Finding the Joy

The smell of fresh baked brownies fill the air. Not the kind from a box, but the kind that begin with little squares of unsweetened chocolate. Oh my, are these decadent. Sure, any kind of brownies quickly satisfy my sweet tooth, but when you take the time to bake them from scratch-- the reward is tenfold.

Now I have to be honest. I did not bake them. Julia and the girls did. But I like to think that I helped a little-- after all, I bought the squares of chocolate and encouraged the girls to see what true baking was all about. As they licked the buttery, brown gold from the bowl, they could already tell the difference.

Bottom line-- My small contribution opened the doors wide open for my daughters to experience something wonderful.

Caleb has been doing lots of work this week. He is earning the money he needs for the Mexico Mission Trip he is going on next week. Yard work, washing our vehicles inside and out, and cleaning out the garage are just a few of the things I have him doing. I am so excited to see how God is going to work in him this next week!

The girls are getting along great, and our time in the desert seems to have brought them closer.
I love how resourceful they are-- playing poker can last for hours as can jumping on the trampoline or taking a walk to the park. Of course things are not always perfect-- a broken MP3 player, a misplaced pair of pants, a "he said-- she said" disagreement-- but nothing they cannot work through.

In the last month, we have been blessed to learn about an amazing ministry called River of Joy. If you take a few moments to read their mission you would better understand the great need that exists in orphan care, and evangelism that can revitalize a whole village! So much is at stake for these children who may never have a family, never know the joy of living in Christ. River of Joy is hosting two camps this summer that will enable the poorest orphans in Crimea to come and enjoy the beauty of God's creation, the love that only He can pour out, good fun, games, singing, crafts-- a once in a life opportunity for these children.

Doesn't that sound exciting? Are you wondering how you can be a part of this amazing ministry? How would you feel to know that your small donation made it possible for a child to come spend time at this camp where their cups can finally be filled? Not only would you be the stepping stone for a child to be filled with renewed hope, but you would be able to experience the pure joy of giving freely to the least of these. Come check out River of Joy and see all that happened during the last camp there!

Please consider what role you can play in this ministry. A few of my girls shared with me what camp meant to them. It was a break from the daily reminder that they had very little to look forward to. It was an opportunity for them to have fun, run around, laugh... just be a kid. They were hugged, nurtured, encouraged, fussed over... paid attention to-- all things a child needs in order to blossom. Most of all they were taught that God loves them. What a difference it would make in the lives of children to be given this same opportunity!

Just imagine what your small contribution can do for a child!