I've been wanting to write a post about why we partner with Lahash International.
Last week I was looking through old emails and I came across these interview questions that our friends in Portland asked us to answer a couple of years ago. Bryan and I wrested together to answer these questions as honestly as possible...and I think we would answer the same today.
If you have a moment, I'd love to share a glimpse into our thinking...
____________________
What initially led you to sponsor children through Lahash?
We first heard of Lahash through our college friend, Dan Holcomb. For some time, we read about his trips into Eastern Africa and specifically his work with the Amazing Grace Children's Home
As Christians, we want to be grateful for what we have been given and share with those who need. As parents, we have to be deliberate about not losing our family entirely to the middle-class American pursuit of ease and pleasure. We want to teach our kids about the greater physical needs in other parts of the world and show them how we can practically love others. Sponsoring a child through Lahash has been one small way for us to do so. We've appreciated how Lahash has made use of videos, pictures and blog updates, helping us feel very connected to Sebur, the boy we sponsor.
Please describe the kids you sponsor - names, location, etc.
In 2007, we began sponsoring Sebur Emmanuel (currently 12 years old). He lives at Amazing Grace Children's Home in Adjumani, Uganda.
How have you gotten involved in their lives?
Our children pray for Sebur regularly. Since Sebur is about the same age as our oldest, our 4 children find it easy to write letters, share gifts, and make crafts for him.
What has been the impact on your family?
Our family is becoming more globally aware. Sponsoring a child through Lahash is one small step in that, but it's a small step that has invited us to take other steps. Because we've grown to love this young man and his large family in Uganda, we take part in March's Rice & Beans month.
Last week I was looking through old emails and I came across these interview questions that our friends in Portland asked us to answer a couple of years ago. Bryan and I wrested together to answer these questions as honestly as possible...and I think we would answer the same today.
If you have a moment, I'd love to share a glimpse into our thinking...
____________________
What initially led you to sponsor children through Lahash?
We first heard of Lahash through our college friend, Dan Holcomb. For some time, we read about his trips into Eastern Africa and specifically his work with the Amazing Grace Children's Home
As Christians, we want to be grateful for what we have been given and share with those who need. As parents, we have to be deliberate about not losing our family entirely to the middle-class American pursuit of ease and pleasure. We want to teach our kids about the greater physical needs in other parts of the world and show them how we can practically love others. Sponsoring a child through Lahash has been one small way for us to do so. We've appreciated how Lahash has made use of videos, pictures and blog updates, helping us feel very connected to Sebur, the boy we sponsor.
Please describe the kids you sponsor - names, location, etc.
In 2007, we began sponsoring Sebur Emmanuel (currently 12 years old). He lives at Amazing Grace Children's Home in Adjumani, Uganda.
(NOTE: After this interview, we added three more children.)
Neema Benjamin (11)
Scola Raphael (10)
Frank Msafiri (6)
Each of these kids live in Tanzania.
How have you gotten involved in their lives?
Our children pray for Sebur regularly. Since Sebur is about the same age as our oldest, our 4 children find it easy to write letters, share gifts, and make crafts for him.
What are some of the fun ways you've found of involving your own kids?
The kids light up when they find ways to involve Sebur in their lives without him ever being here. Sharing a duplicate coloring book, purchasing an extra craft kit or asking our dentist for an extra shirt that he's offering to all his patients. It has been such joy for them to see him in photos receiving and wearing these things that have come straight from our home!
The kids light up when they find ways to involve Sebur in their lives without him ever being here. Sharing a duplicate coloring book, purchasing an extra craft kit or asking our dentist for an extra shirt that he's offering to all his patients. It has been such joy for them to see him in photos receiving and wearing these things that have come straight from our home!
Our kids wearing their shirts from the dentist...
...and Sebur wearing his!
What has been the impact on your family?
Our family is becoming more globally aware. Sponsoring a child through Lahash is one small step in that, but it's a small step that has invited us to take other steps. Because we've grown to love this young man and his large family in Uganda, we take part in March's Rice & Beans month.
Eating Rice & Beans in 2010
2011
2012
When given an opportunity, we jumped at a chance to visit an Children's Home in Juarez, Mexico and we've even started saving for a family trip to Uganda. Again, small steps, but we're growing and changing...and we're doing it as a family.
_________________
...And now here we are in 2012 planning a family trip to visit Sebur in Adjumani, Uganda!
We leave November 30th and return December 18th.
The relationships that we have built through child sponsorship has changed our lives...and we are so grateful.
More kids are waiting for sponsors. If you are at all interested, please consider sponsoring through Lahash. You can click here for more information.
