Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Humanitarian Aid


A friend took this picture.  Since this is what we spend a bulk of our time doing, I thought that I should post it.  

We have been thinking a lot about the Humanitarian Aid that we want to do for the orphanages.  Just trying to think on it because Andrew is on this board of students that mobilize other student involvement in community service.  In CBS last week the following quote struck me:  "It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him."   (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)  I think that we may have been going about it the wrong way.  I believe that we have to be patient and be open to anything. 

 There was another time in our lives that I was selfishly fearful and decided to remain open to the experience, to God's hand in our lives.  Four years ago, a friend mentioned to me that Catholic Charities needed help because a baby was due, the mom was making an adoption plan but was not finished, so they needed a place for him/her to go.  Would I consider doing it?  It would be two weeks, tops.  My thought was, "I can do anything for two weeks."  Then I talked to the SW and found out that the typical placement took 8 weeks.  Now that was scary.  I would have to give up my "life" for that long?!  I could not go to the gym.  What about my regular nights out with Jason?!  Instead of walking away, we decided to let God do his work.  It was an amazing experience.  No, I could not go to the gym.  No, we did not get much sleep.  No, we did not get out as much as we normally do.  The trade offs were huge.  Two of my friends signed up to do it, as well.  The people we met!  The children we loved!  The path it brought us down!  Wow!

So back to the Humanitarian Aid, any ideas?  

7 comments:

Kristi J said...

My friend Gwen Oatsvall is doing interim care right now and I'm trying to convince another friend to do it too....such a neat thing!!! Keep me posted on what Humanitarian Aid ideas come up, Kristi

Anonymous said...

We're in the process of trying to decide what to do also- even as far as raising money for the orphange or donations. I'm looking for ideas too!

Lori S said...

That is such a neat thing that you and your family were able to do for a child! That would take a lot of sacrifice and dedication, but I'm sure you received many blessings from it.

We are taking diapers, clothes that we found on clearance a while back, and formula. We have also been raising money to donate to the orphanages for food. I'll be checking back to see what other ideas you get!

Nicholas said...

I'm still struggling with the details of our next trip to Ethiopia... We know it will be for aid work but aren't 100% on the route...

This is a great post! I just mentioned to Emily A. that we should start planning a group to go back next year to work...

Sparkz said...

We have thought about what to do too. Its a great question!

Sparkz said...

By the way- Congrats on being Gladney approved!!!! Its an exciting step :). I have been meaning to post about that and haven't....

It's a scarry thought- my life going into hyper speed. I can't get the stuff done now that I need to so hopefully it won't go TOO much faster than now. You're probably reading this laughing, and thinking just wait! ;) I love the advice! I think I will enjoy a lazy weekend! I am HOPING Wed.! It's my guess.

Have a great and hopefully lazy weekend yourself!

emily said...

You have been tagged my friend. :)