Thoughts . . . and a Challenge

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.""

II Corinthians 8:9-15


"The truth is that the 143 million orphaned children and the 11 million who starve to death or die from preventable diseases and the 8.5 million who work as child slaves, prostitutes, or other horrific conditions and the 2.3 million who live with HIV add up to 164 million needy children.


And at first glance that looks like a big number.


2.1 billion people on this earth proclaim to be Christians.


The truth is that if only 8% of the Christians would care for ONE more child, there would not be any statistics left.”


~From the book Kisses from Katie



"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."


I Timothy 6:17-19

Leaving in 2 Weeks!!!

We will be somewhere over the Atlantic in just two weeks. While in-country we will be visiting several orphanages where the day-to-day needs are great. The nannies work very hard to make do with what they have, and so appreciate any items that come to them via adoptive families. Their needs/wants are not extravagant - just practical items that help tremendously to care for the little ones awaiting families.

We would be thrilled to deliver items if any of you would like to donate to the orphanages. No pressure, but we love to help and wanted to extend that ministry opportunity to our friends. No shipping costs . . . we'll deliver the items right into the hands of the nannies!

Below is a list of their current needs:

General Items:

- Children's clothing (new or slightly used only); boys' or girls', sizes 0-8 years.  Clothing needs include day clothes, pajamas, underwear and shoes

- Diapers for up to 30 pounds

- Toys to stimulate babies such as colorful objects, rattles, etc. that are appropriate for babies up to 2 years.

- Unscented baby wipes

- Powder baby formula with DHA/RHA (MUST be one of the following brands to keep their diets consistent:  Enfamil, Similac, Parents Coice from WalMart, Target's generic formula, Kirkland formula from Costco)

- A&D Original Ointmen, Diaper Rash and All-Purpose Skincare Formula

- Hand sanitizer

- Underwear for the older kids (8-14 years old)

- Clothes for older kids (especially trousers, dresses)

Medical items/Medications:

- Multivitamins:  (Tri-vi-sol (0-6 mos.), Poly-vi-sol (6 mos. - 2 yrs), Chewable multi-vitamins (2 to 9 years), Adult multi-vitamin (9 yrs. +)

- Tylenol (acetaminophen):  Infants, Children's, Suppository

- Syringes for giving medications (5mL)

- Plastic disposable gloves

- Baby nose saline spray

- Neosporin

- Mouth and nose masks

- Benadryl liquid/elixir

- Permetherin for scabies

- Toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss

If you would like to donate any of the items above, you can either contact me via email or by leaving a message here on the blog.  For those of you with my phone number, feel free to call.  I will be happy to pick items up to save you a trip.

THANK YOU so much.  We will take loads of photos so you can see the nannies and little ones your kindness helps.

Bloodlines . . .

Looking for a home . . .

We are trying to simplify life here at our house and sadly, that includes cutting out extra work in the form of caring for these guys.  If you, or someone you love, would like to add them to your family, we would love for you to have them.

They are both purebred Ragdoll cats, 11 months old, neutered and front declawed.  They are currently about 20-25 lbs. and that is probably their top weight.  Ragdolls are large cats.  They are very friendly and more 'doglike' in their demeanor.  (Meaning, they follow you around, come when called, and are very, very sweet.)

We got them when they were just over 6 weeks old, so they've been well socialized to live with a family.  They LOVE to be held and are very good with kids.

We are asking $150 each (they are usually $250-$400 from a breeder) and will include a bag of food and a litter box.  I can get their pedigree papers if anyone would like.  I just need to contact the breeder and have her send them. 

Tuffie

Socks (he is HUGE - this photo is deceiving)





Promises

"Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'

If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.

And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in."

Isaiah 58:6-12