Free Rice

Check out this site - Free Rice.  It's a vocabulary game where you earn 20 grains of rice for every correct word.  The rice goes to hungry people in developing countries.  Colin and I are currently at Level 44 and have earned 1000 grains.

On a more serious note...

About 6 weeks before Christmas, I met poverty face to face in a little girl at work. It broke my heart. Literally. I was amazed that people actually live in this kind of poverty in today's world. I mean, it's 2008 people, and 1.3 billion people in this world do not have access to clean water. Seriously? I have an endless supply of clean water and always have. Friends, we, as a country, are too wealthy to let this continue.

So, what to do?

After meeting this sweet girl, the Christmas holidays came, and we were busy with family, traveling, and the like. She was discharged, but somehow her face always came back to my mind. I began to feel that God was placing this burden on my heart. And He wouldn't let up. So, about 2 weeks ago, I told Colin, "I don't think God places this kind of burden on someone unless He wants them to do something about it". Just saying that out loud and believing it, opened so many doors. I regularly follow my friend, Beth's blog (please check it out - she is gifted beyond measure with her thoughts and words). Long story short, I found the Uganda widget on her blog, which led me to Shaun Groves' blog, which led me to read all about Uganda and Compassion International.

So what to do?

Colin and I sponsored our first compassion child. His name is Hector, he is 5 years old, and he lives in Nicarauga. For $32 a month, Hector's nutritional, educational, medical, and spiritual needs are met. He is educated, fed, vaccinated, and taught about a God who loves him beyond measure. How lucky am I that I get to be a part of something so amazing...

I read this on the back of my starbucks cup this morning...

"You can't lead the people, if you don't love the people. You can't save the people, if you don't serve the people". Cornel West, Princeton University

Sounds a lot like Jesus, doesn't it?

Uganda

Hey everyone, please click on the link to the right about Uganda. Just click on read and choose a blog from the list. My personal favorite is Shaun Groves. These people are all regular bloggers who traveled to Uganda this week to bring awareness to the extreme poverty. I have many thoughts I would like to share about poverty, but I need to sort it out in my head first. But please read just one blog...

Happy Hearts Day

This little guy would like to wish everyone a happy valentine's day! We hope your day is filled with love...

Jericho is Back!!!

Colin's favorite t.v. show, Jericho, is back on!  CBS tried to cancel it, but so many fans complained that they brought it back.  Check it out...

BSF

I recently began a new bible study called Bible Study Fellowship, or BSF.  It is an inter-denominational Bible study aimed at "growing deeper in knowledge and understanding of God and the Bible" (Learn more here).  It is amazing and I highly recommend it.  We are currently studying the book of Matthew and the parables of Jesus.  This past week we focused on Jesus and Peter walking on the water...and having the faith to step out of the boat.  Here's a thought that struck a chord with me, "Keep looking to Jesus.  He knows the circumstances and the danger and would never call you if He would not also bring you through".  What an awesome God we serve.

Check out our new bedroom!  No this pic is not my house, but this is our new duvet cover.  It turns out the second wedding anniversary is "cotton", so this was my gift to Colin.  He loves gray anything!! 

From the mouths of babes...

I was walking home from work today and I took a shortcut through Dragon Park.  There is a school between the park and our house and several children were outside playing (it was in the 60s here!!!).  I overheard these 2 girls talking.  They were maybe 6 or 7 years old.  Here's their conversation..."So, was Barack Obama the first president?", "No, he was..."  I didn't hear the end of their conversation, but I'm sure it was enlightening!