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.

This past week so much time was spent out of our home, or occupied by online training that kept me from some of the normal rhythm of home.

Home, that word brings so much joy and peace to my heart.  It wasn’t always so, but God has healed so much, forgiven much, changed much in my life.  He has given me a new heart, that seems to beat more strongly day by day.

It is amazing to think, nearly 9 years ago I was in physical heart failure…and even more so, spiritual heart failure.  While the surgeon replaced a valve and stitched me back together, the LORD’s scalpel went even deeper.

Looking back at my life used to bring shame, fear, pain.  Now most days a reminder of the days behind stir a wonder and joy within me.

There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  The old has passed away, the new has come.

Glory Hallelujah!

High school doesn’t look so daunting this morning
Cheerful girl up an hour earlier than usual, practicing piano and reading
Laughter as cousins fellowship, olders hide eggs, youngers find eggs
Monopoly in the dining room
Stories with a grand nephew
Garden planning
Sunshine
Rich joyful sounds from the fingers of 3 different ladies, at various times during the day, on the piano
  Beautiful red tulips on the corner
Sunshine after rain
Blue clear skies, no pollen in the air
  Teaching opportunities
Good books
Sweet daughters sewing buttons
Lunch with precious daughter
Snuggles with darling daughter
The opportunity to share with others a burden of my heart ~ child trafficking

Two weeks of a fever and ache virus seems to have influenced this week’s sketch.  To join in or see other creative works visit Harmony Art Mom.

This practice of Eucharisteo has become a habit, that even while in bed with fever and pain the gifts run through my mind.  What greater gift can a practice give?

It was a sad pondering the week following, as I tried to make up for a lost week with hurried busy work, when I struggled to find even one gift in the day.  There I find a nugget of truth.  Gratitude is more easily found in the quietness of a spirit that seeks rest in the Holy Spirit, , even on a busy day.

Gifts given while marme is sick in bed with fever and pain… through #925

popsicles which lowered the internal heat
Sweet girl who read me to sleep and sat with me a long while
Husband who tended to me, knowing just how I felt, as it is the virus he just suffered through
Children who want to love on me and be close, even as I protested, I didn’t want to share the sickness
 Soft blankets
Rice cuddlers on my aching knees and ankles
Cold water
Warm tea
Motrin
 Inhaler
Allergy meds and antibiotics to deal with the “other” symptoms
No sore throat!
Two soft stuffed animals tucked in with me by my sweet youngest, which I did wake and find myself holding
Quiet days to be home to recover
Audio books to listen while I rest