2 Precious Children

I took Vengee and James to the Long Beach Aquarium and we had such a blast! I was a little nervous to take both of them by myself but they were so good! They were so funny when they saw all of the fish and the divers. Vengee fell in love with one of them. When we left to go home she told me that she missed him. The kids had a blast touching the sharks and the sting rays. Vengee was a little hesitant at first but she touched them with 2 fingers with my help. As James would say the sharks are slippy. I love these kids so much and I can't even imagine my life without them! They are such a blessing and yet they have no concept of the impact they have on others. Here are some pictures from our fun-filled day!

The Big Question

What am I going to do with my life? I have been trying to figure that out for a while, even more after I returned from Liberia. My heart and my mind have been torn. My heart has always wanted to start a non profit that is focused on the basic Public Health needs (water, hygiene, sanitation, etc.). But then my mind comes in and I know that it’s going to be a lot of work and I am not business minded. I have been job searching for a couple months because I want to use my education and I want to make a difference in the lives of people who are overlooked…but nothing has fallen into place. The urge to start a non profit has been on my mind more now than ever. You're probably thinking what’s holding me back? To be totally honest I’m afraid of failing and also starting something like this will be overwhelming to start on my own. But then I think to myself if I tried it I can never look back and think what if. Please pray for guidance and direction as this is something that I have always wanted to do, but I want to make sure that this is what the Lord wants me to do.

Reflection of 2008

Things that impacted me:

- Going to Africa by myself for 5 weeks and coming back a changed person
- Having James and Vengee in our family
- Working full time and going through Grad school at the same time
- While I was in Liberia realizing that every decision you make whether it be a good decision or bad decision it affects other people.

Happiest moments:

- Being in Africa
- Experience the “firsts” with the kids
- Spending time with loved ones

Biggest regrets:

- Being too busy to enjoy my life
- Not letting my guard down
- Not protecting my heart

Surprises:

- Finishing school early
- The additions to our family (James, Vengee and Bryson)
- Going skydiving
- Deciding to coach high school softball

Blessings from God:

- Fulfilling a dream of going to Africa
- The friendships that blossomed from my trip
- A change of heart towards those who are less fortunate

Hopes for 2009:

- Continue to grow as a woman of God
- Start the non-profit
- Inspire someone to step out of their comfort zone
- Trust God with every aspect of my life

Peace

Lately I have been thinking a lot about 2 children that stole my heart while I was in Liberia. Patience the little girl who lived in the village where the project was and Charles (one of James' best friend) who lived at Old Road. They have been on my mind and I find myself wondering how they are doing. When Maria was here I told her how I want to adopt Charles so she better keep him until I come to get him. I worry about Patience living where she does with the disease and malnutrition. My heart is broken for these children and I don't know what to do about it.
I often wonder why my heart was allowed to be connected to these two children. They are no different than the other thousands of children that were in Liberia...but for some reason I think about them constantly. I hope and pray that some way, some how God will give me peace about these two precious children.