Survival Mode

The other day I was feeling as if I was just in a survival mode. I wasn't in the mood to be thankful for our cozy home, beautiful yard, lovely children and grandchildren, numerous friends, and plenty.

Nope! I wasn't thinking about those things at all.

I sat myself down to read the comments on my blog. When I see someone new has dusted me, I follow his/her link, because I'm nosy.

That's how I happened to visit MoziEsmé (an American toddler growing up in Mozambique. Her mommy and daddy are volunteers with Maranatha Volunteers International.)

I smiled at the cute pictures and stories (yes, grandmothers are suckers for little dimples and curls.)

But I quit smiling when I got to her post entitled Zimbabwe Again.

I think I've heard little bits and pieces about Zimbabwe in the news. But I had not paid attention long enough to actually understand the truth about what is happening there.

Please take a moment to read her post. She quotes an E-mail from Paula, a 72 year old woman managing an orphanage there - by herself. When I read it, I understood the true meaning of the term "survival mode."

Once you've finished reading there, link to an Australian website that has more information about Paula.

Daily news headlines from the country can be viewed at a website entitled The Zimbabwe Situation.

Horrible things are happening in places like Zimbabwe.

And then there are brave people -like Paula (and MoziEsmé and her parents) - that step up to the challenges that are presented.

As for the rest of us? Prayer support is always appropriate and I'm sure very much desired. There is also a link at the AU website for those who are able to provide financial support.

Certainly there are many more opportunities for us to provide encouragement for the suffering at this time of year and at any time of year.

Thank you MoziEsmé - for reminding me how blessed my life is.

Comments

Thanks for the links Pamela. Like you, I hear bits and pieces and know life must be very tough in Zimbabwe but hearing it from someone actually living it is very different.
karisma said…
I remember reading about another lady doing something similar to Paula. She travelled back and forth raising money to fund her orphanage. Lots of kids also travelled to Australia on scholarships to study, thanks to her efforts. I can't remember her name off the top of my head but it was a different lady. I agree with you, we often forget how lucky we are, I think I shall get my kids to read these blog posts too. Thanks for reminding us to wake up to the rest of the world and look outside our own little box!
Anonymous said…
Thank you for making us aware both of the situation in Z and the people who act gracefully and graciously in the midst of it.
kitten said…
Thanks for the links. It sometimes takes us looking into some elses life to be able to smile over ours and count our blessings!
I have something for you at my blog
Anonymous said…
Pamela,

I read your post early today; when I went out, I was channel surfing and landed on NPR. They were featuring a story on Zimbabwe...and I was shaken with hearing about it twice in a matter of hours. I've clicked most of your links (read MoziEsme's account)...and I stumbled your post for wider readership (hopefully).

I had tears streaming down my face when I heard the radio account...my heart was broken.
Wendster said…
... another good place to go is Trek Earth ... the photos there of the squallor and lack of peace other people live in is incredible.
Drowsey Monkey (I must get that link for you ... if you Speedcat at my blog, just click on him. He always has comments from Drowsey) is an excellent source for information on world troubles. I still can't quit thinking about the photos she showed us of the children in Africa? who have to walk to neighboring towns, which are like 10 miles away, EVERY NIGHT ... because if they stay in their town their marauding pillaging neighbors will steal them and enslave them. Can you even imagine having to walk ten miles every night before you go to bed? And never spending the night with your parents? Toting your little brothers and sisters with you? I have a feeling that many suffer in the world around us, and that we have NO IDEA how blessed we are on a daily basis.

I look forward to clicking these links and reading more, but for the moment I am blessed to be able to take my son to a "Feast" at Kindergarten. We will walk there on a trouble free sidewalk in excellent weather and no one will try to shoot us or carry us away ... wait ... we are in California .. MAYBE someone will try to steal my child or shoot at me ... but usually my luck has held, lol. Still, I am grateful to not live in a war torn area where being shot at is the norm, not the exception.

Thanks for sharing, and I hope you are enjoying your time at home. I am SO PROUD OF YOU for quitting your job. I believe that a voice within spurred you on to a new path that is right for you. I am so excited to hear what is around the corner for you.

Love love love! Wendy
Shelby said…
I'm so glad you shared this. I've been reading some of Zimbabwe's heartbreaking news. It's hard to imagine. But it is real, and it is disturbing.
Robocop said…
Happy Thanksgiving!
I, too, and due for a subtle reminder.
Judypatooote said…
To bad she couldn't hook up with Ophra....I mean that really.... we sure are blessed, and what an angel she is to those children... Last year when American Idol had there American Idol gives back show, I was sobbing watching those children... I always donate....in fact I donated and didn't think it went through, and so I donated two more times....well it went through three times.....LOL....but I emailed them, and they credited two of them back....because it was a bit more than I could afford...

Thanks for sharing the link....we are really are blessed aren't we? Have a Happy Thanksgiving Pamela... judy
ChrisB said…
We really don't know the meaning of hardship.
The situation in Zimbabwe is something few of us will ever experience first hand and it is important to try and help.
A couple of years ago I supplied books for a school but I guess that the majority of children don't even get to attend school. Such a sad situation.
Peter said…
This post proves the old adage,
I was sad because I had no shoes, then I met someone who had no feet.
Just shows how much there is to be thankful for... Happy Thanksgiving.
Attie said…
it's terrible it is!!!
Debbie said…
Thank-you for sharing the links, Pamela. I went and I read, and like you I am reminded how blessed mine and my children's lives are. Those poor poor people.
A Spot of T said…
Such heartbreak. Makes a person insane to think what this world is turning into and how you never think there is hope when it seems to be getting so much worse. But then you click on links like these you have shared and that little glimmer of hope shines through.
Anonymous said…
Zimbabwe has long been on my heart.

Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Jeanette said…
Gday Pamela, Thanks for the link.. It bought a tear to my eyes. Happy thanks giving ..
Jennifer said…
I have been reading an AMAZING book (in between reading three other books and I really need to finish just one!!!) called "What is the What". It's the story of one of the Lost boys of the Sudan and it recounts his absolutely horrific experiences. And yet he has emerged an optimist. I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks we are experiencing hard times because really, we know nothing about suffering and deprivation.
Barb Davis said…
I found your blog by accident this evening and just love it. I'm a grandmother living in Northern Idaho. Please stop by The Serenity Gate when you get a chance. Blessings.

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