Christmas For Ecuador

We just finished up a wonderful holiday weekend! Anthony took Friday off and we had such a great time as a family and visiting extended family. Anthony and I had a date night. We took the kids to a movie for something special. Needless to say it was a nice weekend. It was not very relaxing, but it was good.

Now we are approaching Christmas. I am tired and well I don't know maybe not in the Christmas spirit this year. Usually by now the house is decorated and I have done all our shopping. This year has not been the case. Granted as I previously posted the house is out of sorts with the upstairs remodel, so really that might be a part of it. I can't shop for my kids because I am being honest, they don't need a thing!! We were planning mattresses eventually, but for toys etc. they don't need a thing. They "think" they do, but they don't. I know I could make a list of things they would love. I know I could. I just have not yet or even begun thinking of shopping. I am making them each some pjs and slippers. So, they will get those things. Either way Anthony and I have been struggling with ideas that will last and worth money for Christmas for them. 

As we got older our family did the twelve days of Christmas for several other families instead of Christmas presents for us. They were the best Christmas years in my opinion. They were so much fun. The families would never know who it was and we had so much fun knowing we were helping and blessing others. I haven't had the time or resources to venture in this direction yet with my own kids. One day I know I will do this! Each year I always wish I could do something similar, it just hasn't happened until this year. 

Yesterday at church our Pastor talked of his recent visit to Ecuador. They were going to a very poor area. I cried in the service because of how awful the living conditions are. The things we take for granted make you feel beyond blessed. They met one young mom who had not even named her 5-6 week old baby because it is easier to bury a nameless child then one named. That hit home with these two precious girls in my stomach kicking away. It hurt my heart that this mom is worried about even having proper nutrition to even supply her sweet babe food, but instead worries of death. The call was made to be able to raise $87,000 to purchase land so a church can be built in the area. That is a lot of money, but I know it can be done. Then Compassion International can come in and help this area by providing the love of Jesus and much needed nutrition and things we as Americans would consider basic living essentials. 

Anthony and I immediately came home and talked to the kids. We pretty much decided that our immediate family Christmas would go to Ecuador, to this precious babe with no name in hopes it might receive one and live. To all the other families in the area living the same with little hope and fear. My call to you this Christmas is think outside the box. It is wonderful to give to family and friends. I love it. It is so much fun. We still will be giving a few gifts to others. Not everybody may hear the call as we did. Pray about it. I know for me I can in no way not send money to Ecuador this Christmas. I know Anthony feels the same. We will always have needs for a better mattress for the kids, or even better clothes, but these families don't even have that. I can give up one year for that. As our Pastor so wisely said, "It is not your birthday, it is His (Christ's)." Consider finding somebody that truly needs something this season and give to them. I guarantee you will be more blessed than any tangible gift you could receive.