For us mommas who worry about whether our kids are ready for the dirt and ache, the poverty caused by sin wrecking life, love moves here.

 

The opportunity to sponsor a child through Compassion International has been mentioned here on this blog many times.  Have you wondered if the need is really that great?  Or if the work, the sponsorship, the letter writing makes a difference?

If so, please follow the Compassion Bloggers as they spend the rest of this week in Peru, visiting the Compassion Child Development Centers and family homes.

Here’s a little introduction to what the team is experiencing…

And if today is the day you know it’s time to sponsor a child, you can do so right here.
 

A wonderful realization came upon me last week.  Answers to prayers from early fall are showing up among the gifts I’ve found on this gratitude pursuit.  During the early fall calendar filling, activity choosing attending an international Bible study with my daughters was high on the hopeful list.  It wasn’t long before it became obvious that it just didn’t fit into the weeks ahead.  Disappointment was not great, crushing, but there none the less.  In this current season of parenting and long distance work separation I’ve longed for some fellowship soaked in discipleship.  Something solid to add to my toolbox to take me deeper with my Lord and farther along with road to wisdom as these daughters of mine grow taller, older.

Pressing on I chose to trust my Lord will provide.  He does you know, always provides.  And in the quiet early morning He’s been wooing me, rise a bit earlier and spend the time.  It’s been hard.  It is work.  But it is the prayer answered.

gifts 1265 to 1285, with two answers tucked within

quiet moment, suddenly alone
a book on prayers
and another on the disciplines of the Christian life
snow like powdered sugar on the mountain
time with sweet Chica
fellowship with friends before a concert of praise
guitar strums
giggling girls
beautiful voices lifting praise and encouragement
new friends
young men, courageous
snow flurries
coconut oil for chapped hands
clean bedrooms
ring necked doves
rippling waters
duck quacks
 welcoming words
crunching leaves
toothpaste

Aound the house ~ books, paper leaves and tree, pumpkins

Outside the window ~ ring necked doves visiting the pinion tree

Looking forward ~  to an out of the ordinary Saturday, karate tournament, historical interp volunteering and music concert

Reading ~ Graceful by Emily Freeman and The Hour that Changes the World, Galatians and Hebrews

Memorizing ~ Psalm 91, II Peter 1

Creative activities ~  a couple of quilts are coming together

A Picture or more ~ Life has been a bit of a blur this week, but in it we’ve been able to capture a few moments of it with the camera.  It is amazing to me, how rich and full this life is.  Beyond measure.

 

Another cream coloured envelope was in today’s mail…this time from Ronald. 

This letter, like the one we recieved from Lesbia a little while back, is on a “MY DREAMS, MIS SUENOS” paper.

Dear Sponsors Benjamin and Michelle,

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I hope that you are well.  I, Ronald Gilberto, let you know that I would like ot go to a lake because I like lakes very much.  I have seen them only by pictures.  I would love to meet you because you pray for me.  I would give many hugs to you.

I would like to be like David Villa someday.  He is a well-known soccer player of the Spain team.  He plays in Barcelona team.  He is a good player.  I admire him much.

I also would like ot play guitar someday.  I like melodies played by guitar in church, when we have special services. 

In June I went on an excursion from the Student Center to a place called Guastatoya.  I had much fun.  I sled on a big toboggan.  It was much fun.

One of my biggest dreams is to be a professional and international chef.  I would like to prepare different kinds of food and that people enjoyed my food.  Please pray for me that I pass my grade.  I love you very much.  Kisses and hugs to you.  God bless you always. 

With love, Ronald Gilberto Quej Xol.

Under the translation there is a great drawing of a El Gran Chef!  Darling!

 

Michelle at Blogging in the Boonies hosts a weekly link up called Thursday’s This and That.

I have a bit of this and that floating around in my mind, this is a good place to tack them down!

outside my window…the weather is mild, the mountain stands nearly bare of the snow that fell a week ago

around the house…papers and books scattered, dishes are all done, normal mild messiness by this time of the week.

to share and support…Looking for that tastey popcorn sold by Boy Scouts this time of year, but don’t have any of them knocking in your neighborhood?  Just click here.  You can snag a bit of popcorn and support my nephew’s council at the same time.

gratitude…2 of my children have group projects due for coop classes.  And we were able to coordinate with each group, to meet at the same park, at the same time on the same day (today)

to read…this weekend I hope to finish reading “Graceful” by Emily Freeman and share my thoughts on this wonderful book.  And pressing on with “The Hour that Changes the World”.

to plan…Thanksgiving dinner invitations went out yesterday.  Although the weather has me a bit fooled, my mind needs to focus and start planning.

excited about…my swagbucks keep climbing closer and closer to that goal…a particular gift card that will lower the cost of a special gift for this Christmas

 

We recieved two letters from Tanzania on “CHEERFUL GREETINGS” stationary.  Wonderful snapshots of smiling children are on the letterhead, so very fun!

The first letter is from Lucia,

Dear Benjamin and Michelle, Praise the Lord.  I , Lucia, greet you.  I am doing well at school, and at the center.  I have learned about body health.

My family is doing well and there is no problem in my community.  There is peace and love.

from your child, Lucia

and from Neema

Dear Benjamin and Michelle Skidemoo.  I, Neema, greet you.  I am doing well at school and at the center.  At the center I learn the word of God.  My lessons are good and I am expecting to pass well.  My friend is doing well.  My family is fine and my community is full of love and peace. 

 From your child, Neema Chacha

This was a fun day!  We also received that day the packet for our newest correspondence child, Leonard in Uganda.

We want to encourage you to keep on writing to your sponsored kids.  Two years after sponsoring Lesbia, we are starting to “get to know her” as she opens up more and more in her letters.  These two letters most recent letters seem to have been written in response to ones that we wrote a few months ago and I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with Neema and Lucia.

linking with Michelle’s Mail Call