As I talk to parents we all have a similar concern–how do we help our children think of others and recognize the amazing lives they lead when a high standard of living is the only “norm” most of them have known?
I prayed about this awhile back and got an unexpected answer. At the kindergarten Halloween Parade at school.
I happened to sit next to a lovely woman, we struck up a conversation, and by the end of it, I found out she and her husband were one of the main spear-headers of A Child’s Hope Foundation. This incredible organization helps children in orphanages in various places around the world including Mexico. Over 4,000 volunteers have passed through their gates and have connected with those wonderful children to bless their lives for good.
As I learned about all they did–paint buildings, fix roofs, dig gardens, play with the children–my heart soared. This was an opportunity for my kids to really feel and see how others lived, and to make a difference in these kids’ lives even if it’s just our widows’ mite.
Then the reality thoughts hit–could I possibly, as a single mother, take my children, drive the 10 to 12 hours, cross the border, keep them safe, do good, not get sick, and return all in one piece having had an incredible experience?
The positive answer came, but I was hesitant, then some wonderful people and experiences reassured me all would be well (in fact, a dear friend’s daughter had just returned from that very orphanage with nothing but good and safe results). After securing info, encouraging a daughter who didn’t want to spend her fall break this way, and getting our ducks in a row, we loaded up our small Subaru Forester, all five of us, and headed off to survive just the drive (i.e. my daughter used a towel divider from the car ceiling to create “her space”)
And what a miracle after miracle it was.
We LOVED those people–the children, the leaders, the experience. The children played fabulously with our children–Legos are the real International Language–and on the Fabulous Fiesta night we pulled out the scooters, toys, and candy we had brought, finished off with a group pinata–PURE JOY! In the morning the children would pray and go to school and in the afternoon they would playyyy until it was time to go in.
While the orphanage kids were gone we worked like crazy–from painting buildings, to digging and spreading gravel (and a competition for ice cream to who lessened their mountainous pile better), to cleaning up the compound, it was so SATISFYING for all of us. And the amazing people we met on this trip–the absolute best of the best. At night we would gather at the campfire and share the highs and lows of the day, and invariably, it was nothing but highs.
Beautifully, and amazingly, the Must We Do This for Fall Break daughter was able to use her art talent for good. They asked for help with a mural for the boys’ bedroom. She connected with two other kind adults in the group who had been art majors, and under the tutelage of talented professionals they all created a Marvel-themed room the envy of any elementary-school boy. What started as a why-must-we kind of experience became a confidence-boosting, life-changing one for her.
And not only were we safe (gated compound), but no sickness, no drama, no road stress, and no problems. Everything I had been concerned with was not even an issue. In fact, I ended up driving most of the way (though my 19 yo helped at the end) and had INCREDIBLE energy coming from who knew where.
I learned some powerful and key lessons during this trip–particularly 3 lessons–that I share in my podcast (check the iTunes address at the top of my website). These deeper learnings have stayed with me and continue to affect what I do and how I do it.
If you’re wondering this holiday season what you can do that will shape your children’s lives for good, I encourage you to consider something outside of the box. Something that fills your soul and expands your view, for you and your children. With a simple intention and prayer, your lives will be changed forever.
Loves,
Connie
