Lots of Good Things

Last night, Sara Brown and I finished up the last of our gifts for the kids and workers at the home we are going to visit in Kitale, Kenya. I seriously had goosebumps….all I could think about was how Dan, from the Rhema Project,  told us how most of the kids get clothing that is no longer wanted and to get new clothing is like Christmas Day.  As we were packing the outfits for the girls, boys, men and women we kept asking each other “will this look cute together?” What I love about my girls is that we could easily dump a bunch of clothing in a box and it would make a beyond great donation, but they take it one step further…they personalize it by picking out the perfect outfits.  To go one step further, Mitzi and Amy donatedshoes from Livie and Luca.  Seriously I can hardly wait. I wanna take so many photos but I am always hesitant cuz I would never want someone to think I am giving them a gift just to take their photo and use it for gain. Gosh, I hate saying that, but I am so sensitive to that.

Oh, but those smiles are going to light up all the skies…

Ok, now my mind is all over the place and before I continue on about our journey to Africa tomorrow I want to tell you a quick, sweet story.  My sister, Dayna, was stressing about her big move to E. Lansing, MI.  I told her not to worry about a thing just pack her clothes and what she had and we would take care of the rest.  Of course, I got super busy with MJC and blew it off till 2 days before I was to help her move in. I was responsible for furnishing the apartment. I am sure all of you know the hassle of ordering and delivering furniture.  I had 15 minutes before I had to pick up Gabe at school. I ran into a great vintage/upholstery/everything fantastic store called S’Wonderful.  I read my list to Dennis. It was long, a couch, dresser, bar stools, coffee table, dressers, nightstands, lamps, entertainment center, desk, and whatever else I am forgetting.  Yes, we had 15 minutes…hilarious. We talk about her apt, show him what I like, and say I’ll rent a UHaul and be back in the morning.

The next morning, after running out of gas on the highway, I show up with the 14 foot UHaul and am blown away. He literally stayed late, printed Dayna’s floor plan and set up a complete mock apt for me. Serious. I was in shock. I am not high maintenance, I am as easy as it gets. He so did not have to do this. I was speechless and beyond thankful. We load up the Uhaul truck and my truck  and Sara Brown and I head up to move Dayna in.  About an hour into the trip, I get a call form Dennis. I’m like “shoot, what did I forget?” And if the story could not get any better, Dennis says” I just wanted to say thank you. Because of you I was able to hire back the construction guys to finish our re-model. Because of you, 6 guys have a job that had been laid off.”  I thought to myself, this is unreal. Not only did Dennis stay late after work  to build a mock set up and  make sure everything I bought fit, he is now calling me to say thank you and taking the time to explain the trickle down effect.  Ya, this is awesome..cuz I was so thankful to him for saving my day. I mean where else can you furnish and entire apt in one day? I donit know..I’m kinda speechless here. All I can say is I really like nice people. Ok, and here’s a bad photo but it’s all I have and I know you want to see some of what I got. And yes, that is Dayna texting while Sara and I do the work.

Now on to the journey to Africa. It simply started with a conversation telling David “I would love to build this orphanage and bring a few friends to experience it.”  Well, 6 months later there are 26 of us. This could turn into a long post cuz I want to tell you everyone who is part of this…here we go.

1.2.3 Lynette, Kayla and Kiara- The MJC girls who are a must have on any trip like this. Their love for being part of building a community of goodwill amazes me everyday. I would love to be able to make this a repeating role for Kiara. I can see her being a strong role model for  the girls that will be living in the orphanage and more importantly I can see Kiara really feeling fulfilled. Kayla needs to stay stateside to work on some great charity stuff she is doing here in Fort Wayne, and one of our biggest events ever coming in September.  Lynette, she could never leave my side for too long. She keeps me balanced.

4. Anne- My friend who always keeps it real. Not sure what it is, but when things are stressful, and she’s around you know it’s all going to be ok. And many of you may know her as the girl who is a great cook..cuz I say that about her often and she’s one of our Spring Break girls.

5.6. Deedee and Dayna- My older sister and younger sister. This will be there first time to leave the country and I am so excited!!

7. Hannah and Sara Brown- My 2 nieces, and most darling girls. Hannah is 23? Sara Brown, you all know her! She’s 18 and my baby girl.

8. Becki- Ahh..long history here, one of my dear friends since 1st grade turned step-sister and the girl that started art fairs with me that very first year! I haven’t seen her in about 5 years?  Totally guessing on that, but it’ll be like yesterday when we meet up in Amsterdam. ha, she is also the girl who would wear those goofy clothes I used to make.

9. Pat- Not much to say here but he’s a great friend of Dayna’s. She said he’s always wanted to go, so I said invite him.

10. Cheryl- The fabulous lady who is responsible for all our beautiful parties at MJC. She makes it happen. This lady has a heart of gold.

11. Mitzi- You know her as one of the Livie and Luca gals, I know her as my soul mate. How we are so much a like I have no clue.

and now everyone is yelling at me to get off the computer…and get ready..so we’ll have to continue this.