Vitamins, Veggies, Soy, & Rice

It is so easy to take for granted the food we eat on a daily basis.  Our kids might say, "I'm starving," but they don't know what it truly feels like to go without food for days.  Unfortunately, there are millions of starving children in our world, yet there is enough food produced each year to nutritiously feed everyone, every day. 

The question is:  What can I do to make a difference?

Our family had a chance to lend a hand towards fighting world hunger over the weekend when Feed My Starving Children came to town.  We didn't know quite what to expect - we just knew we wanted to help. 

Janet, Jenica, Jillian rockin' the hair nets Saturday afternoon!

"Youth Night" - Friday
Maddy, Jenica, Ashlyn

For two hours, Jacob & Chad ran boxes and supplies back and forth to all the stations while Jenica, Jillian, and I assembled the MannaPacks.  (Blessing #1179)  Each pack we assembled consisted of Vitamins, Veggies, Soy, and Rice in a nutritional value (developed by scientists at Cargill) that will lead a child out of malnutrition into health. 

The goal for our community was to package 225,000 meals during the 24 hours FMSC was in town.  And we did it!  (#1180)  There was so much support from our community, businesses, and churches that our event was completely funded before the trucks even pulled into town.  (#1181)  Wow!  God is at work!  

This video is just one example of how FMSC is making a difference in just 1 of the 70 countries where they provide MannaPack meals.




Did you smile as you watched each of these children share their dream?   They are precious in His sight. . .  (#1182)  Amen?

Maybe we aren't able to physically go on a missions trip to another country, but this is one way we can be part of a missions project without even leaving our town.   (#1183) And we're looking forward to helping again next year.

Back to School

Jenica's first day of school was last Wednesday, which Jillian thought was totally unfair.  Jillian would go to school every day of the year if possible.  She loves learning.  Jenica, on the otherhand . . . well, let's just say she's glad she's no longer a freshman. 


Jenica met her friend Becca, who IS a freshman this year, so they could walk to school together on the first day.  I totally dropped the ball and forgot to pull out my camera before we left.  Luckily, Becca's mom was on the ball and snapped a few for both of us.
(Blessing #1176)

Becca & Jenica - 1st day of School

 

 

Finally, on Thursday, Jillian's day had arrived.   (Blessing #1177)  Third grade, here she comes!

 

 

Jillian's first day of school

Despite having to endure biology and geometry this year, Jenica was extra-happy this week.  She got her school permit (and a car) and no longer has to wait on the rest of us when leaving for school.  And thus, I don't have to make so many extra trips to the High School, practice, youth group, etc.  (Blessing #1178)

 

 

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things

There are so many things in life that make me smile. (Blessing #1167). But the best things in life aren't things. The value of family, friends, and faith points us to the realization that what matters most in life is all wrapped up in people and the Lord. (#1168)

Of course, the Lord and all that He is, is at the top of my list. (#1169) And second is the man who stole my heart. (#1170). Yesterday was our 25th wedding anniversary. (#1171) 25 years! I'm sure you're thinking that Chad and I don't look old enough to be married 25 years. Well, maybe just one of us does. Just kidding, just kidding.

Interested in a flashback photo?

25 years ago, our silver anniversary seamed like a long way off. But here it is already! God has truly blessed me (more than I deserve).

 

Since my brother and his family are back from Arizona this week (#1172), we thought it would be fun to celebrate on the day of our anniversary, with our families. After all, they're at the top of my best-things-in-life list too. (#1173)

 

I love this! My sister-in-law Alimah made it for us. (#1174) She has been blessed with the gift of creativity. Unfortunately, the only picture I got features Chad blinking. But that doesn't matter, because I get to look into his non-blinking eyes every day. (#1175) Here's to the next 25 years, honey! Cheers!