“…and they planned the most enchanting tea party,
complete on a warm, summer’s gentle afternoon,
with red strawberries and fluffy cream …”
The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
For the month of August, Lacey and I have committed to read quite a few books together. How many? As many as possible because the more we read, the more help we can provide all the way to Africa.
We’re not just reading for the fun of it.
We’re reading to help some little children all the way around the world.
For every page that Lacey reads, she will raise money from sponsors (aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.) through “Read to Raise the Roof”. At the end of the month, we gather up the money raised and send it to Clubhouse Jr., where 100% of the money will be used in a orphan ministry outreach in Rwanda, Africa.
The money will build a kitchen to provide food for needy children … (How amazing is it that we have beautiful kitchens in our homes to provide our children with healthy meals three times a day? Let’s share that blessing.)
….build a workroom for older orphans where they can sew school uniforms for the children (because, you see, children can’t go to school in Rwanda without their own uniform and many, many children obviously can’t afford to buy them) … (going to school … what a privilege we all take for granted!)
….the money will help build a classroom for the children … (beautiful schools are scattered everywhere in our town, decorated with colourful posters and decked out with amazing variety of books … )
… and raise a roof … building dorms rooms to give the orphans a place to sleep at night (so grateful for our family home – do we even think twice that we have a roof over our head?)
Amazing.
How simple of a task this will be and yet what a difference it will make in quite a few Rwanda orphans. My heart weeps for them. And I only wish I could travel with the money and deliver love and hugs to them at the same time.
Would you join us? We’d love it if you would and maybe you’ve been wanting to see your child encouraged to read more during this last month of summer … this is a GREAT way to begin!!
August 6, 2011 - 8:22 am
We love Henry and Mudge too!
And my goodness, this is an amazing way to encourage kids to not only read, but serve others! I am so in on this, thanks for sharing it!
Two little men, very near to my heart … my sweet friend’s boys … such precious little men …. xo
“Build me a son, whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high,
a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men,
one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget to weep,
one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.“
by Gigi
6 comments
August 1, 2011 - 9:10 am
beautiful pictures. Love the quote. Where is it from?
August 1, 2011 - 6:11 am
Oh! My heart melted a little! Amazing photos Gillian and amazing little boys.
July 31, 2011 - 11:12 pm
OOOHHHH!!!! Thank you! The pictures make me smile, the quote makes me cry, your friendship makes me know I am so blessed. Thank you for capturing my guys…
July 31, 2011 - 10:08 pm
OH MY GOSH!!!! how much cuter could the possibly be!!!!! those pics make me smile big!!!!
July 31, 2011 - 10:03 pm
Gillian your boys are so cute and adorable!! xx
July 31, 2011 - 9:26 pm
Gillian, as a fellow quote lover, I LOVE this quote! thanks for including it. The pictures are beautiful, as always, and show such joy and wonder…..childhood is such an awesome adventure to get to be a part of!
Something always on the back of my mind .. something I hope to accomplish but am never sure it’s working … to slow time down …to really trying to ensure this summer is filled with lazy days, non-scheduled morning and amazing memories. To slow down our family schedule all year and find time to just spend time together. We don’t need a lot of ‘things’ to keep us entertained. A day in the backyard. A day at our campsite. Time together. Slowing down and making memories. So tired of hearing “I’m busy” … I don’t want to be too busy that memories and moments are taken for granted.
Then I saw this quote today in the camp bookstore and it stuck with me …
Here’s to making more days count instead of counting the days.
by Gigi
2 comments
July 26, 2011 - 9:57 pm
Love it!
July 26, 2011 - 9:53 pm
Speechless! <3
A little bit of camping can do the soul wonders …
{Well, camping in a RV, that is.}
We’re away again for our annual trip to Fairhavens and are absolutely lovin’ it.
The splash pad …
the beach …
and babysitters come really cheap here …
I think I might stay here all summer ………… {sigh} How is your week going?
by Gigi
2 comments
July 26, 2011 - 8:01 pm
Fun/Fun/Fun <3
July 26, 2011 - 12:03 pm
So fun. Love seems to be thoroughly enjoying her first camping adventure. Is that a dolly stroller she is put into? Your girls are very lucky to have these yearly adventures with you. Thanks for sharing.
by Gigi
1 comment