I Would Gather Children

Some would gather money
Along the path of life
Some would gather roses,
And rest from worldly strife.
But I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a golden curl,
And a freckled, toothless grin.
For money cannot enter
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.
But oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven,
I can take them in with me!
~Author Unknown~

The Christmas season has been somewhat different for me this year. The girls, hubby and I have enjoyed some wonderful down time. There have been stretches when I haven't had to leave my house for several days. I have loved being able to be crafty with the girls and make many Christmas gifts. We have been able to lay in bed reading wonderful Christmas treasures. We have been able to focus on this Advent season.

But as amazing and rejuvenating as these moments have been, I can't shake an ache I have in my heart. A couple of weeks ago I got an email from a Mom who just got back from adopting a special angel from Ukraine. They have no heat in the orphanage and food is scarce. NO HEAT!! Do you realize how cold it is in Ukraine? MUCH colder than our temps here! And without proper nutrition there are thousands and thousands of children suffering. My heart aches. It makes me want to sell everything we have and go. Go do something, but I've been told I'm crazy. Maybe I am- some think I couldn't make it.

Yesterday we got a special gift in the mail. We recieved 3 extra special ornaments with photos of specific orphans on them. We decided over a month ago that we would let each kiddo sponsor an orphan with Downs. 100% of ALL donations go directly into that child's grant fund. When donating $35 or more, you receive an ornament with a picture of the child you are sponsoring on it. They are beautiful and each have an extra special spot on our "orphan" tree. This tree holds their photos only so the significance of them isn't overshadowed.

I pray you all have a blessed Christmas! We have some fun planned for tomorrow and I CAN"T WAIT!! My brother, his wife Markana (see her photo in the right column and read her story) and little baby Stella will be gracing us with their presence for lunch and game fun. My Mom and possibly my Dad will be here, too. We are quite bummed at the amount of people who have to work tomorrow- including my Dad who works for the government. Go figure!

In Him,
E