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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Progress Report From Xhuliano

Another progress report! I am so happy! This time, it's from my sweetheart, who writes the sweetest letters, Xhuliano. He is 11 years old in this photo. He turns 12 in November.


Isn't he so cute?! Also, he's wearing the sports socks that I sent him!!!




His original photo when I started sponsoring him. He looks much happier in his new photo.


Name: Xhuliano

This year I go to: Primary School Grade 5

My favorite subject is: Language

I am getting Relative grades at school. (Does relative mean average?)

My close friend's name at school is: Ceno

My health condition is: Satisfactory

Some activities that I took part in last year: Children's Day, Summer Camps, Christmas Celebration

When I grow up, I would like to be a: Waiter (He used to want to be a doctor! What happened?)

In my free time I like to: Play with a ball, coloring, listen to music, playing toys

Something new about my family: I have a chrompet house (I looked it up and the best I could come up with is that it's a duplex style house)

My message to you: Thank you for sponsoring me!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Letters to My Kids: July 2012

I totally forgot to take pictures of the letters that I wrote this month. But, I did write two of them to my kiddos.

The first letter I wrote was Jill's idea to write about stars and tell the children that they should shine like stars. I used a lot of Jill's actual words and just changed a few things. Here's what I sent:


Dear Celeste,

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. ~ Philippians 2:14-15

Do you ever look into the night sky at all the stars? I live just in a pretty big city and the lights from the city prevent me from seeing the stars easily at night. But sometimes when I get away from my city, I can look into the night sky and see thousands of stars. I love how brightly they shine and I love looking for the brightest ones.

I love how this verse in Philippians tells us to do everything without complaining and arguing so that we will stand out among everyone else around us – like stars that shine.

Do you know the song “This Little Light of Mine?” This is a popular children’s song in our country that talks about letting our “light” shine – letting the light of Christ shine through us so others can see God in us.

I want to encourage you to try to remember this verse. It is so easy to complain and argue when we have to do things we don’t want to do. It is much harder to do them joyfully, but if you do, you will shine like stars in the universe ~ and your Father in heaven will be smiling down on you.

Will you memorize Philippians 2:14 with me?

Do everything without complaining or arguing.

I Love You Very Much,
Kayla


I wrote a different (Non-Christian) version for my Albania boys. I focused more on shining like stars and avoiding peer pressure, obeying their parents, and working their hardest at school. I think the letters turned out great!


The other letter I wrote to my kiddos was about a baseball game that I went to with some friends of me. Here's what the letter said.

Dear Eric,

The state of Illinois, where I live, is part of what is called The Corn Belt. We are called this because we are known for growing and selling corn. In the summers, we have festivals and games all based around corn. In my city, we have a baseball team that is called The Cornbelters. The colors of the team are white, green, and yellow, just like corn.

A few weeks ago, a few of my friends and I from my job had the opportunity to go to one of these baseball games. I really enjoy watching baseball. Seeing the men hit the ball really far and then run as fast as they can around the bases is really fun. It's also fun to watch the other team try to catch the ball and tag the runner out so they don't score any points. Baseball is an exciting sport.

While I was there, I took some pictures of some of the players while the game was going on. I hope you enjoy looking at them and it gives you an idea of what the game looked like for me when I was watching it.

Do people play baseball in Uganda? If they do, have you ever played baseball before?

What other sports do people play in Uganda? I would like to learn more about your favorite sports and the popular sports in your country.

If you would like to know more about baseball, please ask me some questions. I will be sure to answer them for you in my next letter. I think sports are really interesting to learn about and I would love to teach you more about one of my favorite sports.

I love you!
Kayla


I changed the names and countries for each child, of course. Instead of a baseball letter, I wrote a letter about popular playground games to my Celeste. I figured she wouldn't have much interest in baseball. I asked what games she plays at school. I'm excited to hear back.

Onto August!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Progress Report from Florenc

One of the wonderful thing about sponsoring through World Vision is the fact that you get a yearly progress report. Each year (usually each summer) you get a new picture and wonderful new information about your child. Progress reports are usually sent out in June, so starting a couple weeks ago, I started to eagerly await these reports.

Today, I received a progress report from one of my Albanian boys, Florenc. He just turned 13 on July 6th, so this picture was taken when he was almost 13. He's looking quite handsome and laid back in this picture. I just love this boy...ahem...young man.


Very male model, no? Haha.


Florenc's original photo. I think he looks actually younger in his new photo. Crazy.



Here is the new information I received on him:

This year I go to: Primary school grade 7

My favorite subject is: Music

I am getting: Satisfactory Grades

I go to school every day by: Walking

My close friend's name at school is: Esli

My health condition is: Satisfactory

Some activities I took part in last year: Childrens Day & Playing Games

When I grow up, I would like to be a: Musician

In my free time I like to: Play Ball

My message to you: You are wonderful people!



I love seeing my kiddos grow up! He's looking like quite the teenager now! 

Friday, July 27, 2012

Powerful Photos: Part 2

It's that time again! Time for more powerful photos. I hope you liked the last blog entry. If you haven't seen it, I posted it a few days ago. This will wrap up the powerful photos I've found. At least for now. I'm always looking for new and amazing photographs by wonderful artists.

All photos are posted with their original captions. I haven't put my opinion or words on them at all.


A 4-month-old baby girl in a pink bear suit is miraculously rescued from the rubble by soldiers after four days missing following the Japanese tsunami.


“Wait For Me Daddy,” October 1, 1940: A line of soldiers march in British Columbia on their way to a waiting train as five-year-old Whitey Bernard tugs away from his mother’s hand to reach out for his father.


Terri Gurrola is reunited with her daughter after serving in Iraq for 7 months.


A Sudan People’s Liberation Army soldier stands at attention on the eve of South Sudan’s independence from Sudan.


Eight-year-old Christian Golczynski accepts the flag for his father, Marine Staff Sgt. Marc Golczynski, during a memorial service. Marc Golczynski was shot on patrol during his second tour in Iraq (which he had volunteered for) just a few weeks before he was due to return home.


Christians protect Muslims during prayer in the midst of the uprisings in Cairo, Egypt, in 2011.


A German World War II prisoner, released by the Soviet Union, is reunited with his daughter. The child had not seen her father since she was one year old.


Tanisha Blevin, 5, holds the hand of fellow Hurricane Katrina victim Nita LaGarde, 105, as they are evacuated from the convention center in New Orleans.

Pele and British captain Bobby Moore trade jerseys in 1970 as a sign of mutual respect during a World Cup that had been marred by racism.



Thursday, July 26, 2012

Touching Thursday

Every week, I post three children from Comapssion who are waiting for a sponsor. These are children that I've had on my heart lately that I am just praying for, hoping that they find their loving sponsor who will love them dearly and write to them often. Pray over these kids. Are you meant to sponsor one of them?


8-8-12 Aziz has been sponsored! He waited around 190 days for a sponsor. I'm glad this sweet, active boy has somebody to love him.


8-10-12 Little Nataly has been sponsored!


8-12-12 Mohanraj has been sponsored too!



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Powerful Photos: Part 1

I found a website that simply showed photos that have changed the world, made a difference somehow, or are incredibly touching. Some of these photos just amazed and inspired me. Some made me smile. Some made me cry. All of them made me think. Out of those 50 (I think?) photos, 18 of them touched deeply. I'm going to split those photos in half so you don't have to be inspired too quickly (haha).

All captions are the original captions from the photos.



Phyllis Siegel, 76, left, and Connie Kopelov, 84, both of New York, embrace after becoming the first same-sex couple to get married at the Manhattan City Clerk’s office in 2011.

John F. Kennedy Jr. salutes his father’s coffin along with the honor guard.


A Russian war veteran kneels beside the tank he spent the war in, now a monument.


Agim Shala, 2, is passed through a barbed wire fence into the hands of his grandparents at a camp run by United Arab Emirates in Albania as members of the Shala family are reunited after fleeing Kosovo.


A firefighter gives water to a koala during the devastating Black Saturday bushfires that burned across Victoria, Australia, in 2009.


“La Jeune Fille a la Fleur,” a photograph by Marc Riboud, shows the young pacifist Jane Rose Kasmir planting a flower on the bayonets of guards at the Pentagon during a protest against the Vietnam War on October 21, 1967. The photograph would eventually become the symbol of the flower power movement.


A Romanian child hands a heart-shaped balloon to riot police during protests against austerity measures in Bucharest.


A monk prays for an elderly man who had died suddenly while waiting for a train in Shanxi Taiyuan, China.








Sunday, July 22, 2012

You Can't Outgive God

You guys, I have sponsored another child. My count is now up to 5. Am I insane?

I just couldn't help it.

I have recently interviewed for a part time job at my church. I have been pretty confident that I was going to be offered this job. (Confident much? Haha). I told myself that if I got this job, I would be able to sponsor 1-3 more children, depending on what other financial needs popped up. And being over confident in myself, I began to search for which children I would want to sponsor.

Lately, God has been giving me ideas and visions of an Ethiopian boy. I could almost see him clearly; dark skin, big dark eyes, bright clothing. It was all there! I began to search the website for this boy and when I saw him, I just knew that he was meant to be mine.

I bookmarked him. I haven't been able to go a few hours without looking at his beautiful face.

Here's the catch, this job at my church was only going to work out if several other things lined up perfectly. One of those things was my shift at the daycare (my full time job). I currently work 8:30-5:30. To work the job at my church too, I'd have to be there around 3:45 a couple nights a week. To do this, I would need to switch to the 6:30-3:30 shift at the daycare. I asked my supervisor about this. She came back to me on Friday saying that it just wasn't going to work out for me switch shifts at this time.

I was utterly disappointed. I know my supervisor could hear and see my disappointment (I was trying so hard to sound positive, it didn't work).

I haven't been offered the job at my church (yet), but it appears that, in that one short moment, that even if my church offers it to me, I will have to turn it down.

I was thinking, well, I guess the job at my church just isn't meant to be. I won't sponsor anymore children. It's okay.

Well, according to God, it wasn't okay. This little boy from Ethiopia that I've had my eye on, is actually meant to be mine. Seriously. I just kept praying about it. God has shown me that he truly is meant to be mine.

I had no idea where this money was coming from. But then, yet again, God showed me how I'm going to do it. No more meals out. No restaurants, no ordering pizza, no Chinese food, no Mcdonalds. I will save enough money each month to sponsor him. This may sound crazy, but as a single woman who doesn't cook well, I eat out a lot. Looks like I will be learning how to cook! And for cheap!

God is truly going to provide. It's crazy how much God will show us when we're willing to listen to him.

I feel nothing but a sense of peace since I pushed that "Select this Child" button. God is great.

So without further ado here is my new kiddo. This is 8 year old Yonas. He's from Ethiopia. He has dark skin, dark eyes, and a brilliantly blue shirt.

He is so loved already.


Name: Yonas
Birthday: December 12th
Age: 9
Grade: 3
School Performance: Average
Lives with: Aunt (Unemployed)
Siblings: 4
Mother: Alive
Father: Deceased
Family Duties: Running Errands & Cleaning
Activies: Soccer

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Friday, July 20, 2012

Xhuliano is Such a Sweet Boy

I got yet another letter from Xhuliano! I just received one from him on July 10th and now, only ten days later, I have another one! I think he likes writing just as much as I do.

This letter is a response to a letter that I to him about spring. I told him about the flowers that bloom here in the spring. I also told him about a family of ducks I had seen walking around, I included a picture of the family of ducks. Here's the sweet letter he wrote me:




Dear My Friend,

I was very happy to receive your letter again. Even here the spring has come. I am very happy that you constantly send letters to me. You are an amazing friend. I loved the pictures that you sent. I like flowers too. I water them and I never pick them, but I let them to bloom. Even we here prefer the flowers during the spring. We have beautiful flowers like the fose, carnation, etc. I also liked the picture with the ducks. Even we have ducks here and we put them in the canal and watch them having shower. They are so cute. We like the same things, my friend. I receive in time everything that you sent. Thank you and I wish you a happy summer together with your friends and family.

Xhuliano


I just love this boy with my whole heart. I know I say that a lot, but I don't know how else to express it. He just seems so sweet and sensitive. He's going to make some girl very happy some day, haha.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Touching Thursday

Every week, I like to post three prayer children that I hope to help find a sponsor for. This week, I have three adorable (aren't they all?) children for you to look at. If these three children don't jump out at you, there are two remaining boys from last week's Touching Thursday post. You can view those boys here.

Here are this week's prayer children:


After his long, long wait, David has been sponsored!

8-6-12 Leidy has been sponsored! I hope her sponsor is a Justin Bieber fan, hahaha.


Sweet, baby faced Geovani has been sponsored! Praise God!


If you choose to sponsor one of these children, after seeing them on my blog, please let me know. I would love to send you some cute paper and a few goodies to start off your writing relationship with your new child!

    

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Things Kids Say Tuesday

Oh you guys, kids are just so funny. Also, so fun to work with.

I spend my days pretending to fight fires, pretending to fight zombies, playing soccer, playing tag, digging holes (I have mostly boys in my class) and reading lots and lots of books. And I get paid to do this!

On top of this, my kiddos say funny things. I love to share them with others.

A: Oh no! I'm dying because a zombie got me!
Q: Oh no! A is dead you guys!
D: Hmm...I guess that means we get to eat his lunch.


Boys really do care more about food than anything else, don't they?


D: A's mommy has a baby in her tummy.
Ms. Kayla: Yes she does, you're right.
D: How did the baby get there?
Ms. Kayla: Hmm...how do you think the baby got in her tummy?
D: I think she ate a baby!
Ms. Kayla: Hahahahaha
A: No she didn't! My mommy doesn't eat babies!
D: Well, then how'd it get in there?
A: God and Jesus put it there!
D: Oh


How glorious are preschoolers?



Monday, July 16, 2012

I Have An Interview (And Some Background Life Knowledge)

I have worked in the child care department of my church for the last nine years.

I started working there when I was 15 years old.

When I was 15, I was a mess. I was depressed, had a bad home life, self injuring, staying out past curfew with the wrong crowd, doing things that no 15 year old should do. It was a pretty hopeless situation. It's weird to say it, but at 15 years old, I was at rock bottom. Truly.

A friend from my school, a senior (I was a freshman), saw it to take me under her wing. We were in marching band together and from the time band started that school year, my friend was stuck to me. She put up with me doing crazy things, lying to her, hiding from her, and just being downright rude to her at times.

After about six months of knowing, she invited me to church. Well, maybe I wouldn't say she invited me so much, since I could have argued, but she would have taken me anyway, haha. She took me to church, to the nursery where she worked, and put me on the volunteer schedule.

From then on, I was hooked. I worked every Sunday. I loved those kids, the workers, the supervisors, how wonderful the church was, how people just seemed to accept me, even though I dressed in dark colors and was pretty much always sad. I ended up joining the choir and the youth group and made new friends, good ones this time.

I had worked in this church for nine years, The kids that started in the preschool program when I started working there are now entering middle school. I love that I've been a part of their lives and that I've known their families this whole time. It's such a blessing.

My boss, the one I've had for the past six years or so, is leaving, moving to another town with her husband. Her position will be opening in two weeks. I didn't think too much of it. I was sad to be losing a wonderful boss and was wondering who would take over the position. Then I had people from the congregation start approaching me asking if I was going to apply for the position.

Me? I hadn't even thought about it!

So I prayed about it. It seemed like the right thing to do. I sat down at 11:00 p.m and started updating my resume and references and writing that "perfect" cover letter. At midnight, I submitted it.

Long story (sorry!), short, I have interview today...tonight...at 7:30.

I'm nervous. I can't decide if I'm more nervous to be interrogated interviewed by two people I feel I know so well and I'm afraid I'll say something to make them not like me or if I'm nervous that if I don't get this job, my current job will get extremely awkward, knowing that the people I work with/for don't really value me.

Maybe it's silly.

I will be praying a lot about this interview.

Will you pray for me too?

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Updated Photo

I totally forgot when my Kalpesh's photo was updated, that I should look on the data base for his little sister's updated photo too. How cute is she?! They look so much alike, I can't even handle it.


Forced Perspective

One of my newer interests is photography. I'm not so much interested in taking pictures, but I really enjoy and can appreciate amazing work of others. There is a certain type of photography called Forced Perspective. These picutres force you to look at people and the world in a new way. Your eyes see something and your brain has to interpret was is really going on. I just love it. It's so creative.

I want to share some forced perspective photos with you today. I hope this brings some joy to your Sunday.













Saturday, July 14, 2012

Friday, July 13, 2012

Mail Call From Xhuliano!

On Tuesday, this week, I received a letter from Xhuliano! I just love how often he writes me. He averages about 2 letters a month. Sometimes more. It's really quite amazing!

This letter (like all letters) is just precious. I'm going to bold my favorite parts. Xhuliano is only 11 years old. He's like a little angel to me.



Dear my friend Kayla,

I was very happy when I received your letter again. When you constantly write to me, I feel very happy and proud of you. I keep the letters and the gifts that you send in my drawer and I think of you everyday. For the Valentine's Day I gave flowers to my mom and dad. I would like to give you a bunch of flowers to put in your desk, and when you would see them, you would remind me. You are a good, kind, and beautiful girl, my friend, and as you think of me, I think about you too.

Here is warm, the grass and the trees are green. The weather has been good for the farmers. Even I have lands with vegetables and vineywards, and I help my parents with them. I had fun with the game you sent me. I had fun playing with my sisters and my cousins. I got happy for the postcardsand everything that you sent. I think of you everyday and you are my unforgettable friend. Thank you with all my heart.

Xhuliano



Oh my heart. I don't think I breathe the whole time I read his letters. Such a sweetheart.

A while ago, I received a letter talking about Valentine's Day and Xhuliano told me that he gave flowers to somebody. I wrote him back asking who he had given flowers to, thinking maybe there was crush on some lucky girl in Albania. Turns out that's not so. I guess he is only 11! Haha.

Do you know what I would give to have flowers from this kid? I would dry them and press them and keep them forever and ever.

I love that he has vegetable fields and a vineyard. How wonderful!

I honestly can't remember what "game" I sent to him. I sent his sisters dolls, but I haven't heard anything back. I think maybe I sent some mazes. Maybe that's what he is talking about? Oh well, I'm glad he had fun!

Now I get to write back! Yay!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Touching Thursday: Hispanic Boy Edition

Today is the day of the week where I share three wonderful Compassion children with you. These kids are waiting to be sponsored by somebody wonderful like you. Please take some time to look at their pictures, read their information, and pray about them. If you feel called to sponsor them, please take that important step of clicking on the "select this child" button. It's only $38 a month to change a life of a child. If drank one less soda or cup of coffee a day, you could feed, clothe, and educate and child living in poverty. Amazing.


Favian has been sponsored!

8-18-12 Charlies has been sponsored! I am so happy!


8-2-12 Carlos has been sponsored after waiting 184 days. Yay!


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Things Kids Say Tuesday

It seems like in the last week, I haven't caught my kiddos saying too many funny and/or profound things, but I did get two, so that's good, I suppose.


While dressed up in a cashier vest and playing with a cash register.

Ms. Kayla: M, what are you playing?
M: I'm working.
Ms. Kayla: Oh, I see, you must be working very hard.
M: Isn't it just disgusting that we have to work every single day?
Ms. Kayla: Yes it is, M, yes it is.


After watching a child repeatedly trip and fall down throughout the morning.

Ms. Kayla: A, what is going on today?
A: What?
Ms. Kayla: Why do you keep falling down?
A: *Big sigh* I don't know! My feet just won't work today!


A Touching Song

I've always been a folk/indie music indie fan. Over the last few months I have discovered the band Mumford and Sons. I pretty much love every song by them. Every single one of them.

However, this song by Mumford and Sons has touched me greatly. The lyrics are just so great. I'll post the video and the lyrics. I'm going to bold the lyrics that touch me the greatest.

I hope this song touches you too.




It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind


The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again


Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind


So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears


But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's land


So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Monday, July 9, 2012

See Your Impact: June Results

I completely forgot to share this with you last month! It's a good one too...like all of them.

If you haven't heard of See Your Impact you need to click on that link and check it out. See Your Impact is a worldwide charity. You get to pick a cause somewhere in the world. You can choose based on country, cause, age, and even the amount of money you're willing to spend. It's amazing what can be done in poverty stricken countries for only $10. It really is. Anyway, after you choose your cause and donate your money, you wait. In about 2-3 weeks, you'll get an email with a story and a picture of the exact person that your money helped. How great!

In June, I chose to spend $15 so a person in the Domincan Republic could get a dental checkup and education on how to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Here is who I helped:



Showing off her fresh smile!

Dear Kayla,

Louisa is overcome with joy and it is clearly written all over her contagious smile. Because of your donation of a cavity prevention program Kayla, Louisa was able to receive a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment. This is not something that the majority of Dominicans have access too given the price of the service, and its accessibility.

Louisa is an associate of Esperanza, which means she has made the choice to lift herself and her family out of poverty, and wants to do so with dignity.

Thank you for your incredibly kind donation Kayla, Louisa will never forget!

Gracias!



What a beautiful smile! I am so blessed that I was able to help Louisa keep her smile healthy. 

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The First Step

Ever since I decided that this was not the time for me to go to Sierra Leone to visit Abu, I've been praying for open doors and clues to the next step for me.

Shortly after that...or before...time seems to get mixed up a little bit when dealing in prayer and God's timing and dreams and what not, I sponsored Celeste in Honduras, whom Amanda was able to visit for me. After seeing all of the pictures of Celeste that were brought back to me, my heart cried out for the next step...

I WANT TO, I NEED TO GO TO HONDURAS!!!

I began, yet again, to pray. I certainly have the money, that won't be a problem, since I'd been saving for Africa, which would have been much more expensive. I was praying for open doors and guidance for what the next step would be.

After I found out that Amanda would want to go back to Honduras on the next trip that Compassion offered, I realized that I could potentially be going to Honduras with somebody I know. Then a few other women around my age stepped up and said that they would love to go too. Enough for us all to be roomies in the hotel (haha). Exciting!

This week, Amanda told me that next year's Honduras trip now has a date.

August 9th-13th, 2013. I could be in Honduras then.

Sign-ups open on November 28th.

I am beyond excited. I will continue to pray for guidance. Will you pray with me?

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Abu's Gift (With a Picture!)

Back in April, with the help of my wonderful friend Ali, I was able to send Abu $75 to spend on a family gift.

This week, only two and half months later (!!!), I got a letter and a picture of how that money was spent. I have probably stared at this picutre for a few hours total since I received it. Abu has grown so much, I just can't believe it. He doesn't look like a little kid anymore! He's so much taller than I last remember him and he's so super skinny. I'm a little worried about how skinny his arms are. I hope he's getting enough to eat because no food was bought with this money.

Besides seeing the wonderful gifts, I noticed that Abu is also wearing the tennis shoes that I sent him for Christmas. How exciting is that?! It looks like they are a little beat up. I should probably send him so more. Sending him tennies shoes cost a lot of money in shipping, so I think I'm going to go with flip flops/sandels in a big envelope this time. It's really nice to see the tennis shoes, because I never got confirmation that he had received the package, which also included a soccer ball.

Anyway, onto the part you are all dying to see, the picture!!!

Check out my handsome 10 year old!


From what I can see, he bought a goat (beyond excited about the goat!), a school bag, school supplies, and a red bag full of something. (I'm assuming clothes? blanket? something made out of fabric...)


Here is the letter he wrote:

Dear Kayla,

Abu-Bakarr and his family extends many thanks to you for the 75 U.S dollars you sent for him and it was received with happiness and many prayers, and Abu said thank you, Kayla. He said the gift was receive with thanks and he was very grateful with all the items they bought with the money and if you look at the picture you can see for yourself. Thank you Kayla. The family of your child once more thanks you for the gift you sent for him and it was received with many thanks. It plays a good impact on him and his family.

With Many Love,
Your child Abu


They pretty much repeated the same thing over and over again. The translator used really big handwriting and it kind of seemed like he was trying to write a whole page. Haha. Oh well. A letter and a picture. Can't get better than that! 



The goat is such a wonderful blessing. I know from stories from other sponsors, goats are so important to a family living in poverty. His family can now have fresh milk to both drink and sell in the market to make more money. Later on, they can breed the goat to have more (hopefully females for awhile) to start their own small business selling milk, and eventually goats. I can't wait to learn more about their new goat.

Plus, the goat has a white heart on her head. How cute!

I just feel so blessed to be a blessing to this little boy living 5,000 miles away from me.

Six Word Saturday



My Prayer List: A Little Overwhelming