Thursday, February 16, 2012

Ember In India 2011


Today I found myself searching for a lost email in my "JUNK" folder and I'm glad I was there.
I noticed an email from Shutterfly offering 40% off their photo books!  It expires TODAY so I got busy and created this book!  I needed this push to get it done.  A $60 book only cost me $25 and FREE Shipping!  I Love a good deal!




Click here to create your own Shutterfly photo book.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Give




I have a really hard time seeing children suffer.  As much as I love helping where I can make a difference, I question if I could ever be involved in an Organization where children are abandoned or abused.  
It would break my heart!
I’ve heard of some of those Organizations in Africa trying to save little children from starvation and/or abductions and my emotions take over and I only want to cry.  I don’t think I could go on with my life ever being the same if I witnessed it.
I wouldn’t be able to walk away from a child if I didn’t think someone else would be there to protect it.  

I know this suffering is out there and I'm afraid of the day I will meet it face to face.
As long as I'm in my little bubble in America I probably won't see it, but that doesn't mean it's not there.

I get ANGRY when I see children suffering.  Even looking at pictures my emotions get the better of me.

I cry.  I cry because they deserve to be loved.  

I want to fix it.

I admire Mother Teresa.  She was amazing.  I wonder how she did it though. How did she wake up each morning with love still in her heart when all she witnessed was sorrow?
I don't think I'm strong enough inside to keep from going into depression.


The thing I love about Rising Star is I see suffering, but I see so much LOVE.  I don’t see anger, abuse, or abandonment in the children.  They are in good hands, everyday.  Even though they are from leprosy afflicted families they will have a bright future, thanks to Rising Star.  This is an Organization that works.  Good things are happening in the children’s lives.  I am so thankful to be involved with them.

I know every penny donated to Rising Star Outreach is going toward improving the leprosy afflicted.  I feel so much better about donating money when I KNOW it's being used the right way.
There is NO wondering with Rising Star.  It's wonderful.

I would like to hold a scared child and let them FEEL what safty feels like.
I would like to hold a sick baby to let them feel the power of human touch.
I would like to hold a hungry baby and fill them up with love.
And I know the day I do I will cry all the while I'm doing it.


Saturday, February 4, 2012

"Indian Style"



When I was in India I admired the humble homes in the villages.  Little kids ran a muck out side while mothers carried water in buckets to their homes and boiled rice in -what looked like a witches pot- outside over an open fire.

I peeked through open doorways to see how they decorated only to find hallow walls and a dirt floor. (but swept perfectly)
It was obvious their “house” was just shelter.  (Perhaps from the heat, rain, or animals?)  Not much was inside. The perimeter of the home was an extension of the home too.  The trees connected a clothes line,  various buckets and pots are neatly lined up around a fire pit.  
What I saw is what they had!

I can’t get over this.  They have what they need and need what they have.
This is one way India changed me.  I feel like I have way too much stuff!  I have this itch to get rid of THINGS,  I only want things I need.  I want to throw out less trash, I want to recycle, I want less!

I’ve discovered that getting my house organized is similar to therapy! (and a whole lot cheaper)

I’ve heard it said that cleaning is a form of repentance.  I thought about that as I spent 5 hours in my basement today.  Repentance always makes me feel better but the natural man in me kicks and screams at the thought of doing it!  (Just like cleaning my house)

I found it interesting  when Sam and my kids saw the improvement  in the basement each of them commented, 
“It FEELS so good in here.”

Being in a clean atmosphere FEELS good!

Having what you need FEELS good.  Those Indian people are proof.  Their faces beam.  Their eyes are bright.  They are happy.

I have a long way to go to get my house in -I’m going to call it- “Indian Style“
but I FEEL good about this.
Thank you India for showing me a better way!

Read about my Village walk and see pictures here