Saturday, December 8, 2007

Holiday Blessings


The holiday season is in full swing and it just seems to keep getting busier. To be completely honest, in years past the holidays have been a little depressing for me. Watching our family spend lots of money on wonderful gifts, most of which we don't need, always seemed so sad. Sure, seeing my kids faces on Christmas morning is nothing but complete joy. But in my mind are always the children who don't have the amazingly joyful time each year of giggling over what Santa brought, or thanking countless relatives for their gifts.


This year is different though. This year I seem to be thinking about all of the blessings we have been able to provide to children around the world. I'm beyond words when I think about the grant Angel Covers recently received, which will provide all of the children at Humble Hearts lunch each and every school day of 2008 and 2009. I'm moved to tears by the nutrition report we recently received about the children of Huaibei. After only 3 months they have gained weight and look so much healthier.


Individuals have asked to be put on a waiting list for our next sponsorship program in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The last Mama's Wish college student was sponsored in full. Some of these children aren't even aware yet that they have so many people who love them. Can you imagine what a gift they will be given when they learn they will have the opportunity to reach for the stars?


I'm thrilled beyond belief that the holiday cards so lovingly organized by a wonderful volunteer are FLYING off the shelves. Ok, time for a shameless plug. :-) Get your cards fast! We only have about 60 boxes left and all of the funds raised from these cards will be used to benefit the Humble Hearts school. http://www.angelcovers.org/holidaycards.html We are overwhelmed (in a good way) that so many of you are ordering our products by the dozens for your holiday gifts, knowing that you are also helping so many children. We are printing gift cards for teachers, grandparents, friends, and so many others by those of you who want your gifts to be a donation in a loved ones honor.


Today I had the honor of packing yet another box of blankets to go to an orphanage in Ethiopia. We were blessed to be contacted by a woman whose family is adopting a beautiful little boy in January and they have agreed to find room in their suitcases for 83 of our blankets for their son's orphanage. Hats are soon going to Kazakhstan, additional blankets will be going to China, and countless supplies will be going to Kenya, all because of volunteers willing to make room in their suitcases. The volunteers who provided Christmas gifts to all of the children at Humble Hearts during the annual Christmas party showed those children they are loved and valued by strangers around the world.

Although there is still plenty of time to order, I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who already have provided lovely gifts to your loved ones, and have done so by helping so many beautiful children around the world. The need is great! But, with everyone's support more and more children will have a blessed holiday season.



Kari Fillmore


http://www.angelcovers.org/