Terrible things happened in our country last week. Heck, terrible things happen in our country every day. My husband says I don't sometimes see reality because I try to look at the positive side of things so much. It is just a part of who I am. I try to choose JOY everyday. It is not always easy, but I believe it is worth it. Amy Garnett did a blog this week about kindness, which confirmed to me that I needed to do this blog. It had been on my heart, but I just didn't do it. When she wrote hers about kindness, I knew I was supposed to do it. There is a lot of sadness in the job that I do. Kids without parents is not how the whole world is supposed to be, but it is the reality that a lot of these children deal with everyday. Dustin and I, and our coworkers, are blessed to be allowed to stand in that gap when needed. I have been BLOWN AWAY by the people that help out here and the donations that come in. When we first got here our kids got to go somewhere one day and while they were there a group of women had gotten together and gave each of our children a quilt. The kids picked out their quilt, and while they played, the ladies embroidered their name on their quilt. They also gave them a matching pillow case. For a child who doesn't know where they might sleep the next night, their own personal quilt is HUGE. Plus, they were so cute. The little kids got character ones and the older kids got really pretty (not grandma) quilts. I never would have thought of this gift, but it is a perfect example of people using what they are good at and enjoy to bless other people. We have a lady who donates money for us to take our kids out to eat on all throughout the year. We get to take our kids to places they have never been. We get to teach them manners, how to order, and how to act in public. I bet your kids and you take this for granted everyday. I did. Now, not so much. This week we had a church donate money for us to take the kids to a really NICE restaurant. They couldn't believe that they were getting to order no matter what the cost. Priceless moment for these children that they may never get again. Donors have sponsored every child on campus for CHRISTmas. Santa's sleigh is LOADED this year and our kids are going to rack up. The kids I have right now have never had that. I cannot wait to see their faces. I have tears just thinking about it. People donate food and cleaning supplies and other items all year long. I believe in this ministry that I am allowed to be a part of and am so thankful for what we get to provide these kids. Most people expect this sterile, military-like environment, and then they come here to see what we are about, and they are blow away. SO much love is here. Christ is the center of every house. Laughter happens all day long. Kids play outside without fear. They sleep every night in safety and know we will be here in the morning. I was so happy when God called us here because I wanted to be a blessing to kids. I think I am. BUT I NEVER expected to be blessed by other people like I am working here. TO see people's giving hearts and spirits is so uplifting. People say all the time, "I don't know how you do this." Well, it is a lot easier when people are blessing you all along the way. At open house, multiple people just came up and thanked us for what we did. I was so taken aback. I have never thought of being thanked for it, but oh my, did it lift me up. (words of affirmation is one of my love languages! HA!) Cards come thanking us. But the better is a thank you from a kids. A big hug. OR "I love you Mrs.Haley" Now that right there is worth all the sadness I sometimes feel. All the disappointments. I guess I wrote this to say, everyone has those moments in their life. Those days or weeks or maybe even months that just stink. But I want to encourage you to step back and point out the good points. Choose to not give Satan the satisfaction. When you start to see your blessings, it will make you want to spread it further. Choose JOY.
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