Last year when we decided to go to Africa we sat down and discussed what sacrifices we were willing to make to in order for the dream trip to become a reality. Two big things were put on the sacrifice list: the Jaime Jorge Master Class & Fountainview Strings experience in Canada and a week of Young Disciple summer camp. We knew that the Orchestra experience would cost alot for fuel and fees, etc... However, the girls had worked very hard and had earned their plane ticket for Africa and many people had been kindly generous and helped them reach their goal. My husband really wanted them to go and experience the Christian fellowship of likeminded, homeschooled, musically talented kids and it worked out that we were able to go after all! Fountainview was kind and asked me to help with teaching to cut corners on the bill. I can see why the Lord allowed us to go. What a blessing.
That's not all. When it finally turned out that we were going to the Jaime Jorge Master Class we decided that we could not go to Rosario and the master class, too. But an amazing thing happened! Dear friends decided they wanted us to go along anyway and they paid for the cabin! We had a super fun time.
This last week instead of going to YD camp we went and stayed at a friend's ranch near Lake Roosevelt with a couple of other families. We swam in the lake all day every day and enjoyed a relaxation and rest such as we have not experience in a long time. It was wonderful. We got home Friday.
Not long after arriving home Friday a Friend in another state called and to make a long story short... She and her husband decided to send our two oldest girls to Camp - and they paid the camp fee! What is going on? I can't believe it!!! I can hardly believe the Goodness of the LORD! And why all these blessings? I am grateful and at the same time I feel a renewed commitment to the children's ministry of Reflections and teaching music. I feel like passing on all the blessings to other kids and letting them experience God's greatness in their lives.
Vanessa last year at YD
I am praying for my girls. They left this morning with a friend and her children. I know they are in good hands and I know the kind, spiritual atmosphere of the camp is good for my kids. I am praying they will learn a lot and be safe and have a good time. My only sorrow is that there are other kids who are going to Africa with us who also sacrificed some of their summer plans and they are still not going to YD.
Brianna & friends preparing to sleep in their Survival Shelter last year at YD.
My youngest is sad she isn't 12 yet! BUt I did sign her up for swimming lessons starting tomorrow. We are going to work on technique and swimming skills. We are also going to work together on some major house cleaning projects, even carpet cleaning and maybe even surprise the girls with a new coat of paint in their bedrooms.
Wow!
Posted by Ann@His Grace To Me on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 12:52 - Link
What wonderful blessings! Your family is having a memorable summer all from the workings of the Lord.
Ann
harvesthomestead.blogspot.com
I KNow Why. . .
Posted by elliepea on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 06:33 - Link
I know why you are receiving unexpected blessings!
"Give and it shall be given unto you. . ."
When we make sacrifices for God, he gives blessings in return. I know it does not always happen this way right away, but we are just to accept all that we get with thanksgiving - So Praise the Lord!
I know that the devil can throw some awful tests your way, and I could tell you some stories that would make your head swim, but I am not into giving any attention to the devil, so let's just praise the Lord in all things.
Vanessa last year at YD
Brianna & friends preparing to sleep in their Survival Shelter last year at YD.
