As you know, I post when there is really something to say- so I am shouting. Grace is coming home. Honestly, I could write something every week! But, I wanted to make this blog special and something you would enjoy sharing along the way. The journey to date has been worthy of a novella and we still have 2.5 months until Grace will be snuggled in her bed in Four Oaks, NC. It is so amazing to think how God put this whole plan together, to bond an older mother to an older child. Both of us too shy for our own good in public, but strong in ways people may not see upon first meeting us. The similarities in our personalities make me very comfortable with our future together!
Grace will bring such joy to our home. It has been fun to think through the balance of how to do decorate her room so that it is inviting, yet leaving it open for her interpretation. Fun stuff. Having never been able to have children, this is my first experience- so we will see how she likes the room and how she changes it :-). Her closet has a few clothes given by one of her new Aunties, so we will be adding to that when she gets home. Dr. Mandy and I shopped with her in Uganda; we can attest, Grace has a real opinion about what she likes.. so funny to watch her.
Many of you have been so kind to Grace by helping from your hearts to bring her home. She will know what each one of you has done! We do have this last leg of the journey. If it is in your heart to help me complete the process, we would be so thankful for your support to help with airline costs. Uunexpected Visa expenses tapped into the money we were trying to save to flights. If this is something that you wish to help us with, you can donate using Paypal on this blog site. Thank you so much.
I keep saying to myself and frankly, anyone who will listen, "she is almost here". Many of you know this feeling- it is so precious. Finally,
Grace will be given a chance to know unconditional love and Mum Sharron will experience love she never could imagine. Grace does not have to worry about being abandoned again or living in an unsafe environment. A really cool fact is that she will have her first birthday party in April! What an experience to see, 12 year old who has never had a birthday cake or party! We actually know her birthday- April 20th. That is not always the case with orphans, so we will celebrate. Please know we are so thankful for all of your love, prayers, and support. We appreciate your loving kindness.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Christmas Extraordinaire
Today was an exceptional day. Mom and I met Jodi and her (gorgeous!) girls at the Carolina Ballet to see Cinderella. Oh yes, all the little beauties parading around so happily in their tutus or Cinder costumes before the show, brought huge smiles and warmed the hearts of all watching. My heart immediately jumped at the joy of seeing my beautiful Grace and her dancing eyes during this fun filled time of year. Not that she will don a tutu or ballgown to go to a show, she would say that is for little girls and she will be 12 (Ahem!). It is the thought of Grace having her own lovely dress, spunky shoes and special seat as she watches the delicate skill of precision moves to music by well trained athletes known as ballerinas. Extraordinary thoughts of my daughter!
Shortly after leaving the show, Jodi and her kids got a bite to eat. I stopped by for a second to drop off some Christmas cards she had requested. These are no ordinary cards; these are extraordinary cards. Why? These cards were drawn by children from Royal School and Orphanage while we were on our mission trip this year. Pennies for Posho made the drawings into fabulous Christmas cards and I am being allowed to sell them to assist with the remaining costs for the adoption of Grace! This is truly a blessing. You can see some of the cards on the blog- PLEASE GO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. Each card is uniquely detailed on the front with a verse inside and the back cover contains information about the child artist; these are extraordinary children. The cards come 10 to a pack with envelopes and cost only 12.00 per pack. That is 1.20 each - a very good price. The paper is a wonderful weight and smooth texture. The colors in the drawings are bright and crisp, just like the season. In addition to sending to friends and family, the cards make an eye catching display for a centerpiece or side table.
You can order these inspiring cards by emailing me the number of packs you would like to have along with your phone number and address. You can use the Paypal feature on the blog. Please consider purchasing cards today! You will be thrilled with the quality. Make these cards part of your Christmas Extraordinaire. Thank you for helping me bring Grace home!
Shortly after leaving the show, Jodi and her kids got a bite to eat. I stopped by for a second to drop off some Christmas cards she had requested. These are no ordinary cards; these are extraordinary cards. Why? These cards were drawn by children from Royal School and Orphanage while we were on our mission trip this year. Pennies for Posho made the drawings into fabulous Christmas cards and I am being allowed to sell them to assist with the remaining costs for the adoption of Grace! This is truly a blessing. You can see some of the cards on the blog- PLEASE GO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. Each card is uniquely detailed on the front with a verse inside and the back cover contains information about the child artist; these are extraordinary children. The cards come 10 to a pack with envelopes and cost only 12.00 per pack. That is 1.20 each - a very good price. The paper is a wonderful weight and smooth texture. The colors in the drawings are bright and crisp, just like the season. In addition to sending to friends and family, the cards make an eye catching display for a centerpiece or side table.
You can order these inspiring cards by emailing me the number of packs you would like to have along with your phone number and address. You can use the Paypal feature on the blog. Please consider purchasing cards today! You will be thrilled with the quality. Make these cards part of your Christmas Extraordinaire. Thank you for helping me bring Grace home!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Returning Pennies Team is Blessed by Children
You hear people say "you will be blessed for your mission trip" and the reply is "you expect the children will end up blessing you more". Sounds pretty standard. If you have not experienced this priceless, preciousness of blessings offered by children in need, then take your next leave of absence and spend it in a country where your offering is multiplied exponentially by their love, smiles and true appreciation for the absolute basics in life.
And so it begins.....With great wisdom our leader, Ted Moody (http://www.penniesforposho.org/), took us to Jinja Island first. An improvised island under the leadership of a pastor working to improve the lives of hundreds of children while educating them and focusing their lives on Jesus. It is amazing to see how these children responded to the team. They have so little and the simplest gift of a roll of Sweet Tarts is worth a bow or curtsy. We gave out clothes, hygiene items and shoes to the children at the orphanage and some from surrounding villages. The trip to the island was on a boat that I think is the same one used by Peter and Jesus in Matthew 14. No matter the condition of the vessel and baling of water (ahem!), you soon focus on the beauty of Lake Victoria and the headwaters of the Nile and the real goal.
After almost two and half days of constant travel, we arrived at Royal School and Orphanage. If you look on my FB page, Dr. Mandy Tolson, has been gracious to post photos she took while on the trip. She is a wonderful woman of God and truly blessed in what she sees in the lens of a camera. We could see the same child or horizon and her eye would capture the right second in time to snap the photo- really lovely pictures!
When we departed the bus at RSO, Grace was waiting with flowers. I almost lost myself, weak-kneed and worn from the travel; her embrace gave me renewed strength and hope. She is a shy child and slowly over 11 days emerged to smile, even when unprovoked. Big Daddy, Dr Mandy, Dr Sammy, Stacy and Uncle Ivan could always bring out her joy!
We were blessed to have many days with the children. The team's focus was to build the poultry house and a retaining wall. This type of work that was really not suitable for Mandy and me, therefore, we spent time sorting gifts, presenting gifts and loving on the children. Many hours were spent with Ivan (a whole separate post on him soon) traveling to Kampala to work on guardianship issues and one day dedicated to visiting the grower of the poultry for chicken house once completed. Of course, that visit was the domain of the veterinarians and Moses (son of Jalia, Head Mistress- exceptional man!)- but I tagged along to learn about Ugandan production. Quite a nice learning experience.
There are many, many stories to share- teaching Grace to use an ipad; buying Grace shoes; traveling in a van on Ugandan roads; Godly men and more. I will combine two stories to shorten the narrative.
Buying Grace shoes- First and foremost, hire Ivan as your driver. If you travel from the village to the city, you are in more danger from vehicular encounters that any other malady. Mandy, I and Uncle Ivan took Grace into a shoe store in Kampala to buy a pair of "black Mary Janes"- typical school shoe. However, my little fashionista initially chose shoes with flowers on the toe, but they did not have her size. She settled on a more basic Mary Jane after letting Mandy know that one pair we suggested was not her style. The thing that was precious to see was this quite, shy little girl has an opinion and willing to state it with graciousness for the shoes chosen in the end. Lesson 1 for Sharron: when we returned from the shoe trip, it had rained, there is lots of mud. I asked Grace to wear her old shoes to her dormitory and not get her new shoes muddy. After two refusals, I put the old shoes in the box and we headed to her dorm. When we arrived, she walked straight to a friend and gave her the old shoes. Apparently, old, worn school shoes are better than no schools shoes. The love between these children melts your heart and teaches you more than you can ever expect.
Godly men: Most of you, who know me, really know me; understand my issues with having men in my life and respect. While forgiven and blessed to be where I am, God revealed to me a huge blessing while in Uganda. The men on this mission with Pennies for Posho were constantly talking about their wives, children and God or I should say God, wives, children. Their hearts for the kids at RSO were revealed from the minute we stepped off the bus, until we parted at Atlanta airport on the final leg back home. To see men give their hearts, time, energy and mostly love to build the foundation and trusses for the poultry house and a stone retaining wall at the orphanage was an inspiration. However, it paled in comparison to holding children in their arms, playing sports with them and wiping tears- yes, the children's tears and their own. These are real men- we call them Warriors at C3 and each one has a warrior's heart for their Father, their family and His work. There were two teenage boys in the group of Godly men- extremely impressive in their own work and love for the children. Lesson 2 for Sharron: They are the HOPE, when we look for HOPE; we need look only to look at the children we went to serve and the children serving God. They are the future of our globe. Teaching them to be selfless, to love God and their neighbor is our charge in the first two commandments. Yes, being with Godly men was an experience with great lessons that I did not expect.
And so it begins.....With great wisdom our leader, Ted Moody (http://www.penniesforposho.org/), took us to Jinja Island first. An improvised island under the leadership of a pastor working to improve the lives of hundreds of children while educating them and focusing their lives on Jesus. It is amazing to see how these children responded to the team. They have so little and the simplest gift of a roll of Sweet Tarts is worth a bow or curtsy. We gave out clothes, hygiene items and shoes to the children at the orphanage and some from surrounding villages. The trip to the island was on a boat that I think is the same one used by Peter and Jesus in Matthew 14. No matter the condition of the vessel and baling of water (ahem!), you soon focus on the beauty of Lake Victoria and the headwaters of the Nile and the real goal.
After almost two and half days of constant travel, we arrived at Royal School and Orphanage. If you look on my FB page, Dr. Mandy Tolson, has been gracious to post photos she took while on the trip. She is a wonderful woman of God and truly blessed in what she sees in the lens of a camera. We could see the same child or horizon and her eye would capture the right second in time to snap the photo- really lovely pictures!
When we departed the bus at RSO, Grace was waiting with flowers. I almost lost myself, weak-kneed and worn from the travel; her embrace gave me renewed strength and hope. She is a shy child and slowly over 11 days emerged to smile, even when unprovoked. Big Daddy, Dr Mandy, Dr Sammy, Stacy and Uncle Ivan could always bring out her joy!
We were blessed to have many days with the children. The team's focus was to build the poultry house and a retaining wall. This type of work that was really not suitable for Mandy and me, therefore, we spent time sorting gifts, presenting gifts and loving on the children. Many hours were spent with Ivan (a whole separate post on him soon) traveling to Kampala to work on guardianship issues and one day dedicated to visiting the grower of the poultry for chicken house once completed. Of course, that visit was the domain of the veterinarians and Moses (son of Jalia, Head Mistress- exceptional man!)- but I tagged along to learn about Ugandan production. Quite a nice learning experience.
There are many, many stories to share- teaching Grace to use an ipad; buying Grace shoes; traveling in a van on Ugandan roads; Godly men and more. I will combine two stories to shorten the narrative.
Buying Grace shoes- First and foremost, hire Ivan as your driver. If you travel from the village to the city, you are in more danger from vehicular encounters that any other malady. Mandy, I and Uncle Ivan took Grace into a shoe store in Kampala to buy a pair of "black Mary Janes"- typical school shoe. However, my little fashionista initially chose shoes with flowers on the toe, but they did not have her size. She settled on a more basic Mary Jane after letting Mandy know that one pair we suggested was not her style. The thing that was precious to see was this quite, shy little girl has an opinion and willing to state it with graciousness for the shoes chosen in the end. Lesson 1 for Sharron: when we returned from the shoe trip, it had rained, there is lots of mud. I asked Grace to wear her old shoes to her dormitory and not get her new shoes muddy. After two refusals, I put the old shoes in the box and we headed to her dorm. When we arrived, she walked straight to a friend and gave her the old shoes. Apparently, old, worn school shoes are better than no schools shoes. The love between these children melts your heart and teaches you more than you can ever expect.
Godly men: Most of you, who know me, really know me; understand my issues with having men in my life and respect. While forgiven and blessed to be where I am, God revealed to me a huge blessing while in Uganda. The men on this mission with Pennies for Posho were constantly talking about their wives, children and God or I should say God, wives, children. Their hearts for the kids at RSO were revealed from the minute we stepped off the bus, until we parted at Atlanta airport on the final leg back home. To see men give their hearts, time, energy and mostly love to build the foundation and trusses for the poultry house and a stone retaining wall at the orphanage was an inspiration. However, it paled in comparison to holding children in their arms, playing sports with them and wiping tears- yes, the children's tears and their own. These are real men- we call them Warriors at C3 and each one has a warrior's heart for their Father, their family and His work. There were two teenage boys in the group of Godly men- extremely impressive in their own work and love for the children. Lesson 2 for Sharron: They are the HOPE, when we look for HOPE; we need look only to look at the children we went to serve and the children serving God. They are the future of our globe. Teaching them to be selfless, to love God and their neighbor is our charge in the first two commandments. Yes, being with Godly men was an experience with great lessons that I did not expect.
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Chicken House Mission Team
It is time to post again to let you know what is happening. My home study was approved- wahoo! The Pennies for Posho mission team is heading out to Uganda on Sept 26th. What a blessing to go with an experienced leader and mentor to many- though I have not met "Big Daddy", Ted Moody, it seems like I know him thanks to the wonderful stories told by others. The team will be building a chicken house which will provide eggs and protein for the children at Royal School and Orphanage. While there, I will see Grace and get to spend some time with her (beaming!). I will be meeting the attorney and giving her my dossier. So pray like crazy for this team to remain healthy, to receive travel mercies and for Grace to be comforted by God's plan. Stay tuned, I will do my best to post while there and to send pictures of Grace, her school and the wonderful work by the mission team.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Grace- Yes, We Did- Prayed Up the House for You!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEU86TsUDWE
We started off the day with a soul-full song by BeBe and Cece Winans- thanks to Dianne! Yes, our Mr. Jerry as we like to call him, Dianne and Stephan joined the celebration of prayer, friendship and food. Dianne had the CD, so click on the link above to hear how we started out. This was the perfect song for today and it will be on my Ipod as I head to Uganda in a few weeks.
After a brief summary of how Grace, Mom and I have gotten to this point, the most powerful and beautifully said prayers were offered to our Father. Grace, you have to know how this house filled with His presence at the sound of your name. My dear Sister Leigh started off with a joyful prayer to Father God, Dianne, Jerry and Jodi all prayed for Grace's new home, for blessings on the adoption process, steadying my walk of faith and all thanked God for allowing us to be part of this remarkable plan. When the prayers were completed, everyone knew the Lord was present. "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)- there was not a dry eye- for His glory.
Next, we enjoyed refreshments- yes, you know, it is my funtime. My sincere thanks to all who helped and especially to Jamie for hanging with me in the kitchen in preparation for today. Then to Gina and Jamie for assuring the two kitchens were clean and left overs snug in the frig while I talked with Jodi and her children and Jerry and Dianne.
Jodi's children are such a blessing to all. They are so full of life and laughter. I am asking them every question that pops in my head when we are together, trying to learn what I can about Grace, Royal School and Uganda. Jerry, Jodi, MacKenzie, Olivia, Anges, Ruth and Nathan gave me a photo that Oliva and Ruth worked on that depicts me and Grace with an African sunset. It is a must see! Olivia and Ruth, thank you for this treasure.
Take a second to look at the photos from today, listen to the Winans and hug yourself for being wonderful family/friends. Stay posted. Love you all.
We started off the day with a soul-full song by BeBe and Cece Winans- thanks to Dianne! Yes, our Mr. Jerry as we like to call him, Dianne and Stephan joined the celebration of prayer, friendship and food. Dianne had the CD, so click on the link above to hear how we started out. This was the perfect song for today and it will be on my Ipod as I head to Uganda in a few weeks.
After a brief summary of how Grace, Mom and I have gotten to this point, the most powerful and beautifully said prayers were offered to our Father. Grace, you have to know how this house filled with His presence at the sound of your name. My dear Sister Leigh started off with a joyful prayer to Father God, Dianne, Jerry and Jodi all prayed for Grace's new home, for blessings on the adoption process, steadying my walk of faith and all thanked God for allowing us to be part of this remarkable plan. When the prayers were completed, everyone knew the Lord was present. "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)- there was not a dry eye- for His glory.
Next, we enjoyed refreshments- yes, you know, it is my funtime. My sincere thanks to all who helped and especially to Jamie for hanging with me in the kitchen in preparation for today. Then to Gina and Jamie for assuring the two kitchens were clean and left overs snug in the frig while I talked with Jodi and her children and Jerry and Dianne.
Jodi's children are such a blessing to all. They are so full of life and laughter. I am asking them every question that pops in my head when we are together, trying to learn what I can about Grace, Royal School and Uganda. Jerry, Jodi, MacKenzie, Olivia, Anges, Ruth and Nathan gave me a photo that Oliva and Ruth worked on that depicts me and Grace with an African sunset. It is a must see! Olivia and Ruth, thank you for this treasure.
Take a second to look at the photos from today, listen to the Winans and hug yourself for being wonderful family/friends. Stay posted. Love you all.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Praying up the House
Sunday, August 7th from 2:00-4:00 PM, we will be Praying up the House for Grace. Here is the thought behind the theme. Every since I began the journey of adopting Grace, which included months of battling in my brain whether this was really what I should do, well let's just say, things have happened. Dear friends told me that when you truly begin to listen to God and walk on faith stepping out to do His will, the mischief maker begins to interfere in every detail possible.
Of course, I blew those comments off, thinking if this is God's plan- there is nothing that can happen to detour my efforts. Well, this is one time in my life when my age and being mature were not synonymous. Not even close. How naive could one middle age woman be? So, here I go head first into brick wall after brick wall and roadblocks that seems intentional. Oops, did I say intentional? Were they right, was the mischief maker busy? Hummm?
In June, I sent out an SOS of sorts to all my loving family and friends asking them to participate in praying up the house as we prep for Grace to come home. So this is the big week-end in JOCO. 1208 Peach Orchard Road in Four Oaks will never be the same. We will be praying for God's mercy on the team headed to Uganda in Sept when I will meet Grace. Also, we will pray for God to move within Grace as she enters into a new phase of her life, a new world. That she will be receptive to a loving home in the US- in JOCO, not too far from her friends in Durham- Nathan, Ruth and Agnes Tucker who moved here last year from Royal School and Orphanage. Further, we will be asking for a smooth court process in Uganda, and for our house to receive blessings for peace, harmony, and stability as we prepare it for Grace.
On Sunday, we will be having lots of food and fun before and after the serious business of kicking the mischief maker out of the picture. He has to go, there is no room for him here. So be in prayer, if you cannot come. Love to all!!
Of course, I blew those comments off, thinking if this is God's plan- there is nothing that can happen to detour my efforts. Well, this is one time in my life when my age and being mature were not synonymous. Not even close. How naive could one middle age woman be? So, here I go head first into brick wall after brick wall and roadblocks that seems intentional. Oops, did I say intentional? Were they right, was the mischief maker busy? Hummm?
In June, I sent out an SOS of sorts to all my loving family and friends asking them to participate in praying up the house as we prep for Grace to come home. So this is the big week-end in JOCO. 1208 Peach Orchard Road in Four Oaks will never be the same. We will be praying for God's mercy on the team headed to Uganda in Sept when I will meet Grace. Also, we will pray for God to move within Grace as she enters into a new phase of her life, a new world. That she will be receptive to a loving home in the US- in JOCO, not too far from her friends in Durham- Nathan, Ruth and Agnes Tucker who moved here last year from Royal School and Orphanage. Further, we will be asking for a smooth court process in Uganda, and for our house to receive blessings for peace, harmony, and stability as we prepare it for Grace.
On Sunday, we will be having lots of food and fun before and after the serious business of kicking the mischief maker out of the picture. He has to go, there is no room for him here. So be in prayer, if you cannot come. Love to all!!
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