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Published: June 24th 2010
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Sweetness
My two month old love of my life (next to his father of course). It’s a Wonderful Life
Ok, not always. But at this moment in time, for me, it is. I am thoroughly wrapped up in the love of my husband of almost one year (July 3rd will be our first anniversary) and my two month old boy. Johnny and Jonathan…the men of my dreams. The beginning of marriage and motherhood have been great!
Since graduation my heart had been to go to the nations…specifically Romania…then Kenya in order to love some of the orphans of the world. Worldwide, it is estimated that more than
15 million children under 18 have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. Around 11.6 million of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa according to UNAIDS (2008). If you google the statistics of orphans on google it is overbearing. However, knowing we ARE doing something to help some of these gives a little relief.
When I went to the foreign field I was single, young and invincible (aka: naïve). I labored long and hard to help ease the burdens a little of those in need and love those who felt loveless. My heart fell hopelessly in love with children of varying nationalities, sizes and ages. I
Laundry at HOREC
A laundry room is in the future plans. began with simply holding babies in a state run orphanage that seemed more like a cold and lifeless warehouse. It was important to bring some color into an otherwise colorless picture. Next was starting private run orphanages where we could take the kids in and offer them something better…many things better.
Now, those children of many years ago in Romania are starting their own lives as adults. Geta who turned 11 when she came to us and had her first birthday party ever is now 23 and planning her wedding. Roxi, who was two and black and blue upon her arrival is now 16 and planning what she will do when she graduates high school. Each child…now young adult, is making their own way and I so thankful we (ITHM and all of our supporters) got to play a little part in their upbringing.
My labor evolved from that of changing diapers, wiping noses, and running kids to and from school to more of an administrative one when I went to work at Into Abba’s Arms (intoabbasarms.org). It has spilled over to aiding and assisting local run orphanages and schools, specifically HOREC and Spring Valley, and consists of
acting as a liaison between supporters in the states, coordinating mission teams, goal setting with the directors, planning and implementation for projects and much more. And, it is all still done with the purpose of encouraging and equipping some of the orphans of the world. Working together makes each ones labor a little easier! Together we are assisting over three hundred children.
My excitement is great not only about building my own little family but about building sustainable projects in order to help many other children to be part of a loving family.
The goals for the remainder of 2010 are to aid and assist in the following projects that serve a great purpose:
HOREC
1. Kitchen- $5000 A local furniture company is donating the interior of a kitchen. HOREC has no room in which to place these fine cabinents and sink because at the moment they cook in a small “smokey kitchen” outside for their 30 kids. (They just took in three more children who's mother is dying of cancer: Mercy, age 8, Pinkie, age 3 and Obama, age 1).
2. $7000-Boys room, library and storage. Legally the boys are not allowed to sleep in
Dish Washing
Having a new kitchen will improve sanitary conditions. the same dorm as the girls. Christine (the director) didn’t plan on taking boys at first but when she saw the little boys being left behind and going hungry when the mothers died of HIV/AIDS complications, she could not turn them away.
SPRING VALLEY
1. $10,000: Towards a new dorm to take in orphaned and vulnerable girls. The dorm will cost more than this but there are others working to raise support. We could help put up one floor that would provide safety and protection for 22 girls ranging in ages from 12-18. The orphans that are taken in by family members or neighbors often are left with the tasks of cleaning, cooking, and washing for the entire family.
Next update I will highlight some of the children that are benefiting from these programs. One of the most exciting things about these kids is their gratefulness to God when their needs are met. Coming from a culture where we expect our needs to be met and grumble if we feel we lack, I am humbled by the gratitude in the hearts of children that have almost nothing.
If you would like to donate towards beginning either of
Dani
Five year old Dani of HOREC loves to be the center of attention. these projects or to a general fund that often provides food, medical care and other supplies to the needy, please make a tax deductible check to:
ITHM 23223 S. Warmstone Way Katy, TX 77494 Thank you for your love and support!
~Again I want to thank those who so generously poured out support after HOREC's attack last year. We were able to build a protective wall around the dorm, install razor wire and provide a counselor for the children. Over time with prayer and counseling their hearts are healing.
With Gratitude,
Jennifer, Johnny and ITHM
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Sandy Swoager
non-member comment
God bless your obedience
Jen, Johnny and Jonathon, So good to hear from you and see all the wonderful pictures. I talked to your mom and she told me you might come to PA in the fall. I hope we see you. Our church in Burgettstown is praying for all of you. Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful (yes, I mean beautiful) son. God is so good. Love to each of you. Sandy Swoager