A break from my "after"

Poverty.
Ever think about it? If most of us are honest with ourselves (and the readers of this blog!) we'd say no, not really. Not unless I just happen to catch a news report on TV, or one of the sad commercials that make me want to change the channel. No one LIKES thinking about poverty.
But that doesn't mean it's not there.
I was face to face with poverty when I was in Kenya last year. I couldn't believe that amount of poverty I saw. And yet, I couldn't believe the amount of joy and happiness I also saw.

I'm sure you're all wondering why I'm blogging about poverty today? What the heck?
Well, I keep forgetting to tell you that I have adopted 2 children through Compassion International. I have a "son" from South America and a "daughter" in Africa. Yes, I needed 2 more kids!!
Seriously though, it's something that I've thought about doing for years and I finally just did it this summer. I've received letters and pictures from them and I can't explain how awesome those made me feel! Especially the picture that was drawn and colored by my "daughter".
     I know that the times are scary and uncertain with the markets .... but I'm going to put in a plug anyway. It really doesn't cost that much to radically change a child's life. Radically. And it doesn't take that much time to write them a letter and tell them about yourself and your family. 

     Just imagine. Imagine your child, or you, in their place. Imagine living in so much poverty that you can't go to school. You stay home and help your mother raise the younger children. The biggest dream you have is being able to learn. Something we all take for granted and often resent --- the privilege of learning. Imagine how wonderful it would be to get a letter! Think how rare it is for us now, with e-mail and texting, to actually get a letter. It's great! Well, imagine getting a letter from someone who cares about you and you have NO other way of communication. No phone. No computers. No cells. 

Imagine.

    So today is my time to move outside of myself and my life for just a moment and tell you thank you for making a difference in my life by being here.
And please consider making a difference in a child's life by being there.
Click on the Compassion button over on the right of my blog and learn about the children there who need a sponsor.
Today may be their day. 

Actually, it will end up being YOUR day.
:)