World-View Wednesday: Loving Jamaica's Orphans

A few weeks ago, our youth group traveled to Jamaica to work with Embracing Orphans. As youth leader on our first international trip, I felt a bit of trepidation about all the details coming together, not to mention being mom leader to 15 youth, most of which were babies in their families!!! {thank goodness, we didn't realize that until we were home. haha} We worked with Embracing Orphans, who does much of their work in the Montego Bay area, and reaches out to orphans and teenagers with the love of Christ. I knew that we would be spending a lot of time at the Blossom House, a state-run orphanage, and just loving on the kids there. You would think I'd have been just ecstatic at the opportunity, but I have to admit that I was nervous! Yes, really. After having spent a total of 3 months in Guatemala with ORI at an orphanage, I had a bit of an idea of how exhausting it really is!! I spent the weeks leading up to the trip reading a book called "Preparing your heart before you pack your bags". I highly recommend this book to anyone who is planning to do short-term missions. It was a huge help in just preparing my thoughts and emotions for what was about to happen, as well as focus in praying for our time there. And what a great trip it was!!!

We stayed at a hotel called the Verney House Resort, and it had a pool. How "cool" is that? {And here you thought we were staying in shacks!} It was truly a gift, after hot days at the orphanage. I felt like I sweated non-stop! Lovely thought, isn't it?

The food was delicious! We were served jerk chicken and rice and peas for almost every dinner, and it hit the spot. But I will admit, by the end of the week, I was ready for some good American cooking again :)

Jamaica is a beautiful country! This lovely spot was the site of JRM, the Jamaican Relief Ministries, where our friend Mandie lived for 1 year. It was originally a restaurant where famous musicians like Jonny Cash played music! We did some painting on a house that will be used for the houseparents of this organization. I could have stayed here for days; this spot would be perfect to vacation in!

          

We visited this beach one afternoon, and had 1 hour of bliss before the tropical storm swept in! It was a gorgeous spot; I would have loved to have stayed all day, if it wouldn't have been pouring rain!! 

I'm so grateful for the other couple who went along as leaders: Andrew & Mandie. They added so much to our group and brought experience of the culture and a heart for the kids. Mandie knew where all the great restaurants were too! This was taken at Pier One, a restaurant on the pier. It was a gorgeous night and we ate and talked while the sun set.

 

But the best part of the trip wasn't the beautiful things we saw, or the delicious food we ate; it was loving the Jamaican orphans. The boys pictured above are children that a friend of ours cared for while she lived in Jamaica. Their story is heartbreaking, like so many of the stories of each of the kids we come into contact with at the orphanage. My experience working with the children this time was different from the last time. I am now a mom. When I snuggled little babies, I saw Hadassah. When I kissed sleepy heads, I thought of her and my heart just broke to think that they have no mommy to hold them, rock them and sing to them. The caregivers there are wonderful, but it's almost impossible to give 57 children everything they need. They soaked up the attention that we gave them and completely stole our hearts! Yes, it was exhausting. And some days, four o'clock could not have come soon enough! But it was life-changing. One of the directors with EO shared that he prayed for our group and asked God to break our hearts for what breaks His, and by the end of the week, it was clear that happened!! We played with the kids, laughed with them, hugged them and prayed over them. Our prayer is that God will not only heal the physical scars, but those that are invisible: the scars in their hearts. I pray that there will be families who will choose to love them forever. I pray that they will meet Jesus, the only One who heals broken hearts and is a Father to the fatherless. And I pray that I never forget, and that I never "get over" this experience. Will you pray with me for these precious children today?

Barn Sale Event

I am super excited to announce an upcoming local event,

the Perennial Favorites Barn Sale!

It's sponsored by my sweet friends, Amy at Roller Mill Farms, Amy at Amelia Bedelia and I.

 

A variety of handmade & vintage goods will be for sale, including

• Hair accessories & chalkboards from Amelia Bedelia
• Vintage furniture & decor from Roller Mill Farms
• Various signs & typography products from yours truly!
• Monogrammed items
• Homemade soaps
• Handmade journals
• Crocheted baby hats & handmade bib/diaper sets,

along with homemade doughnuts and a pumpkin-painting booth for the children!

 

Don't miss this fun fall event, and be sure to stay awhile to shop, chat and eat!

We look forward to seeing you there!!!

 
 

 

 
 

Tablescaping ~ a summer look

Tablescaping:

a sophisticated term for fixin' up yer table!!

{please pardon the hick accent; it's been a long day.}

So I've had a sad-looking table for quite some time, 

but just couldn't figure out what to do about it. 

Call it a creative block: something I get fairly frequently.

But I'm learning that if I wait long enough, inspiration will come!

Thank goodness, it did.

I love my wooden tea light holders, made by my in-laws. Aren't they darling?

I found the galvanized pitcher at Michael's {and bought it with my 40% off coupon!}

It's rustic and quaint, but so cheerful when it's filled with fresh blooms.

I certainly don't have a degree in home decor,

but I've heard that decorations need to be done in odd numbers, 

and agree that it is visually more appealing.

Finding the third part of the grouping was a bit challenging.

But that's when it's fun, right?!

A vintage white candy jar was calling my name, 

and some leftover moss made itself at home there. 

Ahh, I am complete once more.

Maybe I need to invite some guests, yes?

Times of Refreshing

The relentless sunshine beat down mercilessly on a parched earth.

Vibrant green grass faded to a dull brown.

Once promising fields of waving corn stood stunted, with leaves curled in hopes of a drop of rain.

As I looked at the signs of drought all around, my heart sank.

I felt helpless to do anything but pray for a miracle.

Pray for rain.

And then it came!

A downpour of beautiful water that washed away the dust and brought with a promise of life.

I watched it through the window.

I stood on the porch and just breathed in the fragrance of it.

Amazing how such an ordinary thing is a miracle when you have been without it,

and have no way to get it!

After the storm passed, I walked outside and am convinced that the earth was smiling.

The cornfields stood proudly, with open leaves.

The flowers lifted sparkling faces to their Maker.

The herbs released a new earthy fragrance, 

while rain glistened on the leaves of the rosebush.

There was new beauty all around me! 

Amazing what a little rain can do...

Sometimes my soul feels dry and parched.

I long for something, but can't seem to find what I desire.

I need the rain.

The river of Life.

This beautiful verse in Acts 3:19 has been on my heart:

"Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out,

that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

And He always honors the heart that seeks Him.

He comes with refreshing rain, truth that washes my soul and restores my mind.

Thank God, times in the desert don't last forever!

Praying that you experience His refreshing rain this weekend!

Catchin' Up

Like so many of you, my "normal" was turned upside down temporarily when the storm came through a week ago! With my internet down for days, a holiday, and sickness, I haven't kept up with blogging. Alot has been happening, in my heart and in my life...so I thought I'd fill you in!

Mulling over: Time. The preciousness of it. And how often I get into the trap of "busyness". I'm being challenged to ask if this is something God wants me to do, before I just say "yes"! Anyone else out there in the same shoes?

Reflecting on: Family. The legacy we leave behind us. This was {unfortunately} the best picture we had of the three of us with Eddie's granddad. We woke Hadassah from a nap to take it, because we don't know when, if ever, we'll be with him again this side of heaven. His life has had such an impact on Eddie, on me and now, our children. The fact that I am now a parent, and building a legacy for my daughter, is truly humbling. The choices I make today will affect her years from now! Wow. 

                                  

Pinterest inspiration: Chocolate zucchini brownies! Mmmm. They remind me of Texas sheet cake. And they have veggies in them...a whole 2 cups!!! That's my kind of bakin'!

Appreciating: My husband! He was away this weekend on a bachelor trip, and I realized, in a new way, just how much he means to me. Why is it so easy to take the best things in life for granted?!

Eating: Lots of fresh fruit and veggies! And loving it. When is being healthy so easy? {Which reminds me...I have a bag of bing cherries waiting for me in the fridge. *happy smile*}

Loving: being a mommy to this sweet little girl! {most days, anyway!} She's 9 months going on 2 years, and life is anything but dull with her. She took her first steps on Sunday, to her Aunt Edie, not her mother...of course! But did I mention that she was bribed with some yummy food? Time will tell if she's serious about this whole walking thing!

Reading: this book in preparation for our mission trip to Jamaica in 3 weeks. Eeeek!!! And I'm getting excited about what God will do...in my heart, and in our youth group!


So that's what's happening in my life; tell me what's going on in yours!!!

DIY: Striped Table Runner

I'm one of those people that goes in spurts when it comes to creating things. I have moods, and schedules, and those have to collide before I get the things done that are in my head! I've been adding pops of a coral color in my living room, to accent the turquoise and brown. The neutrals are soothing, but sometimes a girl has got to have some color in her life! I was so over the tan burlap that I'd used as a runner for the coffee table, and wanted some stripes, so I pulled out more burlap...this time in white!

I found some leftover paint from the nursery projects I've done, and mixed in some white paint I had on hand. I found an old magazine to lay under the burlap, since it has an open weave and some paint would seep through. After measuring the width of the runner, I taped off the area I wanted to paint and then I got to work!

With the rough texture, I wasn't sure how easily the paint would apply, but it was a fairly smooth process. I was so giddy to see my completed project, I barely waited til the paint was dry before pulling off the tape! ha.

Isn't it purdy??!! And still drying. Ahem. But who cares?

You know that moment when the vision in your head becomes reality? And actually looks almost like you bought it in the store? {my opinion, of course!} Ahh, yes. I love it!!! Now I'm itching to whip up some new pillow covers...

Stay cool in this heat, my friends!

World-View Wednesday: Sadie Rose Foundation 5k

As you can see, I'm a day behind; I just wanted to clear that up before you wonder why I'm posting for Wednesday on a Thursday! This week has been so busy; with VBS at church, packing for a trip to Indiana and taking care of a teething baby. But I wanted to share a few pics of the 5k I participated in last Saturday, along with several friends.

The Sadie Rose Foundation was started by Regina Harlow, after she lost her daughter, Sadie Rose, 17 hours after she was born. The heart of this ministry is to reach out to grieving families who've experienced similar loss. I love seeing how Regina is allowing God to use her to touch the lives of others that are hurting! When I heard that they were having a 5k, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. But I thought that my friend, Krista {who lost her sweet son,Truman, 3 months ago} would appreciate the experience even more, so I asked her if she'd join me...and she said she would!

Then I invited a few more friends, and Team Truman was formed! Pictured L to R: Jessica, Krista, Rachel, me, Christy, Sheila, Karana, Amy & Polly. It was a fun day, but bittersweet as we remembered and honored Truman's short life.

We wrote "Team Truman" on the back of our t-shirts, so we attempted a picture to show this. As you can see, you can't see it! ha. Oh well...

It was fun to run this with 2 other mommies: one of them, with a 3 week old baby! Go Amy!!

We all walked/jogged/ran the 3.1 miles and it was just a bit challenging. The information about the walk mentioned "rolling hills in Dayton", and it was most definitely that! Yeah, like maybe I didn't run at all on the one. It was a test of endurance! (= As I saw other people running way ahead of me, I decided the point is not so much how fast you run, but just that you do it!!!

Hadassah & I completed the race in 34 minutes! It was wonderful to reach the finish line (= I was so grateful to be a part of this event, and hope that many more hearts can find comfort in the support this ministry offers.

Bless you all!!