Thankful Thursday

Today, I see so much to be thankful. So much so that its hard to pin point just one thing to focus on. However, today its not about me or the blessings in my life but about two children many borders away.

My dear friend and her husband will finally be able pour their love onto these children and let them know they are not alone, they have a mama and daddy who are desparate for them. These children will begin the journey of understanding what its like to have a family, to feel the love that comes from a family, to know that God has a plan for them and to have the opportunity to have life outside of institiutionalization.

Their story can be read at Treasures Over the Rainbow.

I am thankful that God hears our prayers. I am thankful that I have been a small part of their journey, for it has changed me, these children and countless others just like them have changed me into a better human. I can't wait to see how these children blossom under the unconditional love of a family.

~Doodlin'

Helping leads to relief, relief leads peace

I am thankful for being able to do things in my life that I am passionate about. Many who know me closely know that I have a few things that strike a fire under my feet and push me to help. Besides fighting for a cure for CF I am also a crusader and deeply passionate about the tremendous suffering of children in impoverish countries like Ethiopia. Let me give you a bit of background......

In 2006 I was searching for a part-time job to help supplement our income. I have had many jobs in my little lifetime and knew from experience that I wanted to work in a non-profit that makes a difference in someones life. I began my search on Craigslist and found a job opening working at an international adoption agency. I had no idea what I was getting into but I applied and got the job.

I loved my job. I loved that I made a difference, no matter how small. I was able to ease the suffering of a handle full of children by assisting their placement into forever families. By doing so, I was able to look outside my suffering and see others. I also developed some very close relationships to wonderful people and families.

What I learned ripped my heart to shreds.

During my employment with the agency I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Ethiopia for 14 days. I wrote a daily journal about my feelings towards what I saw, heard, tasted and smelled (which was little since my sniffer doesn't work well). I traveled in March of 2009 and to this day have a difficult time reading the words I wrote. At times I feel like I made it all up. How, can the suffering be so tremendous when I have SO much, when we in the US along with other industrialized nations have SO SO SO SO much.

My friend over at scooping it up, who along with her hubby had the same opportunity to travel to Ethiopia as I, wrote is so well. The devastation in Somalia and other countries like Ethiopia is consuming. It can rip you to pieces. To be honest, it should, I should feel saddened by it, I should feel anger about it, I should feel compelled to help, I should stand up and take a stand to assist in their relief.

If for no other reason but to make your selfish soul feel better, help aid the relief. I did.

~Doodlin'