God really never ceases to amaze me. Especially when I take the time to stop and think about it, and then give the glory to Him.
I was just able to pay another few months on Shoa's sponsorship. Actually, I wouldn't say I, I would say WE. Because every time I start to think about maybe I'll have to fully take on Shoa's sponsorship myself, someone else steps up and donates towards he sponsorship fund.
I haven't updated the actually page yet, but will try to soon. We are payed up to December, with some extra still set aside.
So thank you, thank you, thank you, to those who have made room in their hearts and budgets for Shoa, and allowing me to continue to be a part of her life.
My prayer is she continues to seek God in all she does, and dreams big. We know the lies poverty tries to place into the lives of children, and I pray she doesn't believe the lies of the enemy. I know God has great things in store for this young lady!
Showing posts with label Shoa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shoa. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Shoa Update
I realize it has been quite some time since I've updated you on Shoa. I did receive the one letter from her after the this group took over her sponsorship. I do suspect we should be hearing from her soon, probably in regards the birthday gift we sent.
This was her birthday last year, with her brother and his family. I pray her birthday was celebrated just as nicely this year, as it was last year.
I also have not updated everyone about where we are with financial support. I knew with the money raised so far, we were covered through the next several months. But that it had been a while since I had received anything else towards her fund.
Don't get me wrong, from the beginning, I knew I would find a way to make up any difference needed to cover her sponsorship, even with as tight as money was at that point, but I was super excited this month to see how God blessed not only Shoa, but I believe me.
The total for her sponsorship fund is up to $569!! That's over a year's worth. And God provided $170 in the last few weeks. I pray that as you pour out your blessings upon Shoa, that God blesses you even more abundantly!
So thank you for all who have contributed, both financially, and through prayers. Never doubt that you are making a difference in someone's life. Because I know you are helping transform Shoa's!!
This was her birthday last year, with her brother and his family. I pray her birthday was celebrated just as nicely this year, as it was last year.
I also have not updated everyone about where we are with financial support. I knew with the money raised so far, we were covered through the next several months. But that it had been a while since I had received anything else towards her fund.
Don't get me wrong, from the beginning, I knew I would find a way to make up any difference needed to cover her sponsorship, even with as tight as money was at that point, but I was super excited this month to see how God blessed not only Shoa, but I believe me.
The total for her sponsorship fund is up to $569!! That's over a year's worth. And God provided $170 in the last few weeks. I pray that as you pour out your blessings upon Shoa, that God blesses you even more abundantly!
So thank you for all who have contributed, both financially, and through prayers. Never doubt that you are making a difference in someone's life. Because I know you are helping transform Shoa's!!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tuesday's Mail Call :)
Ok, so a little more silence. Please excuse me, I know several were waiting for my letters I told you last week I knew were coming. I was in a bit of a wait for those letters too.
Saturday was was very excited to see two letters in the mailbox with my name on them! My sister and nephew had received mail in the last few weeks, but the only mail I had received were my updated photos. I was excited to see the smiling faces, but truth is, I was waiting for a letter of some sort.
I'm so happy to let you know we, yes WE, finally received a letter from Shoa. It's a thank you letter for her Christmas gift. I'm slightly disappointed there was no photo attached this year. I would probably not be disappointed at all had I not received photos from Christmas the last two years. But I'm super excited regardless as it really seems like forever since I have heard from her. And that had me a bit concerned.
She is doing well. She begins the letter "How you are you my dear guardian?" This is a unique greeting/opening to her letters. She says she celebrated the holiday at church with God's word, Gospel songs, beverages and sweets. With her Christmas gift money she bough sheets, pants, transport (maybe to the market) and in hand she had a very small amount. I guess she was allowed to keep the left over change basically :)
She mentions the African Cup of Nations is through. (I looked it up, and it's a big football or as us American's refer to it, as soccer, nationals.) She asks prayer for her family and her lessons. And ends the letter "See you in my next letter. I also pray for you. Chao!!"
I also heard from my other Ethiopian child, Tekalign, my other Ethiopian cutie!
It was one of the new form letters, and I have to say, I feel I learned quite a bit! He lives in a town. He sleeps on the floor (option was floor or bed). He gets his water from a tap and his food from the open market. His house is made from both wood and mud. The floor is mud, the roof is corrugated iron sheet. From this info, I feel I can kind of picture his house in my mind. It says he also has electricity in his home, which I would guess to be minimal with the substances his home is made of. He also tells me he washes his clothes with tap water (the other option was river.)
I really have been enjoying all the information I've received through these form letters. This is my second from Tekalign. His other letter was about his family.
Next letter was from my youngest, little Arsang in Thailand. He is only four years old, and his tutor helps him write!
This project worker really tried to make sure I knew Arsang helped write the letter. There is many mention of "Arsang told me..." I really appreciate this. He tells me he and his family are find. And that every in his family thinks of me much. He thanks me for my letters, telling him of many stories. (Maybe Bible stories I've made mention of) Arsang is happy to go to the project on Saturday with his friends. They celebrated National Children's day on January 14th. I also got this amazingly colorful drawing!
He's such a little cutie! And he's really growing up. His artwork has improved a lot this last few months!
I received a second Thai letter, from my sweet Duangdao. She nine years old, and writes her own letters in Thai!! I'm so impressed!!!
She is full of questions!! I think she is really coming out of her shell. She asks how I'm doing, and about my health. She asks my favorite season, and what the weather is like. She asks if I like planting flowers and if people in my country plant flowers!
She tells me about how she enjoys studying, and that she is in third grade primary school now. She tells me the weather there is cold in the morning, but always hot in the afternoon. She also tells me she planted flowers in front of her house. Many different kinds. And that's why she asked me about planting flowers. She ends her letter "Love you Much."
Last, but certainly not least, is my precious Sarah, from Uganda. She turns 18 next month, and I've always felt we have had a good bond.
She has really grown up a lot! She has always been so loving and sweet. She opens her letter "my beloved friend Heather." Just about every sentence has the words, my friend in it. It was as if we had an instant bond. She tells me how much her mother loves me also. She is the oldest of three girls, in a single mother household. She requests prayers for her to pass her exam. The end of the first page, her last sentence reads "My friend when are you planning to come to visit me my country Uganda."
My heart stopped at this question. Frozen for a moment, as this is not the first time she has asked me to come visit. She has asked me atleast one other time. And I haven't been able to bring myself to write back some sort of answer. So I leave the question unanswered.
She goes on to tell me "I know that is is long way from your home country to my home country Uganda, and there are valleys and mountains but don't worry because there is God who will make a way for you my friend." Her letter captivates me, and I would love in this instant to jump on a plane, fly to Uganda and give her the biggest hug ever!! And then go attempt to find Carolyne and Dinah and do the same. I would love to meet all my kids, but especially, my dear friend Sarah.
To make this amazing letter even better, there was a photo stapled to the top!
I'm amazed by these young people. Their letters inspire me. The increase my faith, as I watch God do things in their lives. I'm so thankful to be called their friend; their sponsor. Thank you God for blessing me through these amazing young people!
Saturday was was very excited to see two letters in the mailbox with my name on them! My sister and nephew had received mail in the last few weeks, but the only mail I had received were my updated photos. I was excited to see the smiling faces, but truth is, I was waiting for a letter of some sort.
I'm so happy to let you know we, yes WE, finally received a letter from Shoa. It's a thank you letter for her Christmas gift. I'm slightly disappointed there was no photo attached this year. I would probably not be disappointed at all had I not received photos from Christmas the last two years. But I'm super excited regardless as it really seems like forever since I have heard from her. And that had me a bit concerned.
She is doing well. She begins the letter "How you are you my dear guardian?" This is a unique greeting/opening to her letters. She says she celebrated the holiday at church with God's word, Gospel songs, beverages and sweets. With her Christmas gift money she bough sheets, pants, transport (maybe to the market) and in hand she had a very small amount. I guess she was allowed to keep the left over change basically :)
She mentions the African Cup of Nations is through. (I looked it up, and it's a big football or as us American's refer to it, as soccer, nationals.) She asks prayer for her family and her lessons. And ends the letter "See you in my next letter. I also pray for you. Chao!!"
I also heard from my other Ethiopian child, Tekalign, my other Ethiopian cutie!
It was one of the new form letters, and I have to say, I feel I learned quite a bit! He lives in a town. He sleeps on the floor (option was floor or bed). He gets his water from a tap and his food from the open market. His house is made from both wood and mud. The floor is mud, the roof is corrugated iron sheet. From this info, I feel I can kind of picture his house in my mind. It says he also has electricity in his home, which I would guess to be minimal with the substances his home is made of. He also tells me he washes his clothes with tap water (the other option was river.)
I really have been enjoying all the information I've received through these form letters. This is my second from Tekalign. His other letter was about his family.
Next letter was from my youngest, little Arsang in Thailand. He is only four years old, and his tutor helps him write!
He's such a little cutie! And he's really growing up. His artwork has improved a lot this last few months!
I received a second Thai letter, from my sweet Duangdao. She nine years old, and writes her own letters in Thai!! I'm so impressed!!!
She is full of questions!! I think she is really coming out of her shell. She asks how I'm doing, and about my health. She asks my favorite season, and what the weather is like. She asks if I like planting flowers and if people in my country plant flowers!
She tells me about how she enjoys studying, and that she is in third grade primary school now. She tells me the weather there is cold in the morning, but always hot in the afternoon. She also tells me she planted flowers in front of her house. Many different kinds. And that's why she asked me about planting flowers. She ends her letter "Love you Much."
Last, but certainly not least, is my precious Sarah, from Uganda. She turns 18 next month, and I've always felt we have had a good bond.
My heart stopped at this question. Frozen for a moment, as this is not the first time she has asked me to come visit. She has asked me atleast one other time. And I haven't been able to bring myself to write back some sort of answer. So I leave the question unanswered.
She goes on to tell me "I know that is is long way from your home country to my home country Uganda, and there are valleys and mountains but don't worry because there is God who will make a way for you my friend." Her letter captivates me, and I would love in this instant to jump on a plane, fly to Uganda and give her the biggest hug ever!! And then go attempt to find Carolyne and Dinah and do the same. I would love to meet all my kids, but especially, my dear friend Sarah.
To make this amazing letter even better, there was a photo stapled to the top!
I'm amazed by these young people. Their letters inspire me. The increase my faith, as I watch God do things in their lives. I'm so thankful to be called their friend; their sponsor. Thank you God for blessing me through these amazing young people!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Shoa Update
As some recently asked, I realized I hadn't posted an update real recently about what God is doing with Shoa's sponsorship. I know I'm anxiously awaiting a new letter to share with everyone! But I wanted to share with everyone where we were at.
To date, God has provided $359 towards Shoa's sponsorship alone!! And since sending a $40 birthday gift wasn't an option, I kicked in another $10, and she is receiving a $50 birthday gift this year, which I'm sure will go a long way for this special young lady.
So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has helped make this possible, because you are all truly amazing. Thank you for listening to God! And I know Shoa probably thanks you also!
To date, God has provided $359 towards Shoa's sponsorship alone!! And since sending a $40 birthday gift wasn't an option, I kicked in another $10, and she is receiving a $50 birthday gift this year, which I'm sure will go a long way for this special young lady.
So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has helped make this possible, because you are all truly amazing. Thank you for listening to God! And I know Shoa probably thanks you also!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Mail Monday
Ok, so I didn't get any letters from any of my Compassion International kiddos this week, but I did get some mail for one special young lady. Last week I posted asking if anyone was interested in sending cards or birthday money. I did receive two beautiful card this week!!
I also picked out a lovely card this last week for her also, and will sit down to write a birthday letter to go along with her cards.
And including the $20 I'm putting towards her birthday, and the other gifts given, I'll be sending off a $40 birthday gift shortly to her also.
And an update on Shoa's sponsorship progress, to date we have $321 towards towards her sponsorship. That's over 8 months of sponsorship!
I also picked out a lovely card this last week for her also, and will sit down to write a birthday letter to go along with her cards.
And including the $20 I'm putting towards her birthday, and the other gifts given, I'll be sending off a $40 birthday gift shortly to her also.
And an update on Shoa's sponsorship progress, to date we have $321 towards towards her sponsorship. That's over 8 months of sponsorship!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Shoa's Birthday
Shoa's birthday is coming up in April, and so it's about time to send her birthday card and gift. I was thinking I would send a $20 birthday gift, as that's how much I generally send, but if anyone else was wanting to add a little money towards her birthday gift, I'd add that into her birthday gift money. You can either use the chip in widget on the side bar (just let me know it's for her birthday) or you can email me for my address if you rather send a check. My email is kute_queen@hotmail.com
I also wanted to give opportunity for those of you who wanted to send a birthday card, for me to pass along, with birthday wishes and or encouraging scriptures. Again, if this is something you would like, shoot me an email, and I'll get you my address, as I do not feel comfortable posting it for anyone and everyone to see.
Here's Shoa with last year's gift:
I don't want anyone to feel obligated who have sent money before, to have to send a birthday gift or even a card. I just wanted to give this amazing group an opportunity if you'd like :)
I also wanted to give opportunity for those of you who wanted to send a birthday card, for me to pass along, with birthday wishes and or encouraging scriptures. Again, if this is something you would like, shoot me an email, and I'll get you my address, as I do not feel comfortable posting it for anyone and everyone to see.
Here's Shoa with last year's gift:
She has grown up so much!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Update on Shoa's Sponsorship
I just wanted to let all you amazing people know, that after another donation, Shoa's sponsorship is now covered through the next 5 months!!! So sponsorship is covered through March of next year!! God is faithful!
If you have any questions about the group sponsorship, doesn't hesitated to email me at: kute_queen@hotmail.com
If you have any questions about the group sponsorship, doesn't hesitated to email me at: kute_queen@hotmail.com
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Four Months!!!!
Ok, so I guess this will be post number three today, but I just had to share, that God has started to show what He meant with the four months.
I knew on Monday I had another contribution towards Shoa coming, via the mail, but when it arrived today, I was a bit floored by God. In that first day, God provided through some pretty amazing people, almost 5 months worth of sponsorship!!! Enough to totally cover the first four, and almost the fifth month.
Is God awesome or what?!?
I knew on Monday I had another contribution towards Shoa coming, via the mail, but when it arrived today, I was a bit floored by God. In that first day, God provided through some pretty amazing people, almost 5 months worth of sponsorship!!! Enough to totally cover the first four, and almost the fifth month.
Is God awesome or what?!?
And this is only the beginning for this special young lady!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Four Months
Well, I had no mail from any of my Compassion International kids this past week, so I won't be doing mail call Monday today. Though Saturday I did receive in the mail from Compassion the formal letter telling me that Shoa's financial sponsor dropped the sponsorship and that I have until the 7th of December to let them know if I would like to pick up the financial sponsorship myself.
While on the phone last week, I thought no way would I be able to keep this relationship with this sweet teenager, I did tell them I would call back later with a decision. Then as I posted here about the saga, hope started to grow. I wasn't sure even after reading the encouraging comments, that this was exactly going to work out. Honestly I'm struggling a bit now, with not very many hours at work. It's been a bit of a battle, but as I prayed about it, I really felt this was what God wanted.
Then He gave me this...
Four Months.
I'm not really sure what it means. There could be several possibilities. Like in four months I'll have a better job. Or God will provide four months of sponsorship, then enable me to do more. Or God has more in store in four months for Shoa.
At this point I really don't know, but I did hear four months. And the next night when I thought I wasn't sure, I heard four months again.
So as of yesterday, I did post that I was opening up Shoa's sponsorship as a group effort. I've also created a tab at the top of the blog, marked 'Group Sponsorship' with a few more thoughts about it, and a way to donate.
**Edit: Make sure any gift sent using the ChipIn widget via PayPal are marked as gifts so PayPal doesn't take fees out :)
While on the phone last week, I thought no way would I be able to keep this relationship with this sweet teenager, I did tell them I would call back later with a decision. Then as I posted here about the saga, hope started to grow. I wasn't sure even after reading the encouraging comments, that this was exactly going to work out. Honestly I'm struggling a bit now, with not very many hours at work. It's been a bit of a battle, but as I prayed about it, I really felt this was what God wanted.
Then He gave me this...
Four Months.
I'm not really sure what it means. There could be several possibilities. Like in four months I'll have a better job. Or God will provide four months of sponsorship, then enable me to do more. Or God has more in store in four months for Shoa.
At this point I really don't know, but I did hear four months. And the next night when I thought I wasn't sure, I heard four months again.
So as of yesterday, I did post that I was opening up Shoa's sponsorship as a group effort. I've also created a tab at the top of the blog, marked 'Group Sponsorship' with a few more thoughts about it, and a way to donate.
**Edit: Make sure any gift sent using the ChipIn widget via PayPal are marked as gifts so PayPal doesn't take fees out :)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Group Sponsorship Anyone?
Well, as much prayer and consideration...and encouragement from others, I have decided to take on Shoa's sponsorship, as a group sponsorship, with the help of my fellow readers. I want to thank those who have encouraged me, and also thank Michelle over at Blogging from the Boonies, for helping me with more information, and my questions.
I have set up through ChipIn a donate button, that is hooked to my PayPal account, for those interested in joining in this group sponsorship. Here's the widget below, and tomorrow I will add it to the side bar.
I have set up through ChipIn a donate button, that is hooked to my PayPal account, for those interested in joining in this group sponsorship. Here's the widget below, and tomorrow I will add it to the side bar.
I don't usually post on weekends, as I spend that time with my sister and nephews, but I know there were some people wanting to know, what I had decided. I will post more about Shoa and the group sponsorship tomorrow.
Many thanks,
Hopeful Hez
**Edit: Make sure any gift sent using the ChipIn widget via PayPal are marked as gifts so PayPal doesn't take fees out :)
**Edit: Make sure any gift sent using the ChipIn widget via PayPal are marked as gifts so PayPal doesn't take fees out :)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
One of those Phone Calls
Well, as I was online writing to my Compassion International kids today, I noticed I had a name missing from my list of correspondent kids. My first thought was, a financial sponsor dropped a kid. Ok, well a quick review of names shows that my dear Shoa from Ethiopia is the missing name :(
So I got on the phone to call Compassion (knowing if I waited I would hear from them, either by phone or via the mail), because I really wanted to know what happened. Well, just as I suspected, the sponsor decided to no longer continue with sponsorship. The kind gentleman on the phone, then asked if I was in a position to pick up the sponsorship. I regrettably had to say, no as my current part time job, it really not making ends meet at this current time. But I asked how long I had to make the decision, because I really wanted the opportunity to maybe find someone, with whom I could share her story with that could either be her financial sponsor, or a sponsor that will faithfully write and support her.
So I guess I will let you Meet My Child-Shoa
I have been her correspondent for over 2 years. When first assigned to her, I had asked a little about her past, to find out her mother passed away in 2004. She was a sweet girl, but she did take a bit of time to open up. And with the current letter writing system, letters only come out of Ethiopia about 3 times a year, which does make it a bit more difficult to make a connection with a child. That system is soon changing.
She is the youngest of 5 siblings, I believe they are all grown, or maybe 17 or 18 years old would be the next youngest. Shoa herself is 14 years old. She will turn 15 on April 12th this year. About 18 months ago I received a saddening letter from her stating her father died after being attached by a cow. If you have ever seen photos of cows from Africa...they have some long horns, I can only imagine that terrible death, for both her father and her. She is currently living with a brother, and from the picture I received for her birthday last year I would guess his wife and kids.
So I got on the phone to call Compassion (knowing if I waited I would hear from them, either by phone or via the mail), because I really wanted to know what happened. Well, just as I suspected, the sponsor decided to no longer continue with sponsorship. The kind gentleman on the phone, then asked if I was in a position to pick up the sponsorship. I regrettably had to say, no as my current part time job, it really not making ends meet at this current time. But I asked how long I had to make the decision, because I really wanted the opportunity to maybe find someone, with whom I could share her story with that could either be her financial sponsor, or a sponsor that will faithfully write and support her.
So I guess I will let you Meet My Child-Shoa
I have been her correspondent for over 2 years. When first assigned to her, I had asked a little about her past, to find out her mother passed away in 2004. She was a sweet girl, but she did take a bit of time to open up. And with the current letter writing system, letters only come out of Ethiopia about 3 times a year, which does make it a bit more difficult to make a connection with a child. That system is soon changing.
She is the youngest of 5 siblings, I believe they are all grown, or maybe 17 or 18 years old would be the next youngest. Shoa herself is 14 years old. She will turn 15 on April 12th this year. About 18 months ago I received a saddening letter from her stating her father died after being attached by a cow. If you have ever seen photos of cows from Africa...they have some long horns, I can only imagine that terrible death, for both her father and her. She is currently living with a brother, and from the picture I received for her birthday last year I would guess his wife and kids.
Her and her father, Christmas 2009
Current family photo
She does pretty well in school, and wants to be a nurse when she grows up. My guess is that she wants to do more for those she loves, instead of losing them. She's very grateful and full of questions. She always asks many questions, and not just shallow questions, but you can tell she really wants to know more :)
She really has grown in the time I have know her. Here is her fist photo I had received.
And here is her second photo
With her current photo up top
Please join me in praying for her new sponsor. If you know of anyone who may be interested in being a financial sponsor, I would love to continue to correspond on their behalf and share her letters and photos, or if you know of someone who wants to sponsor an older girl, and make the commitment of writing frequently to her and telling her how much this orphan is loved, please let me know. I have until December 7th to let Compassion know. Thanks for your prayers!
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