If not for the grace of God...

...so be I.

Growing up, I had heard of organizations & seen commercials for different groups that were fundraising money to help orphans in other countries such as Compassion International.   It was so foreign to me & I was completely uneducated- - selfishly thinking to myself, "Why do these parents allow this?"  or "What are they doing to support themselves?"  I'm thankful for the education & grace to learn that this knowledge is not an option for many in this situation including the know-how to get a job (should any be available) & the lack of birth control options as well as the fact that many of these women have children out of rape, human trafficking, & the list goes on.  Bottom line- - In most situations, this lifestyle is NOT A CHOICE.  I think to myself, "If not for the grace of God so be I."  I didn't choose to be born in the US with light skin, dark hair, hazel eyes, & parents that could provide for my every need.  I can't fathom having my Reddington or Milannah born in Ethiopia & not being able to provide their basic needs.  That is just unfathomable to me!  Yet, it happens every day to mom's that want to be the best mom they can be to their children, yet, there are little to no resources! 

In Central IL we are experiencing a drought.  Farmers need rain to have any type of crop this year & it just isn't happening.  We want to enjoy sweet corn for dinner and there is none.  Neighbors are complaining that they can't water their grass & it looks like hay.  All real concerns for us, yet...

-1 billion people in this world do not have access to clean drinking water (1 out of 8)

and we are worried about watering our lawns?

I absolutely love what these organizations like Compassion & HopeChest do!  For about $1/day a sponsor in the United States can provide clean water, balanced meals, education, & discipleship to orphans around the world.  That is where Endalem comes in.  Remember him? He is our sponsor son thru Children's HopeChest & will be squeezing his neck in about 10 months + 12 days in Ethiopia.  A boy just like my own, who loves to kick a ball, eat snacks, & laugh, yet, has more frowns than smiles because of the environment he was born into.  Because of HopeChest, Jesus, & us, he knows Jesus! He receives education and a warm meal - - maybe even a school uniform! 

Last night Reddington & I prayed for Endalem for the first time.  Redd wanted to pray that he would have a Power Wheels "Grave Digger" just like he does.  Try explaining to a 3 year old that Endalem may not have a single toy...  He is just happy to have clothes, shoes, & supper.  We will keep the conversation going & hopefully have a lot of teach-able moments with Reddington regarding Endalem & his life.  

I follow HopeChest on facebook & LOVE the photos that they post.  It only makes my heart more & more excited for my Mission Trip next June.  
{DISCLAIMER: I get that you may be reading this & think it's odd that I post about a lavish trip to Disney World & then my next post is about orphans & the lack of clean water.  Please remember that our trip to Disney World was a GIFT from my parents as a celebration for their retirement & they chose to take us.  We couldn't have justified that type of vacation at this time in our lives, if it had been up to us.  Yes, we enjoyed ourselves, yes, we chose to receive it, & yes, we were very thankful.}

What does hope look like?

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 

(1 Cor. 13:13). 

How have you been changed by love?

Lord, hear our prayer!

YES, I'm counting down the days...

316!