thoughts from the heart

I posted this yesterday on facebook and it received so many responses from people saying they needed to hear it, that I thought I would also post here…with some additional thoughts below it:

friends...there are so many debates going around right now within adoption and ministry community that it's really getting disheartening. If I really took to heart everything I was reading I would come to the conclusion that everything we have done in the last 4 years has been terrible, I trafficked my boys, and I probably destroyed several countries because I blew some bubbles with some kids out in the dirt. Some thoughts... 1) There is no one size fits all mission program...it depends on the country, the people, and the community. 2) Books are books and are someone's thoughts and opinions..read them...but it's not gospel. Unless it IS the gospel. 3) What's right for me and my family may not be right for you. My experience is my experience. Yours is yours. Let's learn from each other. 4) Everyone is constantly learning and changing and rethinking things. How about in LOVE sharing what you have learned to help new ministries or families in adoption instead of pouring judgment out.

and may I say that I realize that trafficking does happen..and I abhor it just as God does.. but we cannot stop doing the things God calls us to do because there are evil people. Instead..we do those things we are called to do while fighting evil. Does that make sense??

Now…as I keep thinking about this…I also want to add is that we have to be careful not to lump every adoptive parent, every agency, every ministry into one big pile and paint with very big broad strokes. 

I am seeing people becoming frozen and not doing anything because once you start researching you feel every thing is considered wrong ..and then you have no idea what to do.

That is not helping!!  So…what do we do??

Pray..asking God to lead you and to shut doors you are not supposed to go through (and then listen and wait for His answers!)  Be diligent, do your homework, ask questions, choose agencies or ministries you support wisely.

If God leads you to a short term mission trip..then DO IT.  There are many ways to do these and do them right. Don’t make it all about you. Don’t make it all about what you bring. Blend in as much as possible. Be respectful. Ask the in country staff how you can help. Listen to them.  Go to share love and to be a friend to people. Make the people more important than any project.

I read a quote one time and I don’t even remember where…about whether to give money or to go on the trip. The person’s response was “love is much better given in person”  I big puffy heart love that.

From Greg and I’s first short term mission trip launched our adoptions, a ministry in Zambia supporting a school and many other things within a village (that is still going on with different people leading it), and now Project HOPEFUL Awassa.

Have we learned things? Yes, looking back there are many things that we should have done differently. Many things we do differently now because of those lessons learned.

But you know, I don’t think God responds with “well, you screwed that up—done with you now. Way to mess up my entire work in that country. Guess I will move on to the next one”

Seriously.

Also..there are many books, blogs, websites, facebook posts flying around out there right now.  Many from people I respect. By all means, read them, glean from them,  and learn.  But remember…it’s a person. Who is just as much a mortal person as you and I.  Another person who does not have it figured all out. It’s a person’s opinion and thoughts coming from their experiences.  Someone else could right a completely different book or post from their experience.

And..I also want to say…that Project HOPEFUL Awassa’s biggest supporters are adoptive families—those in process and those with their children home.  Giving their time, energies, and money helping families to not have to make heart wrenching choices.

And that is beautiful.

Emebet is now home!!

Emebet is now home and back with her family!

Her stay at the hospital and surgery was much more complicated than we, her doctor, or Emebet ever thought!

She had numerous surgeries, skin grafts, infection, and physical therapy before she went home and she is to return after September to have one more surgery to fully extend her one leg.

Many of you donated to make this first round of treatment happen and we are so thankful.  Because of you she will no longer have to drag herself across the floor to take of her family..but walk upright and with joy on her face!

Back at home with her family!

And here’s where we need your help again.  There is an outstanding balance at the hospital of $3,430 due to the extra stay (She went in on January 30 and was at the hospital until the beginning of May!) and extra surgeries.

We need to have this paid as soon as possible so that the hospital will do the last needed surgery (much smaller and simpler next time) and so that we are good on our word as Project HOPEFUL Awassa.  The hospital has been very good to us trusting us to pay and not hassling Emebet or her family.

Can you help us?

Here is the link to make your tax deductible donation to her care.  All extra funds raised will go to her surgery in September.

Thank you!!

 

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KKYFXUPNC4PS8

A Home for Sitota!

UPDATE!  GOAL IS MET!!!

THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH!! WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED!

Meet Sitota and his mother:

A precious young mom who has nowhere to live with her son.

She goes from place to place each evening and relies on the generosity of others to provide the shelter she and her son need.

Greg and her FIG family had the privilege of meeting her on the trip in April and discovered just how dire her situation is.  She and her son are among the poorest of the FIG families.

We have found out that it is possible to purchase land rights and to have a small house built for her and Sitota.

A home. A home much like the one pictured below.

Imagine. No more worrying about where you will spend the night tonight and who will help you tomorrow.

Her own place---for her and her son. It is likely that she never even dreams of a home of her own.

One of the main goals as Project HOPEFUL Awassa  is to make sure that widows are cared for and that families are able to stay together.

This mom and her son need help from us to ensure that this goal will be achieved for this young family.

An amount that is HUGE to them but very much within reach for us.

How much?   $2000.00

This amount will purchase land rights, the home itself and the basic household items she’ll need to cook, clean and care for herself, her son and her new home.

Our goal is to have this home started before I get there so our team can see it to completion with painting and the finishing touches. Maybe we can do a housewarming party for her! :)

Can you help?  Every dollar will make a difference for this precious mom and her baby.  The PayPal link is below.

If you’d like to do a check, email me at charisa@projecthopeful.org for the address.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others!

PS..want to see more about what we are doing?

Go to www.projecthopeful.org/awassa

or sign up for our newsletter at the top right of this blog!

Thank you!