Saturday, April 9, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
God is moving...
and apparently so are we. :)
****Did want to clarify- we are moving... but not to Guatemala just yet. (I wish). We are moving into a rental that a sweet friend of ours owns until we raise enough monthly support. :)
For sale by owner...
for one week...
nothing but a sign in the yard...
first showing...
in this market
in this economy
nothing but God.
****Did want to clarify- we are moving... but not to Guatemala just yet. (I wish). We are moving into a rental that a sweet friend of ours owns until we raise enough monthly support. :)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Every child
I can't remember the exact moment...
but I have heard the stories,
of the day I came into this world.
I can't remember the sounds
but I know without a doubt
there was rejoicing in the hospital room.
I know there were people cheering
as word got out I had entered the world..
I can't remember the day
but I know I was wrapped in a soft blanket,
snuggled in arms of my mother...
and brought HOME.
There I was loved,
and taken care of,
and cherished.
Pictures were taken,
birthdays were celebrated,
memories were made.
And one thing I can remember is..
I felt safe.
I felt loved.
I felt wanted.
That is my wish for every child.
But the reality is for many-
their lives look nothing like this.
For many children,
there is no cheering,
no safety
and no hope.
People have asked us why Guatemala?
Why leave the comfort of the good old USA and go to a place that isn't as safe and where life is harder?
And my answer is...
because of children like Lizzy.
Because you see,
while the day Lizzy was born
there may not have been a celebration here on earth-
but in my heart I know
that there was cheering in heaven.
Because a child of God had been born.
A child who is beautiful.
A child who is a gift.
A child who matters- just as much as you and I.
A child who should never feel like they belong in the trash...
where Lizzy was found,
naked and alone.
Every child,
deserves to be celebrated
and to know the One who created them.
If you would like to help be a part of Lizzy's life, ensuring her the opportunity to have all of those things at Eagles Nest Orphanage- please go here and learn about how to be her monthly sponsor.
There are so many things we can invest our times and money into each day- but I believe the life of a child is one of the best investments that can ever be made.
but I have heard the stories,
of the day I came into this world.
I can't remember the sounds
but I know without a doubt
there was rejoicing in the hospital room.
I know there were people cheering
as word got out I had entered the world..
I can't remember the day
but I know I was wrapped in a soft blanket,
snuggled in arms of my mother...
and brought HOME.
There I was loved,
and taken care of,
and cherished.
Pictures were taken,
birthdays were celebrated,
memories were made.
And one thing I can remember is..
I felt safe.
I felt loved.
I felt wanted.
That is my wish for every child.
But the reality is for many-
their lives look nothing like this.
For many children,
there is no cheering,
no safety
and no hope.
People have asked us why Guatemala?
Why leave the comfort of the good old USA and go to a place that isn't as safe and where life is harder?
And my answer is...
because of children like Lizzy.
Because you see,
while the day Lizzy was born
there may not have been a celebration here on earth-
but in my heart I know
that there was cheering in heaven.
Because a child of God had been born.
A child who is beautiful.
A child who is a gift.
A child who matters- just as much as you and I.
A child who should never feel like they belong in the trash...
where Lizzy was found,
naked and alone.
Every child,
deserves to be celebrated
and to know the One who created them.
If you would like to help be a part of Lizzy's life, ensuring her the opportunity to have all of those things at Eagles Nest Orphanage- please go here and learn about how to be her monthly sponsor.
There are so many things we can invest our times and money into each day- but I believe the life of a child is one of the best investments that can ever be made.
My sweet friend Amber blessed my kiddo's today with these adorable hats!! They LOVE them and refuse to take them off. 
Thanks for sharing you talent with us Amber- you are so sweet! To purchase one of these adorable hats or see what other types Amber can make you can visit this site.
Thanks for sharing you talent with us Amber- you are so sweet! To purchase one of these adorable hats or see what other types Amber can make you can visit this site.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
All of us have regrets... one of my biggest regrets is that I didn't 'get it' at a younger age.
So much time I wasted!!! I am always so touched by the young ones who are so on fire for the Lord and for making the world a better place just by being in it. I love it when they are not afraid to tackle a project and do whatever it takes to bring change to the least of these.
For many of us some of our favorite moments with our children are snuggling up with them reading them their favorite story. It break my heart to think of these children not only with no parent to read to them- but not any books to read at all!
Read below what my sweet young friend Laura is doing and let's help her get these orphans from India some BOOKS. :)
I have been blessed to be involved with a very special orphanage in Central India for the past two years. I am very excited to be able to return this summer and spend a month working with the children there for the month of July. One of my projects while I am there is to set up a small library for the children in the girls' dorm. Right now there are 75 boys and girls living in this orphanage and they are constantly growing.
These kids have big dreams for their lives. They want to be doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, and pastors. They refuse to believe that because they are orphans, then their lives have no value. They know that God has big plans for their lives and they are going to change India for Him. But, in order for any of their dreams to come true, these kids NEED a good education. They are already typically behind in school and they need to get caught up. Unfortunately, the school that they go to right now is AWFUL. They don't learn there. They go to a poor school, it is most likely extremely over-crowded and they are just not learning what they need to be. This kills me to know.
I am in college right now, but when I graduate, I am going to move to India and teach at a school specifically for these children. Until I am able to go to be in India permanently, I am excited to be able to do what I can to help these children learn. I believe that having access to books will help these children so much. Having the ability to read outside of school will help them to catch up and learn what they are not getting at school. We will be able to buy them books both in Hindi and in English, so they will also be able to practice their English, a crucial skill for these children.
Will you help me make this happen?
Will you help me buy books for these precious children? I need to raise at least $150 in order to by a large cabinet for the books, but I want to raise so much more. I want to bless these children above and beyond what they would ever imagine. I want them to know that people across the world who have never met them care about them and love them. Would you give $5 to help me buy books for these children? Just $5. It will add up fast and we will be able to buy so many wonderful books for them to enjoy. Would you ask your friends and co-workers to give $5? I'm going to be asking just about everyone that I know to give just a little bit. I would really appreciate your help!
If you want to give, send me an e-mail at lsdroege@gmail.com and I will give you the info about where to send it. If you want to know more about the orphanage that I work with, check out my blog.
Thank you so much- Laura
So much time I wasted!!! I am always so touched by the young ones who are so on fire for the Lord and for making the world a better place just by being in it. I love it when they are not afraid to tackle a project and do whatever it takes to bring change to the least of these.
For many of us some of our favorite moments with our children are snuggling up with them reading them their favorite story. It break my heart to think of these children not only with no parent to read to them- but not any books to read at all!
Read below what my sweet young friend Laura is doing and let's help her get these orphans from India some BOOKS. :)
I have been blessed to be involved with a very special orphanage in Central India for the past two years. I am very excited to be able to return this summer and spend a month working with the children there for the month of July. One of my projects while I am there is to set up a small library for the children in the girls' dorm. Right now there are 75 boys and girls living in this orphanage and they are constantly growing.
These kids have big dreams for their lives. They want to be doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, and pastors. They refuse to believe that because they are orphans, then their lives have no value. They know that God has big plans for their lives and they are going to change India for Him. But, in order for any of their dreams to come true, these kids NEED a good education. They are already typically behind in school and they need to get caught up. Unfortunately, the school that they go to right now is AWFUL. They don't learn there. They go to a poor school, it is most likely extremely over-crowded and they are just not learning what they need to be. This kills me to know.
I am in college right now, but when I graduate, I am going to move to India and teach at a school specifically for these children. Until I am able to go to be in India permanently, I am excited to be able to do what I can to help these children learn. I believe that having access to books will help these children so much. Having the ability to read outside of school will help them to catch up and learn what they are not getting at school. We will be able to buy them books both in Hindi and in English, so they will also be able to practice their English, a crucial skill for these children.
Will you help me make this happen?
Will you help me buy books for these precious children? I need to raise at least $150 in order to by a large cabinet for the books, but I want to raise so much more. I want to bless these children above and beyond what they would ever imagine. I want them to know that people across the world who have never met them care about them and love them. Would you give $5 to help me buy books for these children? Just $5. It will add up fast and we will be able to buy so many wonderful books for them to enjoy. Would you ask your friends and co-workers to give $5? I'm going to be asking just about everyone that I know to give just a little bit. I would really appreciate your help!
If you want to give, send me an e-mail at lsdroege@gmail.com and I will give you the info about where to send it. If you want to know more about the orphanage that I work with, check out my blog.
Thank you so much- Laura
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
What if He meant YOU?
Sometimes, we find it easiest to look the other way.
Sometimes, we believe He isn't talking to us.
Sometimes, we figure someone else will do it.
Sometimes, we blow it off as someone elses responsibility.
But what if... God meant for you to do it?
As we were talking to someone the other day about support for our mission work we heard the all to common comment of 'go ask this church- or go ask that church'.
But what I sometimes think we forget is WE ARE THE CHURCH.
And often times we use the church as our excuse to not have to do what we are called as individuals to do.
We hide behind the title 'the church' and forget the church is made up of individual Christ followers who are all to do their own part.
Because after all, He is a personal God.
Personal to me- and personal to you.
While the church as a whole is powerful enough to knock out the orphan crisis- it's going to take all of us to do our part to make it happen- or it never will.
And yet all too often we sit and we wait...
For someone else to take care of the problem...
For someone else to give...
For someone else to serve...
For someone else to do something about it...
And we excuse ourselves of our individual responsibility.
When perhaps He was talking to us all along...
In the past I have talked a lot on my blog about our ties to money- and what the Lord has been teaching us. As we are raising funds for missions, more than ever before, our eyes are being opened to our cultures connection to the almighty dollar.
And more than ever before- I see how clearly it is the one thing that is bringing us, as a nation, down.
Our love for things...
and our love of self...
Over our love for Him.
I came across this picture the other day and I felt like someone punched me in the gut. I wondered how someone could just look the other way and go on without doing something to help?
But then it hit me..
Aren't we, in essence, doing this exact thing when we- choose that $6.00 latte over giving to missions?
When we choose to take a family vacation instead of giving our tithe?
Choose to have a pedicure over sponsoring a child in need?
Choose to look the other way as the homeless man sits on the corner begging for our help?
Choose a bigger house over adopting a child?
Choose to do nothing- when we could do something?
Choose not to respond.
Roman 14:12 tells us "Each of us will give an account of himself to God."
Belonging to a church isn't enough.
Each one of us, individually, are accountable to God for what we have done for the poor, the helpless, the widow and the orphan.
I once heard someone say the only thing worse than being lost- is being lost and knowing there is no one looking for you. As the body of Christ I believe the Lord is calling each one of us- as individuals- to open our eyes and LOOK. Look for the need and act.
Give.
Serve.
Love.
Take it personal-
Because He does.
Sometimes, we believe He isn't talking to us.
Sometimes, we figure someone else will do it.
Sometimes, we blow it off as someone elses responsibility.
But what if... God meant for you to do it?
As we were talking to someone the other day about support for our mission work we heard the all to common comment of 'go ask this church- or go ask that church'.
But what I sometimes think we forget is WE ARE THE CHURCH.
And often times we use the church as our excuse to not have to do what we are called as individuals to do.
We hide behind the title 'the church' and forget the church is made up of individual Christ followers who are all to do their own part.
Because after all, He is a personal God.
Personal to me- and personal to you.
While the church as a whole is powerful enough to knock out the orphan crisis- it's going to take all of us to do our part to make it happen- or it never will.
And yet all too often we sit and we wait...
For someone else to take care of the problem...
For someone else to give...
For someone else to serve...
For someone else to do something about it...
And we excuse ourselves of our individual responsibility.
When perhaps He was talking to us all along...
In the past I have talked a lot on my blog about our ties to money- and what the Lord has been teaching us. As we are raising funds for missions, more than ever before, our eyes are being opened to our cultures connection to the almighty dollar.
And more than ever before- I see how clearly it is the one thing that is bringing us, as a nation, down.
Our love for things...
and our love of self...
Over our love for Him.
I came across this picture the other day and I felt like someone punched me in the gut. I wondered how someone could just look the other way and go on without doing something to help?
But then it hit me..
Aren't we, in essence, doing this exact thing when we- choose that $6.00 latte over giving to missions?
When we choose to take a family vacation instead of giving our tithe?
Choose to have a pedicure over sponsoring a child in need?
Choose to look the other way as the homeless man sits on the corner begging for our help?
Choose a bigger house over adopting a child?
Choose to do nothing- when we could do something?
Choose not to respond.
Roman 14:12 tells us "Each of us will give an account of himself to God."
Belonging to a church isn't enough.
Each one of us, individually, are accountable to God for what we have done for the poor, the helpless, the widow and the orphan.
I once heard someone say the only thing worse than being lost- is being lost and knowing there is no one looking for you. As the body of Christ I believe the Lord is calling each one of us- as individuals- to open our eyes and LOOK. Look for the need and act.
Give.
Serve.
Love.
Take it personal-
Because He does.
Just thought I'd introduce you to our families all time favorite music artist- Dan Ucherek. Seriously amazing guy and seriously amazing talent. If you haven't heard his music you are missing out in a big way.
Check out his new song- Only Jesus- that he wrote for his baby boy who is waiting in Ethiopia. We love you Dan and Christi and we are so thankful to have you in our lives! :)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Kaden!!
(Kaden March, 2008)3 years of this crazy, funny, amazing little man = one blessed family! I always say everyone should be so lucky to have a Kaden in their lives. Not a day goes by that we don't stand in awe at the wonder of this precious little life. He keeps us on our toes, makes us laugh so hard our sides hurt and brings us more joy than we come close to deserving.
Thank you Lord for this gift you have given us. But most importantly, thank you for the things you have taught us about you through Him.
I love you Kaden...
you.bless.me
Monday, March 21, 2011
Because missions are a group effort
One of the coolest things about going into full time missions is finding the people that God knew would partner with us.:)
We have met the neatest people and we have been so blessed by their example of love for the least of these~ and more importantly love for the Lord. We feel so incredibly humbled by those who have stepped forward to be on our team because they understand that missions are God’s plan- and we are grateful for each and every one of them.
I was talking to a friend the other day and she told me what a privilege it was for her to be a sender- and it stopped me dead in my tracks. You see, when God first called us into full time missions- I almost let the fear of raising support stop us. The thought of having to ask people for financial support made me cringe- and I wasn’t sure I could do it. We spoke to friends, sought advice and prayed like crazy. Through it all we sensed the Lord saying trust me.
So we stepped out in faith, with our knees wobbling and butterflies in our stomach...
The Lord has taught us so much about who He is through our support raising. I believe He wanted to strip us of our pride- of our self-sufficient attitude -so we can see clearly how often we are guilty of relying on our own strengths and abilities- over His.
It has been a beautiful to witness His people putting Him and His mission as a top priority in their lives. It has been beautiful to see the body of Christ in action.
Missions are a group effort. God planned it that way. If you know about the Lord today it is because of missions. It is because another Christians along the way shared the Lord with you. But for many, this is not the case. While God may have called our family to Guatemala to serve- He has called each one of us to care for orphans, and each one of us to share the good news.
We invite you to partner with us as we partner with the Lord caring for the least of these and giving them hope in Him.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at block amy at hot mail dot com.
Tax deductible giving can be made at:
Commission To Every Nation
Todd and Amy Block
P.O. Box 291307
Kerrville, TX 78029-1307
Online giving here
Thank you so much for your support!!
We have met the neatest people and we have been so blessed by their example of love for the least of these~ and more importantly love for the Lord. We feel so incredibly humbled by those who have stepped forward to be on our team because they understand that missions are God’s plan- and we are grateful for each and every one of them.
I was talking to a friend the other day and she told me what a privilege it was for her to be a sender- and it stopped me dead in my tracks. You see, when God first called us into full time missions- I almost let the fear of raising support stop us. The thought of having to ask people for financial support made me cringe- and I wasn’t sure I could do it. We spoke to friends, sought advice and prayed like crazy. Through it all we sensed the Lord saying trust me.
So we stepped out in faith, with our knees wobbling and butterflies in our stomach...
The Lord has taught us so much about who He is through our support raising. I believe He wanted to strip us of our pride- of our self-sufficient attitude -so we can see clearly how often we are guilty of relying on our own strengths and abilities- over His.
It has been a beautiful to witness His people putting Him and His mission as a top priority in their lives. It has been beautiful to see the body of Christ in action.
Missions are a group effort. God planned it that way. If you know about the Lord today it is because of missions. It is because another Christians along the way shared the Lord with you. But for many, this is not the case. While God may have called our family to Guatemala to serve- He has called each one of us to care for orphans, and each one of us to share the good news.
We invite you to partner with us as we partner with the Lord caring for the least of these and giving them hope in Him.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at block amy at hot mail dot com.
Tax deductible giving can be made at:
Commission To Every Nation
Todd and Amy Block
P.O. Box 291307
Kerrville, TX 78029-1307
Online giving here
Thank you so much for your support!!
COOL BEANS~ with Tortillas! :)
Love this idea that Lifesong is doing!! Wanna join in?
Tortilla Tuesday!!
Next Monday we will be kicking off an exciting 10 day blog-a-thon to spread the word about what's going on at Lifesong Honduras. We will be sharing personal testimonies from changed lives, peeking into everyday Honduran life, and giving some tools to spread awareness in your families.
One of these tools is a little something we like to call (da-daDAAA!):
Tuesday, March 29th we will be dedicating 1 meal to eat what the children in Honduras eat on a daily basis... and we want you to be a part of it! We will also provide some great topical questions and discussion guides for you to share with your kids on what life is like for children in another culture.
Would YOU join us?
We'll share more as we get closer to the 29th, so mark your calendars, get your camera ready and head to the store to get tortillas, rice, and beans for the whole family!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Last week was our spring break so we took a road trip to meet up with some family and friends and do some support raising for missions. It was such a precious time of making new friends and seeing old. A time of getting to share our story (how we became a family of 11 and how the Lord called us to Guatemala) as well as hearing how the Lord is working in others lives as well. It was a long drive with 7 kids in tow- and while Havyn was not exactly thrilled about being in a car seat for 15 hours straight- all of our kids did an amazing job (despite making 3,491 bathroom stops).
I just wanted to say thank you to our amazing supporters- for your hospitality, your sacrifices, your encouragement and most importantly your example. There is no way we could do what the Lord has called us to do without you- and we are so thankful to have you in our lives.
Raising support for missions, we are learning, is not for the weak. But what I love is how the Lord has blessed us with so many people who know this- but stand beside us and hold us up when we can't do it on our own (you guys know who you are). I am so thankful for your encouragement, your prayers and for the way you so boldly go before us. We did nothing to deserve friends and family like you- and yet God blessed us with the most precious gift in this world- you.
I just wanted to say thank you to our amazing supporters- for your hospitality, your sacrifices, your encouragement and most importantly your example. There is no way we could do what the Lord has called us to do without you- and we are so thankful to have you in our lives.
Raising support for missions, we are learning, is not for the weak. But what I love is how the Lord has blessed us with so many people who know this- but stand beside us and hold us up when we can't do it on our own (you guys know who you are). I am so thankful for your encouragement, your prayers and for the way you so boldly go before us. We did nothing to deserve friends and family like you- and yet God blessed us with the most precious gift in this world- you.
Thank you doesn't begin to cut it- so I just hope you know you mean the world to us.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Please pray, spread the word and ACT!
As you may have heard, Joint Council recently released a Statement regarding the announcement by the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs plan to reduce intercountry adoption by 90%. We do not have a lot of detail on why or if this is going to be temporary or permanent. JCICS has issued the following Call to Action in hopes that MoWA will reverse this decision.
Please help! by doing the following:
1)Sign the petition to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi – and pass it on!
2)Have you adopted from Ethiopia? Please send us up to 3 photos and 50 words or less with what you would like the Ministry to know about your child – we’ll compile the information and send a book to the Ministry of Woman’s Affairs. Send your photos and stories to advocate@jointcouncil.org by Sunday, March 12, 2011 to be included. Please note that sending photos and stories gives Joint Council unrestricted right to use the information you provide.
3)Share…Please send this Call to Action to family members, other adoptive parents, and everyone you know! Post, forward and share your adoption stories via Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Make sure you include us in your posts so we can all hear your stories! Here’s links to our pages: Facebook, Twitter and our blog.
4)Stay informed: Get up-to-date information regarding the situation in Ethiopia by signing up to receive information from us: click here to do so, make sure you choose “country and issues specific information” and “Ethiopia.” And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our blog!
5)Help ensure our advocacy can continue: Joint Council is a non-profit and receives no government funding. Please join us in ensuring more children live in safe, permanent and loving families. Donate today!
Please help! by doing the following:
1)Sign the petition to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi – and pass it on!
2)Have you adopted from Ethiopia? Please send us up to 3 photos and 50 words or less with what you would like the Ministry to know about your child – we’ll compile the information and send a book to the Ministry of Woman’s Affairs. Send your photos and stories to advocate@jointcouncil.org by Sunday, March 12, 2011 to be included. Please note that sending photos and stories gives Joint Council unrestricted right to use the information you provide.
3)Share…Please send this Call to Action to family members, other adoptive parents, and everyone you know! Post, forward and share your adoption stories via Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Make sure you include us in your posts so we can all hear your stories! Here’s links to our pages: Facebook, Twitter and our blog.
4)Stay informed: Get up-to-date information regarding the situation in Ethiopia by signing up to receive information from us: click here to do so, make sure you choose “country and issues specific information” and “Ethiopia.” And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our blog!
5)Help ensure our advocacy can continue: Joint Council is a non-profit and receives no government funding. Please join us in ensuring more children live in safe, permanent and loving families. Donate today!
Happy 1st Gotcha Day!!
One year ago today...
the Lord gave us one of His greatest gifts- our beautiful Ethiopian princess.
I cannot imagine our life without her in it. She has brought so much joy into our family and her little life has forever blessed ours.
She is full of spunk, smart as can be and enthralled with the world around her. She makes me smile and melts my heart with a single look.
Thank you Lord for this amazing gift and thank you God for her donor ~who we will be forever grateful for. Because of you and your heart, this precious treasure is ours.
And please pray for the many children in Ethiopia
and for the families who are longing to bring them home-
as news has it Ethiopia is cutting back as much as 90 percent the number of inter-country adoptions.
My heart breaks for all involved as they wait...
we are praying.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Todd and I kind of had this deal that we were not going to buy anything for each other for our anniversary since we are saving for missions and all...
so today when I drove up to our house someone had put signs all over our yard and house.
Now the neighbors really think we are crazy. :)
But yes honey, I would marry you again- in Guatemala.
19 years ago...
19 years ago I became your wife...
Only looking back now I realize I first loved you for all the wrong reasons.
I was so young, lost, scared, alone and confused... desperate to find my place in this world.
But we found it...
together
in our saviors arms.
It hasn't always been easy
as the Lord has pruned us, changed us and taught us His ways.
Because what I have come to realize is that
it isn't
romance,
riches,
physical beauty,
or prestige
that makes my knees weak and makes my heart beat faster when you walk into the room...
it's the way you lead our family,
the way you defend the orphan,
the way you teach our children,
the way you love your neighbor
and the way you put God above all else
that makes me fall in love
with you
all over again.
Thank you for that.
Thank you for sharing your life with me
and for the privilege of being your wife.
I love you
to
the end.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Several of you have asked me how you can be a part of our sending team. I cannot thank you enough for seeing the importance of mission work. Without you- it would be impossible for us to go.
We are excited to announce that we are officially approved and up on the CTEN (Commission to Every Nation) website and donations can be made in our names on their site. Check us out here.
Thank you for your support, your prayers, your encouragement and thank you for your hearts for the orphan.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
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