Quietness.

This morning I sit here, in my parents' home. It's quiet. I do not get quiet moments like this very often. In fact, I get quite lonely when it's too quiet. But right now, I am really enjoying it.

We woke up this morning looking into the backyard and witnessing a fox stealing the woodpecker's sewit that had fallen down from the perch a squirrel had torn open. For 20 minutes we watched as the fox hid the sewit all around the yard to prevent other scavanger from finding it. Stepping outside this morning onto the deck brought back so many memories of my childhood. The trees in the backyard, the smell of wet wood, the birds, misty/foggy air, not any sounds of busy vehicles rushing to get to work.

Peace.

Today we are celebrating my birthday as well as my mother's birthday. We haven't done this for years. I'm thankful to be so loved. We are celebrating with a brunch make especially for us by my sisters and a GIRLS ONLY tea. Later tonight my sisters are again cooking Chinese and Thai cuisine.

Birthdays were always a big deal in our family-we'd each get to choose the design of our cake when our birthday came and mom would cook us our favorite dinner. I have found myself carrying on the same tradition for my boys on their birthday.

As I get older and realize that our lives could soon be changing and these treks to celebrate siblings' and parents' birthdays could become fewer and far between, I try to not take these opportunities and weekends for granted.

Barbara's Story

Imagine waking up every morning on a mat that resembles a placemat-maybe a bit bigger-because it was one of your other 8 brother's and sisters' turns to use the twin mattress that also lays on the floor.

Imagine going to school every day on an empty stomach, doing your best to absorb what instructors are teaching you that day and coming home to a meal of rice and a few beans-if you're lucky.



Did I mention you are only 14 years old? Did I mention that not only do you try to go to school on an empty stomach, but you are also at risk of being sexually exploited on your walk too and from school?

Barbara's daily life is just like this. She lives in Uganda and is one of the 2 million orphans that live in her country. Both of her parents are passed away and now she survives on scraps of food and lives in a home with 7 other brothers and sisters.

Despite these hardships, she is described as active, composed, extroverted, friendly an dloves to sing dance and read books.

For $34 a month, you can guarantee her a life where food will come daily, more than once a day!!!!! It will give her the guarantee of going to school each day. As her sponsor, you will be able to have a relationship with her! Through letters, cards, and even opportunities to visit her and hug her.

If you are intersted in sponsoring Barbara, please email me or leave a comment and let me know you are intersted. There are several kids like her -boys and girls of all ages- I have here on my desk waiting to be sponsored.

Sisters...precious

I have 2 sisters. I love them both so dearly. I will tell you about one of them first. Noelle is a loving, sensitive, spontaneous, Jesus lover and has travelled around the world searching for where God may be taking her.

As a soon-to-be college grad, she will be venturing out of the Midwest to Colorado Springs *sniff* to find her next adventure.

Introducing my gifted, beautiful, youngest sister, Bethany Noelle (though, call her Bethany and you will find yourself swung on the other side of the cliff she is climbing)

Her newest song (and first to be put "out there")



"What Love Is This?"

V1:
You who did not spare Your Son
But You gave Him up for us
You gave up Your Holy throne
And came to wash my feet, Lord

Chorus:
What love is this
What love is this?
That's poured on me
Despite what I do
What love is this?
Its so pure and matchless
It brings me to my knees in awe and worship!

V2:
What can I say?
For my God fights for me always
My sufficiency and strength
Names me his beloved

Chorus repeat

Bridge:
This love
Cannot separate
This love
Cannot be torn away from you
This love
No man or woman
No ruler, angel
No height no depth
No past No future
No failure no tears
No weakness, danger
No persecution
No insecurity
No stress or hurting
Can separate you from the love of Jesus!