Lately, it seems that I have been jumping on my blog bandwagons. But I like it. Like everyone else, I will now review my year. This has been a year of SO MANY changes. I can't even believe how much God has done in my life.
- I went on a wonderful trip to New Orleans with my friends. I did many new things like eat frog legs and friend alligator, listen to and fall in love with zydeco music, went on an historical tour of the city, and I played music in an amazing cathedral!
- I started, endured, and finished my student teaching process. Those three months were some of my greatest months of the year. I fell in love with teaching PreK. Those 20 kids with rough families, family members in jail, behavior problems, speaking words I never thought a four year old would know, were some of the greatest kids I've ever met. The teachers I worked with gave me hope for the educational future.
- I graduated college! Four years of college seemed to just fly by.
- I got my first teaching job! While it isn't my ideal job, I have fallen in love with it. It's a preschool program in a daycare, so I don't get any holidays (no summer break, no winter break, no spring break) and I work until 5:30 everyday, but at least I am teaching preschoolers and we seem to be learning a lot.
- I moved out of my parents house. I have my own apartment. I am loving living by myself. Nobody to answer to, nobody to get in the way of what I want to do.
- I totaled my completely paid off, low milage car. It was a devestating thing for me because I didn't have to worry about that expense. I absolutely had to buy another car. It's a car that is worse than the one I previously owned, but it's the only thing I could afford.
- I went from sponsoring one child with WV to sponsoring two children through WV, and corresponding with three CI children. I am just so happy. God is amazing. My kiddos are amazing. I can't wait until the letter drought ends and I start to hear from them on a more regular basis. I have for sure sent them a lot of letters already. I just so in love with these five children.
There you have it. My year.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Kalpesh!
I just requested a third correspondence child on Monday, they replied on Wednesday, and today, I received another wonderful child. Here he is:
Name: Kalpesh
Age: 9
Birthday: April 24th
U.S Grade Equivalent: 3
Family Duties: Running Errands & Cleaning
Hobbies & Sports: Group Games, Hide and Seek, Running, Reading
Guardians: Mother & Father (Agricultural Laborer)
I am so excited to get to know this little man. Tonight was the scheduled night to email my kiddos anyway, so I can't wait to write him a couple letters.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
One Word for the New Year
Lately I've been debating whether or not to set New Year's resolutions. I know that every goal I make for myself is hopeful, but doubtful that I will actually complete it. To me, it's kind of like when somebody demands you to do something, and that teenager in me arises and refuses to do it just because somebody else is telling me to do it, even if I know it's good for me.
As I've been reading blogs lately, I've come across a new concept that I had never heard of, or even thought of before. The idea is to choose one word that you want to live by for the year. Just one word. One word seems much more manageable than a list of resolutions to lose weight, eat better, clean more, etc.
As I was reading a book, I started to think/pray (to me, thinking and praying are the same thing. God hears both). Before I could even finish thinking the question, "Hmm...I wonder what my one word should be?" God had already thrown the word at me.
I haven't received a letter since November 14th
2012 should be good. Pray for me!
As I've been reading blogs lately, I've come across a new concept that I had never heard of, or even thought of before. The idea is to choose one word that you want to live by for the year. Just one word. One word seems much more manageable than a list of resolutions to lose weight, eat better, clean more, etc.
As I was reading a book, I started to think/pray (to me, thinking and praying are the same thing. God hears both). Before I could even finish thinking the question, "Hmm...I wonder what my one word should be?" God had already thrown the word at me.
I struggle with patience. I struggle with waiting for God to tell me what to do next. I struggle with patience (at times) when it comes to teaching. More than anything else, I struggle with patience when it comes to receiving letters/information about my sponsored children. Every day I go to the mailbox and I find zero letters (which is pretty much everyday) from my sponsored children, my heart drops. I even tell myself "don't be upset if there is no letter there." I always feel a little down anyway.
So, I'm going to try my very best to not be like this:
And I'm going to try to be more like this:
2012 should be good. Pray for me!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Freily Update
Today I called Compassion about why Freily had disappeared from my account last week. As much as I was hoping that it was just a computer glitch, I knew in my heart that wasn't the case.
As I was on hold waiting to talk to a Compassion representitive, I was praying for two things. I was praying that Freily had not left the program completely. I also prayed that his financial sponsor hadn't dropped him, because if they asked me to pick up the financial sponsorship for him, I would have to say no, and he would be left sponsorless again.
After praying for these two things, I was overjoyed to find out that Freily was still in the program and he still had the same financial sponsor. His current sponsor called Compassion and asked for Freily's correspondent relationship be transferred to one of the members of her family.
As happy as I am though, there is still a hint of sadness. Even though I never received any letters from him, I'm sad when I think of Freily. He probably received a letter or two from me in these last two months. All of a sudden, he is going to be getting letters from somebody else. I don't want him to think that I don't like him and left him. I wish there was a way that I could write him one last letter to tell him what happened and how much I enjoyed writing to him.
Goodbye, dear Freily. I hope life treats you wonderfully and God blesses every area of your life. You are so loved.
As I was on hold waiting to talk to a Compassion representitive, I was praying for two things. I was praying that Freily had not left the program completely. I also prayed that his financial sponsor hadn't dropped him, because if they asked me to pick up the financial sponsorship for him, I would have to say no, and he would be left sponsorless again.
After praying for these two things, I was overjoyed to find out that Freily was still in the program and he still had the same financial sponsor. His current sponsor called Compassion and asked for Freily's correspondent relationship be transferred to one of the members of her family.
As happy as I am though, there is still a hint of sadness. Even though I never received any letters from him, I'm sad when I think of Freily. He probably received a letter or two from me in these last two months. All of a sudden, he is going to be getting letters from somebody else. I don't want him to think that I don't like him and left him. I wish there was a way that I could write him one last letter to tell him what happened and how much I enjoyed writing to him.
Goodbye, dear Freily. I hope life treats you wonderfully and God blesses every area of your life. You are so loved.
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Day After Christmas
I meant to post this yesterday and I just never got around to it.
This Christmas has been a good one. In my family, we do not give each other money or gift cards because we think it's more thoughtful to pick things out for each person.
Believe me, if I could have, I would have asked for money to spend on my sponsored children.
But, I got the next best thing! I got almost 40 large envelopes to mail things to my kiddos. I also got two bags full of 3D stickers to send to them, and to use in my classroom.
My grandma did send me money and I fully intend on using it to buy clothes for my two WV boys. I'm going to head to Walmart/Target to see what kinds of clearance clothing they have.
I love spending money on my kiddos!
This Christmas has been a good one. In my family, we do not give each other money or gift cards because we think it's more thoughtful to pick things out for each person.
Believe me, if I could have, I would have asked for money to spend on my sponsored children.
But, I got the next best thing! I got almost 40 large envelopes to mail things to my kiddos. I also got two bags full of 3D stickers to send to them, and to use in my classroom.
My grandma did send me money and I fully intend on using it to buy clothes for my two WV boys. I'm going to head to Walmart/Target to see what kinds of clearance clothing they have.
I love spending money on my kiddos!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Shoes For Kids
Lately, I've become extremely inspired and eager to help this company out: Shoes For Kids
This company is completely run by (with a little help from her family) by an 11 year old girl.
The main goal of her company is to collect shoes for those children that do not have even one pair of shoes to their name. These shoes go to children all over the world, to the U.S and many other countries.
I want to start up my own shoe drive through the use of the internet. Every pair of shoes that I receive in the mail will go directly to this company. I will also pair each pair of shoes up with a pair of socks and I will box them up and send them to this company.
If you are interested in donating a pair of shoes or multiple pairs of shoes, leave me a comment and I will give you my email/home address so you can get to mailing!
This company is completely run by (with a little help from her family) by an 11 year old girl.
The main goal of her company is to collect shoes for those children that do not have even one pair of shoes to their name. These shoes go to children all over the world, to the U.S and many other countries.
I want to start up my own shoe drive through the use of the internet. Every pair of shoes that I receive in the mail will go directly to this company. I will also pair each pair of shoes up with a pair of socks and I will box them up and send them to this company.
If you are interested in donating a pair of shoes or multiple pairs of shoes, leave me a comment and I will give you my email/home address so you can get to mailing!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve Excitement and Prayers
Christmas Eve has always been an important day in my family. Since my very first Christmas, this is the night that everything is celebrated in my family. We watch Christmas movies, bake and decorate cookies, eat pizza (that is our traditional Christmas Eve dinner) and open presents.
I can't lie to my readers. I understand the true meaning of Christmas. I am endlessly thankful that God sent his only son to the world, to be born as an innocent and helpless baby to save all of us from death. I love God so much for that.
However, I am just as excited about the material parts of Christmas. I feel as excited as a five year old when it comes to crawling around under the tree to get presents to pass out to my family. I love watching my pile of presents growing bigger and bigger. I love watching my family open up the gifts that I put so much thought into buying for them. I love receiving things that I truly need and have been wanting for awhile.
While I will never dislike the part of Christmas that invovles opening presents, I have become more aware from year to year about what I ask for. This year is no different. My Christmas list included: Various sizes of envelopes to send things to my sponsored children, stickers (for the same reason), art supplies (for my class and for my sponsored children). I can't stop thinking of these beautiful children this season.
I'm thinking of Abu-Bakarr, my handsome young man from Sierra Leone. I'm hoping that he got the gift I sent him back in October. I wish I could have seen his face when he opened up that box with the soccer ball, the tennis shoes, and his new shirt. I pray that he knows how much God, and I, love him.
I'm thinking of Xhuliano, my newest kiddo, from Albania. I started sponsorsing him at the beginning of November. By now, I'm sure that he knows I'm his sponsor. Because he's older, at 11 years old, I'm sure he's had a sponsor, or multiple sponsors, before me. I don't know how much damage there is in his heart from people leaving him like that. I pray that he knows that I am never going to leave him. I am his sponsor until he ages out of the program. I've sent him many packages and letters in the last month and a half. I hope he receives some of them soon.
I'm thinking of Meena, my beautiful young woman from India. I know that her family is Hindu, but she told me that she knows the Lord. I pray that she knows the true meaning of this season, and that she doesn't let any local and cultural festivities bring her mind away from Jesus's birth. I can't wait to begin receving more letters from her.
I'm thinking of Eric, a wonderful man, from Uganda. I just started sponsoring him on December 13th, so there is a good chance that he doesn't even know I exist yet. I'm praying that God is washing love over him for the both of us, so that Eric feels safety, peace, and love this season.
I'm also thinking of Freily, that gorgeous and serious boy from Domincan Republic. I was only his correspondene sponsor for two months and I never received a single letter from him. I can't help but pray for him and whatever situation is occuring with him. Why did he disappear from my account? Is he sponsorless now? Is he scared of his future? I pray that God is with him.
So, there you have it, both of the views that I'm feeling this Christmas.
I can't lie to my readers. I understand the true meaning of Christmas. I am endlessly thankful that God sent his only son to the world, to be born as an innocent and helpless baby to save all of us from death. I love God so much for that.
However, I am just as excited about the material parts of Christmas. I feel as excited as a five year old when it comes to crawling around under the tree to get presents to pass out to my family. I love watching my pile of presents growing bigger and bigger. I love watching my family open up the gifts that I put so much thought into buying for them. I love receiving things that I truly need and have been wanting for awhile.
While I will never dislike the part of Christmas that invovles opening presents, I have become more aware from year to year about what I ask for. This year is no different. My Christmas list included: Various sizes of envelopes to send things to my sponsored children, stickers (for the same reason), art supplies (for my class and for my sponsored children). I can't stop thinking of these beautiful children this season.
I'm thinking of Abu-Bakarr, my handsome young man from Sierra Leone. I'm hoping that he got the gift I sent him back in October. I wish I could have seen his face when he opened up that box with the soccer ball, the tennis shoes, and his new shirt. I pray that he knows how much God, and I, love him.
I'm thinking of Xhuliano, my newest kiddo, from Albania. I started sponsorsing him at the beginning of November. By now, I'm sure that he knows I'm his sponsor. Because he's older, at 11 years old, I'm sure he's had a sponsor, or multiple sponsors, before me. I don't know how much damage there is in his heart from people leaving him like that. I pray that he knows that I am never going to leave him. I am his sponsor until he ages out of the program. I've sent him many packages and letters in the last month and a half. I hope he receives some of them soon.
I'm thinking of Meena, my beautiful young woman from India. I know that her family is Hindu, but she told me that she knows the Lord. I pray that she knows the true meaning of this season, and that she doesn't let any local and cultural festivities bring her mind away from Jesus's birth. I can't wait to begin receving more letters from her.
I'm thinking of Eric, a wonderful man, from Uganda. I just started sponsoring him on December 13th, so there is a good chance that he doesn't even know I exist yet. I'm praying that God is washing love over him for the both of us, so that Eric feels safety, peace, and love this season.
I'm also thinking of Freily, that gorgeous and serious boy from Domincan Republic. I was only his correspondene sponsor for two months and I never received a single letter from him. I can't help but pray for him and whatever situation is occuring with him. Why did he disappear from my account? Is he sponsorless now? Is he scared of his future? I pray that God is with him.
So, there you have it, both of the views that I'm feeling this Christmas.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
My First Lost Child
Today I logged onto my Compassion account to look at my correspondent children.
My handsome young man, Freily Mateo is no longer there.
The Compassion office is closed until Tuesday for Christmas so I will not be able to call them about him until then. However, I know that this means that I am no longer his correspondent sponsor. This could mean two things. 1. His financial sponsor decided to write him again or 2. He has left the program.
I am praying with all of my heart that it's the first option. I have only been his correspondent sponsor a little over a month, but I have never received a letter from him. I did write him about four letters and I hope that maybe he'll still get those. I even sent him one tonight, before I checked my account.
Even though I haven't received anything about him except for his picture, it still hurts a little bit.
I'm not going to take his picture off of my account until somebody from Compassion tells me that he is officially not in my life anymore.
My handsome young man, Freily Mateo is no longer there.
The Compassion office is closed until Tuesday for Christmas so I will not be able to call them about him until then. However, I know that this means that I am no longer his correspondent sponsor. This could mean two things. 1. His financial sponsor decided to write him again or 2. He has left the program.
I am praying with all of my heart that it's the first option. I have only been his correspondent sponsor a little over a month, but I have never received a letter from him. I did write him about four letters and I hope that maybe he'll still get those. I even sent him one tonight, before I checked my account.
Even though I haven't received anything about him except for his picture, it still hurts a little bit.
I'm not going to take his picture off of my account until somebody from Compassion tells me that he is officially not in my life anymore.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christ is Coming
This year, for whatever reason, I've had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit.
Maybe it's because my first ever apartment is hardly decorated.
Maybe it's because it's my first year teaching and in order to teach about Christmas, we also have to teach Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, which I had to research to learn more about.
Maybe it's because I don't have an advent calendar of any kind.
Maybe it's because I'm feeling distant from my family now that I live on my own...even though my family only lives a 15 minute drive away.
Maybe it's because I don't have a lot of money to buy gifts to show my love to my family this year.
Maybe it's because I just haven't embraced Christmas like I usually do.
Last year, I felt so much love, so much excitement counting down until the birth of Christ, I prayed for the coming of Christ, I thought about life from the point of view of Mary, of Joseph, of the angel Gabriel, of the wisemen. I made cookies, I wrapped presents, I spent a month at home with my family listening to Christmas music.
I don't know what I'm trying to say.
I want to find the Christmas spirit again!
Maybe it's because my first ever apartment is hardly decorated.
Maybe it's because it's my first year teaching and in order to teach about Christmas, we also have to teach Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, which I had to research to learn more about.
Maybe it's because I don't have an advent calendar of any kind.
Maybe it's because I'm feeling distant from my family now that I live on my own...even though my family only lives a 15 minute drive away.
Maybe it's because I don't have a lot of money to buy gifts to show my love to my family this year.
Maybe it's because I just haven't embraced Christmas like I usually do.
Last year, I felt so much love, so much excitement counting down until the birth of Christ, I prayed for the coming of Christ, I thought about life from the point of view of Mary, of Joseph, of the angel Gabriel, of the wisemen. I made cookies, I wrapped presents, I spent a month at home with my family listening to Christmas music.
I don't know what I'm trying to say.
I want to find the Christmas spirit again!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
A Call From World Vision
I've heard it from enough people to know that a child sponsorship organization doesn't call you to say "Hi" and "I hope everything is going well."
They call you to tell you something sad or discouraging. It's a sad truth, but that's how it is.
I got a call this morning and later got a voicemail from World Vision about my sponsored child Abu-Bakarr.
In October, I talked to World Vision about how I had not received Abu's progress report yet and it had been well over a year. They told me to wait another month and then let them know again. So, on November 1st, I called them again saying that I still hadn't received anything. They told me that they would pass the message along to the office in Sierra Leone and that I would get an replacement copy sent to me.
Today they called me and told me that they still hadn't received any response from the office in Sierra Leone. No whatsoever. Not even a confirmation that they had received the message. This worries me. Is something wrong? Did something happen to Abu and they just don't want to tell me? It scares me a little bit.
I'm hoping they are just busy with the Christmas season and getting ready for the ADP to close for Christmas break and just haven't had time to answer the message yet.
I'm hoping.
I'm praying.
They call you to tell you something sad or discouraging. It's a sad truth, but that's how it is.
I got a call this morning and later got a voicemail from World Vision about my sponsored child Abu-Bakarr.
In October, I talked to World Vision about how I had not received Abu's progress report yet and it had been well over a year. They told me to wait another month and then let them know again. So, on November 1st, I called them again saying that I still hadn't received anything. They told me that they would pass the message along to the office in Sierra Leone and that I would get an replacement copy sent to me.
Today they called me and told me that they still hadn't received any response from the office in Sierra Leone. No whatsoever. Not even a confirmation that they had received the message. This worries me. Is something wrong? Did something happen to Abu and they just don't want to tell me? It scares me a little bit.
I'm hoping they are just busy with the Christmas season and getting ready for the ADP to close for Christmas break and just haven't had time to answer the message yet.
I'm hoping.
I'm praying.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
December Letters
I have never before posted what I send to the children that I sponsor, but I think it may be a new thing that I do. I usually write/send packages to my children 1-2 times a month and I send them emails 1-2 times a month. I like the idea of posting them to give others inspiration of things to send, as well as so I can remember things I've sent in the past. So without further ado:
I am sending Abu-Bakarr a paddle ball, a little wooden tic-tac-toe game, two bowls (I got four for a dollar at Walmart), and some sport ball stickers. In his letter I'm going to ask him how his Christmas went and how he celebrated it with his family.
Xhuliano is getting the same two bowls as Abu-Bakarr, a comb, and a whistle and some sport ball stickers. I know Xhuliano loves soccer and I thought it might be fun to have an official with a whistle while he plays soccer with his friends. In his letter I'm going to ask him all about soccer and who is favorite team/player is. Then maybe I can hopefully find some soccer merch to send him.
I'm sending beautiful Meena a letter about the stars and the moon and about how God created space in all of it's awe and majesty. I found this amazing adult coloring page to send too, as well as some butterfly stickers, simply because they are shiny and pretty.
To my CI boys, Freily and Eric, I'm sending them a letter/coloring pages that tell about different kinds of airplanes. I think all boys like learning more about different kinds of transportation and aren't all humans fascinated in flying and how it's possible?
I'm pumped to start writing these letters to my kiddos! It's 8 p.m now. I bet you I do this for the rest of the night.
I am sending Abu-Bakarr a paddle ball, a little wooden tic-tac-toe game, two bowls (I got four for a dollar at Walmart), and some sport ball stickers. In his letter I'm going to ask him how his Christmas went and how he celebrated it with his family.
Xhuliano is getting the same two bowls as Abu-Bakarr, a comb, and a whistle and some sport ball stickers. I know Xhuliano loves soccer and I thought it might be fun to have an official with a whistle while he plays soccer with his friends. In his letter I'm going to ask him all about soccer and who is favorite team/player is. Then maybe I can hopefully find some soccer merch to send him.
I'm sending beautiful Meena a letter about the stars and the moon and about how God created space in all of it's awe and majesty. I found this amazing adult coloring page to send too, as well as some butterfly stickers, simply because they are shiny and pretty.
To my CI boys, Freily and Eric, I'm sending them a letter/coloring pages that tell about different kinds of airplanes. I think all boys like learning more about different kinds of transportation and aren't all humans fascinated in flying and how it's possible?
I'm pumped to start writing these letters to my kiddos! It's 8 p.m now. I bet you I do this for the rest of the night.
An Update on Sweet Johnathan
I posted about this young man two days ago. Remember this face:
Well, a family has stepped up to adopt him! However, there are many obstacles standing in the way of this beautiful boy joining this family.
Time, paperwork, and lack of money are three very steep mountains standing between Johnathan and his future family.
To learn more about this update go to this blog: A Different Drum
Please continue to pray your hearts out for this young man. I firmly believe that through prayer and through God's holy work, anything is possible. Even with the busy holiday season, I am praying that all of the pieces fall into place.
Please join me in praying.
Well, a family has stepped up to adopt him! However, there are many obstacles standing in the way of this beautiful boy joining this family.
Time, paperwork, and lack of money are three very steep mountains standing between Johnathan and his future family.
To learn more about this update go to this blog: A Different Drum
Please continue to pray your hearts out for this young man. I firmly believe that through prayer and through God's holy work, anything is possible. Even with the busy holiday season, I am praying that all of the pieces fall into place.
Please join me in praying.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
This Boy Needs A Family!
This post will have nothing to do with child sponsorship, but I feel as if I absolutely must post this on my blog.
There is a 15 year old in Eastern Europe, named Johnathan who is an orphan and desperatly needs to find a home.
He is turning 16 years old in one week and will age out of the system. He will be sent out into the world to fend for himself with no money and hardly any belongings. If he doesn't find a family in only one week, that will be it for him.
Does this young man belong in your family?
There are a few catches though: You must be a married couple, and you must have adopted before. I have neither of those things going for me, so all I can do is post this, spread the news, and pray like crazy.
To find out more information about Johnathan and this process, read this blog entry: A Different Drum .
If you can't adopt him, please spread the news or post a blog entry of your own. Let's find this boy a family in time for Christmas!
There is a 15 year old in Eastern Europe, named Johnathan who is an orphan and desperatly needs to find a home.
He is turning 16 years old in one week and will age out of the system. He will be sent out into the world to fend for himself with no money and hardly any belongings. If he doesn't find a family in only one week, that will be it for him.
Does this young man belong in your family?
There are a few catches though: You must be a married couple, and you must have adopted before. I have neither of those things going for me, so all I can do is post this, spread the news, and pray like crazy.
To find out more information about Johnathan and this process, read this blog entry: A Different Drum .
If you can't adopt him, please spread the news or post a blog entry of your own. Let's find this boy a family in time for Christmas!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Eric From Uganda!
Today I logged onto my Compassion account and I have been blessed with my 3rd and final correspondence child!
Meet Eric:
U.S School Equivalent: 3rd Grade
Family Duties: Washing Clothes, Animal Care, Carries Water, Kitchen Help
Hobbies and Sports: Soccer, Bicycling, Walking, Reading, Art/Drawing, Singing, Storytelling
Guardian: Mother (No Father)
Guardian Job: Peasant Farmer
Child Development Center
Your sponsored child lives on the plains of Muganza Community, home to approximately 7,300 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, mud walls and corrugated iron roofs. The primary ethnic group is Bafumbira and the most commonly spoken language is Rufumbira.
The regional diet consists of beans, irish potatoes and maize. Common health problems in this area include malaria, malnutrition, jiggers and lack of clean water. Most adults in Muganza Community work as subsistence farmers and earn the equivalent of $9 per month. This community needs water, vocational schools, literacy programs, qualified teachers, improved farming methods and income-generating activities.
I can't imagine having a child who is 16 years old and in 3rd grade. All of my other sponsored children are at grade level (that I know of). When I write letters to him do I write letters as if he were 16 years old or as if he is a 3rd grader?
Meet Eric:
Name: Eric
Location: Uganada
Age: 16
Birthday: August 8thU.S School Equivalent: 3rd Grade
Family Duties: Washing Clothes, Animal Care, Carries Water, Kitchen Help
Hobbies and Sports: Soccer, Bicycling, Walking, Reading, Art/Drawing, Singing, Storytelling
Guardian: Mother (No Father)
Guardian Job: Peasant Farmer
Child Development Center
Your sponsored child lives on the plains of Muganza Community, home to approximately 7,300 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, mud walls and corrugated iron roofs. The primary ethnic group is Bafumbira and the most commonly spoken language is Rufumbira.
The regional diet consists of beans, irish potatoes and maize. Common health problems in this area include malaria, malnutrition, jiggers and lack of clean water. Most adults in Muganza Community work as subsistence farmers and earn the equivalent of $9 per month. This community needs water, vocational schools, literacy programs, qualified teachers, improved farming methods and income-generating activities.
I can't imagine having a child who is 16 years old and in 3rd grade. All of my other sponsored children are at grade level (that I know of). When I write letters to him do I write letters as if he were 16 years old or as if he is a 3rd grader?
Monday, December 12, 2011
I Won!
If you remember, about a week ago, Hopeful Hez was having a giveaway for a correspondence kit.
Well, I won! I have been wanting to get one of these correspondence kits from someone ever since I knew that they existed. They are just so cool and you never know what kinds of goodies your are going to receive when you get one.
I just love writing to my sponsored kids and I will definitely put this correspondence kit to good use. I will let you all know when I get it.
Thanks again, Heather!
Well, I won! I have been wanting to get one of these correspondence kits from someone ever since I knew that they existed. They are just so cool and you never know what kinds of goodies your are going to receive when you get one.
I just love writing to my sponsored kids and I will definitely put this correspondence kit to good use. I will let you all know when I get it.
Thanks again, Heather!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
My Wonderful Friend Rosie
I think I mentioned her in passing, but I feel like I need to post a whole entry about my dear friend Rosie.
When I was unsure that I could afford to sponsor another child, she is the one that stepped up and agreed to put $15 a month towards my newest kiddo, Xhuliano. That act changed everything! I could afford an extra $20 a month! $20 is like nothing! Less than a tank of gas, a few McDonalds trips, two movies at the theater.
With her help, I am able to do this. Xhuliano and I are now connected and we will never be disconnected.
God is working through my friend Rosie and I can't even put into words how much I appreciate both of them.
This month, she is actually sending me $30 to cover her share of the sponsorship, as well as extra goodies to send to my sponsored kiddos.
She is an angel.
When I was unsure that I could afford to sponsor another child, she is the one that stepped up and agreed to put $15 a month towards my newest kiddo, Xhuliano. That act changed everything! I could afford an extra $20 a month! $20 is like nothing! Less than a tank of gas, a few McDonalds trips, two movies at the theater.
With her help, I am able to do this. Xhuliano and I are now connected and we will never be disconnected.
God is working through my friend Rosie and I can't even put into words how much I appreciate both of them.
This month, she is actually sending me $30 to cover her share of the sponsorship, as well as extra goodies to send to my sponsored kiddos.
She is an angel.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
See Your Impact Results: December 2011
If you all remember, a week ago (exactly 7 days ago) I donated to the website See Your Impact . Using this website, you can donate to a specific cause and you are sent a picture of the exact, specific person that you helped. To me, it makes the world feel much smaller and much more together in love.
I am planning on donating to this website at the beginning of each month.
This month, I donated $10 to buy a child in Sierra Leone at mosquito net for his/her bed. I have a deep love for Sierra Leone. I've learned about their long civil war and my first sponsored child, lovely Abu-Bakarr is from there.
Today, I got my email telling me that my donation has gotten to the child and they sent me this a picture and a story.
Mohamed is 13 years old. He and his two sisters and two brothers live with their parents in a two bedroom apartment with electricity, but no running water. Mohamed's father is the main provider of the home with a monthly income of $60, which is not enough to cover their basic needs. Mohamed's mother is a petty trader that helps her husband in providing for the home. Mohamed attends high school and wants to be a computer engineer when he grows up.
Mohamed and his family extend their thanks to you, Kayla, for the provision of this bed net, as it will help ensure that Mohamed remains healthy as he grows older so he can pursue his dreams.
I think provision must be a favorite word in Sierra Leone, becasue I see it a lot in the letters that I receive from my sponsored child.
I am just so happy. For only $10, I changed the life of a teenage boy halfway around the world. How wonderful.
I am planning on donating to this website at the beginning of each month.
This month, I donated $10 to buy a child in Sierra Leone at mosquito net for his/her bed. I have a deep love for Sierra Leone. I've learned about their long civil war and my first sponsored child, lovely Abu-Bakarr is from there.
Today, I got my email telling me that my donation has gotten to the child and they sent me this a picture and a story.
Mohamed is 13 years old. He and his two sisters and two brothers live with their parents in a two bedroom apartment with electricity, but no running water. Mohamed's father is the main provider of the home with a monthly income of $60, which is not enough to cover their basic needs. Mohamed's mother is a petty trader that helps her husband in providing for the home. Mohamed attends high school and wants to be a computer engineer when he grows up.
Mohamed and his family extend their thanks to you, Kayla, for the provision of this bed net, as it will help ensure that Mohamed remains healthy as he grows older so he can pursue his dreams.
I think provision must be a favorite word in Sierra Leone, becasue I see it a lot in the letters that I receive from my sponsored child.
I am just so happy. For only $10, I changed the life of a teenage boy halfway around the world. How wonderful.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Touching Tuesday #5
I completely forgot to post my weekly Touching Tuesday this morning.
This week, God has led me to three boys that need sponsors. I believe that their sponsors are waiting someone out there is cyber space. Is one of them you?
Name: Alom
Age: 7
Birthday: Sept. 13th, 2004
Country: Bangladesh
I saw his picture and immediately fell in love with those too-big-for-his-head ears. Do you love him?
Name: Erick
Age: 10
Birthday: July 8th, 2001
Country: Honduras
Those sad eyes drill right into my heart. Who wants to make those eyes happy again?
Name: Fousseyni
Age: 4
Birthday: October 10th, 2007
Country: Mali
This little one does not look like he's in good shape at all. He's dirty, sick, and he looks so sad. Who wants to save his life?
All three of these boys are looking for someone to love them.
This week, God has led me to three boys that need sponsors. I believe that their sponsors are waiting someone out there is cyber space. Is one of them you?
Name: Alom
Age: 7
Birthday: Sept. 13th, 2004
Country: Bangladesh
I saw his picture and immediately fell in love with those too-big-for-his-head ears. Do you love him?
Name: Erick
Age: 10
Birthday: July 8th, 2001
Country: Honduras
Those sad eyes drill right into my heart. Who wants to make those eyes happy again?
Name: Fousseyni
Age: 4
Birthday: October 10th, 2007
Country: Mali
This little one does not look like he's in good shape at all. He's dirty, sick, and he looks so sad. Who wants to save his life?
All three of these boys are looking for someone to love them.
Monday, December 5, 2011
New Record!
In the last day, I have had a record number of views on my blog.
60 views in one day!
I also gained some followers, so that's awesome.
It's a good day to be a blogger.
60 views in one day!
I also gained some followers, so that's awesome.
It's a good day to be a blogger.
Another Amazing Give Away!
My lovely friend over at Hopeful Hez is having an amazing give away!
She's made an amazing correspondence kit for you to send mail and other fun goodies to send to the kids you sponsor.
You should all head over there and enter to win!
She's made an amazing correspondence kit for you to send mail and other fun goodies to send to the kids you sponsor.
You should all head over there and enter to win!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday Praise
Today I am praising God for these four wonderful children. I am not sure where my life would be if I didn't have these children to love and encourage. Today, I wanted to tell you a little bit more about them.
Abu-Bakarr- Abu-Bakarr is 9 years old and he lives in Sierra Leone. He is my first ever sponsored child. I began sponsoring him February of 2008. I was a freshmen in college. I had absolutely no job, except for in the summer. Whatever money I made in the summer was what I had for the entire school year. But, God told me that this is what I supposed to do and he lead me a beautiful 6 year old boy with very sad eyes and his bottom lip sticking out. I am going on four years of sponsorship of him and he's about to turn 10 years old. I am so glad that I get to spend his "double digit" years with him.
Freily- After only have been paired up with Meena for two weeks, I sent Compassion an email telling them that I wanted another child to correspond with. On November 1st, 2011, I was paired with handsome Freily. He is 9 years old and he's from Domincan Republic. I have not received a letter from him yet so I don't know much about him yet, so I will keep you posted!
Xhuliano- If you follow my blog posts at all, you'll know how big of a struggle it was for me to "decide" to sponsor another child. God was telling me I could and the world was telling me that I could not. However, like always, God won the war and I sponsored precious Xhuliano from Albania. Xhuliano is almost 11 years old and he lives with both of his parents and his two sisters. That's about all I know about him for now. I can't wait to receive my first letter from him!
Now there you have it. My four sponsored children. Tell me about yours!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Jealousy
I try very hard to not be jealous of others, and most of the time that hard work pays off. I understand that I have what God wants me to have. I am very grateful for everything that God has given me.
I am never jealous of others' homes, cars, clothing, or other such material possessions.
I don't know what the most popular brands are in the fashion world.
I don't need the newest iPhone update or version. In fact, I don't even own a smart phone.
I don't care about keeping up with the Joneses.
But, I still struggle with jealousy in one area of my life...
Letters from my sponsored children.
I follow many blogs that do a weekly Mail Call Monday. On this day, they share the letters they have received from their sponsored children in the last week. Most people have more than one letter each week, many coming with new pictures, drawings, and fountains of new information.
I received one letter in November.
I received one letter in October.
I haven't received a new progress report from my first World Vision child in a year and a half. World Vision told me that they are working on getting another one sent to me, but it will take several months.
I know it is horribly wrong to be jealous of others, but is it really that wrong to want more than one letter a month from the children I sponsor, espeically since I write them 2-3 a month?
I know these kind of negative thoughts aren't what God wants me to feel, but I'm only human. I'm flawed.
I am never jealous of others' homes, cars, clothing, or other such material possessions.
I don't know what the most popular brands are in the fashion world.
I don't need the newest iPhone update or version. In fact, I don't even own a smart phone.
I don't care about keeping up with the Joneses.
But, I still struggle with jealousy in one area of my life...
Letters from my sponsored children.
I follow many blogs that do a weekly Mail Call Monday. On this day, they share the letters they have received from their sponsored children in the last week. Most people have more than one letter each week, many coming with new pictures, drawings, and fountains of new information.
I received one letter in November.
I received one letter in October.
I haven't received a new progress report from my first World Vision child in a year and a half. World Vision told me that they are working on getting another one sent to me, but it will take several months.
I know it is horribly wrong to be jealous of others, but is it really that wrong to want more than one letter a month from the children I sponsor, espeically since I write them 2-3 a month?
I know these kind of negative thoughts aren't what God wants me to feel, but I'm only human. I'm flawed.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Xhuliano's Packet
I received my sponsorship packet about Xhuliano today. I love reading information about my sponsored children and I especially enjoy learning more about the countries that they live in. This is going to be a long post that most people probably aren't interested in. I just like to type up information like this so I have a back up if anything ever happens to the paper copies I have.
Get To Know Your Sponsored Child
Name: Xhuliano
Birthday: December 27th
Country: Albania
Xhuliano lives with his parents and two sisters. His parents strggule to provide for the family. His father is a construction worker and his mother is an animal farmer. Despite their efforts, it is difficult to meet the family's needs.
Xhuliano is growing up in the mountainous country of Albania. The village is very rural and poor. Their single floor homes are constructed of stone and sometimes logs or sticks, with mud for mortar. Farmers grow citrus fruit and vegetables. Bread and dairy products are also staple foods. This is a beautiful country with forests, mountains, and lakes. Summers are hot and dry but the winters are cold and wet.
Xhuliano is in primary school and he enjoys history. He helps at home by doing housework. He likes to play soccer. He is in satisfactory health.
Albania and it's People
Located in southeast Europe, the small country of Albania is bordered by Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Natrual resources include petroleum, natural gas, coal, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, and hydropower.
Mountains fill Albania's eastern region and constal plains cover the western region, which is home to most of the population. The Strait of Otranto separates Albania from Italy by 45 miles.
The Albanian ethnic group makes up most of the population; Greeks, Roma, Vlachs, Serbians, and Bulgarians make up the remainder of the population. Albania is the official language, but the people also speak Greek.
Most people work in agriculture, growing products such as wheat, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and grapes. Albania's other industries include food processing, textiles, lumber, oil, mining, chemicals, cement, and hydropower.
Albanians cherish close family ties, as well as their ethnic hertiage. Ethnic Albanians call themselves Shqipetars, which means "sons of the eagle."
Challenges in Albania
Despite the economy's recent growth, Albania still remains one of the poorest countires in Europe.
The agriculture sector, which employs over of Albania's workforce, has struggled in recent years. About 12 percent of Albanians are unemployed and a quarter of people live below the poverty line.
In education, school dropout rates are a growing concern for children. Most children enroll in primary school, but only about half actually attend and finish. This problem is especially common among the Roma, who are also known as gypsies.
Country Comparisons
Population: Albania - 3,155,000. United States - 311,666,000
Land Mass: Albania - 11,099 sq. miles. United States: 3,794,100 sq. miles.
Life Expectancy: Albania - 77 Years. United States: 79 Years.
Infant Mortality Rate: Albania - 15. United States - 8
Literacy Rate: Albania - 99%. United States - 99%
Primary School Enrollment: Albania: 91%. United States - 92%.
Access to Safe Water: Albania - 97%. United States - 99%
Average Annual Income: Albania: $3,950. United States: $47,580
I can't wait to learn more about this boy. We're going to have a great adventure together!
Get To Know Your Sponsored Child
Name: Xhuliano
Birthday: December 27th
Country: Albania
Xhuliano lives with his parents and two sisters. His parents strggule to provide for the family. His father is a construction worker and his mother is an animal farmer. Despite their efforts, it is difficult to meet the family's needs.
Xhuliano is growing up in the mountainous country of Albania. The village is very rural and poor. Their single floor homes are constructed of stone and sometimes logs or sticks, with mud for mortar. Farmers grow citrus fruit and vegetables. Bread and dairy products are also staple foods. This is a beautiful country with forests, mountains, and lakes. Summers are hot and dry but the winters are cold and wet.
Xhuliano is in primary school and he enjoys history. He helps at home by doing housework. He likes to play soccer. He is in satisfactory health.
Albania and it's People
Located in southeast Europe, the small country of Albania is bordered by Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Natrual resources include petroleum, natural gas, coal, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, and hydropower.
Mountains fill Albania's eastern region and constal plains cover the western region, which is home to most of the population. The Strait of Otranto separates Albania from Italy by 45 miles.
The Albanian ethnic group makes up most of the population; Greeks, Roma, Vlachs, Serbians, and Bulgarians make up the remainder of the population. Albania is the official language, but the people also speak Greek.
Most people work in agriculture, growing products such as wheat, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and grapes. Albania's other industries include food processing, textiles, lumber, oil, mining, chemicals, cement, and hydropower.
Albanians cherish close family ties, as well as their ethnic hertiage. Ethnic Albanians call themselves Shqipetars, which means "sons of the eagle."
Challenges in Albania
Despite the economy's recent growth, Albania still remains one of the poorest countires in Europe.
The agriculture sector, which employs over of Albania's workforce, has struggled in recent years. About 12 percent of Albanians are unemployed and a quarter of people live below the poverty line.
In education, school dropout rates are a growing concern for children. Most children enroll in primary school, but only about half actually attend and finish. This problem is especially common among the Roma, who are also known as gypsies.
Country Comparisons
Population: Albania - 3,155,000. United States - 311,666,000
Land Mass: Albania - 11,099 sq. miles. United States: 3,794,100 sq. miles.
Life Expectancy: Albania - 77 Years. United States: 79 Years.
Infant Mortality Rate: Albania - 15. United States - 8
Literacy Rate: Albania - 99%. United States - 99%
Primary School Enrollment: Albania: 91%. United States - 92%.
Access to Safe Water: Albania - 97%. United States - 99%
Average Annual Income: Albania: $3,950. United States: $47,580
I can't wait to learn more about this boy. We're going to have a great adventure together!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
See Your Impact
I have found a new cause!
Go to this website: See Your Impact . This place is amazing!
For a small amount of money you can directly impact the life of one person. You can choose to sort out different causes by age group, region, and categories (education, disease, water, jobs, disabilities, etc). You are presented with some causes that you can choose from. You donate your amount of money and the amazing happens!
In only two short week, you receive a picture a story of the exact person that you helped!
Today, I sent $10 to Sierra Leone to buy a child a mosquito net. I can't wait to get the picture of the child I helped in my email.
I'm going to make this a new thing I do. On the 1st of every month, I'm going to support one of these causes. I'm happy because they have a wide range of prices for things because I never know how each month is going to look financially.
Check back in two weeks for the picture and story of the lovely child I helped.
Go to this website: See Your Impact . This place is amazing!
For a small amount of money you can directly impact the life of one person. You can choose to sort out different causes by age group, region, and categories (education, disease, water, jobs, disabilities, etc). You are presented with some causes that you can choose from. You donate your amount of money and the amazing happens!
In only two short week, you receive a picture a story of the exact person that you helped!
Today, I sent $10 to Sierra Leone to buy a child a mosquito net. I can't wait to get the picture of the child I helped in my email.
I'm going to make this a new thing I do. On the 1st of every month, I'm going to support one of these causes. I'm happy because they have a wide range of prices for things because I never know how each month is going to look financially.
Check back in two weeks for the picture and story of the lovely child I helped.
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