tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83788364768939008342024-03-13T06:05:43.671-04:00Love is an ActionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-32162208423205382162015-07-25T13:54:00.000-04:002015-07-25T13:54:10.497-04:00Cycle4Compassion 2015!Dear friends,<br />
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It's been a while. I never planned on taking a blogging break, but I ran out of words for a time and am unsure what direction to take my writing. However, I hope to be back soon and connect with you again because you make my life brighter :)<br />
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Anyway, today, I want to write to you a bit about an upcoming bike-a-thon - Cycle4Compassion! On August 2, I will bicycle 25 kilometers to raise funds for Eduardo. My goal is to raise $500 to continue sponsoring him through Compassion International. <br />
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Please prayerfully consider donating to Cycle4Compassion 2015. You may do so through this link <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/cycle4compassion">http://www.gofundme.com/cycle4compassion</a> or by e-mailing me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com</div>
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Thank you so much!! May God bless you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-33033823130921720432015-02-04T18:59:00.002-05:002015-02-04T18:59:15.867-05:00Learning in Ecuador<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I am very glad to have Yujie guest posting today about her trip to Ecuador. Yujie blogs at <a href="http://fromsaskatchewantosodo.blogspot.ca/">From Saskatchewan to Sodo</a>. I was blessed reading what she wrote and I hope you will too!</div>
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I think I had the stereotypical ideal picture of a missions trip in my mind: the instant I showed up to a church or Compassion project, the kids would be so happy to see me and would want every second of my attention. I figured I would be really awesome at relating to the kids right away even though we are from different cultures. I thought there wouldn’t be any awkwardness or tension at all and that they would all love me and I would feel really loved and appreciated. That’s probably a really selfish mental picture to have but I think a lot of people from North America fall into believing that about missions trips—kind of seeing themselves as the heroes. <br />
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My first experience at a Compassion project in Otavalo, Ecuador was very different in some ways than what I had imagined. It far exceeded my expectations as far as what I believed Compassion was doing for the kids and their families—no surprises there! A great ministry all around. But the other people on my team<br />
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had been on missions trips before, and knew a bit of Spanish, so all the children flocked to them. I didn’t know what to do or say since this unstructured play time was not originally in our schedule and we had not brought toys to play with. A lot of the time I stood around, feeling<br />
lost and alone. Eventually I joined in a group game of hide-and-seek where they tried to find all of us each time, but I still felt as if I had been very useless on this visit. I wrote in my journal that day that I felt like a complete failure, and that everyone else (who were not even Compassion Advocates!) seemed to know exactly what to say and do and I thought they were being perceived as better and “more spiritual” than myself because of it. <br />
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After this initial day of discouragement, I started to see God at work. By the time we visited a family near Otavalo the next day, I was feeling pretty hopeless. Leidy, one of the girls in the family, came over to me and held my hand while we were standing in a circle, playing games with the entire family. Her older sister, Blanca, soon followed. These girls, whether they know it or not, were used by God to show me that He still loved me and had plans for me being there that day. For the rest of the afternoon I focused on spending time with Blanca and Leidy, hanging out and taking silly pictures. It is still one of my favourite memories from this trip! I spoke next to no Spanish and they didn’t know any English, and yet we were still able to communicate with each other and love each other in Jesus’ name. <br />
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I learned that I should not look down on myself and the way God made me just because I am not often the loud, bubbly person at the center of the group that has everyone’s attention. While it seems that almost everyone looks to them as the perfect example, there are other equally significant ways to lead and be an example of God’s love, especially in a mission trip context. One of the older ladies in this trip simply sat and watched everyone else play, and some of the kids would come up to her and just want to sit beside her. I found that in Ecuador, as in my home country, I thrive in one-on-one interactions or spending time with kids in small groups. The most powerful moments and best memories I have from this trip are when I was able to do this—with Leidy and her sister and with my sponsored child who I got to meet while I was there. <br />
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Even if we think we know it going into a trip, I think it is important to remember that we, the privileged, North American Christians, are not the heroes of the story. It’s so easy to think that us showing up in a foreign country will be the defining moment of those people’s lives because of how amazing it will be. And in some ways, it can be an amazing experience for them and for us, but not because of anything we do ourselves. As the Compassion motto says, The Difference is Jesus. Lives should be changed on missions trips because of His work, not our own. I was changed on this trip because God showed me incredible love through His children in Ecuador. And I’m sure my sponsored child’s life has also been changed for the better because one day on that trip she found out that Jesus had connected her to a sponsor from Canada who loves her very much. If we try to do good things based on self-centered things like trying to elevate our social standing within a group, we get in the way of what God really wants to do in us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFXmyvopCpOum2VtUtljtMQBLO_gCj8XHkJI_YJeIT0Bfr5kRoco3qT0o5mhzQQo6zZ19r1LUe_uQ1g5lqWPx0GsECaR3MLc-5B7VGMKmdhdyjuIflNh9Q3G145CMhGLmQTgKL5xRy1_5/s1600/10947785_1552487258364161_319127355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFXmyvopCpOum2VtUtljtMQBLO_gCj8XHkJI_YJeIT0Bfr5kRoco3qT0o5mhzQQo6zZ19r1LUe_uQ1g5lqWPx0GsECaR3MLc-5B7VGMKmdhdyjuIflNh9Q3G145CMhGLmQTgKL5xRy1_5/s1600/10947785_1552487258364161_319127355_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Back in September of 2014, over one year after my trip to Ecuador, I found a familiar face on Compassion International’s website waiting for a sponsor. It was one of Leidy and Blanca’s older brothers! I recognized his face, his name and all his information lined up with what I learned about him that day in January 2013. I had written his family one letter after returning to Canada, but had always longed to have a more permanent connection to them. I was given the gift of being his Correspondent Sponsor when someone saw my Facebook post about him and decided to sponsor him on my behalf. His family is not often far from my thoughts and prayers and I believe this is even further confirmation that God brought us together that one January day for a special reason. Faithfulness in writing to and praying for our Compassion kids, and other people you meet on missions trips, also has an incredible impact on their lives and should not be overlooked! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-58771413415870102442015-01-25T18:21:00.002-05:002015-01-25T18:25:13.218-05:00Learning in Mexico - Thoughts from Six Months After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Six months ago, I boarded a plane for Mexico City, imagining a week full of kids wanting cuddles, smiles, and laughter. I expected that my first missions trip would radically change my life.<br />
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Then, I landed in Mexico City exhausted from flying for six hours. I spent a week there that was 180 degrees away from what I expected. I came home confused and sad.<br />
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Instead of the kids being energetic and cuddly, they were reserved and quiet. And worse than that, I felt as though they would rather play with someone else on my team. I was awkward, out-of-place, and hurt. <br />
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I could clearly tell that God wanted me to go to Mexico. Leading up to the trip, God provided the funds in amazing ways. When I was worried or excited, He gave me a wonderful friend (you know who you are!) who felt similarly to talk through things with. Throughout it all, He kept reminding me that He was in control and was preparing the way for me to go.<br />
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When things did not happen as I had hoped and expected in Mexico, I did not understand why God wanted me there. One day, late in the week, I opened my Bible to Ezekiel 8:5-6, which says,<br />
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"Then he said to me, “Son of man, look toward the north.” So I looked, and in the entrance north of the gate of the altar I saw this idol of <i>jealousy</i>. And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing—the utterly detestable things the Israelites are doing here, things that will drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see things that are even more detestable.” (emphasis mine)</blockquote>
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I realized that I had been jealous of the way others seemed to fit right in and that this jealousy was stopping me from doing things I should. With just a couple days left, I re-surrendered this trip to God.<br />
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Then, on the last day, I met Miss C. She seemed sad, so I walked up to her. Unfortunately, I did not seem to cheer her up; instead, she started to cry. I tried to find out why but could not. I ended up walking away for a bit. But, I knew I had to go back, so I gathered all my courage and went back to where she was sitting. We started to talk, and she wrote me notes. For the rest of the day, we giggled and struggled to communicate and laughed some more. This girl made my whole week seem brighter and remembering her encouraged me after I got back.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoRZbGnkuIhEFagT3MGawTTteaNAn8qUoDuyP6nzkF4JhzGa8bCBPU2osHF2P-oV1ds_kxUsOAKt2biNdZs3Q18VBLowhhU262KvE71et3hC9Y2aSvRuPTLrv24PB74BXp9qUjmQgvCnf/s1600/Catherine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoRZbGnkuIhEFagT3MGawTTteaNAn8qUoDuyP6nzkF4JhzGa8bCBPU2osHF2P-oV1ds_kxUsOAKt2biNdZs3Q18VBLowhhU262KvE71et3hC9Y2aSvRuPTLrv24PB74BXp9qUjmQgvCnf/s1600/Catherine.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
However, I still had a lot to process because the week turned out much differently than I had expected and hoped. After praying and thinking and praying and thinking and praying, I was able to see that God did indeed have a reason for me to be there. Looking back, I can see that God was teaching me that serving Him elsewhere is just as hard as serving Him here. He was also teaching me that He has gifted me specially and I need to look to Him for strength.<br />
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Today, I have been back from Mexico for six months. It is not often that a day goes by without me thinking of Mexico and the people I met there and the team I went with. Since being back, God has used the things I experienced there to teach me and change me. While it wasn't always easy, I know that He used it, and is using it, for good!<br />
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photo credit: my team and IAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-77192510897528474522014-11-17T21:57:00.002-05:002014-11-17T21:57:52.478-05:003 Things I Learned About Communicating With a Language BarrierWhen I was in Mexico and since I have been back, I have been confronted with the reality of communicating with a language barrier. Sometimes this results in a laugh...or it can result in frustration. But, rarely, will it turn out as it would if the two of us both knew the same language.<div>
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Here are three things I have learned about communicating with a language barrier:</div>
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<li>Just go with it. If you're like me, you may want everything to make sense and flow nicely together. This likely won't happen, and that's okay! Your conversation may go in a different direction and end up being better than you thought it would :)</li>
<li>Google translate isn't as smart as we'd all like to think it is! When I translated <i>high school</i> to Spanish, it told me it was <i>secundaria</i>. Well, that would actually be middle school in Mexico. High school is preparatoria. Try explaining that one in Google translate!</li>
<li>This may be one of the most amazing things you ever do. I am serious. In Mexico, it provided much amusement. At home via the internet, I have been immensely blessed to stay in touch with many of my Mexican friends. The language barrier has definitely helped make some memorable instances! :)</li>
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Here's the deal, don't let the language barrier scare you! It's really not that scary. It can be fun. It will be a blessing! And as an added bonus, you might even learn more of the other language.</div>
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I plan on writing more about Mexico very soon! And, I have some special guest posts for you soon too :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-42234714874710362942014-10-19T21:23:00.000-04:002014-10-19T21:23:06.569-04:00Learning to Disciple in ArgentinaToday, my friend Hannah is sharing about her trip to Argentina. Hannah has a heart for children, for people less fortunate than herself, and for sharing Jesus's love! I am so grateful to have her over here today. When I read her post, I was encouraged, and I hope that you are too! Follow Hannah's journeys at her blog <a href="http://forshamim.blogspot.com/">Because of Shamim</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/barmjqj0hor3jKKLKhjtHs7x-g1at5zGBvxgFk2deOvH7LGDGD5SDKAHB_VE3OfDyjb3q9rfyVhSuhG2M8xcgfBrSn_ZaZTZo15tcC4x2nhYOu46miDr3tL1Rf8QpTqe53vxbgno3cM" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/barmjqj0hor3jKKLKhjtHs7x-g1at5zGBvxgFk2deOvH7LGDGD5SDKAHB_VE3OfDyjb3q9rfyVhSuhG2M8xcgfBrSn_ZaZTZo15tcC4x2nhYOu46miDr3tL1Rf8QpTqe53vxbgno3cM" width="400" /></a>I traveled to Argentina in 2008…just after graduating from college. I wasn’t sure what God had for me next, but I felt a clear calling to be in Argentina for the summer.<br />
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When I left, I thought we were going to be working with orphans, doing Bible studies with Argentina believers, learning how to share the gospel and disciple others, volunteering at a local church and at a local Christian school. And we did, in part. <br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dK1hICYOj1ntLXNeY9Qcle93eGEzV2tPv3DahZQAZUPmOkyl2OwIPg_mEvLfuEIsapess66wzl2Z9Jm7eeeowEth4UMVIX71pIe4kmzxSQjUAkvSueM9NymohBpfEDCC_ExjT5xIYJs" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dK1hICYOj1ntLXNeY9Qcle93eGEzV2tPv3DahZQAZUPmOkyl2OwIPg_mEvLfuEIsapess66wzl2Z9Jm7eeeowEth4UMVIX71pIe4kmzxSQjUAkvSueM9NymohBpfEDCC_ExjT5xIYJs" width="400" /></a>We spent two afternoons at the orphanage and on another occasion, had the older orphans over to our house to play soccer and other games and to eat. The orphanage was a wonderful home led by a sweet couple that devoted their lives to the kids.<br />
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We did attend Bible studies with church members. We did have an adventure in the city of Buenos Aires selling literature and sharing the gospel. I did learn how to disciple, not in the way I thought, though (more about that in a minute). And we did volunteer at the church…I swept their half dirt, half tiled floor (they added tiles as they could afford them), cleaned their bathrooms, washed dishes, and helped participate in skits. I was able to spend time with the teens at the Christian school, schooling the guys in soccer (just kidding), going out for lunch with the girls, being there to hear their struggles after they listened to a testimony of a teammate. <br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/2ry6_xH6_OM_-WgMLhLGR0rOKMBjAxukrBb__b5-S7_pp_5hw1Ck0E7xAj72D98zfU0T6INFqS3x5oXwomADHYGVzC0J2y01fODNXl5W938qwZQ5Ec9qJw12QrIEacrEmqTvKQ0bKe4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/2ry6_xH6_OM_-WgMLhLGR0rOKMBjAxukrBb__b5-S7_pp_5hw1Ck0E7xAj72D98zfU0T6INFqS3x5oXwomADHYGVzC0J2y01fODNXl5W938qwZQ5Ec9qJw12QrIEacrEmqTvKQ0bKe4" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/RfkpNrvEMg-y0McxswlUZdNr3IQMY9L0ItGvLvgh7MCg3WVpCfuZzXcD535So6An9plHgUVmtZiQYVqLxLEg-CZ6uY4Bn8JuvmoraTjx5rYtjSAnOgyhaT0zAqr-E3zLe6SDwwCZcio" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/RfkpNrvEMg-y0McxswlUZdNr3IQMY9L0ItGvLvgh7MCg3WVpCfuZzXcD535So6An9plHgUVmtZiQYVqLxLEg-CZ6uY4Bn8JuvmoraTjx5rYtjSAnOgyhaT0zAqr-E3zLe6SDwwCZcio" width="300" /></a>But most of my time was spent in our house, washing dishes, cleaning floors and bathrooms, taking out trash, cooking 2+ meals a day for large groups of people, shopping, and talking. Talking, talking, talking. Many of my teammates from the US had difficult pasts. Very difficult. And many of them hadn’t taken the time to grieve and to pray and to ask God for healing. So unlike we were expecting, much of the summer was spent with our Argentine leaders…praying, learning to sit in silence with God for hours, crying with teammates over past trauma, celebrating as they learned to leave it behind.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mbPjmKcSRnsbl6xHxxizxMuexoIMVsscplvibFZOV6OVVzN6tksBA2iHl_DLWUyj2XZ-aGc72UjigvZh0Xr_Dss7s-uw-dL3g6h3-PvD9si9kzHpQ1zk0kyFE7vYD-N1aZdpPbL6URQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mbPjmKcSRnsbl6xHxxizxMuexoIMVsscplvibFZOV6OVVzN6tksBA2iHl_DLWUyj2XZ-aGc72UjigvZh0Xr_Dss7s-uw-dL3g6h3-PvD9si9kzHpQ1zk0kyFE7vYD-N1aZdpPbL6URQ" width="400" /></a>So I did learn to disciple…through the amazing example of my Argentine leaders, Martin and Marisol, I learned to disciple. Maybe I was not discipling Argentines, like I was expecting, but I learned so much. I didn’t see it at the time. I came home wondering if being “mom” that summer had been worth my time.<br />
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I loved Argentina. It’s in my blood now…Spanish speakers who I meet even say I speak like an Argentine. I drink mate (their tea) every day still. I am teaching my kids with an Argentine accent. But the trip wasn’t what I expecting. I came home wondering; wondering if I had used my time wisely. Wondering what was next. Should I go back to Argentina to work with the orphans this time? Should I look for long-term missions?<br />
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What came next were graduate school, teaching college math, and tutoring math. And along with tutoring was the opportunity to start a Bible study. Many of my students from tutoring came to Bible study. And I had the opportunity to disciple! I was able to use those skills learned in Argentina! That’s when stuff started to make sense. I wondered why I had gone, I wondered why Argentina was in my heart and yet I had to be in the USA for the time. And then through tutoring, I met my husband. I now see why God had me stay in the States!<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QwT_n8h91yYD72NAOtfY_sdiCW6QVLFt3uwHuZH4i-YeK-_m1U3tH-YsbgvCEsR8BhBokWlM21JzFLzWKU0cLtPmPW84UOsHkEc3JqwuUTFVqNPZJXUcQ2hXlv8rw6VEDzbporh548s" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QwT_n8h91yYD72NAOtfY_sdiCW6QVLFt3uwHuZH4i-YeK-_m1U3tH-YsbgvCEsR8BhBokWlM21JzFLzWKU0cLtPmPW84UOsHkEc3JqwuUTFVqNPZJXUcQ2hXlv8rw6VEDzbporh548s" width="400" /></a></div>
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God taught me a lot while there…a lot about my pride, He reminded me of sins against my parents that I had not confessed. He showed me how to disciple others, how being a mom is valuable…cooking food, shopping and just being in the kitchen to talk can reach the hearts of many! He taught me how I can love Argentina and the rest of Central and South America via instilling that love in my kids and supporting Compassion kids. I would love to go back, but for now I am enjoying my time of being a stay-at-home mom in the States. Who knows what God has in store?<br />
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So I would just encourage you—if you have gone through something in life that didn’t look like you expected, God had a purpose! He is at work. I love Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it in the day of Jesus Christ,” (NKJV). Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-36381291756298981682014-10-17T21:20:00.000-04:002014-10-17T21:20:00.890-04:00Learning in Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't written much about Mexico...at least not on here. I have had a lot to process. If you have been on a missions trip or something similar, I think you might understand what I am saying. Being there was hard, not because I saw people who had nothing but because I felt like I was doing <i>nothing</i> to help them.<br />
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Mexico was not what I expected. It wasn't picture-perfect. It wasn't a big event that made me do a one-eighty. <br />
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But, it was <i>good</i>. It was beautiful. It was life-changing. Mexico reminded me of things I'd learned and of how much I still have to learn. <br />
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I have been struggling to share about Mexico with honesty, showing how beautiful and hard it was. As I e-mailed some friends who had also gone on missions trips, I realized I was not alone. Almost everyone who has traveled overseas experienced something completely different than they expected. I would venture to say that many people came back exhausted and filled with questions. <br />
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And that is okay!<br />
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With prayer and processing, one comes to see that God had a plan through it all and that He is making a much more beautiful picture than we could have ever made ourselves. <br />
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So I want to encourage all of you who have traveled and all of you who want to by this next series of posts. Some of my wonderful writing friends and I will be sharing about mission trips we went on that did not turn out how we had hoped. It is my hope that through each post you will be able to see that when God brings you to something, He will use you and teach you in it.<br />
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<3 LizzieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-77281024282565555832014-09-25T20:41:00.000-04:002014-09-25T20:41:24.026-04:00EduarditoThrough Cycle4Compassion, a very special little boy is sponsored. His name is Mainor Eduardo, and he lives in El Salvador. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKnF_eFPm1yG7nerV0feJGlk6s_yM2Mm5Szw0ttdJA3-Fb4u3zvyaNpAR1F5P0_SDXfSjl8dhknWNMTJwjjIIeslyo9231CddEqFNrWKiv28SIeeYalUQa5lUxE9Oa_bJh_EA5SluFOdU/s1600/Eduardo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKnF_eFPm1yG7nerV0feJGlk6s_yM2Mm5Szw0ttdJA3-Fb4u3zvyaNpAR1F5P0_SDXfSjl8dhknWNMTJwjjIIeslyo9231CddEqFNrWKiv28SIeeYalUQa5lUxE9Oa_bJh_EA5SluFOdU/s1600/Eduardo.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eduardito with some gifts I was <br />able to send him in February</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cN8EcdEuLhQ5WpYFM12d5u6c6Erpj2A50ggqJTM4T7uma20nHUdCXDi17j31khXk3BznUDWfpwuknjxyeoO9A6TwdiIhnMCmc3JQQ7gjuDwXlUiNeSwoUTHOX5bGFCHAF2ckuzZO59EW/s1600/Eduardo+and+Maynor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cN8EcdEuLhQ5WpYFM12d5u6c6Erpj2A50ggqJTM4T7uma20nHUdCXDi17j31khXk3BznUDWfpwuknjxyeoO9A6TwdiIhnMCmc3JQQ7gjuDwXlUiNeSwoUTHOX5bGFCHAF2ckuzZO59EW/s1600/Eduardo+and+Maynor.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
Some of you may remember how I chose him to be the recipient of the fundraiser, how I had his soon-expiring child packet, and how I <i>knew</i> that he was mine. I am so glad that Cycle4Compassion provided a way for me to sponsor him. He has been such a blessing in my life. </div>
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His sweet tutor helps him write me letters. For the past two years, he asked me to pray for his mom's job in almost every letter. He told me recently about how his friend and brother also have sponsors who love them :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKJTPhg85x_UcDnkbhNatAd2DjSQ8BcQGUwaSIvJy85c5q-FJh-08oNIT-X4gaLqyZyFNi9QPaw-Q6ZJgXeH8BMAC72Wfhcroi174ZkPNXQfcCAUyrIq1dEXvWHVNsMyCgd1JIjNTar0a/s1600/eduardo-new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKJTPhg85x_UcDnkbhNatAd2DjSQ8BcQGUwaSIvJy85c5q-FJh-08oNIT-X4gaLqyZyFNi9QPaw-Q6ZJgXeH8BMAC72Wfhcroi174ZkPNXQfcCAUyrIq1dEXvWHVNsMyCgd1JIjNTar0a/s1600/eduardo-new.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a>Eduardito (as he likes to be called) enjoys going to the beach and local pool with his mom and brother. He goes fishing with his grandpa. He draws me beautiful pictures and thanks me for every single thing I send him. </div>
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Through his local Compassion project, he learned about Jesus and accepted Him into his heart! </div>
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This is Cycle4Compassion, friends, a child learning about Jesus, responding to His free gift and continuing in a relationship with Him.</div>
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As Eduardito continues to attend the project, he continues to learn about Jesus. He is encouraged that God has a plan for his life. I believe God does have a purpose and plan for Eduardito's life, and I am so excited to see it unfolding!<br />
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If you would like to learn more about or donate to Cycle4Compassion, please visit <a href="http://gogetfunding.com/project/cycle4compassion-2014">Cycle4Compassion 2014!</a> or e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-60908610365930675282014-09-16T21:15:00.001-04:002014-09-16T21:15:33.233-04:00Cycle4Compassion 2014!!!Well, the time is coming for the third annual Cycle4Compassion! I am so excited for what this year will hold. <br />
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Here's some of the highlights from the last two years:<br />
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<b>Cycle4Compassion 2012 </b><br />
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The bike-a-thon began in 2012. After going door-to-door for donations, I rode twenty-five kilometers in the rain with my dad and sister. It was the hardest bike ride ever! It was also very rewarding, though. God led me to sponsor Eduardo in El Salvador with the funds raised. <br />
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(The ride: <a href="http://lizzieforcompassion.blogspot.com/2012/09/cycle4compassion.html">Cycle4compassion</a> Sponsoring Mainor Eduardo: <a href="http://lizzieforcompassion.blogspot.com/2012/09/mainor-part-two.html">Mainor- Part Two</a>)<br />
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<b>Cycle4Compassion 2013</b><br />
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The ride was easier last year than in 2012 but the actual fundraising was more difficult. I went door-to-door as I did the year before, but hardly anyone was home or wanted to donate. The night before the ride, I was about $90 short. I prayed that God would provide. I woke up the next morning and checked for online donations - none. I went to church, but no one handed me donations. I came home and found out that my grandma's friend had donated! That combined with after-the-ride donations brought me to a total of $582!<br />
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(The ride: <a href="http://lizzieforcompassion.blogspot.com/2013/10/cycle4compassion-update.html">Cycle4Compassion: an Update!</a>)<br />
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As I said above, I know Cycle4Compassion 2014 will be amazing too! <br />
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Stay tuned - I will be posting later this week about Eduardo.<br />
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Until then though, would you please check out my fundraising page and prayerfully consider donating? I can't do this without you! Thank you so much!!<br />
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<a href="http://gogetfunding.com/project/cycle4compassion-2014">Cycle4Compassion 2014!</a> (fundraising Page)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-60272660883048988792014-09-01T21:31:00.000-04:002014-09-01T21:31:48.735-04:00The 10 Best Things about MexicoIn no particular order, here are ten of my favorite things about Mexico:<br />
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1. the cheese.....seriously, the best. cheese. ever. I've heard it called queso fresco, which is fresh cheese. Just imagine mozzarella but a million times better!<br />
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2. real fajitas.....I hate to tell you all, but until you've had a Mexican fajita, all you've had are fake fajitas (or tacos, etc.). Real fajitas have queso fresco, chicken with peppers, and wonderful, small tortillas. Friends, it doesn't get any better than that, and you can only get that in Mexico!<br />
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3. the people.....they were so friendly, gracious, and helpful. I met a Mexican uni student on the plane down to Mexico. She was so friendly and interested in what we would be doing. She even gave us her contact info and told us if we needed anything, she would help us. Every individual I met was just as thoughtful and gracious.<br />
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4. the church.....on Sunday, we went to a church service. It was incredible. Everyone was so full of joy. It was a blessing to be at the church service!<br />
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5. the music.....oh my goodness, the music! Mexican Christian music is the most beautiful music ever. On Sunday, the worship team did an incredible job. The music just had so much energy. Then in the taxi to the airport on Friday, the driver heard that we were Christians and put on a Mexican Christian music station. Already emotional because of all that happened that week and because I was leaving, I could hardly keep from crying. The music was beautiful. <br />
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6. the kids.....okay, I love playing with all kids. The kids in Mexico though were so gracious despite my inability to speak or understand their language. They were precious, and I miss them every single day since I've been back.<br />
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7. el español.....let's be real, Spanish is beautiful, and we all know it. Hearing it spoken every day was tough because I couldn't understand (and that's frustrating!), but it was also wonderful. I so miss hearing it every day. I miss saying "gracias" and "hola" and "Dios te bendiga" and it being normal.<br />
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8. laughing.....with the language barrier, there was sometime quite the confusion. Perhaps the instance that I smile about the most was when a sweet mom came up to me and spoke in Spanish. She said something that was long. And I did not understand a single word. (I often could catch one or two words.) I must have looked so bewildered because when I looked at the pastor's son and his friend, they were laughing at me. I was laughing too because I realized how silly I must have looked. But, we laughed a lot. Going to Mexico with the best people ever, the reality is...you are going to laugh a lot. <br />
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9. Starbucks.....I had never been to a Starbucks in the US. We went to one in Mexico City. I did not get anything, but I found it amusing to hear about Starbucks all week long. I am sure that if I did get something, it would have been the best one ever. That is how Mexico is....everything there is better than it is here. <br />
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10. family.....in Mexico, I met some of my family in Christ. It was such a blessing. They taught me so much. They are wonderful people, and I miss them so much. I loved working alongside my amazing family. It was my favorite part of the trip.<br />
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Mexico will forever be in my heart. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-59064801591517126502014-08-20T09:46:00.001-04:002014-08-20T09:46:55.959-04:00Love Like I'm Not Scared<div style="text-align: center;">
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Summer is almost over. I can't believe how fast it has flown by. In just two weeks, I will be starting school again.</div>
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While I very much looked forward to this summer (who doesn't?!), I very much dreaded it's end. I knew that this summer would be very special and very tough. I knew I would meet people and go places that I would love and have to let go. And I was <i>scared</i>. I almost wished that I could not let my heart love because I knew that these dear people would be leaving. But I knew I could not do that. </div>
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So I chose to love. I chose to love my Mexico team, to love the Mexican children I served, to keep loving my friends even though much too soon they would leave to begin college. </div>
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This summer I heard a song by for KING & COUNTRY that encouraged me to love like Jesus even when I knew that the people would not be in my life forever. It's called "Fix My Eyes," and the chorus goes like this....</div>
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<i>I'd love like I'm not scared</i></div>
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<i>Give when it's not fair</i></div>
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<i>Live life for another</i></div>
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<i>Take time for a brother</i></div>
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<i>Fight for the weak ones</i></div>
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<i>Speak out for freedom</i></div>
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<i>Find faith in the battle</i></div>
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<i>Stand tall but above it all</i></div>
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<i>Fix my eyes on you</i></div>
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Love like I'm not scared.<br />
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This summer I chose to love like I'm scared, and I don't regret it! Because I did, I was able to experience love that goes beyond borders and barriers and distance. I was reminded of how great God's love is for us and how He'll never stop loving us no matter how far away we may run.<br />
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<b>1 Corinthians 13:8a </b></div>
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<b>"Love never fails."</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-63921336046227843522014-08-01T12:09:00.000-04:002014-08-01T12:09:41.158-04:00I'm Home!I have so many thoughts about my time in Mexico right now. But, for now, I won't use words. Instead, I will let these pictures speak for me. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK3tkEV8S7Ji82-GJIseg7FUMj9UlCJ8siPDZ2Yw1r728PTb9Ey94-W3_BMmMjJbdCj4s4M7p9u45Ys4OfL_bY4EPDrDBlXs9vk91QVNmyite2AVtMjHoo-KWryqUXM_O5SdejKJfWg1o/s1600/Catherine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK3tkEV8S7Ji82-GJIseg7FUMj9UlCJ8siPDZ2Yw1r728PTb9Ey94-W3_BMmMjJbdCj4s4M7p9u45Ys4OfL_bY4EPDrDBlXs9vk91QVNmyite2AVtMjHoo-KWryqUXM_O5SdejKJfWg1o/s1600/Catherine.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqJ7xJfZaEVdKvt9TauIaJYgvSZzlSkgmdQdEsHXnM3izHGeEA3E8lQewZoA8SiTV9QlUL4nCDGZQbS0EDqDBPECyiq88069BsVzMEcyIVj3hybSbOAGlLgzse3WqIom52R69xC_2tmuw/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqJ7xJfZaEVdKvt9TauIaJYgvSZzlSkgmdQdEsHXnM3izHGeEA3E8lQewZoA8SiTV9QlUL4nCDGZQbS0EDqDBPECyiq88069BsVzMEcyIVj3hybSbOAGlLgzse3WqIom52R69xC_2tmuw/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-25993181449457146932014-07-14T21:35:00.002-04:002014-07-14T21:35:57.463-04:00The World CupI don't watch sports. Ever.<br />
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However, I heard about the FIFA World Cup and was interested. Eight Compassion countries had teams playing. In some of those countries, I have a Compassion child. So I followed the stats on Google because we don't have the tv channel to watch the games.<br />
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Of course, I routed for Mexico initially. I was really bummed out that they lost to the Netherlands. But Colombia was still playing, so I began to cheer them on. They had to play Brazil, which I didn't think was a big deal. My sister then informed me that Brazil has amazing soccer skills. For example, Brazil hadn't lost a competitive match on their own soil in 39 years (since 1975). Following the online commentary for the last couple minutes of the Colombia-Brazil match confirmed that I once again routed for the losing team. However, Brazil was down two players and I was interested to see how it would turn out for their next game. <br />
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Brazil's next match gave them only a chance to get third place in the 2014 World Cup. I was amazed! I thought they would win even though they were down two players. Germany beat them 7 to 1, which was the highest scoring game in the whole tournament (that I know of)! Surely I thought they would end up with third place, but again they lost....this time to the Netherlands. <br />
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The final match of the tournament was Germany vs. Argentina for first and second place. I figured Germany would win because they seemed to have won a lot of the matches they were in. After a long game with overtime, Germany scored the winning goal (which was also the only goal of the match)! <br />
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It was really interesting to see the World Cup stats and read about some of the games. I learned a couple things and had fun seeing which country would take home the honor of first place!<br />
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Did you watch or follow the World Cup? Which match interested or surprised you the most?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-32941588991983289912014-07-01T21:07:00.002-04:002014-07-01T21:07:55.894-04:00Some ThoughtsI was scared to look at the date of my last post, and yikes! it was scary. I haven't posted in two weeks. I guess I've been more busy thinking about things than writing about them!<div>
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Anyway, I came across these verses today....</div>
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1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NIV)<br />But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.</blockquote>
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I found it encouraging to know that I'm not the only crazy one God chose! As I think about going to Mexico (in just 18 days!!!!!), I sometimes wonder what I am doing. I mean seriously, I'm not very brave or outgoing and I'm definitely not eloquent with my words! But yet, God still has a plan that involves me. That's pretty exciting (and scary)! <br />
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As each day passes and I am one day closer to boarding that plane, I ask that you would remember my team and me in your prayers. Pray that God would prepare us for what He would have us do while we are serving Him in Mexico! <br />
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Thank you, friends! I am so blessed by each of you! :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-23067615887051492502014-06-17T21:38:00.002-04:002014-06-17T21:38:29.739-04:00Celebrating!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Today is June 17, 2014. Three years ago today, Compassion assigned me my first correspondent Aprila! So I celebrated that today in a very unique way.....</span></div>
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I got shots.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">didn't get a pretty band-aid - oh well! ;)</td></tr>
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<br />I guess it would be normal to have a nice meal or do something fun on an anniversary, but I think getting shots today was perfect and special.<br /><br />You see, three years ago, I never imagined I would go on a missions trip. I never thought I would leave the country. And honestly, I didn't know Jesus very well. He was just a far-off Person to me.<br /><br />Over the past couple years, God has grown a desire in my heart to know Him and make Him known (as the familiar Casting Crowns song "Thrive" says). God has used Compassion to draw me closer to Him and teach me many things. Compassion planted a desire for mission work in my heart. As time went by, the desire grew. <br /><br />And now, three years later, I get shots for my first mission trip. I think it's super awesome how God had it all planned out all along. I am so excited to see what He does in Mexico because I know that He has wonderful things planned! I can't wait!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-53177090646993544542014-06-13T18:47:00.000-04:002014-06-13T18:47:00.475-04:00Mexico!I have added a "Mexico" page to my blog. On it is a bit of a story of how Mexico has captured my heart and how I can see that God is going to do amazing things while I am there (and leading up to it, too, as I have seen already!). I will also update it with the links to my newest posts about Mexico.<br />
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Check it out here - <a href="http://lizzieforcompassion.blogspot.com/p/mexico.html">Love is an Action: Mexico</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-27520388224646325652014-06-09T14:39:00.000-04:002014-06-09T20:33:48.307-04:00Necklaces!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know some of you have been wondering if I was going to do another online fundraiser for Mexico. Well, I am!! </div>
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I am selling handmade necklaces. These necklaces are colored on both sides. As you can see in the photo, some are sparkly and others have designs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEvkMLNE9XOqOQlB_h_jSP69iTm3FH721jDfyIVbTI7p7jkkWbp3Zwdjxhao9VAeVZR0uHUj1StZ0awE5_oJ6B0DJGaXJMS5rviLgpIo4TMEMuygDdCweEMLocx5Nz9cHjsTf9FbRMxrT/s1600/IMG_6693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEvkMLNE9XOqOQlB_h_jSP69iTm3FH721jDfyIVbTI7p7jkkWbp3Zwdjxhao9VAeVZR0uHUj1StZ0awE5_oJ6B0DJGaXJMS5rviLgpIo4TMEMuygDdCweEMLocx5Nz9cHjsTf9FbRMxrT/s1600/IMG_6693.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am selling each necklace for $5. Domestic shipping is $3. International shipping is $7. If you would like to order a necklace, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com and specify the color of your choice (pink, green, red, or mauve - blue is currently sold out. It I get enough orders, I will make more!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDbZzvReCDCGrql5O_rIAVwAIhgkQP8br09PVdDTHjjq6gSGpuppbAmAAO_r_4F6CYHNlAgsXWWYfQkBx6TUAYUgj2tgtAJecThaGYanPeFYhVpsIG4fkAXyiHoS_f5mmbVb8eHZGes9Z/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDbZzvReCDCGrql5O_rIAVwAIhgkQP8br09PVdDTHjjq6gSGpuppbAmAAO_r_4F6CYHNlAgsXWWYfQkBx6TUAYUgj2tgtAJecThaGYanPeFYhVpsIG4fkAXyiHoS_f5mmbVb8eHZGes9Z/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you to my lovely sister for modeling a necklace!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6yucJZVGuigbZ8iTIb0sOAMAMU7SXDK_THqS2Z_D3wTE0p9w8t3864kxe9mGBq_ZXXKf914tP9Dd5SRBDMb_4l4h7Og6DMNlm-4_F6t0seLOw69uH6daYME-dH5oCwbJckfJyK7j7nsD/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6yucJZVGuigbZ8iTIb0sOAMAMU7SXDK_THqS2Z_D3wTE0p9w8t3864kxe9mGBq_ZXXKf914tP9Dd5SRBDMb_4l4h7Og6DMNlm-4_F6t0seLOw69uH6daYME-dH5oCwbJckfJyK7j7nsD/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6cy_LusBx-bHctmQRRuGPMq5zTPkFkTfm8qvv_y6PVrGhL0O_vVt4HSCI5JzS4XU5kQV_3TAr0AaBaMStAohjwF-7m2dtd_h5f_J-faMhR6CI3zP0x9s_zcA-50UQB6Vh9-e4dJbekwF/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6cy_LusBx-bHctmQRRuGPMq5zTPkFkTfm8qvv_y6PVrGhL0O_vVt4HSCI5JzS4XU5kQV_3TAr0AaBaMStAohjwF-7m2dtd_h5f_J-faMhR6CI3zP0x9s_zcA-50UQB6Vh9-e4dJbekwF/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
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If you would like to donate to my trip in a different way, check out my coffee fundraiser <a href="https://justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/mexico2014/">Lizzie's Mexico Mission Trip 2014!! - Just Love Coffee Roasters</a> or e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com <br />
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Thank you for your support!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-12223217398169395172014-06-05T21:17:00.001-04:002014-06-05T21:17:33.130-04:00You Have My Permission to Skip This Disjointed Post!You might have noticed that I have a new widget on my sidebar! It's a countdown to my Mexico mission trip. (I find it fun to wave my pointer back-and-forth over it and I think you would too. Go ahead. Try it. Really.)<br />
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Seriously though, it's just over a month until I board a plane for Mexico. I feel like I should have something inspirational to say. I really don't though. I feel like I should have <i>something</i> to say. But I really don't.<br />
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I am excited though! I can't believe it is so close. I can't believe it's June. I feel like it should still be March. That is sort of how I have felt all year. Not that it should have been March all year. Rather I felt that it should be two months earlier all year. <br />
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In fact, the other day I was going through my school schedule to see how close I was to being done. I saw that I was back in mid-April and thought that wasn't too bad because it was only late-April. So I was just a couple weeks behind. Then I realized it was mid-May. Now it's June 5th, and I've just got a bit more school left.<br />
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That is very irrelevant though. <br />
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The point is Mexico is just around the corner! I have my passport. In a week-and-a-half, I'm going to get my shots. I have been fundriasing. And God is faithful. I have just a tiny bit more to raise! Praise God :)<br />
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It's really hard to imagine that in just a few days (okay like 43 days) I will be standing on different soil, listening to a beautiful language I do not understand. I do try to imagine what it will be like though. I figure the time will go much too fast and the goodbye will be much too hard and the week will be much too good to put into words. But, I do not know....yet.<br />
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Sorry for the rambling post. To make up for it, here is a beautiful Spanish song that I have been listening to lately. It's so beautiful.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/08UsdtrLZL8?rel=0" width="480"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-30701482239747826742014-06-02T19:24:00.001-04:002014-06-02T19:24:52.439-04:00Nadia!Hey friends!<br />
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A little while ago, McKennaugh shared about her time in the Ukraine with orphans. (you can find that post here - <a href="http://lizzieforcompassion.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-special-post.html">Love is an Action: A Special Post</a>) As she mentioned in that post, I have decided to advocate and pray for one child there in hopes of connecting her with a family. <br />
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I would like all of you to meet Nadia as I first saw her -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8NMhHfI2Mp96gck4VR_A1LCh5a6Ac9-HwjbxuLIKLRGcDemz1Kq3KIafCAWd1v7x_ynphqPvZYyidTUQ4UWz4LSxgIPDLXr63e2QgdlA69GJ-5TGwEfGj-t8oSwSHR9J0_Eb_NL8BjQi/s1600/Nadia+In+Ukraine+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8NMhHfI2Mp96gck4VR_A1LCh5a6Ac9-HwjbxuLIKLRGcDemz1Kq3KIafCAWd1v7x_ynphqPvZYyidTUQ4UWz4LSxgIPDLXr63e2QgdlA69GJ-5TGwEfGj-t8oSwSHR9J0_Eb_NL8BjQi/s1600/Nadia+In+Ukraine+photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This photo was taken five years ago and was the most recent photo of her. Once I committed to helping her become part of a family, McKennaugh was able to actually get in touch with someone who lives near the orphanage and get some photos of her!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgTh0K47zb_BWJZlOf8QDMxnBHLjYoWKeiM77-X9PBxiXlbrr-xPjgirVov7-_2yk9LHF6I24S7QXJA0iClpPTEEkVtFc4OaG4nMnYacGLG4WjttDrRe30Gov-xwqj6ohUQ8pPq0Bj8aQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgTh0K47zb_BWJZlOf8QDMxnBHLjYoWKeiM77-X9PBxiXlbrr-xPjgirVov7-_2yk9LHF6I24S7QXJA0iClpPTEEkVtFc4OaG4nMnYacGLG4WjttDrRe30Gov-xwqj6ohUQ8pPq0Bj8aQ/s1600/4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Nadia is now 10. She lives in the Ukraine. Last year, her grandma came to visit her once. Other than that, she has not had anyone visit her. She is often left alone in her crib/bed. She has never had the joy of seeing the world around her as she was born without eyes. Nadia also has severe intellectual disabilities and hydrocephalus. But, I am sure that she can still feel joy if she hears a bird chirp or the wind blow. <br />
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I want to ask you (yes, you!) to help Nadia's story to reach as many people as possible! Will you share about Nadia on facebook? Will you share about her on your blog? Will you tell about her in your small group/Bible study?<br />
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Most importantly, will you pray for Nadia and her future family? (You can "sign up" to pray for her at a certain time here - <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiSAhlovQ8ROdHJqRHRuY2VOR2RnSUlDRGFHdkRIRHc&usp=sharing#gid=0">Pray for Nadia</a>)<br />
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I would also like to thank Leah and Monica for letting me share Nadia's story on TIO (Teens Interceding for Orphans)!! <a href="http://teensintercedingfororphans.com/2014/06/02/advocate-pray-nadia/">Advocate & Pray: Nadia | Teens Interceding for Orphans</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-24878502520970322772014-05-28T20:21:00.001-04:002014-05-28T20:21:50.254-04:00Letter Writing Idea!I shared a letter I wrote last May. I sent the letter about foster care and adoption to all of my Compassion kiddos. In the past year, I have gotten many responses back from that letter! I think it was my most responded to letter. <br />
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My kiddos told me that they did not know anyone who was adopted. Some of them wrote very caring-ly about orphans, expressing their desire that everyone would have a family and know what it was to be loved.<br />
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Tonight, I am writing to my newer kiddos about foster care and adoption. This time the letter is a bit different. Last year, I shared about a girl in foster care that I met. This year, I am telling them about a girl in the Ukraine who is waiting for a family. <br />
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Feel free to use/edit this letter to share with your kiddos about adoption!<br /><br /><i>Dear friend,</i><br />
<i>Hello! How are you? My family and I are well, thanks to God. I have been thinking about you and praying for you lots. You are very special to me!<br />In the USA, May is national foster care month. Foster care is when a child goes to live with another family. The child either does not have parents, or his parents cannot care for him. The child may live with many families in the foster care system. One day, a family may choose to adopt that child. Then the child goes to live with that family forever. Do you know anyone who was adopted? Do you have something like foster care in your country?<br />In Romans 8:14-17 says, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." </i><br />
<i>Just like when a child is chosen to be adopted by a family, we too are adopted into a family. When we trust Jesus with our lives, we are adopted into God's family! In Ephesians 1:4-5, it says that God choose us, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Psalm 103:13 tells us that God takes good care of his children, "The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him." It is good to know that God loves us and will take care of us! If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, then you are my sister! We are both children of God, and that makes us sisters!<br />God made you special. He loves you very much. You are important. I love you, friend! God bless you.<br />Love, <br />Elisabeth</i><br />
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Have you written to your kiddos about adoption? If so, what was their responses?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-5443355500398711072014-05-15T21:06:00.002-04:002014-05-15T21:06:39.740-04:00A Special Post<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello friends!<br />
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Today, McKennaugh is guest posting here! McKennaugh is 17 and lives in Pennsylvania. She is passionate about justice and bringing love to the hurting. A couple years ago, she went with her family to the Ukraine for seven weeks. It changed her life radically! I hope you'll take a minute or two and read what she has to say about it.....<br />
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The rain had stopped falling, but it still poured in my heart. I doubted that it would ever quite stop. I ran through the huge wooden door, ran down the cracked cement steps, and yanked the door of Nikoli’s car open. “Pryvet,” I said, in a pained voice, choking back tears. </blockquote>
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“Pryvet,” he responded, as my father and younger brother slid in beside me. Nikoli glanced backwards in the mirror at us, then whirled the car down the street. He swerved into the wrong side of the road to avoid a chasm of a puddle. I look over my shoulder. The wooden door is shut tight. </blockquote>
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The green railings are the only touch of color. And even on them, the paint is nearly gone. </blockquote>
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Faster the car goes, whipping around a corner. I can’t see the orphanage anymore. Yet another day has past and I have been able to do nothing…for I am unable to bring them the most simple thing that we all take so for granted. Freedom. </blockquote>
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But I will, I say to myself, I will. A small voice inside me nags, “When?” </blockquote>
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I cannot answer. Anything less than “Today” seems too unfair. Yet today it is impossible. Tomorrow is impossible. This month, this year. It’s all impossible. Ever? Is that impossible, as well? </blockquote>
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“No,” I say, “It can’t be.” </blockquote>
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Images flash through my head: Yuri, franticly grasping my hand, as he is pulled away; Viktor, calling in the only way he knows how, for someone to come to him; Katia, sobbing softly, until she is gasping for breath. </blockquote>
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And I cry in the back of Nikoli’s car.<br /> <br />______________ </blockquote>
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Lizzie wrote me, asking me to do a guest post for her blog. When I sat down at this typewriter, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I have written many articles about the Ukrainian orphanage that I spent time at, but each one is a challenge. How do you combine so much hopelessness and hope, heartbreak and heartsong, into a single post? </blockquote>
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I cannot tell the whole story. It cannot be recalled in one post; each shout of joy, each tear, each word I spoke to Yuri. In a place like that orphanage, simple everyday happenings in our own lives, like someone saying hello, is an event in the lives of the children who reside there.<br />These children live their lives in cribs. Not babies; no, six year olds, seven year olds. In some places, even twenty-year-olds have never been allowed to leave their beds. Despite their age, inside they remain that abandoned two-year-old desperate for love.<br /> <br />Your worst day, if given to these children, just might be their best day. Imagine being sick, disabled, hungry, and clinging to the bars of a crib. You don’t know one person in the world who loves you. You might not even know that there is a world beyond where you can see. You don’t know that there is a God. You don’t know about Heaven. You have absolutely no hope of anything ever changing. You only know now. And now is forever, because the same thing happens over and over again…nothing.<br /> <br />Thus is life in many Ukrainian orphanages for special needs children. The one I saw was for younger children. Usually babies are sent there and stay until age five or six, sometimes age seven. Then they are sent on to other places that differ depending the child’s gender and severity of disabilities. Many of these places are said to be worse than the first orphanage. Simply put, they are mental institutions where the children will live out the rest of their lives. Even these words cannot make you understand. I wish that, for just a moment, you could stand there looking into Yuri’s eyes as you grasp his hand as he is being pulled away. And in those eyes you would see, “You are my hope, don’t go, don’t let them take me away from you!” And you would be powerless to do anything. </blockquote>
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And, if you could live even that one split second of my life, you could understand the hours, days, years even, I spent trying to get the children I met adopted. You would know why I HAD to. When someone stares at you with “You are my hope…my only hope,” could you turn away and forget? I couldn’t. </blockquote>
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You can read my struggle to find families for three of the children here: </blockquote>
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<a href="http://teensintercedingfororphans.com/2014/04/25/advocating-you-can-do-it-too-pt-1/">Advocating: You Can Do It Too (pt 1) | Teens Interceding for Orphans</a><br /><a href="http://teensintercedingfororphans.com/2014/04/28/advocating-you-can-do-it-too-pt-2/">Advocating: You Can Do It Too (pt 2) | Teens Interceding for Orphans</a><br /><a href="http://teensintercedingfororphans.com/2014/05/02/advocating-you-can-do-it-too-pt-3/">Advocating: You Can Do It Too (pt 3) | Teens Interceding for Orphans</a></blockquote>
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Lizzie contacted me because she had an email forward to her by a friend. I had written the email about the children who need help. I have a Ukrainian friend who sends me photos and information of children who need homes. I knew I could not find them all families by myself, so I had sent out a plea for other people to commit to finding them families. </blockquote>
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Lizzie responded. She said that she would advocate for one of them. I asked her which one, as she had seen photos of some of them. She told me to choose one for her. </blockquote>
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I hesitated. I knew who I wanted to send, who probably needed a home the most. It was a little girl named Nadya. Nadya was born without eyes. She also has hydrocephalus. I only had an old picture of her when she was five, although she is now ten. It would be very difficult to find her a home. Did I dare ask this task of Lizzie? I did. I told her she could choose another, if she wished, but Nadya badly needed the help. </blockquote>
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Nadya had spent her first five years in the orphanage I visited. I never met her, as she had already been transferred to another place when I came. But her photo burns in my mind.<br />Imagine everything I spoke of above, and then being blind on top of that. The one child I found a family for was blind, too. Her name is Katia. She was fifteen pounds and six years old. You can see before and after pictures of her adoption: </blockquote>
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<a href="http://teensintercedingfororphans.com/2013/11/20/loving-katia-part-1/">Loving Katia (part 1) | Teens Interceding for Orphans</a><br /><a href="http://teensintercedingfororphans.com/2013/11/21/loving-katia-part-2/">Loving Katia (part 2) | Teens Interceding for Orphans</a></blockquote>
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When I look at Katia, I realize that love is not just a feeling. It causes visual changes. Amazing changes. </blockquote>
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Lizzie has agreed to try to give this love to Nadia. She is embarking on a journey of faith to bring a family to this child. Please join her, support her, and help her. Yes, you. Help her pass Nadya’s story on. Maybe even commit to advocate with Lizzie. </blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIbY9R6n15Emjcw5XlZ95MU3v_2dWWwq6MnHJzPdWQgn6kL01V3ay_NRRG0XC62hAdg1LC3BVbkyAY907p3Fjn69MwzI4jKPiihFoBKPl5KF0rb-l3bAMH61JFw7ea9fnpIXQkrPkY53o/s1600/Nadia+In+Ukraine+photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIbY9R6n15Emjcw5XlZ95MU3v_2dWWwq6MnHJzPdWQgn6kL01V3ay_NRRG0XC62hAdg1LC3BVbkyAY907p3Fjn69MwzI4jKPiihFoBKPl5KF0rb-l3bAMH61JFw7ea9fnpIXQkrPkY53o/s1600/Nadia+In+Ukraine+photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nadia/Nadya</td></tr>
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<br /><i>Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. —Ecclesiastes 4:12<br /> </i><br />If multiple people join together with Lizzie for Nadya, you can change this little girl’s life.<br />Faith. Hope. Love. The Bible tells us that the greatest of these is love. Perhaps it is because faith and hope can sometimes be received from within yourself. It’s something you can hold onto, even when everything around you is stripped of it. I’ve seen this in some of the children I met…they hold on and wait with light still left in their smiles. But love cannot be invented by their minds. Love must be given. </blockquote>
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Let us give love to Nadya. </blockquote>
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--McKennaugh, age 17</blockquote>
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McKennaugh was radically changed by her trip to the Ukraine. She saw the need of many children and decided to act....to bring freedom and joy and love! <br />
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<i>Thank you, McKennaugh, for sharing today!</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-89083066321407485942014-05-10T06:11:00.000-04:002014-05-10T06:11:00.638-04:00Counting the Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I've been asked countless times "Are you getting excited about going to Mexico yet?" I figured all of you lovely readers must be wondering the same. So I thought I would share my answer with you..."YES! I've been excited since January when I found out I had the opportunity!!!!!!!"<br />
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As I literally count down the days until I leave, I suddenly realized that it is now May, and Mexico is in July. Then I realized further that July is two months away. If these two months go as fast as the last four, I might as well be leaving tomorrow! <br />
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So yes, I am super excited!! I still can't believe that this is actually happening. <br />
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Maybe you have/are counting down the days until you can do something that you have wanted to do for years but thought would never happen. Sure, you'd dreamed of it a LOT. You imagined that maybe one day it would happen for real. But, you were never sure. You figured that it would never happen to you. And now, you're counting the days until it become a reality, until it really happens for real. The days are few now, and you feel so overwhelmed whenever you think of it.<br />
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Right now, that's me. For the past three years, I've dreamed of it happening. Never, though, did I imagine that I would be counting the days until it happened for real. But now I am. Just the thought that I will be landing in Mexico in ten weeks is overwhelming. I don't even know what to think. I'm just so excited!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-85208517148796188852014-05-06T20:52:00.000-04:002014-05-07T18:30:33.660-04:00Mexico Update!<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seeing the three-digit number made my heart leap! Never in my life would have I imagined thinking "Wow! I am almost there!" when I still needed hundreds of dollars. But it happened. <br /><br />When I added up the trip costs for Mexico, I had no idea how I would possibly raise that much money. Including my passport, shots, international medical insurance, flights, and land fees, the cost was around $1800. <br /><br />Somehow, I am now looking at a number around $800. Somehow, my passport is currently processing. Somehow, all of my land fees are paid for. Somehow, I have the money for my shots already. <br /><br />When I started out raising funds, I tried to keep a very detailed list of how I got every penny. I wanted to know so that I could duplicate it year after year. I very quickly realized that that was not going to work! There's one very simple reason for that.....<br /><br />I didn't raise a penny of it.<br /><br />God is the One Who has provided thus far (and if you're curious, I know He will continue to do so!). And I have the feeling that He won't do the same thing twice. That's okay with me, though, because it is just so exciting to see how He provides in ways I never would have imagined! <br /><br />So, I'm over half-way there. I don't know how I will raise the $800 I still need, but I am sure that God has a plan! Surprisingly, I don't feel worried about it at all. I clearly have no way to raise that by myself, and I'm just trusting that He will be faithful and provide as He always does. This trip isn't for me anyway – this trip is an opportunity for me to use the gifts He has given me to serve others and share His love.<br /><br />----- <br /><br />
If you have donated to my trip - THANK YOU! I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am for your support!<br /><br />If you would like to donate, you can do so in one of the following ways: purchasing Just Love Coffee through this <a href="https://justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/mexico2014/">link</a>, ordering a <a href="http://www.lizzieforcompassion.blogspot.com/p/sponsor-bracelets.html">sponsor bracelet</a>, or by contacting me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-38768785038132595982014-05-04T15:06:00.001-04:002014-05-04T15:06:50.558-04:00Guest Posting!Just the other day, Hannah from Because of Shamim shared a guest post I had written! I hope you'll hop on over to read it and check out her sweet blog!!!<br />
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<a href="http://forshamim.blogspot.com/2014/05/guest-post-cycle-for-compassion.html">Because of Shamim: Guest Post: Cycle for Compassion</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-55197845922972808322014-04-25T17:28:00.001-04:002014-04-25T17:28:33.733-04:00Best Surprise Ever!I tend to think that I am not surprised easily. And I think that's pretty accurate. In fact, right now I can only think of two times I was very surprised. <br />
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I've gotten lots of really sweet, thoughtful gifts. Seriously, my family and friends are really great!<br />
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This gift though I was most surprised about for sure!<br />
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My parents got my sister and I VIP tickets to the Newsboys concert that I wanted to go to!! I would have never guessed they'd get me VIP tickets, so it was so cool!<br />
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So I love concerts....a LOT! The only issue I have with them is that they are short. I go to one at night and have so much fun. Then the next day I get up and think "I so wish I could go to that again today!" I just love going to concerts. <br />
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And secretly (or maybe not so secretly!), I've always wanted to be "famous." I always thought it would be fun to perform in front of people and such. But since I don't really have any musical talent (lol!), I have decided that it would be fun to know "famous" people. Considering, though, that I don't know anyone "famous," I decided it would be fun to meet "famous" people. And thus, I have tried to meet people who I think of as "famous" (basically, Christian musicians).<br />
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So, as you can see, VIP tickets to a concert were a really wonderful gift!<br />
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Thanks Dad and Mom! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378836476893900834.post-48356068085167411772014-04-24T05:36:00.000-04:002014-04-24T05:36:00.234-04:00One DesireI pretty much fell in love with Casting Crown's new song "Thrive."<br />
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This song speaks the desire of my heart.<br />
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"....Fill our hearts and flood our hearts and flood our souls with one desire..."</div>
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"...We lift Your Name on high...."</div>
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My favorite part is this - </div>
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"....We were made for...."</div>
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We weren't made to be ordinary! We weren't made to survive. We were made to thrive! We were made to spread His Name and love, to make darkness run and hide. <br />
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May our desire always be to know Him and make Him known. May we never forget that we were made for <i>so much more</i> than ordinary lives!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367222701763446459noreply@blogger.com6