This year? I need to find nothing! We will probably go though. This time for the pure "fun" of it. How many times have I explained to someone little that not EVERYthing in the stores is on sale? or free? ha. Store flyers will litter the after Thanks-give-ing plates-have-been-cleared table. Who doesn't like a "deal"? I do. We will be doing some online gifting. Do you ever wonder about the *shoebox you so carefully packed? If the one who received it could feel the love of Jesus? I do. I had a little bread and fish experience this summer that I just can't get out of my head. We had the opportunity to visit family who are missionaries. They asked us what we would like to do while we were there...spend time with cousins, of COURSE! just be together...and could we visit an orphanage? We did.
When asked what they (the orphanage) "needed" they said, "paint". Evidently they had two rooms that needed to be painted. I don't know what I expected, but this was not it. Paint? really? (insert *anytime you go on a mission trip or visit family on the mission field, it increases the amount of time and work they need to put into details such as finding out what type of paint, how much etc. Even if it is a joy to them to have you visit, it can also be a strain. Ask specifically what they need. Listen and serve. Give, but carefully and thoughtfully we learned. The orphanage had a hallway with bags and bags of used clothing etc. Evidently everyone donates their old stuff and they can't always use the sizes/sometimes it is in irrepairable condition.) We met a local Pastor who led us out of the city through the unmarked maze of roads to the orphanage. We were warmly welcomed and immediately asked if the children wanted to see the animals. 
First paint, now animals? I'm thinking babies. Where are the babies? ☺. (there weren't any. at this one. The age range was 6-18, but mostly teenage girls). They proudly showed us the horse...the cow for milk...the chickens for eggs...ducks, pigs and piglets (to sell for $30 each)...sheep for wool (sale)...turkeys...fish ponds (also to generate income)...rabbits...fruit trees, garden.
First paint, now animals? I'm thinking babies. Where are the babies? ☺. (there weren't any. at this one. The age range was 6-18, but mostly teenage girls). They proudly showed us the horse...the cow for milk...the chickens for eggs...ducks, pigs and piglets (to sell for $30 each)...sheep for wool (sale)...turkeys...fish ponds (also to generate income)...rabbits...fruit trees, garden.
As we walked they told us that they are a two year new branch of an established orphanage in the city. Their goal is that they would be able to sustain themselves. This husband and wife team (supported by their local church) literally are rescuing girls off the streets of Mexico City. I mean, they really see them on the street and invite them into their home.
August 2012
Gives shoes. Or water. Through Compassion. or Samaritan's Purse...these are just a few of the organizations I know that work with the local church to be the hands of Jesus to those in need.
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