Compassion

Valentines. Hearts. Chocolates. Cards. Sweethearts.

All this commercialism pales when you read this last weeks' entries from Shannon of Rocks in My Dryer, and Sophie of BooMama.

I just discovered Rocks in My Dryer within the last month, and had read she was going to Africa, but didn't know why. Yesterday I stopped by her blog--and could hardly pry myself away for an hour or so. You see, she and several others went to Africa to tour some of the Compassion International Projects, and they have told stories and shown photos that will uplift you even as the tears trickle down your cheeks.

Several years ago, while living in New Mexico, I received a brochure in the mail from Compassion, explaining their program, and seeking sponsors for children throughout the world. Now, I have seen lots of commercials on TV for first one organization and then another, and was a bit skeptical about how much of my money would actually go to the children--and how much went to pay the photographers, celebrities, etc. who do these pleas for money. Okay, let's say cynical.

But I researched this organization, a Christian organization, because I had wanted for years to be in a position to sponsor a child from another country, to provide some of the things my child and I took for granted. I was totally blown away by what I read. I won't go into details here, because they do a much better job than I. Suffice it to say I was convinced and I began to surf their site for a child. I could have searched by age, by country, by birthdate, or let them choose a child for me, but I wanted to see the photos and read about the children.

One little girl from El Salvador grabbed my heart. I emailed right away and asked for her specifically, if she had not already been sponsored--and she hadn't! Dalia was 7 years old, standing in a little pink top and blue checked shorts, with a smile on her face that didn't quite reach her eyes. That was in December 2000--and an earthquake hit El Salvador in January of 2001. I was on pins and needles, knowing that one of the Compassion children in the area was killed, and praying it wasn't Dalia. God preserved my little girl, who wrote me later about the earthquake and how they all "held hands with each other and their teachers and prayed for mercy".

Dalia just turned 15 this month, and she is growing tall and beautiful. She is no longer in school, though I am not certain why, but still goes to the Project when she can, and still goes to church. There were plans to have her learn to sew and do hair, but the waiting list is long and she is not able to attend that school yet. I do not know what her future holds, but God does, and I will continue to support Dalia and her family as long as I am allowed.

That said, I am a sorry letter-writer, and don't send her letters as often as I could. Because of the danger of items being confiscated by customs, we can only send paper products and the envelope cannot be more than 1/8 inch thick, or it is at risk to be stolen. In the past I have sent her postcards of different places, a couple of photos of me (though I HATE to have my picture taken), pages from coloring and activity books, stickers, bookmarks, etc. Ah, but she is older now, and I must think a little harder.

But what has struck me more than anything from the postings by Sophie and Shannon and the others others is just how much difference a measly $32.00/month makes in the life of these children, these families. And even more than that, is the way their faces light up when they talk about their sponsors! It is very humbling to think that my letters could mean that much to Dalia--and shames me to think how many more letters I could have been sending these last 7 years.

Please go read these blogs and then check out Compassion's website. You can choose from any country, any age, either sex, and please consider those who have been waiting for a sponsor for more than 6 months. How devastating it must be to be approved for the program, and then think that no one in the Wealthy country of America could care about you.

I think I might go find another teenager to sponsor (like most folks, I went for a younger child for my first sponsorship) and give up a few fast food meals a month. There will be a trip to El Salvador in the fall, but I don't know if I can manage it this year. I would really love to go meet "my little girl", the one who prayed "for (my) knees be heal" and who was sorry my other dog died. She has blessed me far more than she will ever know. Pray that if I can't make it this year, that I am able to go before she turns 18.

For now, I'm going to go write my girl and give her a paper hug.


Edited 2/19 to add: Over at Shaun's blog, you can read many more stories of Compassion sponsors!

Valentine thoughts

I've been reading different posts about Valentine's Day, the commercialism versus home crafts, and listening to gals at work talk about their plans to observe the day--or not. J-Man and I have never done much to celebrate Valentine's Day, though I did surprise him today with a funny card and a box of Hershey's Kisses.

I remember a book I read several years ago, "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. According to Chapman, who is a Christian Marriage Counselor, we have different love languages, and if we don't learn how to express our love in a manner our spouse can understand, it's as if you speak English and he speaks Chinese--you will never truly be able to communicate unless at least one of you learns the other's language.

His list? Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, Physical Touch.

J-Man's primary language is Acts of Service, with Gifts a close second. It's what he understands, and how he expresses his love for me. I cannot remember the last time he said the words, "I love you", but he hunts up the best gas prices and fills my truck up a couple of times a month, and he faithfully provides some sort of supper the nights I work so I won't have to get up early to cook. Today he went to Arby's for lunch while I slept, and came home with a chocolate turnover for me.

I used to be a Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation gal, but have learned new languages. Because of the J-Man's disability, walking and holding hands is just not an option any more. Hugs are difficult too--they can throw him off balance. He appreciates it when I tell him I love him, but it means more to him when I keep his clothes folded in his drawers, because it's easier for him than trying to hunt through a basket for clean underwear.

Do you and your Sweetheart speak the same love language? Have you learned to communicate in a way that truly says "I love you and I want you to know it?"
J-Man knows I love him, but he FEELS loved when I get supper on the table by 6:00 pm. I think I'm going to read this book again. I really need a refresher.

Winter Swap

For those of you who left a kind comment on the last entry about my contribution to the Four Seasons Quilt Swap, I thank you kindly. But THIS is why I am not satisfied with my project:






Is this not FANTASTIC?? Laila in Norway had my name and made this beautiful Christmas quiltlet for me. The words over the top are "And it all happened in those days" in Norwegian. I wish it was December again so I could display it--I can hardly wait til next year! It's hand quilted, too, can you see that?

She also included an outline of an angel to embroider, and beautiful angel fabric. I will have to ponder on how best to work this up, but what a wonderful challenge.
Laila, thank you SOOOO MUCH!


Spring always seems so busy, trying to get work done in the yard before it gets too hot, that I might not participate in the spring swap. On the other hand, I love those spring colors and have seen a couple of cute patterns I'd like to try.

Ahhh,yes, too many quilts, too little uncommitted time.

Quilty stuff

Gee, I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted anything. I've done some lurking in odd moments this week, but have only left one or two comments.

Well, I finished my quiltlet for the Winter 2008 edition of the Four Seasons Quilt Swap, and sent it off. I was in a creative dry spell--that's my only excuse. And that's all I have to say about that, to quote Forrest Gump.



But I have four nights off, so in addition to working on my taxes, I plan to get some sewing done! Even if the floors don't get mopped or vacuumed! I cooked breakfast this morning--might not cook again for a couple of days, so DH better have enjoyed it.
I've finished cutting strips for DD's string quilt, and will be sewing those together into squares today. As I go, I'm taking photos, so all you beginners out there can be looking for a tutorial soon.
Our quilt guild will be doing a show at the community mall on March 8 to celebrate National Quilting Day (which isn't until the next week, but that always gets bumped due to St. Patrick's Day activities.) Our challenge this year is entitled "B" in the Mountains, adapted from the theme of last year's Symposium, "Bee in the Mountains", that we hosted. We have bright yellow/gold fabric to use, and I have an idea, but don't know if I can get it finished in time. If you've been reading my blog for several months, you can probably figure out what "B" I plan to use.
Maybe I can post more later. Hope you all have a pleasant day!

Observation

Anytime a hospital lets its bean-counters dictate the quality of patient care, you can bet that hospital is on its way out.

Enough said.