Compassion Experience

We took friends with us this year to experience the Compassion Experience.  Last year, when we went we gained a new understanding of what children in third world countries face.  It was very eye opening for my children and we wanted our friends to have a better understanding.

We learned about the childhoods of Julian and Ruben on this trip.  We walked through the recreation of their homes and struggles.  We listened to their stories of overcoming dire situations and how the Compassion program helped them.  Our friends were touched, just like we were last year.

During my walk through the experience and listening to the different stories, I kept reflecting on the child we sponsor.  What would her rooms look like?  What would her story sound like?  She came to the Compassion program and waited quite sometime for a sponsor.  We have been her sponsor now for almost a year.  I write to her a couple of times a month.  We receive letters from her.  She sounds happy in her letters.  She is lucky and has both parents and siblings living with her.  So many of these children only have one parent.  I pray for her and her family.

Our friends decided to sponsor a child after the experience.  They are excited to get to know their child.  This is such a worthwhile cause and I know they will be moved like we were.  If you are able to visit a Compassion Experience near you, please do so.  It is worth the time.  You may just take home another child!

Christmas Fun Days 13, 14, 15!

I don't think our schedule will be settling down until sometime this coming weekend!  So, again here is another recap of some of the things we have done. 

I think Tinsel has been tired like we have been.  So much rushing going on and trying to keep up with the kiddos is exhausting!  He has brought the nativity cards and prophecy cards, but seems to forget a joke or to-do card from time to time.  I guess he figures we have enough to-do right now and doesn't need to add one more to the list!  Haha.

Saturday, we took the kids to Ice Age Dinosaurs Alive.  Little Man wanted to go as part of his birthday gift.  He was really into it and enjoyed himself.  The displays were nice and informative.  However, I think the whole thing was a bit overpriced.  Oh, well....you live and learn and let the kids have fun.

After the dinosaur outing, we grabbed pizza and guess who was there.  Santa!  Boy, did that surprise Little Man.  I wish I had thought to take a pic!

The children had their Christmas Encounter choral program that evening.  My parents came up to hear them sing.  Our church always does a great job with the music programs.  Afterwards, we went out to eat and Little Man went home with my parents. 

Sunday morning, Egee and I headed off to church services.  We then had a few hours to run a couple of errands before heading back to day two of the Christmas Encounter program.  Santa Claus came through the neighborhood on the firetruck before we left for the program! 

D-man came to hear her sing tonight.  She was so excited that her big brother would be there.

Monday morning, we trekked over to my parent's house to pick up Little Man.  We then went to Life Way book store to see the Compassion Experience.  We learned about two children that lived in poverty and how Compassion has helped them become successful adults.  It was very eye opening for the children.  We discussed third world situations and how children often suffer.  We will begin to pray about which child God would like for us to sponsor and begin a sponsorship in January.