For those who are skimming and in a hurry, read this... if you are one who is planning to get Braska something for Christmas (I realize that's not all of you, of course) please grant us this wish... FIRST donate to one or more of these Angels, then if you choose, feel free to wrap up something for her. But I would largely prefer that you spend your money on them...they need every penny, and we simply don't "need" for anything. If this means that Braska has no "actual gifts" under the tree, then so be it! And the same goes for gifts for me! Let us know who you donated to, so that we may add them personally to our prayer list of special friends. Here's why...
Lately, I've had an especially sensitive heart toward the kids of the world, especially disabled, who are in such poor conditions in institutions and orphanages. This is a new thing for me, not new that I care, but that it's been bothering me so much. Braska and I have been praying every single night for these children, that God would comfort them and somehow not let them experience the pain and emotional neglect that is inevitable. I've gotten where I can't hardly think about it without crying and just wrapping Braska up in big hugs. No child should have to live without interaction and human contact. It's making me have a whole new view on adoption, even though I've always had a heart for it.
The stories are here if you want to familiarize yourself with some of the problems. It's heartbreaking, and I've been asking God to show me where I can start to actually DO something. I am tired of just hearing, crying, and feeling helpless. So this is where we start.
Others are DOING something as well...Meredith and her family at Cornish Adoption Journey is right now waiting the call to get the time that they will fly and pick up precious Aleksa, and there are other adopting, too. Michelle at DownBlogger had a great post and a call to action as well. Several others of you have posted to spread the word.
For me, this is the first thing that popped in my mind. If you were going to pick up a cute outfit for Braska that is $15, then please send that $15 to Reece's Rainbow's Angels. If you want to get the outfit too, then go right ahead. :o) I'm not trying to take the gifting joy from you, but I want to share a more important joy with those who desperately need it.
At least take the time to go look at them, see that they're kids too. Consider donating as a family, DS network, Sunday School class, small group, or neighborhood. They want no more than to be loved, and every child deserves that...every child.
Lately, I've had an especially sensitive heart toward the kids of the world, especially disabled, who are in such poor conditions in institutions and orphanages. This is a new thing for me, not new that I care, but that it's been bothering me so much. Braska and I have been praying every single night for these children, that God would comfort them and somehow not let them experience the pain and emotional neglect that is inevitable. I've gotten where I can't hardly think about it without crying and just wrapping Braska up in big hugs. No child should have to live without interaction and human contact. It's making me have a whole new view on adoption, even though I've always had a heart for it.
The stories are here if you want to familiarize yourself with some of the problems. It's heartbreaking, and I've been asking God to show me where I can start to actually DO something. I am tired of just hearing, crying, and feeling helpless. So this is where we start.
Others are DOING something as well...Meredith and her family at Cornish Adoption Journey is right now waiting the call to get the time that they will fly and pick up precious Aleksa, and there are other adopting, too. Michelle at DownBlogger had a great post and a call to action as well. Several others of you have posted to spread the word.
For me, this is the first thing that popped in my mind. If you were going to pick up a cute outfit for Braska that is $15, then please send that $15 to Reece's Rainbow's Angels. If you want to get the outfit too, then go right ahead. :o) I'm not trying to take the gifting joy from you, but I want to share a more important joy with those who desperately need it.
At least take the time to go look at them, see that they're kids too. Consider donating as a family, DS network, Sunday School class, small group, or neighborhood. They want no more than to be loved, and every child deserves that...every child.
Wow. Thank you so much for sharing this need! It is definitely something we will be talking and praying about. Karen K
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! I am amazed at the love and unselfishness. Do you know that since we started this...THIS MORNING...over one thousand dollars has already been raised? YAY! Thank you for hearing the plea. And God bless you and Braska.
ReplyDeletewe all look for teachers gifts, what better gift?
ReplyDeleteImagine:
Dear __________,
I wanted the gift we got for you this year to truly reflect your love for children. Another mug? Cookies? No. This year, with the plight of the orphans in Serbia and elsewhere around the world so fresh in our minds, I decided to give a monetary donation in your name to an organization that is trying to save as many lives as possible.
Reece's Rainbow seeks out children abandoned in orphanages and institutions, children with Down syndrome just like ______________. Seeing their faces, lives wasting away tied to cribs and starving, with no love and attention, touched me beyond words. And so, we have made a donation in your name to Reece's Rainbow. All over the world, there are families who would go whisk those children out of there and away to warm, safe homes, if only they had enough money to meet adoption costs.
Children who reach the age of 4 and have not yet been adopted are sent away to institutions, with no hope, where they will languish for life, untouched. Just as they would have become eligible to be given the gift of the influence of a great teacher like you, their lives are ended. We are joining hands with other families around the world in trying to reach these children. We know that you became a teacher because of your love for children and your desire to change lives. We hope you will agree that this may be one of the best legacies any teacher could ever leave. Thank you, on behalf of the children.
Hi Little Bear; You are so sweet, your mommy and pop are too. I think this is a great way to bring a little love into some little angel also. Love you RK& good old Pop. Thanks so much for letting us in on this. Hope you all have a wonderful CHRISTMAS Love you Grampa Rod
ReplyDeleteNew Pics, Braska. You look great.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! This will help you and Braska help many others. Other good ideas are springing from it. We'll be happy to help others in her name.
ReplyDeleteLove to all,
Papa Beagle