I had wanted to post on Easter because it symbolizes a day of new beginnings and it also coincided with Reese's eight month anniversary. But instead, I went to church and spent a lot of time with family. So I'd say the trade-off was well worth it. It was a peaceful and blessed day.
This month, I decided I wanted to honor Reese in a new way. I mentioned in an earlier blog post how much the book The Hole in Our Gospel has really moved me. It was written by the CEO of World Vision (which happens to be based here in Washington) and so I have been spending a little bit of time reading up on World Vision and the amazing love and support they provide to people around the world.
So this month, I decided I wanted to sponsor two children through World Vision. It's an ongoing monthly financial commitment that is so relatively small compared to that which the Lord has blessed our family.
I chose to sponsor one girl who was born on Reese's birthday and one girl who was born on Riley's birthday. In order to not make the decision on anything other than where God led me, I decided to pick the first child that was shown that fell under that criteria (and besides, I couldn't imagine having to pick a child any other way!)
Here are the children God is allowing our family to help:
- Owethu - from South Africa, born on August 24, 2010
- Ligia - from Honduras, born on March 8, 2008
Because I was curious, I also decided to Google the meaning of their names and couldn't stop smiling as I read about them:
- Owethu means "She is ours" - which I think is reflective of how God has asked us to care for each other, especially the children and the poor. To love one other is our responsibility for as "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25: 40)
- Ligia means "musical" - which is exactly what our little Ms. Riley is! She loves to sing, dance, play instruments and just about everything in-between. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share this lesson of love and compassion for others with Riley. I also hope that Ligia now has even more opportunity to enjoy music and dancing.
Happy eight months in Heavenly Glory, my sweet Baby Reese.
Ms. Riley, you keep on dancing and singing, buddy.
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"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:15-16
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If you're interested in sponsoring a child through World Vision, you can find more information on their web site here: www.worldvision.org.
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6 comments:
Beth, We have two adopted daughters, too. We have Maria who lives in Ecuador. We have watched her grow up for the last 8 years through letters and pictures. Our other daughter Primrose lives in Zimbabwe. We don't get as much info from the organization about her. George was hoping to see her when he goes to Africa in July, but because of the election they're having, it is not safe to be in that part of Africa this summer. It's been amazing to be a part of their lives. Rose
Mary Beth,
We have sponsored a little boy Yohanis,from Ethiopia,for the past 4 years through Compassion Intl. I love the relationship that has grown between our family and his just from letters, drawings, photos, and small gifts. Anything we acquire on this earth really isn't ours alone. We can't take it with us, so if we have been blessed with a little extra financially we should use it for God's work and glory. It is such a wonderful feeling to know you are making a difference in the lives of others. I hope to one day be able to take a trip and meet him and his family. That would be amazing. I also love that we are able to teach Trent to be compassionate towards those less fortunate and that he thinks it is really cool and fun to have a "pen pal".
-Jennifer
PS - It is really sweet how you chose babies with the same birth dates as your own babies. You are so clever. :)
Mary Beth, I just found your blog. I'm very sorry for the loss of your Reese. My Meredith died in 1974 and when I received her Molly Bear, it was sponsored in memory of Reese. Thank you so much and God bless you!
A beautiful post, by a beautiful person!! This is so very moving, Sweetie. Reaching out is a special path in healing and in the journey of life itself.
Love and hugs,
Dad
What a great thing! I will consider doing this for Hayes' bday.
This is such a blessing. We too starting sponsoring a little girl through World Vision after Bethany died. I felt like I did not have her, but I could help another little girl. God is so good to us and all these children need so much help...
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