Sunday, August 22, 2010

Looking Around



A couple of years ago we visited a dear friend who was working in a children's home, for abused and neglected kids in Gallup, New Mexico. We loaded up our car and traveled almost 23 hours to show love to little brown faces. These children have left tiny fingerprints on my heart.

 Today when I was sorting through one of my drawers I came across a note from one of the sweet girls we met. Where is she today? Is she with her mama?

We often think we need to travel the world to make a difference in some child's life that is hurting, but right smack in the middle of the powerful and wealthy U.S. we saw poverty. When I helped in our own community's little school, there were kids who would show up without lunch-day after day.

My friend Jenn and a couple of the children, hiking through the rocks behind the home.
 Look out your own back window, there is probably a child who could use a smile and a word of encouragement spoken into their little lives. A grin and a "good job" goes a long way!

18 comments:

Sherry Sikstrom said...

I so agree , there are often kids and families right in our on community that could use love and support .It sounds like your friend is ding great work where she is

BridgeEtta said...

I'm not around kids much anymore, mostly just cows, but I hate to think of anyone going hungry. I think there must be something I can do about hungry kids. I appreciate the poke in the ribs (right there close to my heart).

ain't for city gals said...

Hello, I came over from CCC...I love this post. I never figured out why people think they have to go far distances to lend a helping hand....usually it can be done right in our own backyard.

Lindsay said...

This is so true! Thank you for the reminder!

Shirley said...

My mom always said that "charity begins at home".

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

What a beautiful post and a wonderful reminder! There is so much we can do if we could REALLY SEE as HE sees!!
Have a Blessed day!! I just love your posts!!!

LindaG said...

I used to see that when I volunteered at my son's local elementary, too. Many of the schools here (elementary) have breakfast and lunch and many offer it for free to needy families. I think they do it for middle and high school also.
Good memories for you. :)

NaomiG said...

So very true, and such a great reminder for us all. It's a careful balance I think, because third world nation's children DO need people to travel/commit funds to them as well... Best case scenario is that each of us finds it in our heart to do a little of both, right?! :-)

Missouri Gal said...

Bless her heart for being a wonderful person! Too bad more people aren't like that in the World.

Anonymous said...

Very, very true!

Jenn Jantz said...

wow!! i love it Chey... but your makin me really lonesome though... I miss those kids...

Grandma K said...

Happy to find 'aprairiegirlincalifornia' through your blog, Chey!

And a good post, a good reminder to see the needs around me. I get very self focused ........

"We" enjoy your posts!

Anonymous said...

Ah Chey, funny how I read these posts on days when I need to. We've had a little girl in our world (5Years old), who has pretty much daily been coming over to spend time with us and Cassie. Loves hanging out with Nick while he works in the back yard, loved to play with my collection of seashells and especially loved Cassie.
She left her grandmother's home today to go back to her mother and that is the right thing for her. But... I must say my heart aches a little this morning as I watched her go. She was sweet as can be....
So indeed, never doubt that your kindess, your words may just be what that little one needs.
Steph

G said...

You got it! Can't trade Children for anything whether they are yours or or the neighbors.

Great Post!!:)

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

That is so true! It is all around us. That's what I love about our church with a huge heart for hurting children and youth in our neighborhood. Our church is located in a poor part of town. We run the busy and easily have over 200 children and youth every Wednesday night. When the bus lets them off, they go running to the gym where a meal of usually hot dogs and chips await them. They gobble it down and say it's the best meal they've ever had. It's so very sad because so many of them don't get much food and love at home. It breaks my heart but thrills my soul that I can be a part of making a better life for them.

Anna said...

Agreed! What a wonderful reminder to help those around us!

Dena said...

What a beautiful post and a sweet, gentle reminder.

Hugs,
Dena

Shannan Martin said...

I am so glad I hopped over here today. I love this and love even more that you shared it with us. It makes my heart hurt, these kinds of stories. Thanks for the nudge to get out there and do something about it!

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