Because I haven't written enough about Kalpesh lately, haha, I am going to post about the letter from his project facilitator today. I've said it before, but I just love these letters. It's great to know more about where my kids spend so much of their time and who they are spending that time with.
Dear Kayla,
My name is David, Field-Based Partnership Facilitator. I have the privivlege to be able to facilitate the Project IN-905, where Kalpesh is registered and nutured. Children in this project live in abject poverty and face multiple challenges in life, so are blessed and privileged to have sponsors like you who care for them and inspire them.
I would like to apprise you about the community where your sponsor child lives and how he is influenced positively by the project. I have the opportunity to visit the project regularly. I meets staffs who work with the children, to understand the progress. I get the privilege of visiting homes of the project children to undertand the overall development that is happening in the life of the child and family.
Kalpesh lives in the tribal belt. The major tribes present here are called Mouchi, Kokni, and Bhil Tribes. 70% of the people in this place are illiterate, out of which women are the most.
Occupation of the people here is mainly agriculture. They cultivate only once a year, during the monsoon for the 3 months from second week of June to third week of September. And then they migrate to the city for daily labor and earn their living during the other seasons. While migrating sometimes they take their children along with them and otherwise they live their children behind, under the care of the older children or grandparents. The children themselves cook and do all the activities in their home.
The staple food of the people is rice and chapatti (a type of thin flat Indian bread) and also they consume lot of cereals and vegetables. They consume meat for a maximum of twice in a month. People build their houses mainly of bamboo which is plastered with a mix of cow dung and clay.
Children in this area are vulnerable to malaria, diarrhea, and water borne diseases. Through your support, Kalpesh is privileged to undergo medical examination by professional medical practitioner followed by regular treatment.
Some of the major problems the project address are alcoholism, child marriage, child drop out, gender discrimination, and child labor. Through regular awareness program, family fellowships, and prayer meetings, these are addressed and results are witnessed. Also the project is able to share the love of God to the children and families.
Children come to the project around 7:30 a.m and then go to school around 10:30 a.m. They have the opportunity to stay for 3 hours and on Saturdays 4 hours. They are taught on various livelihood skills based on the local context that can generate income. And even the parent of the child learns to acquire an income generating skill and support the child and family in a much better way. There are 164 children enrolled.
I would liek to thank you especially for your significant contribution you are able to make in the life of Kalpesh. There are times when all children do not receive letters from their sponsors. If you are able to send short letters, even that brings immense joy and happiness to your child. The staffs are working very hard to make a difference in the life of children. I am praying for you daily and I believe that God is doing marvelous things in your life. You are such a blessing to us!
Sincerly,
David
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Seven Letters From Kalpesh!
Wow, you guys, I opened my mailbox today and saw a giant cream envelope, you know the ones I'm talking about, haha. Inside, there were 7 letters from Kalpesh. 7! That certainly explains why I haven't heard from him in over 5 months. All of his letters were being held. Either they were being placed in a pile and forgotton in the office, or this is how mail is going to be sent. Crazy!
Either way, I'm going to write all 7 of them out right now. This is going to be a long post. Beware. Haha.
The first letter seems to be written by a project staff member and the rest were written by Kalpesh. Interesting.
Greetings to you in the loving name of our Savior Jesus Christ. It's my joy to write this letter on behalf of Kalpesh, as a project staff. By the grace of God and through your prayers they are all fine. We hope and pray you, your family, and friends are doing good. It is so hot here from the last month. What about your place? Nowadays, his exams are going on. He is very clever and active child. He take parts in all activities conducted by the project. His father is no more so he is staying with aunt and uncle. His mother also not stay with him. He is praying for you and your famly. Wishing you may have good health and may God help you in your work.
______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kayla,
Greetings to you in the loving name of Jesus Christ. How are you and your family? By the grace of God and through your prayers, we are fine. My uncle, aunt and sister says hello to you. Last couple of weeks it's very hot here. What about your place? Last month we had unit tests at the project. In it, I got good marks. In the month of April we will have annual exams so pray for our studies and all pray for my mom and siblings. I am praying for you. Thanks a lot for your love and care for me. Wishing you good health. Take care.
With Love,
Kalpesh
_______________________________________________________________________________
Dearest Kayla,
Greetings to you in the precious name of our Savior Christ Jesus. Here, by the grace of God, we are fine. I hope and pray that you are doing fine there. Thank you so much for writing me and sending pictures of snow falling and your shoe prints in the snow. What is snowflake? I also don't know Tamil because my mother tongue is Marathi and national language is Hindi. Pray for my studies. Also pray for my mom and sister. Thank you so much for writing and supporting me. May God bless you.
Your Friend,
Kalpesh
I sent him a card and I worked really hard to write it in Tamil. I'm a little disappointed that I chose the wrong language. I was just guessing. I'll have to write him something in Marathi sometime.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Friend Kayla,
Greets to you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ. It is my great pleasure to write this letter. First of all, thanks to the Lord for his goodness because he is keeping me safe in his holy hands. Also, thank you very much for writing me inspite of your busy schedule. I wasn't know about Valentine's Day but through you, I know it. And sorry for your letter which is in Tamil because nobody can read it in our project. But I know that God loves us very much and taking care. Thank you so much for Valentine card, stickers, and blank card. I love you very much. Take care.
With Love,
Kalpesh
I made the same mistake again. Tamil! Haha.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kayla,
Grettings to you in the sweetest name of our Savior Jesus Christ. How are you and your family? I hope and pray that you are doing well. It's very hot here. Is it hot there nowadays? I received your letter before Easter. Thank you so much for writing about Easter and your encouraging words. Really, God sent his one and only son in the world to save each and every person. Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross for our sins, he was buried in tomb and one the third day, He was alive again. He has risen from the dead! I was in the darkness but I find light, I was hungry but get bread of life, I was thirsty but get water of life. I heard the verse "I am the way, the truth, and the life," but didn't understand it, now I realize what it is. I am very grateful to Compassion, you, and my project teachers for showing right way to my life. Thanks a lot for you doing everything for me.
With Love,
Kalpesh
________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Friend Kayla,
Greetings to you in the sweet and loving name of Lord Jesus Christ. I receive your letter and I am very glad to know about you and your family and your hobbies. But I want to know, what is clarinet? I like to draw pictures, playing cricket and marbles, and writing. My favorite subject is Marathi in school. We are five members in our family, mom, sister, two brothers, and me. But, I am staying with uncle and aunt and also my younger sister is staying with another uncle. and my mom and brothers are staying other place. Thank you so much for your love and support. I am praying for your health and teaching job.
Your Friend,
Kalpesh
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kayla ,
Greetings to you in the sweet and loving name of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord! Once again, I get the opportunity to share with you. I am very glad to receive your letter with picture of ship on dock, the other picture shows forest and waterfall in the snow and a postcard of beetles and stickers. I recieve one letter at a time, sometimes two, but this time I received six letters at a time. Thank you so much for pictures, stickers, and for writing me. Also thanks for a lot of your love and prayers for us. May God bless you.
With Love,
Kalpesh
Either way, I'm going to write all 7 of them out right now. This is going to be a long post. Beware. Haha.
The first letter seems to be written by a project staff member and the rest were written by Kalpesh. Interesting.
Dear, Kayla
______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kayla,
Greetings to you in the loving name of Jesus Christ. How are you and your family? By the grace of God and through your prayers, we are fine. My uncle, aunt and sister says hello to you. Last couple of weeks it's very hot here. What about your place? Last month we had unit tests at the project. In it, I got good marks. In the month of April we will have annual exams so pray for our studies and all pray for my mom and siblings. I am praying for you. Thanks a lot for your love and care for me. Wishing you good health. Take care.
With Love,
Kalpesh
_______________________________________________________________________________
Dearest Kayla,
Greetings to you in the precious name of our Savior Christ Jesus. Here, by the grace of God, we are fine. I hope and pray that you are doing fine there. Thank you so much for writing me and sending pictures of snow falling and your shoe prints in the snow. What is snowflake? I also don't know Tamil because my mother tongue is Marathi and national language is Hindi. Pray for my studies. Also pray for my mom and sister. Thank you so much for writing and supporting me. May God bless you.
Your Friend,
Kalpesh
I sent him a card and I worked really hard to write it in Tamil. I'm a little disappointed that I chose the wrong language. I was just guessing. I'll have to write him something in Marathi sometime.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Friend Kayla,
Greets to you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ. It is my great pleasure to write this letter. First of all, thanks to the Lord for his goodness because he is keeping me safe in his holy hands. Also, thank you very much for writing me inspite of your busy schedule. I wasn't know about Valentine's Day but through you, I know it. And sorry for your letter which is in Tamil because nobody can read it in our project. But I know that God loves us very much and taking care. Thank you so much for Valentine card, stickers, and blank card. I love you very much. Take care.
With Love,
Kalpesh
I made the same mistake again. Tamil! Haha.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kayla,
Grettings to you in the sweetest name of our Savior Jesus Christ. How are you and your family? I hope and pray that you are doing well. It's very hot here. Is it hot there nowadays? I received your letter before Easter. Thank you so much for writing about Easter and your encouraging words. Really, God sent his one and only son in the world to save each and every person. Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross for our sins, he was buried in tomb and one the third day, He was alive again. He has risen from the dead! I was in the darkness but I find light, I was hungry but get bread of life, I was thirsty but get water of life. I heard the verse "I am the way, the truth, and the life," but didn't understand it, now I realize what it is. I am very grateful to Compassion, you, and my project teachers for showing right way to my life. Thanks a lot for you doing everything for me.
With Love,
Kalpesh
________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Friend Kayla,
Greetings to you in the sweet and loving name of Lord Jesus Christ. I receive your letter and I am very glad to know about you and your family and your hobbies. But I want to know, what is clarinet? I like to draw pictures, playing cricket and marbles, and writing. My favorite subject is Marathi in school. We are five members in our family, mom, sister, two brothers, and me. But, I am staying with uncle and aunt and also my younger sister is staying with another uncle. and my mom and brothers are staying other place. Thank you so much for your love and support. I am praying for your health and teaching job.
Your Friend,
Kalpesh
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kayla ,
Greetings to you in the sweet and loving name of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord! Once again, I get the opportunity to share with you. I am very glad to receive your letter with picture of ship on dock, the other picture shows forest and waterfall in the snow and a postcard of beetles and stickers. I recieve one letter at a time, sometimes two, but this time I received six letters at a time. Thank you so much for pictures, stickers, and for writing me. Also thanks for a lot of your love and prayers for us. May God bless you.
With Love,
Kalpesh
Friday, June 8, 2012
Tie-Dye!
It's official! My business is up and running. I have shirts in all sizes posted on the blog.
Tie-Dye For a Cause
I have three shirts in each size. All shirts are in Men's Sizes.
I am also taking custom orders. I will be making a onesie for a friend and child size shirts for a few friends. I won't be buying onesies and child size shirts unless I'm asked to make them.
To order shirts I have my email address located in the information box at the top of the page.
Shirts are $10, shipping included.
$2 will be added to all orders that are shipped outside of the United States.
Pricing custom orders will be negociated on each occasion.
I'm excited to sell shirts! I've already sold to three people!
Go check out my shirts, if you're interested.
Tie-dye shirts make great gifts for friends, children, grandchildren, even sponsored children! If you're not interested in tie-dye, pass on the website to friends!
Thanks for all your support!
Tie-Dye For a Cause
I have three shirts in each size. All shirts are in Men's Sizes.
I am also taking custom orders. I will be making a onesie for a friend and child size shirts for a few friends. I won't be buying onesies and child size shirts unless I'm asked to make them.
To order shirts I have my email address located in the information box at the top of the page.
Shirts are $10, shipping included.
$2 will be added to all orders that are shipped outside of the United States.
Pricing custom orders will be negociated on each occasion.
I'm excited to sell shirts! I've already sold to three people!
Go check out my shirts, if you're interested.
Tie-dye shirts make great gifts for friends, children, grandchildren, even sponsored children! If you're not interested in tie-dye, pass on the website to friends!
Thanks for all your support!
About Meena's Project
A few days ago, I received letters from the project facilitators of the projects in India where my two correspondent kiddos are. These letters are fantastic! I read and re-read them and I just loved learning more about where my two lovely Indian children spend so much of their time. It's great to hear how many children are enrolled in the project and some of the things the children learn and get to do there. I definitely want to write these out because they are so important to me. Today, I will share Meena's with you.
Dear Kayla,
My name is Surendar and I am the Partnership Facilitator Supervisor for the Child Development Center where Meena attends. I am so thankful for your kind support. I thank God every day that these children who face exceedingly difficult challaneges have sponsors to care for them and reassure their hope.
Let me take this opportunity to tell you more about the church and community where your sponsor child lives and how the project is making a magnificent impact in the lives of Compassion children. The center is partnered by the church since August 1999. It was a humble beginning where there were just 30 children enrolled into the program. Now the center caters to the needs of 351 children and their families. It has a Child Survival Program where 35 mother-child units are enrolled.
The center is in a town, a municipality, in a disctrict in the state of Tamil Nadu. At least 40% of the the community population live in congested, thatched roof and mud floored houses. They form the slum near the railway station. Most men from this community work as porters, load men, street vendors, cobblers, etc. Women serve as housemaids in the nearby communities and apartments.
The issues like contaminated water, alcoholism, immoral relationships, family quarrels, drug addictiion, problems caused by money lenders are very common in the community. Malaria, typhoid, amoebic disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, dysentery, and chicken guinea are common sicknesses in the community. There are parentless children, semi orphans, and destitute children, who discontinue their education because of their poverty. The average family monthly income counts to $80 US. Most parents with low income struggle to feed, educate, clothe, and render medical assistance.
I am so thankful for the Compassion project. The pastor and staff are working very hard to make a difference. The project has brought down the air and waterbourne diseases significantly, mitigated malnourishment, controlled alcoholism, mitigated child labor and educated parents on various life skills. They did provide water purifiers to each family where the waterbourne diseases are now completely under control. Even though the family may be struggling, I can see the joy in mother's faces when they realize that their child will have opportunities to learn, get health screenings, play in a safe environment, and much more.
There is a demand for enrolling children in the projects and hundreds of applications wait. I can see the difference when families know that in the most desperate situation, there is a God that loves them and wants to provide. They can see things in a positive light and that their needs will always be met.
Loving Christian adults who can relate to their situation are making sure they develop appropriately, are healthy, and understand that they don't have to continue the cycle of poverty. You are so very special as you contribue to combat poverty.
The boys and girls in this projects are taught good manners, how to worship, how to safeguard themselves, how to acquire different skills, how to handle music instruments, how to read, how to make handicrafts, how to keep self-hygeine, the value of nutrition, and more. And these types of skills can help them to generate income and gain opportunities.
Please pray for Pastor Jacob and the staff. They are committed to recover and uphold the poor children from their poverty and build up their cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual life and all guide the parents.
Thank you again for your support. And thank you for letting me share why I think you are so important. If I can just share one more thing, it is to tell you how important letters are. There are days when some children get letters and others don't, and it's hard to explain. If are able to even send short letters, it's so that Meena is able to receive something. And the words you share can mean so much.
I pray for our sponsors daily and hope that God is doing wonderful things in your life. You are such a great blessing to us.
Sincerely,
Surendar
I love this letter! The part about the letters makes me so sad. It actually makes me feel guilty, even though I write Meena twice a month. I know that she gets many letters from me. It's hard to imagine her friends not getting letters while Meena reads so many. I wish more sponsors would write.
Dear Kayla,
My name is Surendar and I am the Partnership Facilitator Supervisor for the Child Development Center where Meena attends. I am so thankful for your kind support. I thank God every day that these children who face exceedingly difficult challaneges have sponsors to care for them and reassure their hope.
Let me take this opportunity to tell you more about the church and community where your sponsor child lives and how the project is making a magnificent impact in the lives of Compassion children. The center is partnered by the church since August 1999. It was a humble beginning where there were just 30 children enrolled into the program. Now the center caters to the needs of 351 children and their families. It has a Child Survival Program where 35 mother-child units are enrolled.
The center is in a town, a municipality, in a disctrict in the state of Tamil Nadu. At least 40% of the the community population live in congested, thatched roof and mud floored houses. They form the slum near the railway station. Most men from this community work as porters, load men, street vendors, cobblers, etc. Women serve as housemaids in the nearby communities and apartments.
The issues like contaminated water, alcoholism, immoral relationships, family quarrels, drug addictiion, problems caused by money lenders are very common in the community. Malaria, typhoid, amoebic disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, dysentery, and chicken guinea are common sicknesses in the community. There are parentless children, semi orphans, and destitute children, who discontinue their education because of their poverty. The average family monthly income counts to $80 US. Most parents with low income struggle to feed, educate, clothe, and render medical assistance.
I am so thankful for the Compassion project. The pastor and staff are working very hard to make a difference. The project has brought down the air and waterbourne diseases significantly, mitigated malnourishment, controlled alcoholism, mitigated child labor and educated parents on various life skills. They did provide water purifiers to each family where the waterbourne diseases are now completely under control. Even though the family may be struggling, I can see the joy in mother's faces when they realize that their child will have opportunities to learn, get health screenings, play in a safe environment, and much more.
There is a demand for enrolling children in the projects and hundreds of applications wait. I can see the difference when families know that in the most desperate situation, there is a God that loves them and wants to provide. They can see things in a positive light and that their needs will always be met.
Loving Christian adults who can relate to their situation are making sure they develop appropriately, are healthy, and understand that they don't have to continue the cycle of poverty. You are so very special as you contribue to combat poverty.
The boys and girls in this projects are taught good manners, how to worship, how to safeguard themselves, how to acquire different skills, how to handle music instruments, how to read, how to make handicrafts, how to keep self-hygeine, the value of nutrition, and more. And these types of skills can help them to generate income and gain opportunities.
Please pray for Pastor Jacob and the staff. They are committed to recover and uphold the poor children from their poverty and build up their cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual life and all guide the parents.
Thank you again for your support. And thank you for letting me share why I think you are so important. If I can just share one more thing, it is to tell you how important letters are. There are days when some children get letters and others don't, and it's hard to explain. If are able to even send short letters, it's so that Meena is able to receive something. And the words you share can mean so much.
I pray for our sponsors daily and hope that God is doing wonderful things in your life. You are such a great blessing to us.
Sincerely,
Surendar
I love this letter! The part about the letters makes me so sad. It actually makes me feel guilty, even though I write Meena twice a month. I know that she gets many letters from me. It's hard to imagine her friends not getting letters while Meena reads so many. I wish more sponsors would write.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Touching Thursday: Little Hispanic Girl Edition
In honor of my new sponsored child, Iris, I have three little Hispanic girls to share with you. All of them are just so cute!
6-30-12 Maribel has been sponsored! Yay!
Sweet Jasmin has been sponsored! I am so happy for this gorgeous little girl.
6-30-12 Maribel has been sponsored! Yay!
Sweet little Genesis has been sponsored!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Iris's Information
I called Compassion today and Iris is officially on my account. So exciting! Her information showed up just a few hours later. Compassion is on top of this! Here's what I've got on her...
Name: Iris
Age: 10
Birthday: April 12th
Grade in School: 3rd
School Performance: Average
Family Duties: Gardening/Farming, Running Errands, Cleaning
Hobbies and Sports: Dolls, Group Games, Hide and Seek
Guardian: Grandmother
Siblings: 1 Brother
Amanda got more information about her family for me. Her parents are divorced. Her father lives in another city to work and sends money home to support her. Iris has zero contact with her mother. That breaks my heart. I don't know what I would do without my mom. I pray that I can show Iris tons of love and let her know how much God loves her.
Child Development Center Information
This exciting church partner is located 5 km east of San Pedro Sula in the coastal community of Colonia Bermejo, home to approximately 4,100 residents. Typical houses are constructed of wood and have dirt floors. The spoken language is Spanish.
The regional diet consists of maize, beans, bananas, chicken and rice. Common health problems in this area include respiratory illnesses and diarrhea. Most adults in Colonia Bermejo work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $158 per month. This community needs employment opportunities, a sewage system, street repairs, water and housing improvements.
Sponsorship allows the staff of CDI Sueño de Dios to provide your sponsored child with Christian education, camp, evangelism, medical check ups, nutrition and hygiene education, recreational activities, birthday celebrations, school uniforms, supplies and shoes. The center staff will also provide nutritional education, counseling and evangelism for the parents or guardians of these children
Also, here is the gift that Amanda will be bringing for Iris (and all of the other 12 girls!). She paid for all of these gifts out of her own pocket as a thanks for sponsoring. I just can't believe it. She's a wonderful woman. I am just so happy.
Name: Iris
Age: 10
Birthday: April 12th
Grade in School: 3rd
School Performance: Average
Family Duties: Gardening/Farming, Running Errands, Cleaning
Hobbies and Sports: Dolls, Group Games, Hide and Seek
Guardian: Grandmother
Siblings: 1 Brother
Amanda got more information about her family for me. Her parents are divorced. Her father lives in another city to work and sends money home to support her. Iris has zero contact with her mother. That breaks my heart. I don't know what I would do without my mom. I pray that I can show Iris tons of love and let her know how much God loves her.
Child Development Center Information
This exciting church partner is located 5 km east of San Pedro Sula in the coastal community of Colonia Bermejo, home to approximately 4,100 residents. Typical houses are constructed of wood and have dirt floors. The spoken language is Spanish.
The regional diet consists of maize, beans, bananas, chicken and rice. Common health problems in this area include respiratory illnesses and diarrhea. Most adults in Colonia Bermejo work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $158 per month. This community needs employment opportunities, a sewage system, street repairs, water and housing improvements.
Sponsorship allows the staff of CDI Sueño de Dios to provide your sponsored child with Christian education, camp, evangelism, medical check ups, nutrition and hygiene education, recreational activities, birthday celebrations, school uniforms, supplies and shoes. The center staff will also provide nutritional education, counseling and evangelism for the parents or guardians of these children
Also, here is the gift that Amanda will be bringing for Iris (and all of the other 12 girls!). She paid for all of these gifts out of her own pocket as a thanks for sponsoring. I just can't believe it. She's a wonderful woman. I am just so happy.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Introducing Iris!
It has happened again, guys. When I think my sponsorship family is complete, God shows me that he has other plans for me. I am now the proud sponsor of a beautiful 10 year old girl from Honduras. Meet Iris...
I was instantly drawn to her beauty queen personality. It literally just shines right through her eyes. She looks like a strong and confident little girl. I just love her.
My friend Amanda, over at Our Compassionate Adventure is visiting Honduras this month. One project that she is visiting had many children waiting for sponsors She has been posting children on her blog and finding them sponsors so quickly. She has also offered that any children that are sponsored through her blog she will be able to visit. She also offered to bring a gift to each of these children. What a wonderful woman she is.
On Thursday, May 31st, she posted seven girls from that project waiting for sponsors. I was immediately drawn to Iris. I posted a comment on the blog how drawn to Iris I was and how I would love to sponsor her. I began to pray and think about her. My biggest prayer was to be sure that I didn't want to sponsor this girl simply because Amanda was going to visit her, give her a gift, and take pictures of her. Sponsoring for selfish reasons is never a good idea. I realized that this was not the reason I wanted to sponsor, though it is a huge perk!
Today, Amanda posted again that out of those seven girls, three were still waiting, Iris was one of them. Again, I commented that I would really really love to sponsor her and I was praying for her. An hour later, God put it on my heart that I was meant to be her sponsor. That green light moment from God is always both exciting and terrifying at the same time. I instantly was overcome with emotion, how would I afford to pay for her sponsorship? Could I truly do it? God ensured me that yes, I could do it, but not without His help. My new year's resolution for this year was to Trust. Trust that God knows what he is doing. Trust that He will lead my life where it needs to go. He has lead me to two more children since then, Florenc, and now Iris.
I emailed Amanda and told her the good news. Tomorrow morning, she will call Compassion and put her on hold for me. On my lunch break, I will be calling Compassion and making it official. This will be very first sponsored child through Compassion International. This will also be the first girl that God has lead me to sponsor. What a joyous day!
Amanda leaves for Honduras on June 14th. So soon! On June 17th, she'll be at Iris's project. She's going to give her a gift of a Dora doll, a photo album, a shirt, a jump rope, a coloring book, and crayons. Did I mention that she is paying for this gift out of her own pocket...for all of the 10 children that were sponsored! How wonderful is she! I am so glad to have met her through the child sponsorship blog community.
When she comes back from her trip, she's going to have so many stories to share and I'm going to have wonderful pictures of Iris, her family, and her project.
I am just so happy. God is so good!
Mail Call From Meena
My beautiful Meena writes the best letters ever. She gets my letters in bulk, usually 6 at a time, so once every three months. I'm guessing this letter was written sometime in March. I think it took longer to get here than usual. I love when Meena writes to me because she acknowledges everything I write to her and she truly understands how wonderful of a young woman she is. Who ever thought I would love a 16 year old this much? Haha.
Dear Aunty,
Loving praise the Lord froms your beloved Meena. I was very happy to receive 6 letters dated from 17th Dec. to 13th Feb. Beautiful postcards, stickers, and pictures. Thank you very much. I too love to admire moon and stars at night. It's really very nice to look at. Psalm 8:3 also touch me very much. It's amazing to know that each and every star have their own location. (I wrote her about the stars and the moon and how God created each one).
The thing you said about one word, Trust, it really sound good, but I don't have such experience. (I told her about how I will be working on trusting God more this year). But I pray that God to give me such experience. I feel much glad to know about the snowflakes and the uniquness. Thank you very much for telling the speciality I have in Christ and how unique I am in Jesus Christ! (I told her about how each snowflake is unique and special, just like her).
This time, I got all the six letters together. Here, we get local mail daily, but in Compassion they have a specific day to deliver letters to the sponsored children. We don't have mail every day. ( I asked her about how she received her mail).
I was very glad to receive the letter before Easter. I read Mark chapter 15-16. It's really wonderful thing that God has done for our sins. He died to make us live with him forever. I accepted Lord Jesus as my savior in 8th grade. Thank you very much for the stickers that tell the Easter story and the cross to color. I'll surely share the stickers with my brother Prasanth and my friends. (I told her about the Easter story)
I am very glad to know about the importance of Valentine's Day. I am blessed to be your beloved and my place in your heart. I am grateful to be your child as you care for my health, happiness, and education. I am much blessed as God loves more than you do. (I told her that I love her so much, but God loves her even more.) I read the letter that says about the love God has for me. I will surely share it with my friends. (I sent her the Love Letter From God).
Further, thank you very much for the blank card to send to my best friend. Further, it's only because of you dear aunty I receive all that I need through Compassion. My parents and brother also conveyed their love and greetings to you. I always remember you in my prayers. Closing with much love, hugs, and kisses.
Yours lovingly,
Meena
She wrote about each letter separately. I just love that. I feel like we have similar writing styles. We both seem to like to address each part of the letters to each other separately, making sure we don't miss anything.
I love this girl!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Tie-Dye For A Cause
Hey everyone! I have some exciting news. I have started a business!
As a way to help fundraise my trip to Sierra Leone I'm going to start selling tie-dye t-shirts and socks. Right now, my "store" has three medium shirts and five pairs of socks. I have ordered more white t-shirts and they are coming in the mail this week. I will have more shirts up by the end of the week.
I am selling shirts in S, M, L, and XL. All shirts are in Men's sizes. Shirts will be $10 each.
I am selling socks in Women's One Size Fits All (Sizes 4-10). Socks are $5 a pair.
All shipping is included in the price.
I feel like I should let everyone know that today was my first attempt at tie-dyeing socks. I admit that this first batch of socks is pretty rough looking, but most of them are still rather appealing. I'm going to do some practicing with what kind of brand of socks I buy and see if I can get them looking better.
I'm pretty darn good at tie-dyeing t-shirts though, if I do say so myself.
Check it out! Tie Dye For A Cause.
If you're not interested in buying any clothing, but still would like to help donate towards my trip, you can do so using the Chip-In box at the top of this, and the other, blog.
Thank you!
As a way to help fundraise my trip to Sierra Leone I'm going to start selling tie-dye t-shirts and socks. Right now, my "store" has three medium shirts and five pairs of socks. I have ordered more white t-shirts and they are coming in the mail this week. I will have more shirts up by the end of the week.
I am selling shirts in S, M, L, and XL. All shirts are in Men's sizes. Shirts will be $10 each.
I am selling socks in Women's One Size Fits All (Sizes 4-10). Socks are $5 a pair.
All shipping is included in the price.
I feel like I should let everyone know that today was my first attempt at tie-dyeing socks. I admit that this first batch of socks is pretty rough looking, but most of them are still rather appealing. I'm going to do some practicing with what kind of brand of socks I buy and see if I can get them looking better.
I'm pretty darn good at tie-dyeing t-shirts though, if I do say so myself.
Check it out! Tie Dye For A Cause.
If you're not interested in buying any clothing, but still would like to help donate towards my trip, you can do so using the Chip-In box at the top of this, and the other, blog.
Thank you!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Six Word Saturday
"Stupid Cramps. Being a Woman Stinks"
(I'm sorry if this is too "graphic" for anyone. It's really all I can focus on right now. )
*Edit* After some painkillers and a hot shower, my day turned around and it turned out pretty great. I went for a lovely walk through my neighbor. It drizzled for awhile, but even that felt wonderful. I hit a few garage sales and I bought each of my World Vision boys an orange Illini shirt. I think it'll be fun for them to own a shirt from the state that I live in.
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