Jill over at Compassion Family has invited us to share the grace we find in our work as Child Advocates and Compassion International sponsors.  I has noticed recently how in serving, speaking, training, more grace flowed in my life, leaving evidence of the gifts my FATHER lavishes on me.  Here are a few that I’ve uncovered, discovered, written down:

More confirmation of words that I think, that God is answering my prayers for wisdom
An 8 oclock appointmenttomorrow morning I am very excited
Volunteering as a family
Builder’s words of encouragement meant for the children, which actually move me forward
Beautiful Claudia, giving us the tour of Compassion International’s  offices, pulls the pieces of my heart’s mission together.  It is taking shape.
Discussing the POVERTYWHEEL during morning Bible times.  Father open our eyes.
A letter from Lesbia!
7 kids sponsored!
My prayers for steady emotions were answered
Family working together for this presentation
The opportunity to share with others a burden of my heart ~ child trafficking

Bloggers going to Tanzania, where Janeth is!
The much anticipated packet arrived
Time to talk in the morning, knowing the call

It is JOY to serve, to give one’s life away, and then find so much more than was here before.

The fullness of these past 2 weeks has reminded me of something I often tell my children.  “Everything we choose to do means there is something else that we can’t or won’t do.  It is neither good or bad, it just is what it is.”

And these past weeks of training, teaching, working, living full have brought me into the full realization of that truth.  My family has survived on sandwiches, beans & rice, a few homemade pizzas during this time and have been gracious in sharing my time and attention.

Builder and I were able to scoot out several times for mind clearing, relaxing walks and one time I remembered my camera, to capture the beauty of the spring time blooming as lingered in thought of the great love of our God.

Oh what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we could be called the sons of God.

counting graces #970-978
Friendly comments
Warm sunshine
Growing trees
Peaches on the tree in the backyard
So many pink and purple flowers along our walk path
2 sweet new ducks
Parenting challenges, require more time on my knees
Beans and rice

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

linking up with Amanda

This Monday morning my heart and mind are full of joy as I reflect on the events of the past week.  So much has happened and glimpses of the LORD’s working in hearts has me in awe.  Here is a portion of my growing gratitude list.

gifts: #947-969

Best of friends, playing, weeding the garden in historical costumes
The gift of friendship
Lilacs are blooming
Father daughter dates
Girls in braids
Family walks to the park
Chastisement from the Lord
Quiet time with HIM in the morning
Opportunity to share the word “thankful” as I worked this morning
Onions planted in the garden
Smiles from Mae as we crossed paths at “work” today
Short afternoon naps
Quiet walk as the sun sets
Sweet words of love from my youngest “great” nephew
Times of prayer with Beloved in the morning
8 kids sponsored!
My prayers for steady emotions were answered
Family working together for this presentation

all is grace. 

Now our daughters write letters, draw pictures and fold origami to slip into envelopes each month to send to Lesbia and Bryan.

  We’ve spent time learning about Guatemala, had meals of the same limited ingredients Lesbia and Bryan might be eating for dinner. 

And we pray.  This is where I hear what it means to our daughters to be a part of this ministry with us.  When you hear your children pray, you get to hear what is on their hearts.  It is powerful to hear them say, “Please let Bryan have enough to eat tonight.”  “Please help Lesbia do well in school.”  “Please protect them from the gangs.”

Personally, I have a gained greater awareness of the particular dangers each of these children face in daily life and my prayers have become more specific and urgent.  The words I write in the letters are to extend hope and to tell each of these children how precious they are to God, and to me, a mother far away.

Age: 6

Birthday: December 9, 2005

Gender: Female

Location: Tanzania

Center: TAG Nyakato Student Center

Child ID: TZ1310305

• Child lives in an AIDS-affected area.  Our sweet Petal Rose would love to sponsor Janeth, as they have a “vital statistic” in common, but we just are not able right now.

In his home, Orestes helps by caring for children and running errands. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is employed as a farmer and his mother maintains the home. There are 2 children in the family.

Playing with cars and running are Orestes’s favorite activities. In primary school his performance is average and he also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

If you are interested in learning more about Orestes, or in sponsoring him through Compassion International, you can click here.

Children in the Compassion sponsorship programs recieve an education, academic and in hygeine/health/nutrition, they recieve medical care and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is always my prayer that the light shined upon these children at the project sites will be carried home with them, and that light might shine on all who in their home.  I pray each of their families will come to know Jesus as their Saviour, and discover the hope that helps them step out of extreme poverty.