So I found my perfect Valentines gift. I have been reading along with my favorite ,Boomama, as she and some other bloggers are on a trip with Compassion international in Uganda. If you can read her blog and not cry - then come see me because you are super human. I am just overwhelmed with how blessed we are. I ask God a lot of days why He chose me to live in America, in a Christian home and have so much freedom and prosperity when others live in such terrible conditions. All I know is that God has said "to whom much is given - much is required" and I take that seriously. (But not seriously enough sometimes).
After reading this - I was extremely convicted. So I told Scott I wanted one of these precious kids for Valentines. I told him I would give up Sonic Drinks (gasp!) in exchange. It's only $32 a month and this gives a child meals and school. It gives them a chance at life. I don't even have to totally give up Sonic drinks. I could still have one a week and sponsor a child. It's really not much of a sacrifice for me - and it gives a sweet child in Africa so much.
I've been to a lot of Christian concerts where they talked about Compassion and always wanted to sign up but never did. Maybe it's because I want a child to love so badly and I know when we do have one - he/she will have SO much. The one thing I want our children to know in life (outside of our love for them and Christ's love) is how blessed they are and that the majority of the children in the world do not live like that. I want to raise them to not say "give me" but to say "let's give".
We are going to pick out our child tonight and I can't wait!Update: We decided to pick a child from Nicaragua because my parents go there every year on mission trips and hopefully they can take him a care package from us and meet him. And maybe we'll go with them one day and meet him as well. His name is Richard - he is 4 - and he is PRECIOUS!
26 comments:
We may sponsor a child as well. I think it is vitally important for my children to realize how lucky we are and see us giving back.
I cried when I read Boomama's blog as well. I was so humbled!
Still praying for you!
Oh wow, it is unimaginable. I think we are going to sponsor one as well. I have never felt so blessed and rich and humbled and sad all at one time!
Our former worship pastor and his wife are there right now... reading about their experiences is amazing!
I've wanted to do this too! What a good idea to do it for V-Day! You are so smart!!
I think that is a wonderful idea, and especially for Valentine's Day-the day of LOVE. What could be more fitting than sharing God's LOVE with a special child.
Yes, they are a great org. I once helped them at a college to recruit sponsors. They are so trustworthy!!!!!
Such an amazing organization and a wonderful way to share the love this Valentine's Day! If there was ever a reason to give up Sonic, I think we may have found it :)
Y'all have a great night!
This is awesome, Kelly! Thanks for sharing the info.
These bloggers pushed me to do the same. We picked out a little girl....being a mom to 3 of my own sons, this seemed perfect....and her name is Sophia and she is from Uganda and her eyes are BEAUTIFUL!
I cannot wait to get the information on her.
We are so blessed Kelly. I loved the scripture of "To much is given so much is expected." (paraphrased)
Have a blessed day!
Hugs~
Fran
We just started sponsoring a little boy from Thailand in January. He is the same age as my 4 year old, so it is especially fun for him.
What a great idea! It is so nice to find a place that you can trust! I can't wait for you to get started- I want to know all about your new little adopted son or daughter! : )
It is very rewarding. Russell and I sponsor a little girl from Guatemala...with Compassion also. Her name is Melisa and she is precious. You and Scott will really enjoy this!
That is a great idea for Valentine's Day! We sponsor a little boy in China through another organization. It's a good feeling to help someone less fortunate.
Kelly - I just recently started reading your blog. I found it via my cousin's blog, The Chambs. I love reading about you!! I am blown away by your honesty and willingness to share so much about yourself with us.
You have inspired me to try this whole blogging thing. I'll let you know if I get anything up and running.
My mom went to Africa last fall with Compassion International. She had an amazing experience with all the children and has such wonderful stories. I hope you get to go meet your child someday.
Thanks again for the entertainment of your blog. :)
Until Next Time....Amber
Oh Kelly...I know everyone says this and you might be tired of hearing it but you are going to be the best mom. Thanks for the reminder of all that we have and what we have to give to those who don't. We limit our toys as well as clothes for little g but I've never thought to sponsor a child instead...what a great learning opportunity.
What an awesome organization!! I am going to talk to my hubby and see if maybe we can sponsor a child too. Let us know all about your child that you pick!!!
Kelly - I recently found your blog and it's quickly become one of my favorites. Your great attitude and strong faith is so inspiring to me.
Thanks for reminding us about Compassion. I've been following Boomama's trip and I think I'm going to talk to my husband about sponsoring a child. It would be something great to do and get my son (he's 2) involved in as he gets older.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Kelly, what a wonderful self-less thing to do with sponsoring Richard. When my kids were little they would give up one gift on their Christmas wish list, then we'd go to the mall and they'd pick a name off the angel tree. They loved getting something for their new "friend" (never met them) and never complained about what they gave up. Years ago there was a move on in our city to try and get a Christian TV station on the air....my son was about 10 then (he's now 33) and he wanted to sell his bike and give that money to the TV station! He sold his bike and they put him on TV giving his money. There's not a better lesson we can give our children or that gives us more pleasure than giving to others less fortunate than us. My mom always says you can find someone a lot worse off than yourself, and I've always found that to be true, even when I was having a pity party for myself.
I hope your Valentine's Day was filled with sweetness and love.
Hugs - Judy
P.S. Richard is a lucky boy to have his new adopted "mommy" and "daddy".
What a wonderful thing to do, Kelly! You always inspire me! Lucky little Richard to be loved by Scott and Kelly!
Kelly! I love that you are getting involved with Compassion - it is such a wonderful ministry. It is based here in Colorado and I am a lot of family members and friends that work there! My cousin (Amber Larson) commented to you a few back - and like she said , maybe you can visit your child someday...wouldn't that be amazing???! We are planning on getting our daughter one that will be around the same age - so she can "grow" alongside her compassion brother/sister! Also...thanks for visiting my blog and leaving me a sweet comment! I updated it - so you'll have to visit again - and let me know what you think!! Thanks, Kelly!
YAY!!!!! I'm so excited every time I read about someone deciding to sponsor.
I've met both my sponsored kids and there's not a doubt in my mind it's changing their lives.
What a great idea! We sponsored a family for the hoidays and my kids thought it was so wonderful. Maybe we could do something like this as well. Thanks for sharing!
That is the coolest gift ever! Very inspiring!!!!
We've been meaning to do that and have been lazy.
I, too, read that article and have not been able to get the phrase "releasing Americans from their wealth" out of my head all week. I hope it stays there forever!
Thanks for visiting me--your blog design is so very fun!
I've been reading along with Sophie too & what an experience she is having. That's great that you are sponsoring. We haven't done that at all either, but it does make you want to!
I'm really hoping for you to have your own baby one day soon!
Rhoda
We are going to sponsor a 5 year old boy...I can't wait to get the packet in the mail.
:)
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