change adds up

When I was little, coins were treasure. I remember running around the house, jamming my hands under couch cushions and digging through desk drawers. Each penny was a precious find. Every couple of weeks I would dump all my change on the carpet, carefully placing my coins in piles. Then I would sit in wonder at my richness. My richness of $3.28.

I don't count my change any more. I don't know when I stopped, but at some point I forgot that enough pennies equal a dollar—and change adds up.

On August 7, my friends and I are embarking on a journey. We are going to India for two weeks to put on a camp program for 160 blind, orphaned children—and there are only six of us. To be honest, I’ve felt overwhelmed at the thought of a team of six running a blind camp—but each time that wave hits I remember that, yes, we are six—but we are a mighty six. Our camp experience is broad and seasoned and our hearts are big and compassion-filled. With the promise of local staff involvement, I have no doubt we will give these kids an experience that they'll never forget.

The orphanage we are going to is supported by Asian Aid. They have asked us to go because these kids deserve to have the time of their lives. They deserve for people’s time, love, energy, and attention to be poured into who they are as beloved children of God. There's so much darkness in their lives—and we get to be the ones to bring them light.

I mentioned that there are six of us going on this trip—but that isn't completely true. There is potential for six, but at this point we only have funding for four. This means we need about $4,000 for the whole team to go. This means we need your help.

We've tentatively set a goal of raising this money by June 12—and I was flat out told today that it wouldn't happen. But, you know what? I think we can. I know for most of you reading this that finances are tight. I get that, believe me. But do you have a dollar or two? Because it's your dollar, and his five dollars, and her ten dollars that are going to get us there. After all, change adds up.

Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Now, I know this isn't a world-changing trip. But what if it is for one kid? That's what gets me excited. And if you feel compelled to give, that's why you should do it—for that one kid.

If you got all the way to the bottom of this, thank you. If you have felt compelled to give, thank you. If you are willing to pray for our team, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you—from the bottom of our hearts.

Love,

Tara and team