I have been sick, very sick. In fact this was the sickest I can ever remember being. Already we have had three trips to Urgent Care/the hospital. Finally last night, there was a breakthrough. This is a whole other blog, but to set the stage for ringing in the New Year, well it was LOW KEY and not really eventful.
In fact, we had some appetizers with Mom and Bill and played some 'neon' bowling (neon bowling on a budget from the comfort of your own home---aka pop botttles filled with water, glow sticks and a soccer ball) and hit the sack.
New Years Day I was home alone with the kids feeling sorry for myself and suffering from this retarded flu, or whatever you want to call it. My dear husband was fortunate, or let me say blessed to be able to work for Compassion Canada on New Years Day and what an incredible way to start 2012.
When we were in Saskatchewan, John signed up to become an Advocate for Compassion Canada. That basically means that he can help out at events to raise awareness and get sponsors for these precious, needy children. We are huge fans and supporters of Compassion, so it wasn't a hard decision. When the opportunity arose to advocate at a concert right here in Cochrane on New Years Day he jumped at it. I was still feeling sorry for myself and thinking a little selfishly and wishing he could just skip it and stay home and help me.
He came home and it was an amazing day. He shared that it was the most fullfilling, rewarding day he has had in a very long time. Twenty-two (22) kids now have new sponsors, have a chance to go to school, receive birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, family gifts and most importantly learn about Jesus!! That is so amazing. The way that God moved on the crowd was incredible. Stories of people leaving the church saying that they needed to pray about it, to return only ten minutes later and sign up. This couple got in the car, started driving away (after they had talked with the Compasison advocates saying that they needed to pray about it) and they turned around. He walked up and said what is there to pray about, the Bible, Jesus commands us to take care of the poor. WOW!
So I encourage you this year, 2012, to look at the needy, the poor, these precious children who are our future and consider Sponsoring. It is only $40 a month and a time commitment of writing and establishing a relationship with your child. Compassion has made it so easy to connect and write letters to the kids online now and you can even upload pictures online too. It is also such an incredible learning experience for your kids. My kids pray for their 'brothers' and 'sister' every night without fail. We just finished making crafts for them and they want to send their little messages of love (so sweet to hear what they want to say).
We also received some sad news right before Christmas, that affected us in a way we weren't expecting. These kids really do become part of your family, and when something happens, it really affects you. Our little Yari from the Dominican is moving and will not be living in an area where we can continue to sponsor her. We felt quite devastated and it really caught us off guard. We received this news with our 'final letter' and I worry. Just like a mother, I worry about where she is moving too, is it safe, how is her family coping, will she be able to go to school? All these questions and we have been provided with a number that we can talk to someone. What do you say in your final letter? I sat with the kids yesterday and made some heart decorations that I will send her. I want her to know that wherever she moves and goes to, that Jesus loves her and will always be with her (heart number 1) and that we will never stop loving or praying for her (heart number 2). I hope these hearts will be a constant reminder to her of Jesus' love!
I leave you with this video (in the post below this one) that was shared at the Concert on Sunday. It is a tear jerker, so get a kleenex. As I said, I really challenge you to think about sponsoring a child this year. Make 2012 the year to make a difference in a child's life. It truly is rewarding.
Happy New Year!
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