So what did you buy with your Christmas money?

I’ve been debating whether or not to post this as it is far more personal than I usually choose to share in this public forum, but it has just been on my heart, and I wanted to share with the few that read this little blog…

A couple days ago I got a letter from Jackline (a child I sponsor in Kenya through an amazing organization called Compassion International). The letter was fantastic and heartwarming, but when I got to this line I just stopped and thanked God for my ability to help her.  

“Thank you for the christmas gift [...] I purchased a mattress.  Thank you for your support to my life.”

If anyone has ever thought about sponsoring a child, I strongly recommend it.  I’ve spent some money over the last 12 months:  An iPod Touch, a new iMac, a wii … but by far the best money I’ve spent was on Jackline and I’m thrilled that for the financial cost of a wii and a couple games I can provide the finances for a marked improvement in the quality of life for a child in need.  It is humbling that an extra $20 at Christmas buys her a mattress, a luxury I completely take for granted (in fact I have one in my house that sits unused in a guest bedroom).    

I live a very blessed life, and I thank God for my letters from Jackline as she helps keep me grounded.  I also had to smile as she closed the letter with:

“Many people are now planting their crops during this rainy season.  Are you planing your crops?”

What easy lives we live…

Family time

Had a great night with the family last night, got some good photos out of it too.  All the kids are my cousin’s kids and they are adorable.

Mason is a cute kid

Mason is one really cute kid with a sweet face. Just turned 1. Taken with my Canon 20D, all the blurring is straight from the camera and lens (f1.4), no photoshop on this guy at all…

‘Sup Ameer

The rumor around the office is that this cutie checks this blog quite regularly while hanging out with his pop.  In case you are seeing this, I just wanted to give you a shout out.  FYI little dude, if you ever see the gremlin baby on the streets, just walk the other way, he will pick a fight with anyone …