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.
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
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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.
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
Thanks for sharing the link....we are really are blessed aren't we? Have a Happy Thanksgiving Pamela... judy
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.
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.
Happy Thanksgiving to you.