I've already written my letters for the month of August and I'm thinking ahead to next month's letters. With mixed emotions I wrote a final letter to Rubi this week also. She's been in college for a couple years now and her classes have kept her from fully participating in Compassion's programs. She also recently found a job and this has resulted in her early departure from the program.
Working On
I've been going through all the letters we've received and kept over the past 20 years. I finally decided to record the highlights and a summary of each child (with photos) digitally. Right now I'm publishing one a week on a series I'm calling "My Compassion Kids". I'm collecting links to all the individual posts on this landing page.
Thinking About
My Compassion family is shrinking, but I think it's a good thing. I have another boy scheduled to graduate later this year, so it will get even smaller. I've realized that too many is overwhelming to me, and I've been able to say "no" to taking on new correspondent kids. It's ok to say no and let someone else step up.
Planning
It's time to start thinking about Christmas cards for my kids and unsponsored children. I've been collecting cards and supplies and will get started on these soon. I'll do as many as I can, personally, and I'll likely hold a card writing event at my church as well (probably in October).
Reading
I'm always reading something, but not always reading something that pertains to the subject of poverty. I'm up for suggestions, though, if you have any...
I did just receive this new release by Compassion advocate and sponsor and blogger, Emily Freeman. Eager to dig in!
Praying
For Rubi as she transitions into adulthood, and that her job is one that will provide her a good, stable income. For all the kids I've sponsored in the past and no longer have contact with - that they are still serving the Lord and growing in Him. For all my current kids and their families - for health and provision - for release from poverty.
Meditating on...Isaiah 58:6-11
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Homeschool
I'm just starting to put together our plans for the school year, but here are a few ideas I've had.
- Letter writing - Both my girls have three kids they will be writing to each month.
- Research and presentation project - I'd like them to do some sort of research project on the countries where some of our children live. I'm hoping to give them a set of questions they need to find answers to (capital, population, flag, customs, etc) and then they can present their findings to us. I'd love to also have them prepare a meal that is typical in that country. Maybe I'll even have them write a blog post about it to share here...
- Memorization - I think I'll also have the girls (and myself) memorize Isaiah 58:6-11.
On the blog
Other than the weekly summary of my Compassion kids, I don't have any series planned for fall. I'll continue my "what to write" series and "Compassion Joy Dare" each month, but other than that anything is possible! I'm always open to guest posts so if you have something you'd like to share, please let me know (either in the comments or through email - fiddlejill(at)outlook(dot)com )
