Packed and Ready to Go

No, unfortunately it's not me who's packed, as much as I'd like to be shipped by the U.S. Postal Service along with these clothes to my new sponsor girl in China. My little Margaret (pictures to follow soon) is having a birthday...two years old...and I gladly take up the joy of recognizing it in the absence of a family for her. I have to say it's never a burden to mosey into the toddler clothing section and browse through racks of pink and purple in search of the perfect outfit for my little sponsor girl. And the pink crocs? Well, they just couldn't be left behind, seeing as they so perfectly match with the dress, leggings, and hat. :)

As much as I love shopping for this precious little girl, though, everytime I get ready to send off a package, I can't help but feel an ache for the emptiness in her heart. She may know that a teen in Washington whom she's never met loves her, but all my insignificant little efforts can never ever make up for her lack of a forever family and the loneliness that comes from having been forgotten and abandoned. Not even all the love and attention she receives from her wonderful nannies at Philip Hayden can fill the hole in her heart. But I send off my package anyway, kissing the cover before I take it to the Post Office and praying that God will someday place her into the loving arms of a family, and at least let her know that someone cares about her now.

Just five days after little Margaret's birthday, I will be blowing out my own candles, though in a much different situation than hers. Though she will probably have cake sometime and nannies nearby to give her hugs and good wishes, I will be surrounded by family--mom, dad, and siblings. I will have a mountain of presents and cards from uncles, aunts, grandparents and cousins. And then I will spend time with friends and dear ones I love and am loved by in my church and community. I have never gone a single day without belonging to and being loved by these people. Yet all of this and so much more is missing from Margaret's life. It is yet another reminder for me to Show Hope, for "everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required" (Luke 12:48). I have the truest Hope in Jesus Christ, and He is challenging me more and more through His Word to spread it to the darkness, into the broken hearts of the hopeless. It will be a lifelong quest I am sure, but a journey which has already brought me more fulfillment than I ever could have imagined, even though I've only taken about two steps down the road.

Well, enough about me now. I know many of you probably sponsor a child yourself or with your family or a group of friends, so I'd love to know what you do to connect with your child from far away. Please leave a comment with your ideas!