For the Love of Ethiopia

There are two questions I have often asked myself. Why me? Why Ethiopia? The answer God always gives me (like He is going to change the answer!) is why not you? I know He has called all Christians to go into the world and spread the gospel and help the "least of these." Before my first visit to Ethiopia I had wondered "why there?" I received my answer my first day I was there. It was love at first sight! I feel in love with the people, the country and the culture. God knew I would.                                    

When I first arrived it was to meet the children at the school our foundation had partnered with. I was to meet the children who had sponsors and the children who needed sponsors. But once I saw the poverty, the lack of basic needs like water and food I knew there was going to be more to this story. I knew the need was great and there was no way me or you could make that big of a difference but the God we serve could! 

He has called all Christians who have much to give much. He doesn't ask us, He commands us. And it doesn't mean we all go to Ethiopia or even overseas. It means we go where ever He calls us to go. Maybe in your neighborhood. The poor, the hungry and the broken are everywhere. We are to give them our money, time, hugs and most important our love. So wherever God calls you go and glorify Him in all you do! 

The children at the school receive a snack of bread and water.

God wants us to make a difference in their lives

God sends us to help the poor

To preach the gospel

They are so hungry for Gods word. 

Ethiopians who are Christians love God with such a passion! The boldly speak of their love for Him, they hunger for His word. They write down as much as they can. A lady in front of me looked around frantic because her pen quit working. They don't have extra. I handed her a pen and you would have thought I had handed her a million dollars! I wish all Christians (including myself) were that passionate. We could learn from these beautiful people.

5 years ago today

5 years ago today in Vietnam I was at a orphanage waiting to meet our new daughter. She was a pre-school and they had send someone to go get her. I was standing outside the second story of the orphanage when I heard a motorcycle pull up. On the front is a tiny little girl. The driver sets her down but she falls. She gets right back up and proceeds to walk up two flights of cement stairs with no railing and this precious 2 1/2 year old walked right up to me, smiled and said momma. Life has never been the same!

5 years ago today in Vietnam I was at a orphanage waiting to meet our new daughter. She was a pre-school and they had send someone to go get her. I was standing outside the second story  of the orphanage when I heard a motorcycle pull up. On the front is a tiny little girl. The driver sets her down but she falls. She gets right back up and proceeds to walk up two flights of cement stairs with no railing and this  precious 2 1/2  year old walked right up to me, smiled and said momma. Life has never been the same!

My friend Casey went to Vietnam to bring her daughter Olivia (and Kennedy's best friend) home November 2006 and she made sure to check on Kennedy for me and give her a hug from me

Finally this precious little one became ours forever!

Kennedy is such a blessing! She is a girly girl who loves Hello Kitty and dressing up. She is funny, kind and smart. She loves soccer and basketball (and doesn't like to lose!) but she is a good sport :)

We are blessed that God chose this little one to be ours. Happy Gotcha Day baby girl! We love you infinity and beyond!

It's Never to Late for New Beginnings!

It is almost 4 am Saturday morning and I can't sleep. The house is so quiet. I do love these moments when it seems like the rest of the world is asleep and it is just me and God, up enjoying the still, calm night.
So I was sitting here thinking, yes it's true I do that once in a while! In a few days I will celebrate the 27th anniversary of my 30th birthday! That just doesn't seem possible. I am not one who wishes to be 20 or 30 years old again. I am thankful for every birthday I celebrate.
I was sitting here thinking that age is just a number and your never to old for new beginnings. I was 22 when I gave birth to my first son, 30 when I gave birth to my second son, 34 when I gave birth to my third son. I was so blessed to be a mom to my three sons! Then when I was 40 we adopted our first daughter, 45 when we adopted our second daughter and the day before my 53rd birthday we adopted our third daughter. Mom to three awesome sons and three amazing daughters! We have also been blessed with five wonderful grandest kids!
When I was younger if anyone would have told me that I would have been a mom to six kids, ages 7-34 I would have thought they had lost their minds! I was going to be a lawyer or a photographer. I love to debate
 ( some would say argue a point, but debate seems so much nicer!)  and take pictures. Seemed logical, right?

I am so happy God doesn't always do things my way! His plans, His ways are so much better than ours.

I love this picture of  3 my grandestkids and Aunt Kennedy

My crew! I love them!

Missing three grandest kids 

In 2008 Mike and I started the Hug Away Foundation. Never would I have imagined God would send us to Ethiopia to serve love on His beautiful children there.

Jordan and I with our Ethiopian family. 

I don't share anything in my life to brag. I share because I want you to see firsthand what a awesome God we serve! And when we keep our hearts and minds open to His will what a wonderful life we will have!
I know someone is reading this thinking "she is just lucky." No I am not. I am blessed! I grew up in turmoil and  I have plenty of bad, sad, angry, mad times in my life. Plenty! But I CHOOSE not to dwell on the past and I see those times in my life as opportunity to trust God, practice my faith and persevere. I haven't always liked His answers to my prayer...at that moment, but in the end I see His will and honor his answers.
It is a heart condition. I can honestly say I hold no grudge against anyone and have forgiven anyone who has ever hurt me and that is a wonderful feeling and allows me to move on to what God has planned for the next chapter of my life. Trust me folks, when you hang on to hate and anger and blame everyone for your problems, it will suck the life out of you not those who hurt you. So forgive and move on.

I better try and go get some sleep. Got a busy day ahead of me tomorrow! I pray today will be your day of new beginnings!

New Year and New Beginnings

I love new beginnings. And what better way to start than the New Year. I really don't make resolutions or promises. I like to make goals. Goals are something you "hope" to achieve. I have the normal goals like lose ten more pounds, eat healthier, exercise more, getting organized. But this year I have goals that I hope will make a difference to others.
I don't know if it's because I am getting older but I have this urgency to do more for others. Not just in Ethiopia but anywhere I go. One of my hero's Mother Teresa said "Do small things with great love." That is all it takes. A smile, a kind word, a hug. Sounds simple but it works. It is always the small acts of kindness others will remember. Think about it. Your kids write you a note telling you they love you or thank you. Your husband gives you a compliment, your boss tells you they appreciate you. Come on, you know when this happens it gives you a little gitty in you up!
So why not starting today we pay it forward with word or acts of kindness. There is to much negative in the world. Let's put some positive back in it!

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. 
~Charles H. Spurgeon