Children like Victoria...

I wanted to introduce you to someone. Someone who I don’t want to be overlooked in this world.
Someone who I don’t want you to say you didn’t know about.
Someone who I don’t want you to just read about, then click the page and go on with your every day life.
Someone who needs you to know she exists.

I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. John 14:18

I believe with all my heart that Jesus keeps his promises. To you, to me and to children like Victoria.

I believe that the very reason He went to the cross, was to take our place and to make a way for us to be adopted into His family- so that we wouldn’t be left as orphans- with no hope. Because we couldn’t do it on our own- and neither can Victoria.

Victoria is one of the newer babies that reside at Eagles Nest orphanage in Guatemala. Victoria is special not because she is missing part of her ear, not because she is having seizures and they don’t know why, not because she is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen- but because she is a child of God and her life matters just as much as mine- and just as much as yours.

Victoria’s story is one that has the finger prints of God written all over it because it is a story of hope. Hope for the future, hope for healing and hope of knowing the one who created her.

It is believed Victoria was most likely relinquished by her birth mother because of her special needs. Victoria is missing her left ear and has a partial right ear. After some testing it was discovered that she does have her ear canals but it is still not confirmed whether or not she can hear for sure, although observations suggests that she may not.
 
Victoria is tiny- weighing in at only 6.8 lbs at age 3 months. Yet despite her special needs, despite her having seizures-she is a fighter. She is beautiful, she has a purpose and she is a child of God.
 
The other day someone told me they would ‘love to help support the Lords mission work in Guatemala but their money was tied up in other things’. A few minutes later they were talking about the doggie day care they had put their pet into so it wouldn’t be lonely while they were at work. Now, don’t get me wrong- I love dogs and all. But I couldn’t help but to think that often times we have our priorities messed up. And the worst part is, we don’t even see it.

So I’d like to challenge you.

Challenge you to sit down and look over your checkbook. Nobody else has to know, nobody else has to see- just you and the Lord. And I want to challenge you to be really honest with yourself and be honest with God- because he already knows it anyway. Could you possibly give up eating out once a month and help be a sender instead? Could you forfeit having your nails done? Could you maybe give up a couple trips to Starbucks a week and instead bring hope to children like Victoria? I guarantee you if you invest in His kingdom the reward will be so much greater than any dinner out you have ever eaten. Bold on my part to ask this of you? Perhaps, but I know Victoria is so worth it.

My prayer for Victoria is that while she may not ever hear a word a say to her- she will HEAR the VOICE of God through our actions. Mine and yours. Some as goers and some as senders.
  
If you’d like to help us bring the love to Jesus to children like Victoria please consider partnering with us through prayer and financial support of just $25 a month.

Prov. 19:17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord--and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!

The above post was written by Amy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything below is from Lorraine Patterson at All Are Precious In His Sight.

Today is the last day for me to host the Back the Block Blitz, so you won't hear from me again after this post.  Thank you so much for allowing me to hijack Amy's blog, and thank you for backing the Blocks!

If you haven't any charity in your heart,

you have the worst kind of heart trouble. 

~Bob Hope

(Just in case you didn't know, this blitz is in memory of our 4-year-old daughter, Chrissie, who went to heaven on May 19, 2010, following open-heart surgery.)

I am so excited about the 33 pledges made thus far to "Back the Blocks"!  So grateful for all those who are praying, sharing, sending, supporting, encouraging, and backing the Blocks.  Many thanks to all who have made their pledges.  This is the last day of the blitz, so spread the word!

Regarding Bob Hope's quote above, I believe the very worst heart trouble is when we don't have Jesus living in our hearts.  That's a heart problem that affects your eternal life, but it's something that can be easily repaired.  Through the blood shed by our Savior, all we have to do is ask Him to take up full residence in our hearts in order to repair the very worst heart trouble.   If we have Jesus in our hearts, we should have MANY charities in our hearts as well.  One cannot be like Jesus without having charities in our hearts.  Yet, there are so many people who call themselves Christians who are not really living for Jesus.  My heart aches because not too long ago, I was that same "Christian", and oh how I was missing out on something I never realized.  Before God began His circumcision of my heart, I never really lived my life fully for Jesus.  I mean, I loved God and believed Jesus was His One and Only Son, but I didn't really KNOW Him, nor did my life reflect Him.  Today, I still have such a very long way to go, but I am so very grateful for the continual circumcision of my heart, and I pray more and more "Christians" will pray for God to circumcise their hearts as well.  This transformation is definitely not something I could do on my own, but our gracious Father is so very capable.  He is the best heart Surgeon available, and the results of a repaired heart by our Jehovah Rapha is priceless, beautiful, and so very worth it.

As I continue to read, review, and reflect upon all God did during Chrissie's 31-day battle after her open-heart surgery, I'm learning so much.  I thought that journey was supposed to be all about fixing Chrissie's heart, but that was only one piece of the puzzle.  God intended for that journey to be about fixing broken hearts of His treasured ones around the world.  God used Chrissie's battle to bring so many people closer to Him, to begin relationships with Him, to repair relationships with Him, and to renovate many hearts around the world, as our Jehovah Rapha performed open-heart surgery on thousands of people, through the testimony of one little girl, who was once a forgotten orphan.

My prayer right now, on the last day of the "Back the Blocks" Boss Your Heart Memorial Blitz, is that God would repair many more hearts for His glory.  I pray His children will be willing patients of our Jehovah Rapha's, allowing Him to renovate their hearts to be more like His.   I pray that God will examine every  heart and make it more like His.  I pray that the world will know by our actions (love is a verb) that He is the One who has shaped our hearts. 

I pray that today, after you read Amy's message above, that you will ask God to examine your heart (and your checkbook), so that all of our hearts may look and feel more like His on this very day.  Jehovah Rapha is able.  No heart repair is too difficult for Him. 

Please spread the word TODAY to help build the team to "Back the Blocks"!  Click HERE to make your pledge.  Be sure to click HERE to leave a comment after you make your pledge so I can update the tally/counter/ticker.  Let's see what God does on this last day of the official blitz to get 147 families to "Back the Blocks"!  Spread the word! 

Thank you, again, for putting up with me during this blitz, and thank you all for your support of the Block family!

27 Pledges, 120 To Go!

It's Lorraine again, from All Are Precious In His Sight.  Amy probably won't have internet access until Monday.  Yesterday, the Blocks moved into their temporary residence, and we're praying that God will quickly raise up an army of 147 supporters who will back the Blocks with a monthly pledge of $25 so they can get to Guatemala sooner rather than later.

The Boss Your Heart Memorial Blitz, in memory of our Princess Chrissie, will be focusing on helping the Blocks with the "Back the Blocks" blitz through Monday, May 9.  That means we just have 3 days to get 120 more commitments of people willing to "Back the Blocks" with a monthly pledge of $25.

Will you please help us find the remaining 120 supporters?  I have a feeling God's already got them picked up, we just have to spread the word so every ear can hear and every eye can see.  God will take care of the rest.

When our Chrissie was in the hospital last spring, God performed countless miracles.  Some of those miracles were so crazy and radical that sometimes we felt like we were in a dream.  But it wasn't a dream, it was real.  God still performs miracles daily, and we experienced miracle after miracle first-hand last spring at this same time, as we sat by our daughter's side, as she fought for her life following her open-heart surgery.  Even though God chose to take Chrissie Home to live with Him, after she battled for  her life for 31 days straight, God's miracles during that time should not be overlooked, questioned, or doubted.  God is alive and active, and He undoubtedly performs miracles today.

Raising up a total of 147 families to back the Blocks with an ongoing pledge of $25/month may not seem possible to some.  Some might think there's no way that we could get that many families to make that type of commitment, especially in just one week!  Well, I say let's all pray for God to show His mighty hand and raise up an army of 147 commitments by Monday, May 9!  God CAN do this.  We must be His hands and feet to spread the word, we must pray diligently, and we ourselves must be an example by making our pledge to "Back the Blocks". 

Oh what a party of rejoicing it will be when we see God's army of 147 fully chosen, committed, and marching alongside the Blocks, backing them financially, and praying them to Guatemala!  Please join His army today by backing the Blocks!  Click HERE to make your pledge today!  (Donations are tax-deductible.)

Don't forget, if you make a pledge, it's super important that you click HERE to let me (Lorraine) know that you pledged.  I am keeping a tally of the number of people who join the team to "Back the Blocks", but the only way for me to keep an accurate count is to have supporters leave me a comment over on my blog when they make a pledge.  Also, when you leave a comment over there, you'll be entered in a giveaway!  Fun!

Praying you'll all have a blessed weekend, and praying that God's team of people who are backing the Blocks will grow abundantly over the weekend so that we can rejoice in His miracles on Monday!  Spread the word!  Pray!  Give!

^"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."  ~2 Corinthians 6-8

Manna (and a Back the Block update!)

This is Lorraine again from All Are Precious In His Sight.  Amy and her family are moving into their rental unit today, and I pray it will be for a VERY SHORT while that they will remain in this location.  I pray God will continue to lift up selfless people who are willing to pledge $25/month to the Blocks so they may get to Guatemala to serve Him!

I'm excited to announce that the Blocks now have 20 people (out of 147) who have joined the team to "Back the Blocks" by signing up HERE to give $25/month.  All glory to God for this sweet army He's building, now just keep praying and spreading the word so that His army will be made complete.  The Blocks still need 127 more families to join the team!  Be sure to leave a comment on THIS POST if you sign up to join the team so that I (Lorraine) can update the counter (plus you'll be entered in a giveaway!).  Don't forget to spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, blogs, email, etc.  We are so grateful for your help and support.  Thank you for backing the Blocks so they can get to Guatemala to serve for His glory!

Just 4 more days of the "Back the Blocks" blitz.  120 more pledges needed.  God can do this!  Keep praying and spreading the word!

Here's a post Amy wrote about the Manna Feeding program at Eagle's Nest orphanage where they'll be serving:

It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. ~Mother Teresa

Someone was explaining to me the other day that at her house they just ‘don’t do’ left overs- and it stopped me dead in my tracks.

In the past this wouldn’t have affected me so deeply, but now that I know what I know- when I hear people turning our noses up at ‘left overs’ while there are people starving to death in other countries and in our own back yard- it pierces my heart.

And you know what- I am not okay with that. I am not okay with turning our back on hunger and turning up our nose at left- overs. I tend to take it personal- and so does God...

For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; Mathew 25:35


For a majority of the worlds population- food has nothing to do with like of taste and everything to do with survival. We are so accustom to having it our way here- spicy, mild, warm, chilled, and don't forget decorative. But for most people food= a blessing regardless of their preference in taste.

One of the things I am looking forward to most at Eagles Nest orphanage is the Manna Feeding program. Because someone else decided that hunger wasn’t okay with them either- and they did something about it.

There are many families in the community surrounding Eagles Nest that are struggling every day to provide for their families. Struggle to provide the necessities- like food and water.

The Manna feeding program was started to provide these struggling families children with one certain meal 5 days a week . They are invited to come, eat, and learn about who Jesus is. They are also asked to share in certain responsibilities such as sweeping and washing dishes- allowing them to feel a part of a community that does life together. And it is through those teachings, through their seeing the love of Christ and through feeling like they are a part of something- that are given the opportunity to know Him more.

Because one thing I know for sure- is that God cares about meeting all of our needs. He cares about our hunger; he cares about our hurts, he cares about our loneliness and he cares about our hearts. And because He cares- He invites us in, quenches our thirst, gives us a purpose and a place to belong-right in His loving arms, forever.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35

Blog Hijack!

This is Lorraine Patterson from All Are Precious In His Sight.  I'm hijacking Amy's blog to update you on their missionary support/fundraising.

As Amy shared with you on Tuesday, we're doing a week-long "Back the Blocks" blitz over on my blog, in memory of our Princess Chrissie, who went to live with Jesus on May 19, 2010. 

As you know, the Blocks totally ROCK.  I don't have to tell you how awesome they are, what an inspiration they are, how much they love Jesus, how they've modeled that their lives are not their own, because you already know all of this.  I will simply say that I am so proud of the Blocks for joyfully and enthusiastically obeying God's call for their big ole Jesus lovin' family to move to Guatemala to serve hundreds of orphans every single day in His precious name.  I wanna be just like the Blocks when I grow up!

And, as you probably know, the Blocks NEED 147 families to "Back the Blocks" with a monthly pledge of just $25 in order for their family to move to Guatemala and serve as His missionaries there.  Praise God that 10 families have signed up in just two days of this blitz, but, really, folks, we can do better than this!!!  WAY better!  We waste $25/month on so many things that have no eternal value and do nothing to further His Kingdom.  I am so guilty of wasting money and not being as good of a steward as I should/could be.  I signed up to "Back the Blocks", and I'm asking you to do the same.  I know without a doubt that there are 147 people in this world who can spare just $25/month in order to bring the love of Jesus Christ to hundreds of orphans on a daily basis.  In fact, I bet there are 147 people who will read this message TODAY who could spare $25/month!  We just have to FIND those 147 families, get them to make their pledge, and then the Blocks can get to Guatemala and deliver His message of life, love, faith, hope, and redemption.  Can't ask for a better return on an investment!

Will you please help us find 147 families who will "Back the Blocks"?!? 

I KNOW without a doubt that God can do this.  I know without a doubt that He called the Blocks to serve in Guatemala.  God equips those He calls, and He gives all of us an opportunity to SEND the ones He calls.  We have the opportunity to help equip this family to serve Him.  God's probably not asking us to sell our homes and all of our belongings, to leave the comforts and conveniences of America to serve His children in Guatemala, like He has done with the Blocks, but I believe He is asking us to SEND the Blocks.  (Whew, we got the easy end of the deal, huh?!?)  God knows what He's doing by allowing some of us to be senders while He asks others to actually GO.  Right now, I feel very blessed (and grateful!) to be a sender of this incredible family!

Will you please join me by helping SEND the Blocks to Guatemala?  Click HERE to make your pledge of just $25/month, then go leave a comment on my blog by clicking HERE to let me know you're "Backing the Blocks" so that I can update the counter/ticker.  (It is very important that you leave a comment for me so that I can accurately tally the number of families God has lifted up to "Back the Blocks"!)  Oh, I have a giveaway on my blog, too, for those who leave a comment on THIS POST.  Once the Blocks reach 147 supporters, they'll be on their way to Guatemala!!!

After you make your pledge, be sure to spread the word (Facebook, Twitter, blog) about the need for SENDERS to help this precious family get to Guatemala, for His glory.  Let's rally around the Blocks, spread the word, and SEND them on their merry way to Guatemala before the end of May!!! 

Thank you for allowing me to hijack this blog, but don't worry, Amy will be back here soon! :-)




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Broken hearted...

Today we had to say good-bye to our sweet doggie Makela. She was 14 years old and seriously the best dog in the world. I spent the majority of the day hugging sobbing children and trying to comfort them in their loss. Never easy to say good-bye....

We love you Makela- thanks for being the best doggie ever.

When your friends got your back :)

One of the greatest gifts the Lord gives us are our friends. We have been so blessed by the people God has brought into our lives on this crazy journey of faith.

My amazing friend Lorraine has a huge heart for orphans and the Lord and decided to do MORE about it. In memory of her precious daughter Chrissie (who went to dance with Jesus one year ago) she is hosting a blitz called "Back the Blocks" to help our family find 147 (God did that number not me) monthly sponsors at $25 a month so we can head to Guatemala to do His work.


Check out Lorraine's blog here and see for yourself just how incredible she is.

** UPDATE: and to make the deal even sweeter my ROCKIN friend Christi sweetened the deal... check out her blog here.

It's a different kind of war

Reparando - Trailer - 01 from Athentikos on Vimeo.

FOUR!!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Carson!!!

 I can't believe my baby boy is 4 years old already!! Not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord that you are my child. Sometimes, I sit back and just watch you~ and I am reminded of what a miracle you are. I am reminded of the people in your life who were there before me, the ones who loved you, fought for you and poured themselves into you so that you are who you are today- a walking miracle.

And I am so very grateful.

And I am grateful for a system, that while not always perfect, saved your life.

 Because today you will wake up early with that beautiful smile that you share with me every.single.morning. You will know nothing but safety and love. You will know you are cherished, adored and wanted more than anything in this world. You will blow out your candles and giggle with your brother about how you are both four years old now...

and we will celebrate the miracle of you.

And I will stand back and watch you once again, relishing in the moment, and knowing without a doubt that you are one of this worlds greatest gifts.

Happy 4th Birthday Carson. I love you more than you will ever know and I am so very, very grateful you are my son.

I wonder..

The other day I was standing in line at the grocery story and I overheard the man behind me complaining about having to wait in line...

         






And I couldn't help but to wonder just how often we take our blessings for granted?



























 I began to imagine how  God must feel when He hears us gripe that we have "nothing to wear"...




















and then stand in front of the mirror and whine that "our shoes don't look right with our outfit."

 

We open up the refrigerator door and complain that "there is nothing good to eat"...

And we feel sorry for ourselves because the economy is bad and we are having to 'cut back'...

We grumble that our houses are not big because are children are having to share a room...

And we get grouchy because "we cannot stand what a mess our home is"....

(pictures not my own)

Father forgive us. Open our eyes so that we may see your blessings and show us how to BE a blessing to others.

Because He lives!!

Happy Easter from our family to yours!

Call me crazy, but after parenting nine children you know to question what's up when you find these two voluntarily sitting in the corner with big smiles on their faces...

Ummm,                       explain yourselves please...

 Oh, you are just hatching eggs...

Silly me.

Carry on then...

Seriously cool adoption aution going on here!! Check it out, bid on some great items and help bring a child home. :)

I put in my bid- now it's your turn. 

Never,

come between a girl...

and her chocolate.

My stuff

Passports X 11
Garage sale
after garage sale
after garage sale.
(Cause you can't take it with you when you go)
Upcoming High School graduation
Laundry
Support raising
Baseball
Homeschooling lessons
Mission training
Business trip
House appraisal
Prom
Citizenship
Cooking
Last post placement visit
House inspection
Car problems
Doctors appointments
Easter
Company
Moving-twice
Soccer
Graduation invitations
9 children
Errands
Packing
Cleaning
Stress

Some days I feel like I am sinking.

More than once I have found myself stopping to ask Why God?

Why did you think I could handle this?

And then I am reminded that

they too are probably asking the same question...

And my stuff doesn't seem quite so stressful any more.

Enough said...

God is moving...

and apparently so are we. :)

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. :)

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.

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.

Today is the day- you in??

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