A Family Affair

The article about Jaden and Morgan is now live & will be up on the Children International web-site for the next 2 weeks. Enjoy:
http://www2.children.org/en/us/News/FeatureStories/2009/Pages/SponsorshipExperience-AFamilyAffair-2-17-09.aspx?sid=F22461C-840F-4BFE-9097-ADAF89036C931

Raising a Philanthropic Child

Jaden (my 4 year old) and I have been sitting at the computer watching all of the Childen International You Tube videos. Jaden never ceases to amaze me. We have been sitting here for about an hour, and watching the videos has led to discussions. Some of those discussions went like this:
Jaden~ Why doesn't that girl have shoes on?
When I went on to explain she questions, "Does Henry and Katherine and the other kids have shoes?" I told her that I wasn't sure, but it was a possibility that they did not. Her simple reply, "Then let's send them shoes"
The same conversation went on for the sink, water, toilet, house, clothes, dishes, bed, etc (you get the idea). Her response always was, "Well, then let's send them some!"
I got to these 2 Wrold Vision videos (links below). They are very moving, and informational. I had sponsored with them before, but I have had a much better experience with Children International, so I wouldn't go back to them. However, the information they give holds true for both organizations. Anyway, after we got through watching the 2 World Vision videos, Jaden asked why they were sad. I said, "Because they are hungry and dying." She said, "Well, let's go there and help them. Come on mom!!!" I told her that we couldn't go right now... She asked "Why not?" I replied, "Because it costs a lot of money to go there." That wasn't a good answer for her, of course. Her response was, "Mom, Do you have ANY money? because I have $1. So, let's go!!"
By the way, the music in the one video is by Mercy Me, and can be found on the album "Almost There"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utsOBE6iFj8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_2GAEzJL6I

And for those of you who want more information about the HIV/AIDS crisis specifically:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEqi4jcUA2I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYLWWVh8_ic

What a difference!!

Henry~ a couple of weeks before he turns 8 years old
I checked my online account with Children International, so that I could put all of the children's birthdays on my calendar. What a wonderful surprise to find a new picture of Henry!!!! The top picture is his latest photo, and he is wearing one of the shirts that I sent him. The bottom picture was taken 2 years ago, and is his first sponsorship photo. I know I can't take all of the credit for his smile, but I do think that sponsorship is making a difference. I spoke with one of the sponsorship reps yesterday, and he told me that Henry will get his bed by the time of his birthday (October 28th), and he is putting a special note with the bed to let him know that it is for his birthday. I can't wait to see those pictures!!
I wish I could explain the feeling to those of you who have never sponsored a child before~ what it feels like to see the difference you make in their lives. It is an amazing feeling, and I believe that the giver gets more out of it than the receiver. Every time I get a picture of one of my children with a big (sincere) smile on their face it warms my heart.
By the way, for a limited time, when you sponsor a child through my "Lift One" page, one of my sponsored families will receive a food basket worth $50!!!! If seven kids are sponsored through this page, all seven of my children's families will get a food basket! Perfect for the Thanksgiving and holiday season. So, if you are thinking of sponsoring, please go through my site, or mention my name when you speak with a sponsor rep. Then, let me know, so that I can make sure my children get the food. If you have a particular child (of my 7) that you would like the food basket to go to, let me know, and I will specify that family.
http://www.liftoneproject.org/goto/ilovemykids08