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Sunday, December 14, 2008

HP Contest: What have I done.

In a contest for HP, the question was asked what have I done to impact the lives of others. I can tell you, not enough. WHen I do something for someone it always seems to benefit me more in the long run anyway. AN example:

Three years ago I was teaching Vacation Bible School. We were asked to give some kids a ride that lived nearby. They were foster kids. I knew them from the school where I teach and had in fact, had one in class. THere was a little girl who stole our hearts.

Three years later, she is my daughter. We went through the whole foster/adopt wit the state and here she is, as if she has always been here. THe truth is though,it almost started as a good deed. You can't do that. It doesn't work that way. She is my daughter now, and the biggest blessing of my life. She isn't a charity case or some project that we took on. She has helped us.

I always promised to somehow help once we were finished with the adoption. I wasn't sure how this would happen. A year ago Boo and I both made resolutions to volunteer in the community. She wanted to help at the animal shelter as she can't stand to see animals hungry, beaten or abandoned. (I know)

I chose to volunteer for CPS. It took almost 6 months to get certified to volunteer but once it was all done I was appointed by a local judge to the county board that governs the foster children in our area. Wow. I have seen such amazing things. I was a part of the first annual adoption day in our county. It was front page news. I've been a part of much more and it is something that gives back to me more than I give to it.

During the year I do random things that all teachers find themselves doing at some point: buying shoes and socks for one in needs, getting a coat for someone, taking food......it is just doing what you have to do. Seeing the inside life of foster care, you just do what you have to do.

If I won this, I would donate a good portion to the Child Welfare Board of our county. We could use it to do so many things. I would also give my sister one or more. She works for a children's psychiatric hospital and most of the kids there are wards of the state. She has a work PC but not one at home. She needs one trust me.

I want to also so, don't just give at Christmas. DO it year round.

6 comments:

Laurie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laurie said...

It's nice when you do good things and it impacts you positively too - but don't make less of the fact that you are doing good in the world, not enough people do! Take care!

NASCAR Race Mom said...

Wow I use to work with CPS so I know how difficult that can be. Congratulation on your 'new' daughter! I wish you all the best of luck.

Jyl @ MommyGossip said...

I love your last line where you encouraged us to give all year round. I think, because it is the holidays, people make it so much easier for us to step outside of our comfort zones and give. But, the real answer is as you mention it... to give all year long. Don't worry about how it looks or if the timing is right. Just do it.

Children certainly are worthy and deserve any gift of service out there. Your post shows your particular compassion to those children in need and it uplifted me reading about it. I hope you are blessed, either through this contest or another way, to continue influencing their lives for good.

Good luck with this contest. I wish you well and a happy holiday season!

Unknown said...

Your daughter is very lucky that you chose to be her mommy! Blessings to you and good luck!

Anonymous said...

You are not just talking the talk--your daughter is one blessed little girl--you are one blessed little mom. Thanks for sharing your magic with the rest of us!!!