God is Bigger than Coincidence

Soon after I came home from my unexpected leave from Zimbabwe in 2007 I connected with a girl online named Regina. We randomly found eachother through myspace, and discovered we were in Zimbabwe at the same time and in the same area, and we knew many of the same people.

It was one of those "small world" moments, and left us wishing we could have connected there, as we both could have used some extra encouragement and support in our ministries.

We found we had a lot in common. One of those things was our "Ruthies." We both had orphans named Ruth who inspired and motivated us to do what we do.

Regina and her Ruthie, 2009

Me and my Ruthie, 2010

Regina has stayed on as a missionary in Zimbabwe through Rock of Africa. A while back her ministry was moved from the rural areas surrounding Victoria Falls to the capital city of Harare. She is a social worker who trains parents and counsels children, and also works with some schools and orphanages in the Harare area.

 I have continued to follow her journey, and we stay in touch through occasional emails (and facebook, of course). She has even taken supplies in for me for some of my kiddos.

Fast forward to yesterday.

Over the weekend Melissa uploaded her photos from her recent trip to Zimbabwe, posting pictures and names of all the children needing sponsors.

As I went through the pictures I was paying special attention to those of Tadiwa. As I scrolled through, I reached this photo, and for a moment I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.

I found Tadiwa, second from the left. But then it was the girl next to her that caught my eye. I didn't immediately know how, but I knew this child.

I continued to scroll, and saw the same sweet girl in the blue shirt with the name "Ruth" in the caption. Then it hit me: this is Regina's Ruthie!

I immediately went to Regina's photos and scrolled through, and discovered many familiar faces that I was able to connect to children in the BFGO photo album. It soon became clear that the orphanage that Beautiful Feet Global Outreach supports is not only one of the orphanages that Regina works with, it is home to her sweet Ruthie.

As I scanned through photos in Regina's albums the excitement built and built. And then I found one that completely pushed my excitement over the edge.

Tadiwa, Christmas 2011

It's not everyday that you sponsor a child, and then discover you have a friend who can give her hugs for you on a regular basis.

With 1.6 million orphans living in Zimbabwe today, the chances of this happening seem impossible. It was one of those moments that made this great big world seem so very very small.



Tadiwa still needs sponsors for the $25 and $30 monthly levels (or any amount you are able to give). If you want to be part of her dream team, encouraging her to dream big and praying for those dreams to come true,  you can find more information here and here.

Tadiwa

My dear friend Melissa at Beautiful Feet Global Outreach recently returned from Zimbabwe bearing gifts. She has been working wholeheartedly collecting information and photos of the children in the orphanage to pass along to sponsors and hopeful sponsors.

Last week in my post Visions of Sugar Plums I introduced sweet Tadiwa. 

Tadiwa is a Shona word meaning "loved" or "favored."

Tadiwa is six years old and came to the orphanage at the age of three when her father passed away.  The whereabouts of her mother are unknown. 

Tadiwa has some developmental challenges and verbal delays but is overflowing with joy and sweetness. 

Tadiwa loves hugs, loves to be held and carried, and is always smiling. 

Tadiwa (left) with two of her friends.

Tadiwa still needs sponsors at the $25 and $30 levels.

Check out Melissa's post here about why sponsorship for these children is so important. 

The goal is that three families or individuals would come together to complete a group sponsorship for one child. The group sponsorship for Tadiwa will cover the costs of her clothing, shelter, food, school fees, and medical needs. If you cannot commit to a $25 or $30 giving level, Tadiwa would be happy to have you as part of her support group at any amount you feel led to give.

If you are interested in being part of a group sponsorship for Tadiwa you can leave your email information in a comment below, or you can email me at shebecomes(at)gmail(dot)com.

If you have any questions Melissa or I would be more than happy to answer them (some answers may be found in my previous post about Tadiwa and BFGO found here). You can see more photos of children waiting for sponsors here: BFGO photo album of children needing sponsors (and don't forget to 'like' their facebook page while you are there.)

God Bless,

Visions of Sugar Plums

For the last decade I have had an overwhelming desire for vision.

About ten years ago God really began to grow in me a passion for impoverished communities and nations, but this passion spreads far and wide. Famine, disease, gangs, violence, slavery, AIDS, corrupt governments, war, malaria, and lack of things like shelter, clean water, and education: these are all problems that are deeply intertwined with poverty.

My heart breaks for all of these things, but I have been asking God for a unique and specific vision to take root in my heart. A place where He can use me most effectively; A place where change is needed.

Slowly but surely God has been messing me up and tweaking my heart for a specific purpose. Not long ago I realized that my greatest passion is for children to have the opportunities and support that they need to meet their full potential and live out their dreams. More specifically this passion is for children who have added obstacles, such as poverty and special needs.

Loving on some sweet orphans in Malawi (2004).

As my vision continues to take shape, God continues to refine and deepen it. I have so many dreams of providing opportunities for children with special needs in places where services are lacking, where they are labeled by stigmas, or where caregivers and teachers are uneducated about their disabilities and how to effectively help them succeed.

I dream of these children having dreams.

I dream of these children having the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

I am blessed to work with special children every day. I get to see them take risks. I get to celebrate with them their successes, no matter how small they seem. And I hope that one day I will be celebrating success with children all over the world.

As I make my way through graduate school I know I am temporarily sacrificing this desire to work with these special kids in impoverished nations, but I know there is much I can do from here.

One small way I can live my dream, right here and right now, is sponsorship.

This is my beautiful sugar plum, Tadiwa.

I am partnering with Beautiful Feet Global Outreach as they launch their sponsorship program in October.

This sponsorship program is likely a little different than ones you may be familiar with. BFGO partners with a wonderful orphanage in Zimbabwe. The orphanage consists of 3 homes (children separated by age group) and currently cares for about 65 orphans. The goal of BFGO is for each orphan to be sponsored by a group.

I have committed to finding this very special group that will help give

Tadiwa the support she needs to thrive.

Zimbabwe is very expensive. Prices rival those of the U.S., unemployment is above 90%, and those who are working are paid very little. Tadiwa's sponsorship will cover her school and clothing needs, all of her meals, medical needs, and housing costs. Because of the high costs and all that the sponsorship covers, the cost is $90 a month.

The hope is that groups of three would join together to cover the sponsorship of one child. There are three giving levels: $25/month, $30/month, and $35/month.

Tadiwa still needs sponsors for the $25 and $30 monthly levels.

In addition to supporting Tadiwa financially, sponsors will have the opportunity to pour love and encouragement into her life through letters, and there is even the possibility of giving her some real life hugs and kisses down the road if you so choose.

I can't wait to learn more about Tadiwa and her dreams. This sweet girl has many extra challenges in life, but I have no doubt that with a little encouragement and a lot of heart she can do some beautiful and amazing things.

Are you one of the lucky ones who will join me in encouraging

Tadiwa that her dreams can come true?

More information on Tadiwa will be coming soon!

If you would like more information about this sponsorship or would like to commit to a $25 or $30 monthly level for Tadiwa (beginning in October) please leave a comment with your email below, or email me here: shebecomes(at)gmail(dot)com.

If you are interested in committing to finding a group to sponsor another beautiful child through BFGO, please check out their blog: BFGO blog, or follow them on Facebook.