Reese's Rainbow

This is the time of year when we ask; how can we give abundantly?
I believe one way is by joining with family, friends and strangers that have the information to move forward, and give gifts that will make a world of difference in so many lives.
My friend Krista has signed up to be a Reese's Rainbow Christmas Warrior. Reese's Rainbow promotes the international adoption of children with Down syndrome. Krista has a precious little daughter with down syndrome, Ella. Please take the time to read the beautiful story of Ella, on her blog, One Beautiful Life.
Krista is an amazing advocate for these precious children. I would love to support Krista in her effort to raise some funds for Bennett. By raising money to offer adoption grants on waiting children, Reese's Rainbow is able to give adoptive families the extra financial help they need to bring a child with Down syndrome home from a miserable existence in overseas orphanages and institutions. Having worked with People with disabilities for most of my adult life, this is a cause that is close to my heart as well.
Click on the link below to read about this precious Bennett. You will read about what life is like for him as an orphan, who lives with down syndrome in Ukraine, and where he is headed. While you are visiting her blog, please notice big buttons on the right side, that will also provide you with a lot more information.
Giving abundantly even when we have only little. Though we have hope, when others do not. Small donations all add up tremendously. Krista has committed to raise $1000 before Christmas, but together, we can raise even more than $1000 and unite Bennett with his forever family soon. Thank you for reading and considering this. Wishing you all a festive season of Hope!

Bennett's Profile on Reeses's Rainbow

Life as It Comes

I saw some tulips poking their heads out rather shyly in our flower bed. March here in the cold north can be so unpredictable. So, as excited as I was, I really wanted to get some soil or leaves to cover them up. As I sat there and breathe in the cold but refreshing air, I felt a sense of relief and excitement. The long cold winter is on its way out. Signs of life. Spring. A neighbor told me that robins are starting to come back.

With the change in season, other changes are in the air. I am convinced that I live in the "restless people capital" of the world. I am learning to be content and to live my life with the sense of peace. Maybe one day, we may happen to be the ones packing up and saying good-bye, but for now, we sit. It is okay. And for those who move on, we send them off with gratitude for the time they gave us here and with our well-wishes. Not with sadness or anger.

I realized that it takes a lot of energy to dwell on negative thoughts. We cannot change what life throws at us. I have spent too much time trying to change what I cannot change, and in the process getting wrapped up in negative thoughts and energy. When I do that, I end up missing out on all the beauty and opportunities the life as it is brings me. There are so many people to meet and to inspire me. So much beauty around me. So many people who needs to be touched by what I can offer. I am learning to let go and live each day for what it is, making the best of it. Not to be worried about what tomorrow will bring, because tomorrow may never come. One of the recent changes brought some of my friends to move away, and not being able to have a vegetable garden this coming summer. I tell myself, it's okay. I will get over it. If I am lucky, maybe I will have a small raised bed for a few things like lettuce and tomatoes. No point in getting angry.

It's good that I have been able to spend time with my elderly friends as well as a friend whose husband was paralyzed in an accident. It really gives me a new perspective. They are never bitter nor angry. Instead I sense peace, gratitude, and contentment. No regret. Amazing. Storms of life, they have seen and walked through plenty. But they are not beaten down. They are just like my tulips bravely standing tall looking to the sun in spite of the cold wind and unexpected snow in March. They will come up in all their glory no matter what the weather is tomorrow. I got a long way to go, but I like where my heart stands now and I like the person I will be because of this. I am starting to see it more clearly and little things do not seem to matter so much anymore. Peace.

Christmas......still thinking

“Many of us find we are trying to recreate some mythical Christmas that exists only in our minds. We’re left feeling dissatisfied by trying to recover the dream of childhood."--Oz Lorentzen, Director of King’s Fold Retreat & Renewal Centre

I used to hate Christmas, because that is exactly what I tried to do. I used to have one of those crying juvenile hissy-fit, usually around December 12th. I didn't know how to get that "Mythical Christmas". But a couple of years ago, not sure what changed, but I quit trying so hard and just let things happen. Contentment is such a HUGE thing. Instead of trying to MAKE traditions, listen to the kids and they will tell you what is important. Instead of trying to make 25th the perfect day, I try to enjoy the process of getting ready, and being ready in our hearts. We really enjoy observing advent with our kids. We have children's advent calendar with Christmas stories we read.

"Are you ready for Christmas?" What an awkward question!! It only means do you have everything bought, right? This year, we didn't decide what we were doing until 2 days before even having to change plans so we didn't get to do what we really wanted to do. But we felt completely at peace and content with what Christmas is going to be. We had a quiet Christmas with a small roasted chicken. Perhaps not the "perfect" Christmas by others' standard. No relatives, No turkeys.

I can truly say we have peace, joy, hope and Love. All those things that Christmas really represents. We have them not only at Christmas time but all through the year. And I am grateful for that change in my life. I LOVE Christmas. Not really sure exactly what it is that made this change for me......will let you know when I discover.

All You Need is Love

It is becoming increasingly clear. The more I think upon it, the simpler it gets. "All You Need is Love. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it's really that simple (and I might add I am a big Beatles fan).

Many years ago, when I was in College studying theology, I spent a few summers at a camp for people who live with mental and physical disabilities. We met our teammates, who also were young, energetic with passionate faith. Late into the night, we would discuss faith, theology, which inevitably turned into some arguments. One day, the camp director gathered us together and pretty much banned us from discussing any theology. He said, "Our faith must be simple. Love God and Love Others. Period. Stop arguing all the petty points in the Bible because that will only pull us apart. Work together for the common goal. Love." That was over a decade ago. And so often that very words echos in my heart. "Love God and Love others". "Build Bridges".

I had a phone call from Compassion Canada telling me that we have been sponsoring our 3 beautiful 'children' overseas for 15 years now. They just called us to say thanks. I asked about our first child, Edrungi, who went missing from the project when there were some political turmoils in his country. They said sympathetically that even if he was safe, he would be 29 years old now. He would have been long gone from the project. "Pray for him", she said. I wept. All you need is LOVE.

Friends shared some photographs from their trip to China. They visit abandoned and disabled children and raise money to better their lives. They hug and play games. Their children go with them to witness their mom and dad.....love in action. All you need is LOVE.

I spend a few hours a week with seniors with dementia. We drink weak coffee together. We talk. I listen. We hold hands. We laugh together. I love these amazing people. I was overwhelmed by how much love I felt for them. I can't wait for next week. All you need is LOVE.

Back at camp, we changed soiled beds. Cleaned up 'accidents' and held people after seizures. We sang songs and shared meals. What difference does it make if Adam was with Eve when she gave into the serpent's temptations? All you need is LOVE.

I spent a day in the city. Walked through streets where homeless people roam, holding out their hands for spare change. I rummage through my purse. I don't carry cash. 75 cents. I felt embarrassed. I just paid 4 dollars for a cupcake. There is a man with no legs. I saw a young girl chase after a homeless man with a 5 dollar bill. "Excuse me, this is for you". A smile of an angel. I hand out my 75 cents to a man. "I'm sorry I only have this". I held his hands for a few seconds longer praying that he would find his way back so he doesn't have to do this. It's not my place to judge if he spends it on food or drugs. All you need is LOVE.

I have experienced and witnessed too often how in the name of faith and theology, people tear each other apart instead of finding the common ground. It saddens me that the ones who treasure their faith so deeply are sometimes the ones who violate the very basic commands--"Love God and Love Others". It only takes a small gesture, simple words, and a smile. I hope I act upon it daily. If we hold our heads high and look around, opportunities are plenty, every time you turn a corner.

Children Making a Difference

A friend invited us to take part in a project where we collect spare change to contribute to a literacy program for women in India. This was done through Sonlight curriculum for Mission India (missionindia.org) and I have been told that there are several other families who chose to participate in this program in our town. I was excited, but my friend’s daughter is 14, mine are 7, 4 and 1 (with the older 2 participating). I was a bit skeptical as to how much impact this would have on my very young children. I checked out the website and read some stories about Indian women and how illiteracy affects their daily lives. I was astonished. When one cannot read or write, you get robbed blind at the market. You cannot even figure out which bus to take to go places and end up getting lost. People take advantage of you everywhere you go. You are destined to be poor for the rest of your lives. Lack of dignity. Abuse. Shame. I read the stories to the girls. My friend invited us to share an Indian meal together to kick it off. Curry, Samosas and fragrant rice. So much fun and eye-opening at the same time.

My girls get allowance on Saturdays. My husband usually leaves some coins on their breakfast table. They take out a portion for tithe and put the rest in their piggy banks. They usually spend their money on little machines that spit out over-priced plastic rings or bubble gums. Makes them happy. They like their money.

One Saturday after our Indian meal, girls were quite excited to see their allowance. But only seconds later, both of them put the whole amount in the bag for India. They would proudly declare to anyone they meet, ”We are helping the India women!” . As if that wasn’t enough, they went to get their little piggy banks, shook all the money out to add to the “India bag”. Only things left in their piggy banks were some game tokens and Japanese coins.

$273.33. The grand total of our group’s efforts over the last 8 weeks in helping the “India women”, and Sonlight will match our contribution. We rolled pennies and dimes. We took the bottles to the bottle depot. They searched high and low, looking for any possible places for spare change. A box of pennies which sat in my basement for the last 18 months, untouched. Insignificant and forgotten, but now, how many Indian women will gain hope, dignity and pride because of it. It will change their lives.

I am proud of my girls. I am thankful for the opportunity for them to see beyond themselves. They see that to give is worth so much more than to keep and turn it into some trinkets. The trinkets will end up at a thrift store or lose their charm in 6 months, but when we give, it can change lives and our joy complete. I see my girls looking through a Christmas catalogue to buy a goat for a family in Mongolia instead of flipping through Sears Wish Book. What a wonderful way to change our perspective as we approach Christmas season. I am blessed beyond words can say.

Thankful

My kids and I started journaling. It’s just with a duo-tang with lined papers inside. We call it “Thankful Journal”. Every night (at least we try), I help the kids write down things they are thankful for. I am pleasantly surprised how much they are into it. Somedays, I am dog tired and I honestly hope I can skip it. I go to their bedroom to hoping to say a quick ‘good-night’. There they sit in their beds writing things down, drawing pictures about their thankfulness. They look at me with a look of anticipation, “mom, I’m ready to pray”. WOW. I try to teach them something, but they often teach me so much more. How wonderful to go to sleep with hearts filled with thankfulness.

Humbled

I have 3 very old poplar trees on my propety. I love them except in autumn when I have to rake all the leaves. Last year, I procrastinated till all the leaves have fallen and I was still dreading the job. I was feeling rather sorry for myself. Scott works nearly 250 hours a month and I was wishing everyday that God would whisper in someone’s heart that there is this poor young mom of 3 young babies that could use some helping hands. ”God, did I not help so-and-so when they needed this-and-that?” Surely, there’s gotta be some young and strong teenagers or guys who could come and help me. That is when I saw someone walking towards me with a rake in her hand. An angel of God! An answered prayer! It was Denise, my elderly widowed neighbor who was in cancer remission. ”I thought I’d come and get some exercise. Isn’t it a lovely day?”

The Perfect World

In my perfect world, I would drive a “Cooper S”. Matte cream color with a black roof. It’s the one I test drove on my anniversary 3 years ago. I had no intention or the money to buy it, but Scott made an appointment–just for fun. Complete with a lunch date at Sushi Boat.

Instead, I drive a 92 Suburban. Royal Blue. Seats 9. It has all those little quirky-ness of an older well-driven vehicle. For instance, when turning left, the blinker must be manually turned off. Passenger door must be slammed shut…the list goes on.

If I were to drive my perfect little Cooper S, I would probably be losing my sleep over the car payments. On top of that, I would be a nervous wreck that kids might scratch the paint or fretting over the goldfish cracker crumbs on the seats. Instead, when I drive my Suburban, I am filled with thankfulness. You see, my Suburban was a gift. We have always been a one-vehicle family. But when Scott started working out of town, we started talking about being a two-vehicle family. I said ‘No’. I can walk. I love to walk. Everything is within walking distance. But after some snow storms and 3 little kids. I started to think…’Maybe, we are gonna need something’. But after the purchase of a house and some home reno, I knew there was very little money left for the second vehicle. So I began to pray. ”Cheap is good, but free is awesome. I’ll be patient.” While waiting, Scott is looking for a cheap van. We even test drove a few. I kept saying ‘no’. Scott is getting rather frustrated because he knew girls and I were walking in the blizzard and I was being stubborn.

One day, I was walking Maya to school. A friendly Acquaintance stops me. He says, “Makiko, can you use another vehicle?” I’m thinking, “Is this a trick question?” ”Well, yes, I could” He says, “you see the blue Suburban? We would like to give it to you and Scott.” I am speechless.

“Life is Good” That’s what my bumper sticker says. I have an extra baby seat in my Suburban. It is my way of giving back. I am rarely alone in my vehicle. I love it. I am filled with thankfulness for an answered prayer. It is a perfect world after all.