 boys in my camp group, 3 sponsored by us/my parents (Kennedy, Issaiac, Chola), 2 sponsored by Americans I don't know (Sailas, Richard), 5 unsponsored boys (Haggai, Harrison, Richard, Steven, Rodrick). Let me explain the 5 unsponsored: </div><div>Rodrick, the eldest and surprisingly well spoken/read in English- talented and gifted</div><div>Haggai, least educated, but living in (by Zambian standards) a decent home. </div><div>Richard: attending a private school, lives in a decent home, wore different clothes everyday (this is not be judging- it is a sign of wealth in Zambia)</div><div>Steven: educated, very faithful, safe and living in a decent home.</div><div>Harrison: well- read his story in a blog coming your way soon. What I will say here is that at the time I had to shift the sponsorships, I thought his situation was the worst of the worst and I was going to have to find a new sponsor for him to be moved into the Tree if Life program, which is expensive and I was going to have some serious explaining to do in asking for this level of sponsorship (250/month).</div><div><br></div><div>So my thought process was something like this. Rodrick is the oldest and his chances of getting sponsored are less and less as time goes on. He is incredibly smart, but his family can not afford to complete his education. So I shifted him to a sponsor who's original child from last year has decided he wont be going to school.Thank you Kim! </div><div><br></div><div>Haggai can not write his name, he needs a chance to learn, to be educated. He needs some confidence and I am hoping that an education will encourage him to come out his shell. I shifted him to a sponsor who's original child denied our program. Thank you Cindi and Pat!</div><div><br></div><div>The thing is, this decision didn't come easy, however, I had peace in knowing Richard is going to school, I will find Steven a sponsor, and at this point was not sure what Harrison's sponsorship level would be, so i was going to take some extra time with his situation. </div><div><br></div><div>This is by far one of my favorite days of this trip, it is also going to be the hardest day of my trip- I will not see my boys again, this is goodbye, this is going to hurt and I have to walk away. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-22293980444810360902013-07-23T07:46:00.001-07:002013-07-23T11:18:25.179-07:00Father's Heart: take 1Father's Heart is part of the trip where you visit your kids home. I had planned a father's Heart trip for each of my 6 boys from last year. <div><br></div><div>I was going to deliver enough food to feed a family for a month. It is one large garbage bag of meat: whole chicken, dried fish, sausage, and meat pies. Another large garbage bag containing: flour, eggs, cooking oil, bread, etc. and the third large garbage bag containing: soap, detergent, cleaning supplies, etc. ad well as a fifty pound bag if mealie meal (like grits/a staple to their diet) and a crate if eggs. </div><div><br></div><div>I also had gifts for each child. I had been collecting things for 9 months, sponsors had brought me gifts for their boys, my mom had made blankets for our kids, it was a blessing! Everyone had a backpack with school supplies, toys, balls, and new clothes, pillows, blankets, deodorant, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, and candy(to balance it all out)! </div><div><br></div><div>These gifts were a hit- I think... I honestly think I overwhelmed them, pretty sure they had never received brand new things, or that many at one time! They all just looked at me like they were in complete shock and awe... Maybe I should tone it down next year, but I can't help myself, I want my precious children to have it all! I want them to be blessed beyond belief! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-6902720403415950302013-07-20T10:22:00.001-07:002013-07-20T10:22:43.291-07:00Final FridayThis is it- the week is over, camp has come to an end and once again, I didn't get enough pictures, or hugs or high fives or TIME, I just didn't have enough time! <div><br></div><div>Fridays at camp are high energy, fast moving, rushed and so bitter sweet. </div><div><br></div><div>We started the day with our last blessing time with Chola. We are probably the most connected out of the three family sponsored kids. He is so sensitive, but tries to be so tough. Blessing time was a lot of tears and conversation about wanting to come home with me. All very hard to handle for both of us. Let's be real here folks- I want him to come home with me as much as I want to stay there with him, but for whatever reason, we are separated by a big ocean. </div><div><br></div><div>After a wrap on that emotional ride, I had to revisit Harrison's story and was called in by the Child Protective Unit of Zambia to evaluate his situation. Long story short, Harrison is a double orphan being raised by an aunt who has 5 children of her own. After spending an hour with CPU I have no idea what will happen with Harrison, I will let you all know when I find out what they decided. </div><div><br></div><div>Typically I would have been passing out the blessings they received (t shirt, bandana, sweets, blanket) but somehow that had been done for me since I was with Harrison. We hurried to get a few group snaps and it was a wrap. </div><div><br></div><div>This year went a little different than last. Rodrick would not put on his shirt or accept his blessings bc he was adamant that he was not going home. Chola was pouting and wouldn't smile. My oldest boys were being cry babies while the younger ones were having a ball and enjoying our time. It was, to say the least, a struggle! I was frustrated, I couldn't figure out how to be compassionate to the sad ones and playful with the happy ones. By the end, we were all a big hot mess! Rodrick was leaning on a tree in protest, Chola wouldn't leave my side, Lil' Richard was bawling his eyes out so I scooped him up and carried him as far as I could. Steven had become defensive, Kennedy and Issac were cool as a cucumber. Silas is a comedian and was making fun of everyone's dramatics. Big Richard was becoming clingy and trying to scoot Chola out of the way (which was creating a problem btwn the two of them), Harrison was flopping btwn super happy and mocking the criers, and Haggai was still just being his quiet sweet self. </div><div><br></div><div>I was trying to keep it together and managed to do okay until everyone was on the bus. Saying goodbye was a little easier knowing I would be in Chaisa the next day and would see most of them. They were all crying on the bus, I am running in circles around the bus trying to make sure my shorties had all boarded. I can only walk away from this day with minimal tears because I know I will see them tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-33283650095542066362013-07-20T10:03:00.001-07:002013-07-20T10:03:28.489-07:00Community dayIt's a favorite if mine, we go into the community where the boys live and disciple to the residents of the compound. It is awesome! When I say we, I mean the boys! They run all over telling anyone who will listen the story of Jesus and our mighty God. It is pretty cool to see kids running up to neighbors and strangers alike preaching the good word. It's like nothing I have ever seen before! My group led 3 people to Christ today, and evangelized to at least 40 people.<div><br></div><div>We also went to the tree of life today, on Sunday I sat next to Macnab at church, we met again today and he gave me the sweetest gifts! I will make an entire post on this later. It is at the top of the list of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me! </div><div><br></div><div>This day has blessed me- I have seen the "least of these" encourage believers, lead non believes to The Lord and a child saved, show pure love and joy for his amazing God. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500876300693709343.post-78492971878469768692013-07-18T14:46:00.001-07:002013-07-18T14:46:03.048-07:00Wacky Wednesday!Have I mentioned I have a broken heart? <div>Today I found out that two of my boys from last year are not going to school, this explains why they are not at camp! Robert's mother did not want him to attend Lifeway, I don't know why, but I am trying to get some info. Rabbi, who I worry about so much, stopped going because, as the note reads "uninterested" I am assuming he is working or helping at home and his caretaker thinks he is more of an asset now uneducated than at school and educated to obtain a decent job in the future. I am trying to get the community contact to help me figure it all out, but they move at a different pace in Zambia so I have to wait. </div><div><br></div><div>One of the hardest conversations I have ever had via text, was tellin these boys sponsors they are not in the program! Trying to explain to the sponsor that the child they have grown to love and care about, were not allowed to attend school, and not getting a healthy warm lunch everyday! Zambians are just not totally hip to education, for generations they have not been formally educated and have not been able to see the rewards an education provides. Luckily the sponsors of these children have big hearts and lots of love and have agreed to shift the sponsorship to one of my orphans that were added to my group this year. I will not give up on Robert and Rabbi, I am going to get them into our school, no matter how long it takes- I will not give up on them!</div><div><br></div><div>Camp was fun today. It was fast and exhausting and awkward! MR an I sponsor two of the kids in my group- I have been having a rough time with Chola, he has been super sad all week and I haven't been able to figure out why. He only has one flip flop, which probably is the least of his concerns, but it is bothering me! I literally sized up his feet today and found an American man at camp who has a foot close to what I think Chola's is, I have offered to buy his used tennis shoes on Friday night to give to Chola on Saturday morning when I deliver his food drop. A child should not be running around these slums with just one flippy! </div><div><br></div><div>I had a blessing time with Harrison today who told me the saddest story I have had yet. I will post details on each child in a few days. It's a tear jerker- well actually it just pulls your tears out and washes your face in em... Trust me- it's happened to me! </div><div><br></div><div>These boys love to color- hopefully these pics will post for you all! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ6ZDyLzrvbuCbODAmBqg6P_f6r_w4fzxLceng8TGEcaCswX6P3fsYgDJvB1V3lkrd8r0bOyIs_kMsW5AOP2oulpMiItN-1FaeVxwd5mGG_Rgc7Edx1n8m01AFJtsKXi1Ia5t_wjntUI/s640/blogger-image-119418609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ6ZDyLzrvbuCbODAmBqg6P_f6r_w4fzxLceng8TGEcaCswX6P3fsYgDJvB1V3lkrd8r0bOyIs_kMsW5AOP2oulpMiItN-1FaeVxwd5mGG_Rgc7Edx1n8m01AFJtsKXi1Ia5t_wjntUI/s640/blogger-image-119418609.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It is 11:00 and 6:00 am is creeping up, so I am going to sleep. I promise to blog details soon, I am just totally spent after these days. </div><div><br></div><div>Keep in touch</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02742328313662513894noreply@blogger.com1