As our first "Family Day" approaches, we have thought a lot about what we want to do to celebrate. But when it gets right down to it, not only is the day about us being together for a year, but it's also about honoring a country who trusted us to take care of their children. On May 19, we will be celebrating our first year together as a family of five. We are eternally grateful to Colombia, South America, for Maria and Andres. The sad realization is that we have learned that on the streets of Bogotá, Colombia, there are approximately 13,000 children without a home and most have no one to care for them. In Maria and Andres’ honor, we have decided to help the Colombian children still waiting for their “forever” families. In order to do this, we have teamed up with Children's Vision International, an American-based organization, that has heard the cries of those homeless children. CVI helps to provide safe, loving homes to these orphans. (For more information, you can go to www.childrensvision.org) Currently, CVI has built three homes for these children and are currently in the process of building a school all in Colombia, South America.
From now until May 18, 2009, our family will be collecting monetary donations or items for children between the ages of 0-18 years to take care of Colombian children just like Maria and Andres. The items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, combs, hair brushes, ponytail holders, bandaids, cotton balls, Q-Tips, lotion, shampoo, soap, clothing, socks, underwear, shoes, blankets, clocks, calculators, pens, pencils, books in Spanish.
On our May 19th Family Day, we will package these items and send them to CVI. We are so excited to teach our children the value of serving others and helping those in need. To see how our Family Service Project is progressing, we will update the side of our blog showing what all has been collected. Thanks to all of our family and friends for continuing to support us through this incredible journey. And a special thank you to the students and staff at my high school as well as Luke's teacher and 3rd grade class for their selfless donations and excitement to support this project. It is so wonderful to see our future leaders jump aboard and get into the spirit of giving to others!
2 comments:
CVI is amazing! We had the opportunity to visit when we were in Colombia and the staff are so wonderful. I just recieved a CD/DVD from them with all of the updates on the school etc. Perfect Project!!! I took several pics while we were there...it sure made my kids thankful for all they have.
Way to go Jensen family! What a worthwhile project and a wonderful way to commemorate the unity of family through your giving back to those less fortunate. May your days continue to be filled with abundant blessings! Hoping to see you at the reunion. Hotel policy requires cancellation before 6pm date of arrival if I remember correctly. The kids sure are growing!
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