Thankful

Goodbye

2010-12-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I finally made a decision I've been needing to make for quite some time now. I've decided to stop posting on two of my three blogs (Thankful and Daily Bread).

Why? I'm glad you asked.

Although it doesn't take hours each day to post to my blogs, it does take time and I'm wanting to create more space and time for other things in my life (violin, Compassion, my family). I'm tired of thinking about what to write and then checking to see if anyone commented. I'm tired of saying so much. I just want to do and be.

I won't close this down, I just won't be posting here anymore. I may pick it up again in the future, but for now I will only post to our family blog, which is private. If you want an invitation to read that blog, just let me know. While the family blog is mostly pictures of our kids (for the grandparents sake), I will also post about Compassion, homeschooling, our outdoor adventures, my journey towards simplicity, and other things.

This blog definitely served it's purpose. I started it in an effort to focus on all the blessings that surround me and how thankful I am to God for them. My mind has been transformed to a state of thankfulness...and I am thankful for that!

Again, if you want to continue to follow our family, leave a comment with your email and I'll invite you.

Thanks for reading!

#337 - Thought Provoking Videos

2010-12-05T12:55:00.001-08:00

#336 - Our Christmas Tree

2010-12-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

I love our Christmas year. I probably write a post every year about how much I love it. With our many moves, it's been fun to basically decorate a new house each year and figure out where the tree should go.

Each year I seem to care less and less how "perfect" the tree looks. This year I hardly put any ornaments on, letting the girls do most of them. The only ornaments I insisted putting on were the frames with pictures of our Compassion kids. I love these and each year I try to get a couple more on clearance after Christmas.

Although we didn't put a ton of decorations ups this year, it still seemed to take several days to get it figured out. I'm thankful they are all up. I love this time of year.

#335 - Another Beautiful Hike

2010-12-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with another day of sun, and so our family did a little of what we love doing best - hiking! Kevin had to work all morning so we got a late start. We didn't want to drive far lest we miss out on all the day light so we picked a hike fairly close. The only problem was that it was super windy and kept us from walking along the ridge. Still, I'm thankful for the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty around us.

#334 - The Sun

2010-12-03T14:03:00.001-08:00

After several days of rain and clouds, the sun is shining bright. We took advantage of it and spent a couple hours outside this morning, planting bulbs and raking leaves. After lunch we went for a walk. I love outside days.

#333 - It's December

2010-12-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

#332 - Power

2010-12-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

This is really Shaun Groves' story, but I'm posting it here with the hopes you will watch this short video. This is a powerful testimony of sponsorship.

I'm thankful for the power of sponsorship.

I'm thankful for the power of prayer.

I'm thankful for the power of words.

I'm thankful for the power of God - to change lives and save souls.

#331- Joseph

2010-11-30T18:57:00.001-08:00

This little guy's name is Joseph

Joseph lives in Tanzania

He will be 5 years old on Janurary 1st

Joseph lives in an AIDS-affected area

He has been waiting 10 months for a sponsor

He wears pink flip-flops because that's probably all he has

Joseph is my Compassion Christmas Child -

the particular child I am committed to finding a

sponsor for during this Christmas season.

I am thankful for this opportunity, to speak up on behalf of this precious boy.

I will be even more thankful when God stirs someone's heart to sponsor him.

I have some extra surprises for Joseph's new sponsor...

thank-you gifts to get you going in your sponsorship experience.

Thank you for your consideration.

#331 - New Traditions

2010-11-29T16:15:00.000-08:00

Last year I first heard about doing a Jesse Tree during advent. We were already half way through advent, so I filed it away as something to remember to do this year.

A favorite blogger, Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience, has put together a beautiful devotional to be used during advent called Jesse Tree Journey.

Ann is a Compassion sponsor and advocate and recently joined Compassion bloggers on a trip to Guatemala. Her accounts of her experience are so touching.

She is offering the Jesse Tree Journey devotionals for FREE, but is encouraging her readers to donate to Compassion.

I am so thankful, once again, for God bringing threads together in my life. My desire to do the Jesse Tree with my girls. The encouragement and tears shed through Ann's experience with Compassion. Another opportunity to donate to this wonderful ministry. All brought together. God is good.

We began our day with the first reading and later went out to find a small "Jesse" tree to hang our ornaments on. I am thankful for this new opportunity to focus our hearts and minds on Jesus as we eagerly wait his coming.

I would encourage you to download and print your own copy of this advent devotional, and perhaps even make a donation to Compassion.

#330 - Our New Church

2010-11-28T12:42:00.001-08:00

You may or may not know that we attended a church here for 8 months and then decided to leave. It was a good experience, and I'm thankful for the lessons we learned.

I'm also very thankful that we have found a new church to call home. Kevin shared about his trip to Haiti today during both services and was also able to make a plug for Compassion. It's such a joy to have a church that supports us in what God has called us to.

And now we are headed to the pastor's house for lunch.....

#329 - Snow Hike

2010-11-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

Tired of rain, we drove east today and ended up at a trail head half way up Mt. Hood. It was a bit snowy, but we were prepared and had ourselves a nice walk/sled through a winter wonderland. The snow-covered trees and deep snow reminded me of our winter in Michigan's UP. It was truly beautiful!

#328 - Just Another Friday

2010-11-26T11:33:00.001-08:00

Kevin went in to work today for a couple hours, and I'm thankful to be home with the girls.....not out shopping! It's raining a bit, but when Kevin gets home, we are hoping to go hiking and have ourselves a green Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

from our home to yours....

Have a blessed day, giving thanks to our Lord

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-3, 26

#327 - Eve and Claire

2010-11-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

Two of our nieces, Eve and Claire, have been in the hospital this past week. Many of you have been praying for them and their recovery and I'm so thankful to report they are both home.

Thank you for your prayers....feel free to keep them coming as these little girls fully recover. And please pray that Claire's seizures do not reoccur.

#326 - Thankful Books

2010-11-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

Each year I have the girls make a Thankful Book...here they are reading the 2010 editions!

#325 - Gifts That Matter

2010-11-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am so excited and thankful that Compassion has a Christmas gift catalog...an alternative way to spend your money this holiday season. Very few of us have needs, yet at Christmas we tend to shop and buy things for each other that ultimately end up cluttering our lives.

This year you can get more for your dollar buy buying things (mosquito nets, chickens, education supplies, vaccinations, etc.) for people who truly need them.

Please take a moment to look through all the items Compassion has available....click HERE to see what's available. Click on more details for a few items to see creative ways you can present your gifts to your loved ones.

Make a difference this Christmas....give gifts to Jesus - the true birthday boy.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

#324 - Holiday Books

2010-11-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading this wonderful book to the girls....Saying Grace A Prayer of Thanksgivingby Virginia Kroll. The message is beautiful and the illustrations are too. This is one I'd like to own in our holiday book collection. I'm always thankful to find books that add to our enjoyment and understanding of the reason we celebrate the holidays.

It's not too early to start hogging, I mean borrowing, Christmas books from your library. I've already requested and checked out several. I've found in years past that if I wait until after Thanksgiving, all the good ones are checked out. So we got them early this year, and will hopefully read them at the beginning of December and get them returned so others can enjoy them as well.

These are some of the books I'm particularly excited about this year....

Do you have any holiday favorites?

#323 - The Reason we Breathe

2010-11-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

And all of creation sing with me now

lift up your voice and lay your burden down

and all of creation sing with me now

fill up the heavens let his glory resound

the reason we breathe

is to sing of his glory

and for all he has done

praise the Father

praise the Son and the Spirit in one

I'm always thankful when certain lyrics speak to my heart. Today we sang this great song by Mercy Me in church, and the line "the reason we breathe is to sing of his glory" really struck me. This truly is my prayer for my life...that the reason I breathe is to bring honor and glory to the One who has given me life.

Take a moment today to "sing with me" and fill up the heavens with your praise. What are you praising God for today?

Reflections of Haiti - by Kevin

2010-11-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

Many of you have asked about my trip to Haiti. I'll try to reflect a bit on it. It was one of the hardest weeks of my life. I was ready for the poverty but I thought there would be some relief in places, some portions of the country that looked 'ok'. This wasn't the case. The very worst place in America looks better than the nicest village in Haiti. I saw hundred of miles of abject poverty. Interestingly, you get used to it fast. After 2-3 days it becomes normal and in a way, I found this good. It was good how fast we can get used to things. I got used to not drinking much water, I got used to eating a lot less, I got used to wearing dirty clothes and not having a shower, etc. I got used to seeing Haitians as Haitians, not as charity cases. Humans are so good at adapting. This was encouraging to me because it meant that we as a family can adapt here in the US. We can live with less, we can consume less in order to give more away, we can live with less luxuries. It's actually not that hard I found, you get used to not having stuff pretty fast. It's kind of empowering actually to live with fewer resources (I think this is why many like camping). So although I never felt the Haitians were 'lucky' for being so poor, I did feel that Americans were unlucky to have so much -it hurts the soul to have everything you need and live in comfort all the time. The things we complain about seemed so silly down there. I'm going to try to complain less, now that I have the Haitian perspective. It's hard not to live easily and luxuriously in America so this remains my challenge. I can afford a lot of stuff and lot of things with my job. I need constant work in this area to give more away -feel free to call me on it if you see me living too extravagantly, I need the discipline!

Haiti is a failed state. There is no real law, no infrastructure, no resources. I got the feeling that the place could riot at any minute, and you wouldn't blame them. They have been backed into a corner and feel totally powerless as a people. I didnt see one real commercial store or public building except the airport. It's like the wild West. People drive 70+ MPH on dirt roads, passing people on either side. Pedestrians, animals and kids walk the sides of the road as traffic zooms by at highway speeds. People travel everywhere on tap-taps, which are pickup trucks with extended tops. It was common to see 10+ people in a compact pickup truck bed.

They also drive small motorcycles everywhere. I saw a couple families of 4 on one motorcycle. At the clinic we treated 3 people who had a motorcycle accident. One of them had a complete break of the arm, you could see the broken bone pushing on the skin. If someone has an accident or gets sick in Haiti they just have to live with it. No one can afford care at the few hospitals and there are no ambulances. One lady we saw broke her hip 5 months ago. She was living on her back for 5 months.

Haitians waiting outside the clinic for medical care

The clinic was crazy. People would wait outside the gate starting at 4-5 am. You would hear motorcycles and trucks all night bringing people. Then at 6 am they would let the people into the courtyard and triage them, and give them numbers. Without earplugs I would have been toast. The sound of the donkeys was crazy. They would bray all night. And there were barking dogs everywhere. From 6:30am or so until 6pm we saw patients. I think we saw about 800-900 that week. Most had typical aches and pains (they have a lot of back/neck pain, which is not surprising when you see them carrying 5 gallon buckets of water on their heads for 3 miles).

But we also saw a premature baby with neonatal tetanus infection (no one gets tetanus in developed countries). We saw a fair number of malaria cases, HIV cases, tumors, seizures, STDs, and of course cholera. We had about 7 cases of cholera while we were there. These cases scared the people (the first lady that came in sent people running covering their faces with their shirts (they think it's airborne). We had to educate them on how it's spread. These were the first cholera cases in that remote part of Haiti. It's getting worse now. Cholera is a very treatable infection. One has really bad diarrhea and vomiting but the course is only 3-5 days. The problem is that with the vomiting and diarrhea you can't stay hydrated and people die of electrolyte loss/dehydration. The diagnosis is made by looking at the stool -there is none, just water with flecks of mucous/tissue.

You can literally save lives with a lacate IV. Antibiotics arent even indicated in most cases. But simple IVs and hydration salts are hard to find in Haiti so people are dying from something so treatable. There are so many people with no teeth, injuries to their eyes (or just need glasses but without them are legally blind). The old people often have cataracts. Everything is so treatable in the US.

The quarantine area for cholera patients

The people are so stressed. The 2008 flood, the earthquake and now cholera have stressed them to the core. I would say the Haitians were nice. I would not say they were happy. It seemed to me that most were at the ends of their ropes.

a post-earthquake tent city

We had 7 physicians so I didn't need to see patients. We actually had 2 docs that rotated in the pharmacy because we needed more help there. I drew a lot of blood, did a lot of microscope work looking for trichimonis, malaria, etc. and I filled a lot of prescriptions. We had a good pharmacy which was well stocked.

the pharmacy

The most disappointing thing about the trip for me was that there was only one other medical team member who was a Christian. The others were typical west-coast liberals who were there purely as humanitarians. This grated on me as time went on since the local pastors assumed we were there because we were being obedient to Christ. But most of the team thought religion was just a useful crutch for the hopeless Haitians but had no real value (it was a useful delusion that they were willing to grant the uneducated Haitians). But my friend Lorenzo was there. He is a born-again Catholic and an amazing pediatrician. I saw him literally stay up 2 nights to care for sick kids. He saw hundreds of kids and managed his own neonatal and pediatric ICU wards. He didn't get much help from the other docs (who were not peds people and were younger than me). I learned a lot from Lorenzo. Perhaps my biggest role on that trip was keeping him company. He also felt lonely being on a trip with agnostic doctors.

Lorenzo working with patients

One of the docs got a bad case of diarrhea and was out for 2 days but otherwise the team stayed healthy. I had to take some post-exposure drugs after I got exposed to a patient's blood and those made me very sick for the trip home and for 3 days after. But now I feel normal again. It was hard to deal with the hopeless feeling in Haiti. I kept thinking that even if I had a billion dollars I couldn't do much in Haiti. There is no Home Depot to buy building supplies, there is no real post office to get things delivered, there are no contractors to call, etc. But I can say that the only glimmers of hope in Haiti are around the churches. The church projects build schools, feed the kids and educate them in French. Only about 50% of Haitians can read. Education is key. Without the churches Haiti would be hopeless. The pastors can tell you stories that blow you away. One told me that since the schools were closing due to cholera fears, the kids would not eat. He also told me of a boy who needed socks to go to school so they would cut a sock into strips so that they could wear a 'band' of sock on their ankle above their shoe to make it look like they had socks. As always, it's the kids that break your heart. I gave away a lot of lollypops. And the hardest thing for me was seeing kids sleep on the dirt or on concrete floors (which is how they sleep at home too). These were kids that were the same age as Sydney and Kayleigh.

I left whatever clothes and stuff I could. There was no place to buy souvenirs so I gave that cash away, it wasn't hard, it was very easy to do.

There are Compassion projects in Haiti (Jill can get you a kid) and here is the website for the organization that runs the clinic and school where I was:

http://haitifoundationofhope.org/give-hope/

kids from the school

This is an overview of the church, school and clinic in Terre Blanche

The older I get the more I feel like being a pastor rather than a clinician. So let me pontificate a bit (oh brother, here he goes...) You all know one of my inspirations is Francis Chan. He is southeast Asia now. Read some of the updates from him and his wife and his 5 kids who all went with him to serve at an orphanage: http://www.francischan.org/#/updates

Chan has always said, and now I'm going to say; stop saying 'I wish I could help' or 'you're so lucky that you're able to serve like that'. The biggest lie that we all give in to is that since we can't do everything we should do nothing. You can tell me you're not a Christian, fine. You can tell me you don't want to give, fine. You can tell me you're a secular humanist, fine. I can deal with all that. What I can't deal with anymore is the Christian who says "I really wish I could help but after my bills, concert tickets, vacations, etc, I don't have anything left". We care more about our standard of living than we care about others simply living. I also can't deal with people who say they aren't 'called' to serve or sacrifice. Every Christian is called to sacrafice and care for the poor -it's the defining aspect of Christianity. Read Peter, read James, read Luke. Like all of us, I struggle with how to live sacrificially as an American. Check out the book 'Radical' by David Platt. It's a quick read and helped me to focus. He challenges his readers to do a simple experiment for a year -I did the experiment. Give it a try.
http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210

Here are some pictures from Haiti. If any of you want to go on a trip like this let me know. I can help if funds are difficult. Currently I have an interest to serve in Thailand...

-Kevin

#322 - Morning Walks

2010-11-18T11:22:00.001-08:00

It's started raining here a lot and we find ourselves stuck inside most days. Although the percentage of rain is high today, it hasn't started yet and we took advantage of that and went for a walk first thing. This is our second morning walk this week and I'm thankful for the time we can spend strolling our neighborhood.

The leaves are still beautiful.... Earlier this week we gathered several and pressed them in a book. When we got home from our walk today, we got our leaves out and the girls had fun sorting them (by color, size, shape and symmetry - all their idea, not mine!)

Haiti Photos

2010-11-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

One of the team members Kevin went to Haiti with, sent out a link to some great photos from the trip. Many of these photos were taken before Kevin and Lorenzo ever got there. Most of the team left 2 days before Kevin was supposed to leave. And since Kevin was delayed another 2 days because of the hurricane, he missed a lot of what the others saw and experienced.

Kevin didn't have a camera, only his phone. He did get some pictures, but I really enjoyed seeing these.

The pictures are really good, and you can see them HERE. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! I'll leave you with a couple of my favorites....This first one is the preemie Kevin referred to in his emails while he was there.

#321 - Holiday Groceries

2010-11-17T19:11:00.001-08:00

I just got back from grocery shopping and I have to say....I love shopping this time of year. Prices seem reasonable and if you spend enough, you get a FREE turkey! I bought a ton of groceries (I try to only shop every 2 weeks) and I was bracing myself for sticker shock when the total came up.

I was pleasantly suprised and even happier that my turkey was FREE.

Usually I leave the grocery store feeling defeated at how much it costs to feed my family a balanced, healthy diet, but today I left feeling thankful for holiday sales!

#320 - Baby Vant

2010-11-16T11:42:00.001-08:00

For those of you who were following Kevin's trip, here is an update on the little boy who was so sick. They were finally able to find a place to take him for surgery. On the way to the airport, the team dropped him off at the hospital.

Below is the photo of several team members, trying to figure out what was wrong with him.

Here is what Joe, the founder of Haiti Foundation of Hope, forwarded the team members regarding this little boy.

We just received a phone call from Delamy who has news from the Hospital at Pierre Payan. ‘Baby Vant’ ( our nameless 1 year old- ‘vant’ is Creole for ‘belly’ ) is doing fantastically well. He did have appendicitis, and sailed through the surgery! Octave stopped by the hospital yesterday, and said, ’there is one very happy family in Pierre Payan’. When the time comes, he will also provide transportation for them back to Terre Blanche.

Thanks you guys for a job well-done! Thank God this team was full of ‘bull dogs’, and thank you Steve for your good advice! This is a wonderful story- despite the discouragement of taking young ‘Baby Vant’ to two different institutions who could not provide neither care nor advice to us of where to go, despite Delamy then calling many other hospitals and doctors without avail, we still have this wonderful success story (you should know that Delamy and Linda had sat down and prayed Thursday afternoon, Nov 11, after having exhausted all options, asking God to provide a miracle. That’s when Steve’s email arrived suggesting Pierre Payan).

Of course, we all know it goes without saying; we are so blessed to be able to work with someone like Pasteur Delamy, and the Terre Blanche staff that he has formed. Without him, we would not be sharing this story. But this also shows how cholera has impacted HFH’s work in Terre Blanche, and how difficult it will be for future teams.

Nevertheless, this also shows what HFH does so well, working together with our Haitian staff, to take care of the patients that God has entrusted to our care.

Kevin was explaining to me last night that many of these people were nameless and so the team had to name them. That's how this boy got the name Baby Vant (belly). I'm thankful this story has a good ending!

#319 - Kevin's Home

2010-11-15T07:58:00.001-08:00

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway....

The female Foleys are so thankful to have our man back home again. We made a midnight run to the airport, which was surprisingly busy, and picked him up. He has today off work so he can rest and begin processing his trip. I'm sure playing Narnia is on his list of things to do today too!

Thank you for your prayers....please continue to pray for Kevin has he tries to adjust being home. Although our trips are over (Peru and Haiti), we hope it was just a couple first steps on this journey God is taking us on. Pray that we will have discernment in knowing our next steps.

#318 - Letter Writing Day

2010-11-14T15:46:00.001-08:00

It's that time of month again....time to write to my Compassion children. I have always tried to write once a month, but setting an actual target date has proven to keep me more accountable. I aim for the second weekend of the month.

I was inspired by Michelle, to stock up on pretty paper from the Dollar Tree.

I then re-read all the letters I received since the last round of letter writing.

Because I have so many kids to write to, I write a simple, general letter that can be tailored to the different genders and ages. The only letters I write completely independent and separate from this process are to Dominic who is 20 and our two LDP students, David and Bildad. I don't have the time to hand write each individual letter, so I print them out directly onto my pretty paper. As long as it has the child's number and my sponsor number somewhere on the paper, I'm good to go!

Again inspired by Michelle (you've got to read her blog regularly for great ideas and inspiration when it comes to letter writing), I included a short devotional on obedience. Then I go through and personalize each letter...answering questions, asking questions, addressing specific needs and concerns. And this time around they are getting bookmarks we made with their names on them.

What are you waiting for? It doesn't have to be fancy...just take a moment to tell your sponsored child you love them!

Sunday in Haiti

2010-11-14T01:00:00.001-08:00

Nov. 14, Sunday: We will leave early for the Port-au-Prince airport. Pray all goes smoothly and that we arrive at our destinations safely.

In the coming weeks please continue to pray for encouragement of the Terre Blanche Free Methodist Church. Pray for just the right amount of rain and good crops. Pray for the Clinic of Hope employees that they will have a vision to serve Christ through this clinic. Pray for safety of all who are involved in the building of the Annex. Pray that the Terre Blanche Christians will live with hope and peace and that Christ’s love will continue to spread in this village. Pray that the Holy Spirit will cause villagers to turn from voodoo, towards Christ. Pray for all the churches and donors represented by this team.

Saturday in Haiti

2010-11-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Prayer request from the prayer letter...

Nov. 13, Saturday: This will be a full morning. After seeing our Haitian co-workers and any medical emergencies, we will close the clinic and begin to make an inventory of the remaining medications and supplies. Pray for accuracy as this is very important in the planning of the next team. Saying good-bye, we start our drive back to PAP. We will stop for an evening at the beach together to share the meaning of this week and to praise God for His work in this village.

Update from Kevin

2010-11-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Here is the update I just got from Kevin...

Today has been pretty busy, Lorenzo is about to fall on the floor. We shipped that little kid to the closest city to have surgery because they told us they could do it. They got there and then they said...sorry we don't have an anesthesthisiologist. So they had to come back. If it's an ileus he may be ok, if it's a bowel obstruction he will die soon. It would be an easy operation in the states. If he has a bowel movement he's ok, its been 4 days though.

We got a 6 year old boy in with encephalitis or something (its so hard to diagnose anything here). He had a siezure, high temp. He's doing a bit better now. We have 4 or 5 cholera patients. One boy seems to be getting better, he may go home tonight.

I've been more useful this day, working hard in the pharmacy and lab. I still have a lot to work on if I come back. Now I know the skills I need. Pastor Delamy is cool. I gave my spending money to him to help with some kid. I'm going to leave my clothes and sandals here too. No Haitian would ever fit into my pants (they are all way too thin) but i'll leave what I can.

Friday in Haiti and an update

2010-11-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

Prayer request from the prayer letter...

Nov. 12, Friday: Today will be our last formal day in clinic. Pray the crowds do not get discouraged and unruly. Help them to understand that the Terre Blanche Clinic of Hope continues to operate daily. Pray they understand this is God’s loving provision for them.

Here is another update from Kevin...I'm so glad he's giving us a glimpse of what he is experiencing. In case you don't know, Lorenzo is a good friend of ours that lived here for a year and has just moved to Peoria, IL. Kevin and Lorenzo signed up to go on this trip together.

Today was a long day. I'm getting pretty good at drawing blood from dehydrated old veins. These people are all so thin and leathery. The really sick kid Lorenzo had came back from the city 4 hours away...they can't operate on him. So he is lying on the floor with his brother and sister. If he has a perforated bowel he will die. Lorenzo was up late with him putting iv lines in and watching him. Lorenzo is amazing. We now have 3 people with cholera. One is old and is so hypotensive she might die tonight. The community is freaking out about cholera. There are riots in the city -pray we can't get through the roads on Saturday and Sunday safely. We had a malaria case today...malaria actually isn't as common as I thought it would be here, chloroquine is everywhere. The medicine here is pretty boring actually, only a few weird cases. We see a lot of trichomonis and chlymidia. No drug overdoses or pathology consults so I'm more of a nurse and pharmacist still, but it's ok.

We have 5 inpatients tonight. One is a 29 week premie. No one knows when she was born. No one knows their birth date here, some know the year, but many don't. About half can read creole and quarter can read French. The baby would be fine in the states but she is too young to latch on and feed. The mom can't figure out the NG tube so no one knows how she will get fed after we leave. Hopefully Pastor Delamy can find a way. Lorenzo will be up all night with her, he won't let people help much and really no one knows half as much as he does so he has to do it all. The other docs are clueless about kids.

I still haven't decided if I will come back here or not. I can be of help to them by expanding the lab and showing them how to do better microscopy, but you never really know if they are getting it. They just smile and nod and say wee miseur when you try to teach them something. Right now I feel more like going to school and doing a surgical residency -that's what we need most right now. Wish I wasn't so old.

It's sad to think that tomorrow (Friday) is our last day, after that these people don't have any options again, until the next team in March.. Saturday we drive half way home, sleep at a place near the beach (the resort looks like a bad motel 6) but apparently it's the best in northern Haiti.

Its hot now and there are lots of mosquitos around. I took my meds, but I hope the bites I have weren't from infected bugs. Tonight I had a scoop of rice, a coke and a potato and it was fine, without working out I don't need many calories. We eat way too much in America. Then I sat at my microscope and cried a bit.

I'm not looking forward to traveling outside the gate Saturday, out past the guards into the cities again. The flights home are never fun but I am ready to come home. With my limited skills I can do more from home now, gathering supplies and books to send with the next team.

Thanks for the prayers. Pray Lorenzo gets some sleep. And pray that the panic in the cities is calmed.

Update from Kevin

2010-11-11T12:24:00.001-08:00

Several of you have commented or emailed me, telling me you and others you know are praying for Kevin and his team. THANK YOU! Please keep praying....every day Kevin has asked us to pray that God does something big while they are there.

Here is an update from Kevin...

Today was the busiest day so far for me. Three guys came in from a motorcycle accident. One had a bad broken arm and was bleeding all over. No helmets of course. We had to send two of them to the city to get x rays and the bone set. Lorenzo has a 1 year old with an ischemic bowel, he's really bloated, needs surgery. We can't get him anywhere until tomorrow, 4 hours away they might be able to help him, might not. We may just watch him get really sick and die. His mom isn't here, just the dad and 2 other kids, they are all sleeping on the floor in the clinic together. We gave them dinner and a blanket. It's so sad.

I'm learning a lot of acute care medicine by watching but am so frustrated at what tools I don't have to help. A simple book, tool or instrument would mean much better patient care that i could help with but I didn't know what I would need so i am not prepared well. If there is a next time I will be better prepared. Our cholera kid is doing ok. We sent one guy home who will probably die tonight, but he's old and ready. I'm still struggling with the notion of what we are doing here versus what we could be doing (should we just be handing out food and clothes). Actually, the docs are doing a lot for most of the people, i just haven't played a key role in any diagnosis which was really was my hope in coming. But when you look into a guys eyes and see cataracts all over them you cant do anything, they just send him away. Lots of vaginal infections. Not too much malaria.

I've tried to be cheerful doing the work of an lpn or pharmacy tech. The people here are impressed at the labs i can do but the quality is so poor. It makes me frustrated to say 'the white count is about 12 to 14 when I should say it's exactly 9.2 or something like that, those are clinically significant differences but i just cant do much without better tools.

Pray that something awesome happens that will testify to the power of God. The best part so far is talking to the two pastors here and some of the translators. I told one of them i wanted to be a pastor and he wants me to preach at his church, wish i could. They are cool guys who have seen so much tragedy yet they still rejoice. Our one doc calls it a psychological adaptation coping strategy to stress, I call it the spirit of God.

Thursday in Haiti

2010-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Prayer request from the prayer letter...

Nov. 11, Thursday: The crowds will become more frantic as they see the week is coming to an end. The noise will be great, making it difficult to hear and understand the patients. Pray the Holy Spirit will calm the crowd. As the team members look into these desperate eyes, pray for them to remember that they are the hands and feet of Christ. May the crowds see the Lord in new caring ways and choose to follow Christ.

#317- A New Sponsor

2010-11-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Please allow me to interrupt this week's focus on Haiti for a moment....

I am rejoicing today because this precious girl, Mary, has a sponsor!! After waiting for more than a year, she will soon find out that she has friends who will love her, encourage her and pray for her. I am so thankful that God used me to connect this girl, living in Ghana, to a couple living in the US. I love bringing people into this ministry and watching them experience the hand of God.

I saw this video the other day and it is such a wonderful testimony to what God can do through sponsorship. I believe in this ministry with all my heart, and when I see testimonies like this, it fires me up to find more and more sponsors. Please take a break from what you are doing, and witness what God is doing.

I have 4 new child packets....4 children who need sponsors. Maybe God is speaking to you...maybe you know someone who might be interested. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Preeti lives in India

Her birthday is May 1, 2004

(Kevin and I were both drawn to her as we think

she looks a little bit like Kayleigh)

Oriana lives in Colombia

Her birthday is March 29,2003

Mogani lives is Tanzania

His birthday is March 25, 1999

Mogani has been waiting 12 months for a sponsor and lives in an

AIDS-affected area. He needs a sponsor immediately.

Jonathan lives in Mexico

His birthday is February 22, 2004

Another update from Haiti

2010-11-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to talk to Kevin by phone, but am thankful for the daily emails he is sending me. Here is another one I just got.

The haitians aren't hopeless but I am hopeless for them, they don't know what they don't have, they don't know how uneducated they are or how good life could be. They don't realize that it's not normal to walk a mile for water or that kids don't usually die at the age of 3. That's what kills me, and this place won't change. You could give them a million dollars but there is no economy to use it in. Pray that we heal people today, not just send them away with Tylenol. I'm leaving everything I can here of my clothes, money, etc. I bet I've lost weight. No one wants second helpings. It's hard when there are dozens of hungry people outside.

When I got home from Peru, it was so hard to describe and explain what I was experienced. I was really looking forward to Kevin going to Haiti so he would have his own experience and better understand some of the feelings and emotions associated with encountering poverty as an outsider looking in. I can tell, by reading his words, that he is experiencing some of the same emotions I did. But I can also tell that his experience is very different from mine. He is working in a clinic where people are coming for immediate medical care. I was with a ministry that focuses on holistic child development....physical, social, economic and spiritual care that will hopefully release the child from poverty. I saw hope through the local church. Kevin and his team are seeing sick and dying people.

Would you please say some extra prayers for them today?

Wenesday in Haiti

2010-11-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is an update from Kevin...

Today was long. Saw lots of sick people. Two stick in my mind, one was a mother of three who was so thin she looked dead. I couldn't even find a vein to get blood. We did an ultrasound, she had a huge tumor in her gut. No one can operate on that here. She will die and she has a 17 month old baby. Then We had our first case of cholera today, a boy. He will be ok but if it spreads, the whole place could get crazy. It's the first case reported here. I'm helping, and have made an impact on 2 or 3 patients but i'm doing more nurse work than physician work since We have 5 docs. This team is actually too big. We walked around the village before dinner. I can't express what I saw in this town. The kids don't all wear clothes, what they do wear are rags. There was no school today so the kids told us they hadn't eaten today. They all wanted us to take pictures and show them to them on the camera screen. They are so cute. They
live in huts. I want to come back with just bags of food and clothes, and sandals. Tell kayleigh not to worry about dresses, the girls here only have one dirty shirt and no dresses. The people here are so tough. But without knowing the language i feel more like gawking tourist than a missionary.

Prayer request from the prayer letter

Nov. 10, Wednesday: While food, water and health for the team are carefully planned these are always a concern. Pray the food will be safe and appropriate. The team is providing the breakfast and lunch food, while Mme Elvire and the Haitian women prepare the evening meals. Please remember the health of the team members as they adjust to the environment.

Tuesday in Haiti

2010-11-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Prayer request from the prayer letter....

Nov. 9, Tuesday: There will be a great deal of pressure on the people working in the pharmacy. Pray that the pharmacy workers, aides and nurses, will know how to balance their work assignments. Pray we will have the proper medicines and accuracy in preparing prescriptions. There is always the unexpected, such as very sick patients, deliveries of babies or the need to transfer patients to hospitals hours away from us. Also, there are often mechanical problems with our equipment. Pray we will have the abilities and insight to do all that is needed. In addition to the teaching time in the morning, we plan to have ‘didactic’ sessions at the end of clinic daily. Not only is this a good time for exchange of information, but it also serves to build relationships with our Haitian staff.

Update from Kevin

2010-11-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

Just got this from Kevin....

We are taking a break for lunch now. The clinic is busy but not crazy busy, about normal for an urgent care or er. Lots of crying babies and kids everywhere. I've been filling prescriptions from the makeshift pharmacy and reading a few slides to evaluate anemias. We had 4 really sick people here. One with a broken hip (5 months ago is when it was broken!) . A baby that won't live another year because of a heart defect that no one here can operate on, and a lady with cancer all over. Tumors all over her face, hard to look at. I just prayed with her in the corner then we gave her pain meeds and she walked away. The Haitians are great, I wish I could speak, it's hard not communicating. Lorenzo is up to his eyeballs in kids - he's the star here. Pray that I can be useful, pray that my lab stuff works well - so far its been hard to run the tests here, stuff isn't working right.

Monday in Haiti

2010-11-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Prayer request from the prayer letter...

Nov. 8, Monday: Our day starts with breakfast, followed by our daily morning devotions, which will be led by our friend, Pastor Osmy. We hope to have a short teaching time each morning with the Haitian medical staff, as well as the community health workers. We hope to begin the clinic soon after this, but we know flexibility will be necessary. The crowd outside, which has been gathering since we arrived, will be pushing and shoving, as people desperately try to find a way to enter the clinic. Ask the Lord to send His peace and His control and to give the Haitian helpers the ability to know how to enforce orderliness. Each day, pray that the people with the most urgent needs will be able to get into the clinic. Pray for the health providers to have wisdom to know how to diagnose and treat each person. At the end of each day the team will be treated to a delicious Haitian meal, with time to relax, share their experiences and pre-package meds for the next day.

From Kevin

2010-11-07T16:53:00.001-08:00

I got this a couple minutes ago from Kevin....I'm so thankful he made it to the clinic!

We made it here to Terre Blanche. What a trip. 24 hours of travel. We sat for 1.5 hours on the runway in Miami and they lost my bag at port au prince. But we finally got it all sorted and got here at 5 pm. We've had no sleep. Hatit is amazingly impoverished. I expected to see poverty but not 150 miles of nonstop squalor, it was hard to take. Trash everywhere, kids with no clothes playing in swamps. Goats and pigs everywhere. It's hard to describe. No one looks like they have a clean shirt or even a door on their house. The airport was scary. Everyone tries to take your bags. There was essentially one long road to terre blanche no turn offs for 250 Km. Along this road there are tons of pedestrians, kids, motorcycles, etc. Yet the cars go 70-80 mph. It was the scariest car experience i ever had. And so many potholes. I got car sick after 4 hours. We also got a flat tire and had to change it on a dirt road with people going 70 mph along side us. But we are at
the clinc. Should be busy tomorrow. Everyone seems nice so far. Not sure what i will do since they have 5 other docs who are internists.

A little more information

2010-11-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a little more information from the prayer letter about Haiti Foundation of Hope...where Kevin is serving this week.

Haiti Foundation of Hope is committed to many projects in this community - projects such as primary and secondary education, women’s trade school, micro-loans, bio-sand water filters, the Clinic of Hope and the newly started community health program. Pray that as we encounter people, whether in the clinic or out in the community, they will see Jesus through our touch, words and actions. Remembering that in this village, there was no Christian witness before 1995 and many are still involved in voodoo and have not experienced the love of Christ.

Sunday in Haiti

2010-11-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

Kevin should be in Haiti by now...he called me from Miami, just before boarding the plane. It was a two hour flight to Haiti and then at least a 5 hour ride by car to the clinic. The condition of the roads remains to be seen, so the actually traveling time could end up being much more. Please pray for Kevin and the other two team members as they travel north to the clinic.

Here is some information about the team and where they are going.

Team members:

Health Professionals: Joe & Janan Markee, Laura Kuipers, Todd Merrick, Jim Patterson, Lorenzo Boccuzzi, Meg Carey, Kevin Foley, Margaret Baker, Levi & Barbara Cole. Support: Krista Nelson, Cody Wyles, Chris Larson, & Linda Markee.

The team also consists of members of the Haitian church and we are all under the leadership of Pastor Delamy Bazilmé and his wife, Elvire.

Where are we going?

Our destination is the small village of Terre Blanche (TB), located 10 miles north of Gonaives. This is one of the poorest & most underserved areas of Haiti and this community is still struggling with the devastation from hurricane-caused floods last year. The effects of extreme hunger and an unstable political situation are still felt. Before the opening of the Clinic of Hope (2007) TB had limited health care. Very recently the new CHE (Community Health Evangelism) Program started. Many health workers are being trained and we are unsure of how this will impact the teams. Thank you for your prayers – they are essential to God’s work!

Today's prayer request from the prayer letter...

Nov. 7, Sunday: This morning we will join our Haitian brothers and sisters in worship. Worship with the Haitians is always uplifting as well as a deeply moving experience. The team will have an opportunity to share individually in church through a translator. Pray all that is said and done will be to the glory of God. We have much to be thankful for as in October ground was broken to begin to build another medical building (The Annex). More people are coming to TB for medical treatment since the earthquake and also with the excellent reputation of the Clinic of Hope that is spreading throughout Haiti.

***When I was in Peru, Kevin posted this tip of the day and now seems like a really good time to re-post it. Kevin's tip of the day: don't say you will pray for someone unless you really will, and since we all forget things like this by the end of the day, pray now. Pray with people, or for people, the minute you say you will.

Haiti

2010-11-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

We are headed out the door in a few minutes to take Kevin to the airport. He will be flying all night, and we just realized it's daylight savings time so he'll get an extra hour of traveling. Lucky him!

Please pray for his safe travel. Once he lands in Haiti he has a several hour car ride to get to the clinic. If or when I hear from him, I'll report here. In the meantime, I have daily prayer requests for the team that I will be posting.

#316 - Compassion Presentation

2010-11-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to share Compassion with my homeschool co-op during our chapel time. Many of the families followed this blog while I was in Peru, and I was excited to share more stories with the kids from my trip.

Sponsorship means so much to our family. This started out as "my" thing 17 years ago when I first became a sponsor. I have loved seeing it become "our" thing as the years go by. I am so thankful for Kevin's full support of this ministry.

Last night he was looking at the pictures of kids I was hoping would get sponsored as a result of my presentation. He picked one up and said, "If no one sponsors this one, we will." We already have oodles of kids....but he is supportive and often is the one who decides when we will sponsor another. When I left for Peru he gave me strict instructions to sponsor another child when I was there! There were others on the trip who were told by their husbands NOT to sponsor another child while they were there!

I am always thankful for each and every opportunity I get to speak on behalf of these children. I always have high hopes of connecting new sponsors with children in need.

If you haven't experienced sponsorship, would you prayerfully consider walking journey with me? I always have child packets on hand and am passionate about helping people enter the sponsorship relationship.

I said before that sponsorship means so much to our family. It has made us more globally aware. When other countries experience hardship, we experience it too. When you have a child you care for, love, pray for and financially support in one of these countries, their struggles and hardships become real to you. As this hurricane lashes the country of Haiti today, I cannot help but pray for Bildad, our LDP student in Haiti. As the volcano erupts in Indonesia, I cannot help but think about and pray for Nowanda.

God has used this ministry to open up our eyes to the world outside North America. My young girls know where Colombia and the Dominican Republic are...where Lian and Yoselin live. We learn about these countries and have real, live pen pals we can write to. We pray for them daily, and they pray for us.

One of the most significant things I will remember from my trip to Peru was praying with David's mother. Despite living in poverty and the struggles that entailed, she successfully raised her children to love, seek and follow God. When she asked me how she could pray for me, I asked her to pray that I too, would raise children who genuinely love, seek and follow God.

Compassion has become such an important part of who I am...who our family is. I am a wife, mother, daughter, violinist and Compassion sponsor/advocate.

I would love to hear about the children you sponsor...through Compassion or any other child sponsorship organization. Leave me a comment and tell me a little bit about them.

Haiti Update

2010-11-04T13:01:00.001-07:00

Kevin's flight from Miami to Haiti was canceled, so he's staying put for now. They have rescheduled a flight for Saturday night. Hopefully they will be able to get to Haiti. Kevin has a whole suitcase of vitamins he is taking over that are desperately needed in the clinic.

Keep praying! Thanks

Please Pray

2010-11-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, Kevin is supposed to leave for Haiti tomorrow. He is going on a medical mission trip with Medical Teams International and Haiti Foundation of Hope.

But there is a hurricane headed straight for Haiti, and is predicted to make landfall sometime Friday. Not only does this storm affect the travel for the team, it's the last thing the people of Haiti need. Haven't they had enough?

Before the earthquake, they were one of the poorest countries. Then the earthquake hit and devastated the county. Then the cholera epidemic. And now a hurricane?

I am pleading with God to either stop this storm or re-direct it. Please pray with me.

#315 - November

2010-11-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, I've gained a new appreciation for the month of November. Although it begins to rain more and more, the sun does still make appearances and the foliage is still quite colorful. Autumn lasts longer here than it did in other places I've lived. In Vermont and Michigan's UP, November usually meant the imminent arrival of snow was drawing near. November usually meant the arrival of winter....but it's not the case here, and I'm loving it!
As we drove through northern CA and southern OR yesterday, we were treated to beautiful displays of color in the trees and vineyards. I'm thankful it's still very much autumn here, and I'm not waking up to snow!

#314 - Home Again

2010-11-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

We were on the road the past 5 days and it's good to be back home. Where did we go? We went to California to the grand city of San Francisco. We rode cable cars, saw sea lions, drove over the Golden Gate bridge....

But today was the highlight of the whole trip...we hiked a bit through the Redwood National Forest. WOW!

I'm thankful for the safe trip, and even more thankful to be home.

#313 - Kevin's Heart for Ministry

2010-10-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Kevin's using his love for adventure to dream up ways to do ministry and outreach in our area. I am so thankful for a husband who is hearing the call and responding in obedience.

A couple weeks ago, Kevin and some others organized a hike and climbing experience for men who are residents of Portland's Rescue Mission. One of the guys on the trip put together a video and it blessed my heart to watch.

You can see it HERE

#312 - Nowanda

2010-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I got a call this week from Compassion. I don't get them often, and I've learned that it's generally not good news that they are calling. So as soon as the man identified himself as being from Compassion, I immediately began wondering...."Which child is he calling about?"

I get pretty attached to all our sponosored kids, pretty quickly so I knew it really wouldn't matter which one I was getting news about.

It turns out that Nowanda, the girl we have sponsored for 7 years in Indonesia, has moved away from the area that has the Compassion project. Compassion assured me that she is healthy and well, just has moved too far away to remain in Compassion's care.

I am sad for this loss, but I am also thankful for the years we had with her. I am praying that the seeds of the ministry of Compassion will continue to take root in her life. I am praying that Nowanda will remember that God loves her and she is His child. I am praying God will guide this family and keep them safe and healthy.

#311 - My Pumpkins

2010-10-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful that I get to spend my days with these two girls. Although it's tough somedays, and rough others, I am blessed to be mommy to these little pumpkins. I'm also thankful that they get along so well and truly love each other.

#310 - Mary

2010-10-20T11:03:00.001-07:00

This is Mary.

Mary is 10 years old and lives in Ghana with her grandmother and two siblings. She is registered in Compassion's child development student center and has been waiting 14 months (over a year) for a sponsor.

I have her picture on my counter and as I glance at it several times a day, I can't help but want to find someone to be her friend. And that's exactly what a sponsor is....a friend who will pray for her and encourage her through letter writing.

Do you know anyone who might need a friend?

I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my love of sponsorship with others. I am thankful for the friends I have all over the world. I am thankful for the unique opportunity sponsorship plays in our homeschooling. I am thankful for the many lessons God has taught me and the many blessings He has bestowed upon me through this ministry.

I am thankful for Compassion and the difference they are making through child sponsorship.

#309 - October

2010-10-19T21:08:00.001-07:00

I think I've said "I just love the month of October!" every day this month, and it's true....I do love this month. It has to be my favorite of the entire year. I love the colors, I love the weather (especially the weather we've had here lately!), I love the food associated with fall (soup, pumpkin flavored goodies)....

I'm so thankful it's October!

#308 - Dominic Muchangi

2010-10-18T08:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Dominic Muchangi! Today, our sponsored "child" is celebrating his 20th birthday! It has been such an honor and privilege to watch this little boy turn into a young man over that past 11 years. Dominic still has 2 more years to complete his information technology program. I am thrilled that we have another 2 years with him. It is my dream to visit him in Kenya, but only God knows if that dream will come to fruition!

Dominic is the child we have sponsored the longest, and I'm so thankful for the relationship has developed over the years.

#307 - Family Hikes

2010-10-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, but I'll say it again....

I am so thankful for our family hikes. Getting out and experiencing nature is such an important part of our family. Spending time in creation fulfills so many needs...recreation, exercise, renewal, challenge, education, connecting...just to name a few.

On our hike today we saw four different waterfalls. October is the perfect month to hike (in my opinion). Although we don't have the colorful foliage display that New England boasts, we still enjoyed the rustling of leaves beneath our feet and the crisp, cool air.

#306 - Inspiring Youth

2010-10-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm always so inspired by young people who are noticing there is a great need around the world, and then are courageous enough to do something about it.

Check this out....

One Meal One Day

I'm joining in. Will you join me?

#305 - Simple Solutions

2010-10-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

It's simple...want to help in the fight against malaria? Buy a net!

Watch this new video about Malaria...Bite Back

I just love watching the little boy dance at the end.

Compassion at Christmas

2010-10-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's hard not to begin thinking about Christmas in October. Even if you intentionally don't plan ahead, Christmas displays are beginning to show up in stores. And in a couple weeks, the Halloween merchandise will go on clearance and the Christmas aisles will begin multiplying.

Let's stop and think about what Christmas really is....

Christmas is the celebration of our Lord's birth...the birth of Christ. If it's Jesus' birthday, then why are all the gifts for ourselves? Think about it. What if your entire family gave each other gifts on your birthday and you got nothing?

I'm not advocating that we not give gifts at all to each other on Christmas. But I am asking you to consider giving Christ a gift this year.

In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Consider, as a family or as an individual, sponsoring a child through Compassion International this year. You can sponsor a Child Survival Program, which targets moms and babies, ages 0-5, for $20 a month ($240 a year). Or sponsor an older child for $38 a month ($456 a year). At this level you will be matched with a child, to whom you can write letters and develop a relationship with.

I read a beautiful post and quote by Ann Voskamp today..."God gives the world enough of what it needs. He just doesn't distribute it."

Why do we keep taking for ourselves? Don't we have enough? I'm not saying we have to completely deprive ourselves and take the joy out of Christmas, but seriously....the joy I found in Peru was so much more than the feeling I get when I receive a new sweater or book.

There is a beautiful new children's book, The King's Christmas List by Eldon Johnson, that wonderfully explains this concept to children. You could get this book, read it as a family and then go to Compassion's site to choose a child to sponsor. And when you have done this, please let me know so I can give you ideas and help you get the most out of your sponsorship experience.

This is joy, my friends. And the blessings your family will reap are much greater than the toys that would clutter your floor.

#304 - Kayleigh Alexa

2010-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

It goes without saying....we are so thankful for this little girl. She brings so much joy into our family, and today we celebrate her 4th birthday. Happy Birthday Princess!

#303 - Letters for Unsponsored Children

2010-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last year the girls and I wrote letters to unsponsored children for Christmas. We wrote about 5 different letters and then photocopied each one 10 times. Then we mailed them off to Compassion with a note explaining that these were for unsponsored children...it's the only time of year you get to do this, and after meeting many unsponsored children in Peru, I know the kids who receive them must feel the love of Christ through the letters.

I just found out we can do this again! I would encourage you to do the same. It's an easy, easy way to touch the lives of children in other countries for very little cost.

Here are the guidelines:

1. Write a letter or card that would be received by boy or girl, young or old.

2. Include a cover letter explaining that the letters are for unsponsored children.

3. If you wish, specify which country you want your letters delivered to.

4. Mail the letters to

Atten: Laverne, Sponsor Correspondence Team

Compassion International

Colorado Springs, CO 80997

***Cards must be received by 11/30/2010, so mail them soon! ***

I'm so thankful for opportunities like this and hope you'll join me in blessing some kids.

#302 - Birthday Girls

2010-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Not one, but two of our Compassion children have birthdays today....

Lian Lee is 6

and Josseling Dayana is 13

We are so thankful for their presence in our family's lives. They are precious to us.

#301 - A Rare Gift

2010-10-09T09:57:00.001-07:00

It is raining this weekend....all weekend. As much as I would welcome sunshine and a weekend full of adventure, I am thankful for the rain.

Right now the only sounds I hear are the clicking of keys as I type, the hum of the computer and the ticking of the clock. My house is empty and I am home.

I was honest with myself, and realized I need time at home, alone, without distractions to get some things done. Kevin and the girls are off for a couple hours and I have the rare gift of time alone, in my house.

It's not rare because Kevin doesn't often comply with my wishes. It's rare because I don't often admit this need. I try to do it all, but it doesn't all get done. Even now, as they leave for Home Depot and a walk in the rain, there is part of me that feels I'm missing out. But ultimately I am thankful for the quiet and the opportunity to finish some projects.

The biggest one hanging over my head right now is writing to my Compassion kids. It's time for their monthly letter AND it's the time of year to write Christmas letters.

I also have a large pile of boxes in the garage that MUST be sorted through.

And now I'm off to work on those things!!

#300 - My Treadmill Works!

2010-10-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

For a couple months our treadmill has not been working. I've tried, periodically, to see if I could get it running, but had resigned myself to the fact that we would have to either shell out several hundred $ to fix it, or get rid of it. Since our space at the new house is limited, we've been leaning towards getting rid of it, but I know that once the rainy season sets in, I'll be wishing I had a treadmill.

Well, on a whim today, I plugged it in and it started right up! I don't know if it will last long, but it was a nice surprise.

Now back to walking....

#299 - Change of Season and Menu

2010-10-05T17:52:00.001-07:00

I love the change of season, mostly because it calls for a change in menu. I love adding soups to the menu in fall and using my crock pot on a regular basis throughout the winter. Of course, by mid-winter I will be tired of our rotation of meals and ready for spring and summer when we eat more salads and grilled food!

Tonight I'm thankful for the opportunity to have some friends over to our new house and put that grill to good use before winter sets in.

#298 - Wise Words

2010-10-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

I read this quote the other day and have tried putting this into practice...

"The Bible stayed open in my kitchen all day. Whenever there was a spare minute, I grabbed that minute and spent it with the Bible. More likely than not, the book was open to Proverbs. If I had a problem I almost always got help there. Proverbs has more practical child help in it than ten books on child psychology." - Ruth Graham

I figured that Proverbs would be a really good place to start, and so I opened my Bible to Proverbs. When I walked past, I began reading and was just floored at what I read....

Prologue: Purpose and Theme

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young -
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance -
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:1-7

I don't know about you, but I sure could use a boost in the department of wisdom. I am hoping that an open Bible on my counter draws me in for more and more nuggets of wisdom. That I will be less drawn to my computer desk to check email, and more drawn to see what God has to say to me.

In my current Bible study, Anointed, Transformed and Redeemed, Priscilla Shirer (one of the teachers) suggests that we come up with ways to create a God-consciousness throughout our day. I think having my Bible open, ALL DAY LONG, on the counter, is a really good idea!

#297 - New Sights

2010-10-03T18:53:00.001-07:00

We went camping in central Oregon this weekend...hoping to explore a new area. We had beautiful weather and saw many more peaks of the Oregon Cascades. We didn't have much of an agenda, which was nice and relaxing.

Here is Mt. Jefferson, which we've seen on occasion - way off in the distance -while on other hikes. It was fun to get a closer, better view.

And this is the South Sister (there are Three Sister Mountains) and to the right is Broken Top.
It felt a little bit like we were on vacation, and I'm thankful for the time with my family.

#296 - Friday School

2010-10-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

We are part of a homeschool co-op, that holds weekly classes - Friday School. There is an 8-week session in the fall and a 10-week session in the spring each year. We just got back from our second week of the fall session, and although it's tiring, I'm so thankful we have the opportunity.

Each girl is in their own class. Here is a picture of Kayleigh's pre-school class.

Sydney is in the kindergarten class (which is actually three different classes - Dr. Seuss, music and tumbling).

The girls enjoy having teachers other than mommy and their friends. Mommy (me) also has a great opportunity to do something she loves to do - teach music! This session I am teaching 20 minutes of preschool music, 40 minutes of kindergarten music and a recorder/note-reading class to older (ages 7-11) kids.

#295 - Freedom From the Mansion

2010-09-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful we are completely done with the crazy house we were renting this past year. Since moving out I have spent many hours cleaning the massive place and was thankful to turn over the keys today!

I will miss a few things about the house (the nice spacious pantry, the beautiful built in bookshelves, the proximity to the grocery store, the extra space for storage...), but I won't miss having to clean such a large house!

#294 - White Carpet

2010-09-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today I was grumbling to myself about needing to vaccuum again. You see, some genius thought it would be a good idea to make white carpet. Not white white, but really light - definitely in the white family. And another genius thought this was a good neutral choice to put in this house.

It's neutral all right. And it shows every speck of lint, dirt, etc. (If it were up to me, I would pick a brownish (not too dark) color with specks in it. You can't see the dirt and you can't see the lint!)

So I find myself vaccuuming almost daily.

But then I remembered Elisabeth in Peru.

She doesn't have white carpet. She doesn't have carpet at all. Her floor is dirt...not dirty, dirt.

So today I am thankful for my white carpet. It's clean and I have the means to vaccuum up those lint pieces.

#293 - Letter from David

2010-09-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

I got a letter from David, the LDP student I met in Peru! This was written shortly after we met...

Dear Kevin, Jill, Sydney and Kayleigh Foley,
I greet you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus.

I received your last letter and I am grateful to God for showing me His love and mercy through your lives. These past two months my life was greatly blessed by your letters. Each word you write helps me, strengthens me and encourages me to work 4 times harder to achieve the goals God has given me. And, you are an important part of my achievements because I can feel your prayers for me and I see how God speaks and listens to me in a different way and helps me grow spiritually, physically and intellectually.

This love God has put in your hearts to help me will always be greatly appreciated. I will do my best to achieve my goals so that God and you feel proud of having helped a servant leader with his professional life.

I had the privilege to meet a wonderful person. This is Jill. I will never forget these two days I spent with her. They have changed my life. I met a true servant who reflects much love. I have seen God's great love in her life. Dear Jill, thank you for your words and for taking your time to come to Peru to meet Jazmin and me. You are a very kind and cheerful woman and you are one of those few people who cause a great impact on others. Perhaps I did not tell you this because I was too excited. I know God let us meet so we can learn new things from each other. Now I feel I love you and your family more and I appreciate your support.

I thank God for this beautiful experience, for this unforgettable day in my life. God has spoken to me through Jill and not only through her words but also through the things I could see and feel.

Dear Jill, I just want to ask you to read every day each promise that God has for you and four family through the little gift I gave you. And, please give a strong hug to your daughters and your husband for me. I want you to know that I have restarted my reading of the whole Bible I have begun with three chapters and within a year I will have finished studying this beautiful book. I want to tell you something else. Thank you for the gift you sent me and for the photo album in which I can see your beautiful family and your lovely daughters. Continue to guide them on God's way. I see they will become wonderful servants of God like you. Also, thank you for the Bible (Spanish/English). I believe it is the best gift I have received because it will help me with my spiritual growth (and with my English). May God continue to bless your lives and may your family continue to grow according to His will. I say goodbye to you until next time. Your brother in Christ and friend, David.

I am so thankful that this relationship is already at a more meaningful and deeper level because of our meeting. I am humbled by his words and encouraged that this ministry really does make a difference.

What struck you most about this letter?

#292 - Peruvian Coffee

2010-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

So here is another story from Peru...

Our trip leader, Ian, has a friend from college who now lives in Peru. He, his wife and two small children own and run a coffee shop and roasting business (Cafe Verde - you should definitely check out this website, although it's in Spanish). He works with the coffee bean farmers of Peru, and exports their beans for a fair price.

We all went to the coffee shop and bought out his supply of coffee for sale. I've been purposefully saving it for a time I was missing Peru and wanting to go back. This morning I ground some of the beans and enjoyed a cup of coffee while remembering Peru.

I miss hearing God's voice when I was in the midst of poverty. I miss seeing Jesus in the faces of the children. I miss the questions I was asking. Sadly, with the distractions of everyday life, I'm forgetting. I knew it would happen, and it's natural, but it saddens me to think the trip is becoming a distant memory.

I was on fire when I came back. Determined to be a better advocate and find sponsors for the 5 children I had packets for. I did find a sponsor for Waldir, and I did inspire a friend to sponsor CSP. I praise God for that. But the other children....their packets expired and now they will be re-entered into Compassion's system and sent to someone else to find them sponsors.

I know I'm not a failure, but I still find myself discouraged. God has other plans for those kids and I have to trust in His timing.

What a heavy post....I meant to just be thankful for the Peruvian coffee and then it turned into more.

#291 - Grandpa Redman

2010-09-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Friday) was a tough day for Grandma and Grandpa Redman....

They woke up to find their dog Doogie couldn't even stand up. He's been sick for a while, and it progressed very quickly this week. They made an appointment and had him put to sleep in the afternoon. (They have had Doogie for 12 years). Even I was teary as it brought back memories of Newton.

Then....

My mom got home from a walk to find Keith doubled over in pain, holding his chest. After a quick ride in an ambulance to one hospital and then another, they determined it was a mild heart attack. He had a cardiac cauterization and a stint put in.

We are so thankful he is ok. He is still resting in a hospital in Michigan, and they hope to be able to return home today or tomorrow.

#290 - My Sunflower!

2010-09-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

The sunflowers we've been growing have finally bloomed...well, one of them has bloomed. We've moved out of the rental house, so I had to go over last night to cut ift off and bring it to our new home to enjoy. I'm hoping a couple others bloom by the end of next week so I can get them too.

#289 - A Regular Day

2010-09-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today feels like the first "regular" day we have had in a long, long time. Yesterday I talked about routine coming and today felt like we experienced it a bit.

We did some baking....

pumpkin muffins (I'm thankful our stores finally have canned pumpkin!)

and blackberry pie (from blackberries we picked last month)

We even took time to sit on the couch and read some books. We haven't done this for about a month.
And now the girls are napping....so many things to be thankful for!

#288 - Routine

2010-09-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

I am thankful today that we are very close to returning to a routine. We've been off-kilter for over a month now, and we all need to get back into a schedule and routine.

Even here on my blog... I'm sad my Peru posts have come to an end (unless I find time to go through other pictures), but I'm also glad to be able to return to my regular format here - posting what I'm thankful for.

We are 97% settled into the house and will officially begin homeschooling on Monday!

October looks like a busy month, but we'll focus on our routine to keep sane.

What are you thankful for today?

Final Pictures

2010-09-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

We have finally reached the end of my pictures....sad, but true.

However, I hope to go through some of the pictures others on the trip took and post them. But for now...here are the final pictures.

I saw this CAT machine in the village at the bottom of Machu Picchu and took a pic for my dad and step-dad who work(ed) at Caterpillar. I think it was there to repair the damage the flooding caused earlier this year.

On our drive back to Cusco, I was a bit more awake to take in the gorgeous countryside. I loved seeing the primitive farms and fields against the backdrop of the majestic Andes.

I think I mentioned it in an earlier post and here is another example. It was not uncommon, while driving through the Andes, to look up on the side of a mountain and see Incan ruins. It was fascinating to see.

Here are quite a few pictures of people we passed while driving through the towns. You will see that this is very traditional dress for the women in the mountains.

I love this picture of this baby on her mother's back.

Here you can see what some of the buildings in towns looked like. At the bottom of the picture, you can see adobe bricks drying in the sun.

And again...a common sight was dogs and garbage. Here we have dogs in the garbage. I think the one in the back is doing his business!

We passed many, many street markets

The end (for now). Thanks for following along - I hope you enjoyed the journey!

Flowers in Peru

2010-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know that I enjoy taking pictures of flowers. So I took quite a few pictures of flowers in Peru and thought I would put them all in one post. Enjoy!

These orchids were growing wild in and around Machu Picchu.

I saw quite a few variations of this flower. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but it's beautiful and very dramatic looking.

A large poinsettia...

I couldn't decide which shot was better - with flash or without. What do you think? This is a bird of paradise I think.

These cactus were at our hotel, but there were cactus growing everywhere along the road.

Machu Picchu

2010-09-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

We woke up super early (4:30 am) on Friday morning to travel to Machu Picchu. We drove about 45 minutes by bus to the train station. Then we had a 2 hour train ride to the bottom of Machu Picchu. It was a beautiful ride through the sacred valley. We rode next to a mountain stream and could see the Andes mountains all around us. We passed the campground where hikers begin their trek into Machu Picchu. All through the countryside and mountains, you could look up and see Incan ruins.

This is Mt. Veronica - 18,000 ft above sea level.

We finally arrived and then boarded a bus to take us up to the lost city. This is the steep road, full of switch backs we rode up. It was very narrow in places and we met buses going the opposite direction. Many times we would have to back up so they could get around us.

We then had to walk up to the top of the lost city to begin our tour. I took many, many pictures. The city looks so different from the different angles. I didn't include all of my pictures here, but you will get the idea. It was truly amazing and beautiful to see. Enjoy!

It was amazing to see how the city or village was built down the hillside (mountainside).

The big mountain in this shot is "Machu Picchu" - this translates to old hill. You can't see it in this picture, but there is a Peruvian flag on top of this mountain. You can hike to the top, but we didn't.

The larger mountain in this picture, which is more commonly associated with and known as Machu Picchu is actually "Huayna Picchu" - this translates to young hill. You can also hike to the top of this mountain, although it is very steep. They only allow 400 people to hike to the top each day, so people begin lining up in the wee hours of the morning for this adventure. It's very steep and not entirely safe to do this.

More from Cusco

2010-09-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

After our lunch in Cusco, we began touring some Incan ruins. We stopped here at Sacsayhuaman which sounds a little like "sexy woman". So here are some women from our team attempting to be sexy. I was feeling a bit sick from the altitude, so I didn't pay attention to our tour guide. If you want to know more about this place, you can do your own research. I do remember the very large stones that were perfectly placed, without mortar, to create fascinating walls. It was quite impressive.

This is the view looking back up at the ruins of Sacsayhuaman.

This is the view looking back down on the city of Cusco. Do you see the writing on the mountainside?

In and around Cusco, it is not uncommon to see women dressed traditionally with llamas. Some would boldly walk up to you and shove a baby llama or sheep into your arms and encourage your friend to take a picture of you. Then they would ask you for money. Others would plead, "one photo please, only one sole." One sole is pretty cheap so you would have your photo taken with them, pay the one sole and then they would say, "only one? So sad. Please give me more."

Some members of our team fell for the scheme, I did not. I simply and discreetly snapped their picture when they weren't looking. Except this woman is looking right at me...I couldn't resist. Isn't she beautiful?

Look closer....don't you wonder about her life? I do. I love this picture. I would love to sit down and drink some coca tea with this woman and hear some of her stories.

Soledad and Elia took us to an alpaca factory where we learned how to tell if a sweater (or blanket) is genuine alpaca. They had some beautiful sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves. Personally, I didn't buy anything. I was having a really hard time justifying spending any money on myself or my family after the poverty I experienced in and around Lima.

Here is a Peruvian hairless dog - cute and cuddly, don't you think? Maybe he should be included in Kevin's list of animals that shouldn't have been created.

This woman and her llamas were outside the alpaca shop. I took these photos from inside the bus, so she didn't ask me to pay.

Here are some examples of houses we passed in the country outside of Cusco. There were these round houses with thatched roofs and adobe houses.

This is looking down at the Sacred Valley, where we stayed while in the Andes mountains.

Cusco

2010-09-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Sadly, our time with Compassion came to an end Wednesday night and we became tourists the rest of the week. It was amazing to have the opportunity to travel into the Andes mountains and visit more of the country of Peru, but I would have loved to spend the rest of the week visiting more Compassion projects.

Thursday morning we flew from Lima to Cusco. We had the rest of the day to tour Cusco and get acclimated to the higher altitude. We were all dragging after a couple hours - that altitude hits you like a sack of bricks!

We started our tour at the Santo Domingo Monastery.

This monastery is built over Incan ruins. These ruins are amazingly symmetrical and so interesting to look at.

Then we went on to Cusco's Cathedral - inside there is a painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata. It has an Andean touch with Christ and his disciples enjoying a meal of roasted guinea pig and drinking chicha (a drink made from purple corn). Eating guinea pig in Peru is quite common. We saw it on a couple different menus and one person ordered Guinea pig ravioli which several of us tried. (tastes like pork)

Here are some photos of the town square - it was beautiful there.

We ate lunch on this very narrow balcony, overlooking the town square. There were tables for two and I sat with Elia, who helped me order the most delicious soup.

It was here that I had my first taste of coca tea. It is from the same leaf cocaine is derived.

Advocacy Redefined

2010-09-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

One of my goals for going on the trip to Peru was to boost my advocacy for Compassion. I've been an advocate for 15 years, but still hadn't seen the ministry with my own eyes. I was hoping that retelling my story and experience would result in many new sponsorships.

But that hasn't happened. In fact, I even talked one person out of sponsoring. I won't lie to you...I am a little disappointed that I got no response for the 5 children needing sponsors. Nor did I get any response about sponsoring Child Survival Programs.

But through it all, I have seen that my advocacy is strengthened and in many ways, redefined. I am thankful that many of you already sponsor children. I have had many conversations with some of you (through emails and phone), and know that my experience has helped you understand Compassion's work and your role a little better.

Remember the person I talked out of sponsorship? When I explained that I was looking for sponsors who would actively pray and write to their children, she was honest enough to admit she wasn't able to commit to that. I would much rather have sponsors who understand what it means to sponsor a child. Remember...it's about so much more than the money.

So if you have prayed for or written a letter to your sponsored child since my trip, then I feel successful as an advocate. If you have learned anything about Compassion's ministry and how they work, then I feel successful as an advocate. And Compassion is not the only way to respond to God's mandate that we love our neighbor's as ourselves...so if my experience has inclined you in any way to reach out to the poor, then I feel successful as an advocate.

Of course there are always children who need sponsors, and I would be more than happy to guide you into that relationship.

Sponsor Fun Day

2010-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was our Sponsor Fun Day - the day we get to spend with the children we sponsor (or in my case correspond with). I had met David the night before, but hadn't yet met Jazmin. I had no idea what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at how friendly, bubbly and sweet she was. It was also an honor and pleasure to meet the women who have raised/are raising these kids.

We were able to spend the day at a Peruvian amusement park just outside Lima. The park was not normally open on Wednesdays, but since our group numbered more than 100 people, they opened for us and we had the whole place to ourselves. Each sponsor was assigned a translator for the day. I was thrilled to be paired with Clara, and she did an excellent job making the communication between our small group easier.

I was a little worried about the dynamics between an LDP student and a 10 year old girl, but we had a great time together. It helped that David, and I had met the night before and had a chance to get to know each other a bit. It was very cool to have David encourage Jazmin in school and talk to her a bit about LDP.

We rode many rides, even though I was feeling sick after the first one! I don't handle motion very well - especially when going around and around! I was trying to be brave and do as much as I could, but I had to sit a few rides out.

This is Jazmin's 18 month old brother, Josue (Joshua). He was a cutie, but was very wary of me.

I had taken a soft frisbee and after a couple hours of rides (and most of us feeling woozy), we began throwing it around. We ended up playing for over an hour, and at the end of the day, Jazmin said it was her favorite part of the day. She was thrilled when I let her keep it.

David's mother, Merita, could not stop thanking me for supporting her son. She gave all praise, glory and honor to God. She is such a strong woman of great faith - a wonderful example and inspiration. When it was time to say goodbye, she thanked me again and said she wants a different life for her children than she had for herself. My own tears were flowing hard at this point, and I embraced her. I asked her to pray for me as a mother. It was obvious to me that she has imparted her faith to her children, and I want to do the same for my daughters. It's really all that matters to me on this journey of parenthood. I want my children to love Christ. I saw how Merita and David demonstrated this success and it's what I want in my own life. My greatest desire, when it comes to parenting, is that my children love and serve God with their lives. We hugged, promising to pray for one another and our children. How awesome is it that there is a mother in Peru praying for Kevin, myself and our children?

Jazmin

2010-09-12T20:35:00.001-07:00

I told you about David, and now I will tell you a little bit about Jazmin. I got off the bus on Wednesday ready to meet Alejandrina - the 10 year old girl I just began corresponding with. I was a little surprised and confused when they introduced me to Jazmin. With just one question, I learned that her name is Alejandrina Jazmin Namuche Sandoval and she goes by Jazmin.

Of course I would have know this if I had remembered to bring her photo and information along to Peru with me.

So here's the story with Jazmin....I was corresponding with a boy named Alcides in Peru when I first decided to go on this trip. He left the program because he moved out of the area, and I got reassigned to Claudio (who had the same birthday as Sydney). Claudio and I exchanged a few letters and I wrote to him, telling him I was coming to meet him. He never got that letter, as he also moved out of the area and left the program.

I quickly called Compassion and asked for yet another correspondent child - because I was going to Peru and wanted to meet them! That's when and how God connected me to sweet Jazmin. Although I had received two letters from her, she had not yet received any letters from me. This face-to-face meeting was a beautiful way to begin our relationship.

Jazmin lives in northern Peru in the province of Piura. She, her mom and her little brother (18 month old Josue) spent about 22 hours traveling to Lima to meet me. Of course Compassion arranged the trip and helped them get there, but I was shocked to think that these kids travel that far to meet their sponsor (or in my case correspondent).

Can you imagine getting a phone call that someone you don't know...not even through letters...is coming to see you, and you need to travel 22 hours by car and bus to meet them. Would you go? I don't think I would even consider it. Yet that's exactly what Jazmin and her mother did. They found out the Friday before my visit that I was coming. The sponsor fun day was Wednesday, which meant they had to begin traveling on Monday evening.

I'm so glad they made the effort because I loved meeting them. Jazmin's mother's name is Diana (just like mine!) and her father is Rafael. She also has a little sister, Lucero, who is 7 years old. Jazmin put together a big box of craft items she had made and brought them to give me. Sadly, not all of them made it back home with me in one piece. Here is a picture of the artist and her creations.

Guatemala

2010-09-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Right now there is a group of bloggers in Guatemala. They are there with Compassion and their posts are so beautifully written. If you have not been reading them, I highly recommend setting aside some time to do so this weekend. Beth Moore's daughter, Amanda, is on this trip. If you want to cry and have your heart break in two, read the posts by Ann Voskamp. If you want pictures to tell the stories, visit Keely Marie Scott's blog. All the bloggers are doing an excellent job telling the stories. I have found myself reliving my own trip through their experience, and I'm even more inspired to press on in this fight against poverty and this walk God has called all Christians to.

You can click on the link below to go to the Compassion Blogger's page. There you will find individual links to each blogger's website.

David

2010-09-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

When I finally committed to going on this advocate trip to Peru, I wanted to make the most of my time there. I heard that Compassion was looking for people to correspond with LDP students who had the financial aspect of sponsorship provided, but did not have anyone corresponding with them. I knew I would probably get put on a waiting list, but I contacted the office and requested an LDP student in Peru. I found out there were two Peruvian LDP students needing a correspondent, and one of them had never gotten letters since enrolling in university three years earlier.

David and I had the opportunity to exchange a couple letters before meeting in Peru. I learned very quickly that he is serious about doing his best and about his relationship with Christ.

Here is what I wrote in my journal shortly after meeting him for the first time...

Tonight was the LDP dinner, and I was surprised to learn David was one of the five LDP students who came to share the evening with us. I got to go into the room first and I got the biggest hug from him. I sat next to him as we ate dinner, and he shared his story with us. He shared his heart with us and it was so rewarding to know that God has chosen me - our family - to be part of his story.

He was enrolled in CDSP at age 6. He grew up in one of the squatter communities and still lives there with his family. He told us, in great detail, how he prepared for the university acceptance and then LDP. He gives all glory and honor to God. David is so passionate about the blessings God has bestowed upon him.

David sponsored by a small group but has never received any letters from them (that's where I come into his story). It's such an honor to be used by God to encourage and support and pray for these incredible young men and women.

David talked a lot about his Compassion tutor. She encouraged him and helped him prepare for university and LDP. He gives her much credit for his success.

What struck me most about David was his love and passion for God. As I was sitting there tonight, I though about how appropriate it is that his name is David. Like David in the Bible, I can see that he is a man after God's heart.

These young men and women, David included, have such a strong faith. It is so inspiring to listen to their passion and desire to serve God. I am amazed that God would want me to encourage and disciple David. It seems like it should be the other way around! He has much more faith than I and knows what true dependence on God looks like. Who am I? What have I experienced that might possibly encourage this remarkable young man? But God is using us both - to teach and encourage one another what it means to love and follow our Lord. This is an amazing journey to be on, and I'm so thankful I'm here.

LDP and Birthday Cake

2010-09-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I shared a bit of Isaiah 61:3...the second part of that verse is the theme verse for Compassion's Leadership Development Program.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting for the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3

On Tuesday, I had the honor and privilege of meeting several of these outstanding young men and women. At the Compassion student center I met Roxanna. Her mother works at this CDSP and they live right there, in a room off the church. It was fun talking with her. I practiced my Spanish and she practiced her English.

When we returned from our day of visiting the CDSP, there was a wonderful surprise waiting for me in my room. I still don't know who is responsible for getting it there, but it was fabulously delicious!

We then headed down to a special dinner with five Leadership Development Students. I got another birthday surprise as we headed into the meeting room - David, my correspondent LDP student, was one of the five invited to share dinner with us. I got to sit next to him and hear his story in detail.

After dinner I was treated to a second piece of fabulously delicious birthday cake! Yes - of course I shared with everyone in the room.

These are the five LDP students who shared their stories with us. David, Harold, Cindi, Eunice and Daniel.

Every single LDP student I have met (current and former) is such an inspiration to me. These young men and women have risen above nearly impossible circumstances to overcome poverty and the despair and hopelessness that accompanies it. Getting accepted into LDP is extremely competitive and on the best make it. This past year in Peru, there were 128 applicants and only 14 were accepted. Why do so few make it? Because there is a limited number of people willing to sponsor LDP students. The financial commitment is a BIG one ($300 month), but the investment is well worth it.

Many LDP students go on to receive further education after they graduate from University. Harold, for example, has received a scholarship to travel to Italy this fall to begin his master's degree. Upon completing this master's degree, he plans to return to Peru and help the children in his home country overcome their crisis of poverty. It is also his dream to become a sponsor himself.

Another example is my friend Alex, from Uganda. Alex came to Oregon after finishing LDP in Uganda to go to seminary. He has completed his education and when his wife graduates, they will return to Uganda - to serve the Lord, and minister to the people of their home country.

In 2009-2010, there were 2,099 LDP students enrolled in 19 countries around the world. According to Wess Stafford, CEO of Compassion, the LDP students are "nation shapers". This is the program that will defeat poverty.

I know it's a huge commitment, but maybe you can be creative and pull together some families from your church or small group to sponsor an LDP student. If you ever get the chance to meet and LDP student, be sure not to miss the opportunity to hear their story. God is being glorified through their lives.

Beauty For Ashes

2010-09-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

When you walk through these streets, you can't help but feel despair and hopelessness.

But inside the doors of the church where Compassion works, there is reason to celebrate and dance. The church is a place of beauty, joy and hope and Jesus shines through these children.

...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of morning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
- Isaiah 61:3

Father, I praise you for the work you are doing even in the most dire circumstances. I witnessed pure devotion to you while in this place. Thank you for showing yourself to me through these children. Thank you for choosing me to partner with you in Compassion's ministry.

Mariel and Mirella - Another Home Visit

2010-09-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

This is Mariel (age 4) and Mirella (age 7). We had the privilege of visiting their home on Tuesday.

They live pretty far up in the hills, away from the church and Compassion project. We rode the bus up as far as we could, then began walking. We walked and walked and walked, with the two girls leading the way. The pictures I showed you in the previous post of the neighborhoods were taken on our walk to their home. The girls were so excited that we were coming to their house. I loved their innocence and naivety - they had no idea their home would shock us and be so different than the homes we are used to. At ages 4 and 7 there was no hint of embarrassment - just excitement that we would visit their home.

They led us up very steep "steps" if you can call some of them that. It really was no place for children to be running around, and yet it was the only way for them to get to their home.

I told you a little bit about them while I was in Peru, but I'll go ahead and share their story again. They live with their mother, Elizabeth, and their 13 year old sister, Anna. Their father left them when Mariel was just a baby. The mother has to work whenever she can and often has to leave Mariel and Mirella in Anna's care.

Earlier this year, in May, Elizabeth was at work and the three girls were home alone. Because they don't have electricity, they use candles at night for light. They were living in a two room house and had gone to one room to get ready for bed when one of the candles got knocked over and the house went up in flames.

Can you imagine? Three children, home alone and their house is burning down. Thankfully, the neighbors were right there to help the girls and contain the fire. Elizabeth was so remorseful when she told this story, yet so grateful God kept her children safe.

The neighbors pulled their resources together and the church (Compassion) helped out as well, getting a new home up for this family. The home is very small - one room that is maybe 15 feet by 20 feet. The walls are thin plywood, the floors are dirt, the window is just a square cut out with a plastic flap and the roof is tin.

How beautiful is this girl?

Before we arrived at the house, the oldest daughter, Anna had gotten water. They have to go up the hill to the water tower and bring water down in buckets to use. They keep the water in these containers.

Tuesday - Another Compassion Visit

2010-09-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday morning, we headed south of Lima to another Compassion project. Once again, as we got further and further away from the heart of the city, the degree of poverty became more extreme. Did you know that Lima has a population of 9 million people? It's a huge, crowded city, with much of the population living in these squatter villages.

We arrived to a brightly decorated church. Once inside the door, the staff and children were lined up on each side of the hallway, welcoming us to their church. I felt like I was on the red carpet (only a MUCH better red carpet than the Hollywood version!) - being loved, admired, hugged and kissed. I wanted to hug and greet each and every person there, but it would have taken hours!

The kids who attend Compassion's programs learn extra things they aren't learning in school - skills they might use someday to earn a living. These girls were giving each other manicures and we got to watch.

We walked through some neighborhoods surrounding the church that hosts this particular Compassion project. I've just never seen anything quite like it.

litter and garbage just lined the streets...

These motorcars are commonly used for transportation both in the city and in the villages. In fact, some of the Compassion children use them to get to the project because they live more than 30 minutes away (walking).

Please Help

2010-09-05T08:39:00.001-07:00

I hope you aren't tired of hearing about my trip to Peru. I still have many, many stories and photos to share with you. However, I need to take a break from my reports and recruit your help. Our group requested all the child packets for the unsponsored children at the projects we visited. We are hoping our experience and stories will help find sponsors for these children.

Before the trip, I had requested a couple packets on my own and I still need to find sponsors for Fernando and Waldir. (Sheyla exited the program, and I sponsored Emanuel). But there were three packets left that no one had taken. I couldn't stand the thought of those three children not even having a chance, so I took them.

These packets have an expiration date, so I only have about 5 days to hear from you. If you can't or won't do it yourself, try to think of someone you can ask.

Without further ado....here are the beautiful children, awaiting sponsorship.

Ruth Noemi - Mar 23, 2000

First of all, I just love her name. I just finished a summer Bible study on the book of Ruth! Noemi is the Spanish spelling of Naomi. Ruth has 3 siblings and enjoys volleyball, jumping rope and playing group games.

Fernando - Oct 12, 2005 (born exactly one year before my Kayleigh)

This little guy lives with his mother and sibling. He enjoys playing with cars, art and ball games. He is in kindergarten.

Elio - April 29, 2004

Elio lives with his mother and sibling. For fun, he enjoys art, hide and seek and ball games.

Fernando - Feb 12, 2007

I was hoping to meet this little guy, but he got transferred from the Compassion project we were visiting to another student center. His child packet says that he is one of two children and enjoys playing with cars, art and ball games.

Finally, there is Waldir.

Of all these kids, Waldir is the only one I got to meet and talk to. He is one of 4 children in his family and is 16 (May 7th is his birthday). He began Compassion's program at age 7 came to know Christ through the church and friends. He enjoys school, is doing well and wants to be an industrial engineer.

After our initial conversation, Waldir came back to me to ask more questions. He was particularly concerned about my failing to find him a sponsor. He is worried that no one will want to sponsor a teenager. It's true that the younger kids get sponsored more readily - people just can't resist their cute faces. But the reality is that teens need our support and encouragement more. They are at such a vulnerable stage in life, especially when living in the reality of poverty.

Think of your own experience as a teen for a moment. This is the stage of life when you need all the positive role models, encouragement and prayer you can get. Waldir needs a sponsor who is willing to support him (not only financially, but through letters and prayers); a sponsor who will disciple him, encourage him to succeed in school and very likely, make a major impact on his life.

I truly believe this is an investment you can't pass up. Sponsoring a teen, in the long run, is less of a financial commitment because they only have a few years left in the program. I love sponsoring teens because the relationship develops more quickly and on a deeper level.

In order to get these child packets to you and have you fill them out, and return them to Compassion on time, I need to hear from you in the next 5 days. I can't stand the thought of letting a single of these children down by not finding sponsors for them. Please ask anyone and everyone you know to consider sponsoring one of these kids.

Some More Children

2010-09-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." - Matthew 10:42

This beautiful girl is Yosi, short for Yoselin.

I thought I had already written about her, but I can't seem to find her story in any of my previous posts. She spotted us right away as we began walking to the Compassion church and student center in the morning. She was so friendly and captured our hearts right away. She held our hands, sat in our laps and asked for photos with us. A gorgeous girl with a big heart. We assumed she was a participant in the program. We even met her sister and a brother.

In the afternoon we found out from the director that Yosi is one of 10 children. She has been registered in the program, but her mother pulled her out. She so badly wants to participate, but her mother won't let her. The staff recognizes the great need in this family and has tried to register the mother and baby in the CSP program. But the mother refuses. The director was explaining to us that the mindset of poverty can be so powerful, and for some, this is all they have ever known. The thought of being released from poverty is too overwhelming for them so they refuse the help.

It was heartbreaking to learn that this beautiful child cannot fully benefit from Compassion's ministry because the mother is reluctant. But it was also beautiful to see the love the Compassion staff poured out on this girl. When she comes to the church hungry, they do not turn her away (even when she shows up 5 minutes later with a brother or sister). She definitely touched my heart, and I hope we were able to shower her with love for the day.

We spent the rest of the afternoon interacting with the different classes and students. I headed to the top level of the student center - the roof - where the teens have a classroom.

This was the view from the top of the church/student center...looking down on the neighborhood.

This particular Compassion student center has a hydroponic garden on the roof. Compassion divides the children into three levels, depending on age and grade. Students in level 2 learn how to grow lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries through hydroponic gardening methods. It was so interesting to see. They also have a silk screening program that the level 3 students learn.

Myself and several other advocates had the opportunity to talk with these teens for quite a bit. We had fun asking them questions and they asked us questions. We were thankful to find out each one has a sponsor and each one desires to do well and aim for the Leadership Development Program. Two of the young men want to be chefs and even told us what they would prepare for us if they could.

Finally, here are some candid shots of some of the beautiful girls in this Compassion project.

Lunch and CIV

2010-09-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

The kids in Compassion's CDSP come to the student center three times a week. Some come in the morning, eat lunch and then head to school. Most, however, go to school in the morning, then go to the student center for lunch and afternoon classes.

After our morning home visit, we returned to the church and had the privilege of helping serve the children in this CDSP lunch. It was such a pleasure and joy to serve in this way.

The staff also fed us the same meal the children were eating. We all had a generous portion of meat, vegetables, rice and potatoes. It was heartwarming to witness these children, living in extreme poverty, being served and eating a healthy, hot meal. For some, this is the most significant meal they will have until they return to the center in a couple days.

I think this picture is priceless..

And this is one of my favorites from the whole trip...

We also learned how this particular church and student center has benefitted from Complementary Intervention Funds (CIV). Not long ago, the church building was lacking a proper roof, flooring and bathroom facilities. Through the CIV program, they were able to improve the roof which made the building warmer, especially during the winter months. They used the funds to add tile flooring in the student center, electricity and windows in the classrooms and add a bathroom. By American standards, this building was still lacking in many ways, but the staff was so proud of the improvements they were able to make.

They took us on a tour to show us the improvements - there is still part of the building that represents what it all looked like before the renovations and the difference is amazing. It is now a building that is warm and welcoming to the students Compassion is ministering to.

This particular Compassion project has just received more funds from CIV that will be used to purchase and distribute blankets to participating children and help improve the roofs of children's homes.

A Word of Encouragement

2010-09-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

I want to take a moment to send a message to all of you who are sponsoring children through Compassion International. First of all - thank you! Be encouraged that your contribution to this ministry is significant. For the most part, the children we visited in the projects were not our sponsored children, but they viewed us as their sponsors - we represented YOU.

Sponsored children love their sponsors, and they want to be loved in return.

Read that sentence again....

Do you know how a sponsored child knows he or she is loved?

They know because they receive letters from their sponsor. There were some advocates in our group who were talking to some children and one of the children asked, "Why doesn't my sponsor love me?" Upon further questioning, they found out the child has never received a letter from her sponsor.

There are two parts to sponsorship:
1) Writing the check ($38 month) - the easy part
2) Developing the relationship (through letters, encouragement and prayer) -the harde part.

Please - PLEASE - Don't underestimate the importance and significance a short letter can make to your sponsored child. In all honesty, they money is insignificant to them. Yes...Compassion needs your monthly contribution to make their ministry work. But, once a child is registered in Compassion's project, they benefit from the monetary aspect. It is not until a child is "sponsored" (assigned a one-on-one relationship) that they recognize the importance of being loved, encouraged and prayed for by someone living so far away. THIS is the significance of sponsorship to them - they now have a friend.

So if you are only paying the monthly bill, and not writing the letters, you are missing the beauty and blessing of sponsorship.

My message to you today is this....Please take time in the next couple days to write to your sponsored child. You can do this either on the form Compassion supplies, or through their website. It's so easy and it only takes a few minutes. You don't have to be eloquent or full of wisdom. Write our your favorite Bible verse and tell your child you love them and are praying for them.

I would love for you to leave me a comment when you have sent a letter off...Even if you have written recently - do it again! They need to hear from you.

On behalf of your sponsored children, THANK YOU! Your support and involvement in this ministry is appreciated.

CSP - Home Visit

2010-09-01T14:56:00.001-07:00

After our presentations, we divided into smaller groups and did CSP home visits. Each group was assigned a project staff worker and a translator. Compassion had already put together a home gift for us to take (food and hygiene basics), and we divided those up as well.

Each CSP participant (mother/child unit) attends the CSP at the church twice a week. Twice a month, the CSP worker does a home visit. During this home visit, the CSP worker works with the child and mother and evaluates the progress. The mother is given assignments, things to work on with the child between the visits, and the mother and worker are able to talk about the child's progress and responsiveness. Each home visit ends with Scripture reading and prayer - a demonstration of the spiritual focus of Compassion's ministry. To illustrate the significance of Compassion's evangelism, during the 2009-2010 fiscal year, 3,746 mothers made first time professions of faith!

Here are some examples of homes we saw on our way to the home visit.

Up these stairs is the home we visited.

We went to the home of Dina and Estefany (age 2). Dina's husband lives with them as well as their 8 yr. old son. Dina is also 6 months pregnant with their third child. I love that because of her participation in CSP with Estefany, her unborn child is also benefitting! Dina is getting proper nutrition and is learning how to take care of herself and her child. This will undoubtedly transfer to her newborn baby. It is a wonderful example of how Compassion's ministry extends to the whole family.

Dina was so gracious and thankful that we could come to her home. How can I describe the home? The walls were made of thin plywood and the roof consisted of a blue tarp, some cardboard and pieces of tin. There was electricity in the home, but no running water. They have to walk up the hill to collect water and bring it down in buckets, filling their water containers. They did have an outhouse, but it was located in another part of the village - away from the home.

The house consisted of an outside seating area, a small room with a bed, table and small oven/stove, another outside area between the two structures (rooms) and the final room with another bed. What an eye opening experience.

Here are some pictures of the home. In one of these you will see the food shelf with hardly any food on it. I was thankful we were able to deliver a basket of food to her.

This is the main room

This is the area between the two rooms

This is the back room

Here is a picture of this particular church that houses Compassion's CSP and CDSP.

I wrote this yesterday, but it's worth repeating...
The Child Survival Program exists to ensure children are surviving and thriving, so that by age 4 they can enter the Child Development Sponsorship Program. CSP sponsorship is only $20 a month and I cannot recommend it enough. You will not have an individual child matched up to you, but you will receive letters and updates from the mothers and pastors participating in the CSP you support. Each CSP aims to serve 50 mother/child units, ranging in age from pregnancy to age 3 or 4. Our family sponsors a CSP in India and have enjoyed being able to support the most vulnerable of the poor. Please prayerfully consider CSP sponsorship, especially if you are wanting to do more, but can't afford to sponsor another child or aren't particularly good at writing letters to your children. Let me know if you are interested and I will get you the information you need. You can go through Compassion's website, but I would appreciate you going through me so I (and Compassion) can keep track of my influence as a result of this trip. I can't wait to hear from you....