Up Late, Movies, Orphans and Memories
So, I just got done watching this very moving film. I’ve been watching some foreign films recently and I find them very touching and much more real than our American films. On top of that, it reminds me of the 5 months I lived in Ukraine. And most of their lives are lived on a lot less stuff and money.
With my sister just moving to Africa, and my constant reminiscing of my old Ukrainian life, I’ve been feeling guilty about all the stuff I have. Most of my stuff in our apt. has actually been given to us or gotten very cheaply at garage sales. We’re so blessed, and now we have so much stuff in our little 2 bedroom, that I need to get rid of stuff and organize my life.
I feel a major simplicity coming, and want that in my life. I find it hard to balance that with my husband commuting to L.A. everyday while getting his masters (online thankfully, but still goes in for tests), all while raising our almost 2 year old, and then my music career. So, I don’t know if I’m just feeling the craze of the moment, but I hope it doesn’t last. I know life can always be crazy, but I never want to MAKE life crazier than it has to be!
I have to constantly remind myself, that the reason we’re doing all this is for the end goal, But I don’t want that end goal to be about more money and more stuff. That’s a ridiculous goal. I think unless we’re using the money for necessities and paying off bills, then of course, that’s awesome, and a good goal. But it’s so easy to get wrapped up in temporary things and spending our time, energy, and money on those things, instead of things that really matter, like putting our time, energy, money into spending time with loved ones, helping others, working on relationships!
My heart is constantly drawn back to the orphans. All the films I seem to watch, the causes I support, my heart. I look at my son and how blessed we are, and so is he…and I do want to give him everything and more he could ever need. And there are so many children, orphans or not, out there that don’t have that support. I want to help so much. And we do what we can for now, but there are so many more things I want to do and little orphans I want to hold. My dream dream is to be able to adopt several and have our own adopted children, but that’s easier said than done, and would need some more time and help! So in the meantime I’ll support some already in place!!!!
So, I guess, all this to say. I’m inspired to simplify my life and always make sure my priorities are in the right place. Which is really trying to put God first, love my family, and do the life things we gotta do to get by- all while trying to live, love, and help others! YEAH! :)
After writing all that above, I searched some pics for orphans homes and found this link and quote below.
“By 2010, the total orphan population in 34 African, Asian, and Latin American countries with severe HIV/AIDS epidemics is projected to reach 44 million—with two-thirds orphaned as a result of parental deaths caused by AIDS. This will create a child-care crisis never before seen in any war, famine, or other tragedy. Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, and South Africa are expected to have the highest proportion of children orphaned—about one-third or more—while Ethiopia and Nigeria have the largest number of orphans under age 15. There are now over 5 million children in Ethiopia that have been orphaned because of AIDS, poverty, or other sicknesses like TB and Malaria. They need your good thoughts and prayers…but more then that they need a family. We do not live in normal times. We live in an hour of great need. Our response needs to be great for the need is so great.
A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27 “
