Missions

We had SIX Christmases this year. SIX. At one point we overheard the big kids comparing the amount of gifts they got... in front of the people who gave them. Now I know what you're all thinking. This is pretty normal kid behavior and I know it is but it just moved something deep inside me to stand up and say that that is just not acceptable. Because after all there are children all over the world with no gifts, and likely a few miles down the road as well.

That night we had a long talk with the kids about gratitude and giving when you have more than you need and Brandon sent the kids to bed. One stone faced, one sobbing, one oblivious. I'll let you guess which is which!  But for Brandon and I it didn't end there... 

The call to missions had been on Brandon's life for more than a decade. He spent tons of time in Nigeria and a few other places and if you could hear him talk about it you'd see the deepest parts of his heart. But time and life took him away from Nigeria and away from his calling completely. 

Fast forward to 2011 when we met, I was researching the Peace Corps and desperately seeking a way to tackle my dream of Humanitarian Aide. Then Brandon literally waltzed into my life with the cheesiest jokes I've ever heard and the warmest smile... and instead of signing myself up for nights on the floor in a hostel somewhere so unlike home, we moved our lives to New Orleans and built a marriage most people only dream about. (by the grace of God.) Many many nights turned into mornings over discussions of travel and dreams... then a baby came, and then court dates for the big kids and then job changes and losses, we built a tiny house, had another baby (surprise!) and as they so often do, our dreams hopped into the backseat of our lives. 

Then this past Christmas came with blessings falling down around us faster than we could count... and it seemed that those thoughts and hopes could stay in the backseat no longer.

Here's the part where I tell you about Happiness Home. In 2007 Brandon's friend Rama accepted into his home a young woman and her infant daughter who were turned away from any acceptable lodging because they were both HIV positive. Rama became known for his unconditional love and willingness to help those ostracized by the rest of the community. Three years and many prayers later Happiness Home was born. He's now housing over 70 people all HIV/AIDS affected... There is a school system for the children and when it is possible and their health allows it some of the people that live in Happiness Home are self sustaining, meaning they work regular jobs and are able to support themselves.

In 2014 we lived in Magnolia, TX and Brandon was working Oilfield Sales in Downtown Houston. We both felt further from our dreams than ever and Rama called. That seasons crops had failed in the cold hard ground, there weren't enough beds, blankets, or food. He was burying faster than he could dig graves and he was crying out for help. How much do you need?  Brandon asked... Rama's answer shook us both to the absolute core. We sent $100 and he fed them all for a month. What most of us spend at Starbucks in two weeks, the cost of a haircut, getting your car detailed, your cable bill... It meant bellies filled. It meant the most basic human need satisfied even if only for a moment. 

So now you see why our children, our beautiful, blessed and favored children shocked us by counting their Christmas presents and implying they weren't enough. It cannot go on in our home and in our lives... in the way we parent our children. An awareness for the suffering happening in the lives of our friends must be paramount.

Happiness Home faces many issues. Most orphanages are able to place children in loving homes all over the planet but for Rama's children Happiness Home is the only loving home they'll ever know. What all of this translates to is an incredibly deep need for the improvement of quality of life for these men, women and children... a school, a proper kitchen, medical attention and education, beds that aren't shared by three and four, access to regular food and clean water. Things that we have in abundance, things that we can give.

You can find more about our trip to Happiness Home planned for March here.
This link is also suitable for donation!

Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude for each of you who feels compelled to give.

God Bless!