I have a confession to make. You know me and my honest confessions. I was on my way home from the doctor with Isaac Temesgen (not a great appointment…double ear infections…antibiotics didn’t work…add an ENT to our list of people to see…retested for UTI…more meds) and as I headed to the physcial therapist to pick up a list of exercises for us to work on this week…and I had this thought, “Man, I need a vacation.” That’s when I started feeling sorry for myself. Thinking *I* needed a vacation. Seriously–who do I think I am to think I NEED or deserve this? Just my honest confession. I wish I could say that after having that thought that I realized later that I don’t NEED a vacation–but it is something I struggle with because of my culture and I’m American…and well, I think I need a vacation because I haven’t had one in a year. Woe is me!!!
So…what does your family spend on a normal vacation? I won’t even say what we normally spend on ours. I think I might be embarrassed. We think we need a vacation a year (at least)…yet the rest of the world just struggles for daily necessities…while we plan for luxury. What does it mean to live for the kingdom? What does it mean to not live for the things of this world? Do I really believe and live this stuff? What if God intended our extra to be used for others rather than luxury for ourselves? What if the Lord provided JUST ENOUGH for us–and He wanted us to be changed in the process of helping the poor instead of extra for ourselves? So while the world says God can’t be that good to make these people suffer so—really…He did provide. What if He provided US with plenty in hopes that we would be the vessel to meet their needs? So really–as much as I want to make a way to vacation this year—truly…there is something so much better to do with money that could make that happen. What if instead of vacation…or even just maybe not as nice of a vacation…our families decided to sponsor 1, 2 or even 3 children for a year?
Watch this…and see what is really happening not only in places like Korah—put all over the world. Here is an opportunity for you to help a child out of the dumpster go to school and have 3 meals a day. For just $700 a year—their life can be changed!
Ordinary Hero~ A day in the trash dump in Ethiopia from Kelly Putty on Vimeo.
Why is letting go of the things of this world so hard to do? Oh Lord, please change my heart and help me be more like You. Help us love as you love…sacrifice our pleasure for the sake of life for others…and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Vacation will not change my children or their hearts…but sitting down with them to talk about things like this…I really think will.
Will you consider sponsoring a child from Korah—with your family, with your Sunday School, with your Bible study, with a group of friends? Will you consider making a difference and making a sacrifice…and being a vessel for change and life for a little one? I pray that I can be obedient and follow the Lord however He calls me. As much as I hate to feel the struggle between what my heart wants to do and what I know is right—I like it too…it reminds me that God isn’t finished with me yet, that I have a long way to go and if He can use and change me–really, He can change and use anyone.
Promise the rest of the birthday pics from Isaac’s party are coming…I saw this—and just thought it was more important:).
Have a good Tuesday!
by admin
Thanks Andrea! I have the sponsorship requirements for Project 61 if anyone is interested. Korah is one my heart and I can’t wait to go and visit via P61 staff.
We have been thinking about this exact topic so much!!! Also wanted to share a link to the pics of where ‘our’ kids are going to be going to school in Shashamane http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1114560&id=1626696378#!/album.php?aid=189608&id=653659334&ref=mf I also heard that the school in Shashamane is ALMOST full and they are going to have to look for another school to send the kids too – which means almost 200 kids have been sponsored!!! Praise the Lord!!!
I stumbled upon Project 61 a few weeks ago and couldn’t help but immediately sign up to sponsor a child. Funnily enough I’d been looking for a way to help an orphan and was mentally thinking about giving $350 for the year, but when I saw what amazing things were happening in these children’s lives spending twice that much just seemed right. Giving away more than I planned opened the flood gates. I found myself a week later donating to a different organization that feeds and educates the poor and orphans. Instead of feeling like I’ve sacrificed, I just feel like I actually did something worthwhile with my money.
Thanks for sharing this awesome organization with all your blog reader.
We sponsored a child through P61 a couple of weeks ago also!!! Woohoo! I feel so stinkin’ lucky that I get to be a part of this. It is AMAZING! I wrote about it on my blog over here. http://whenwebelong.blogspot.com/2010/08/lucky-enough-to-get-messed-up.html
So often we can give so much more than we think we can. Just jump in! 🙂
This is such a touching video… for whatever reason it hits home to me a bit more than others. The thought of children eating out of a trash dump is hard for me to comprehend. Thank you for sharing this with us. What a wonderful organization.
I struggle with that same thing all the time! Glad to know we’re not alone.