Fund Raising Charity Event

Recently we colaborated with the Hasmonean Girl's High School in North West London for a fund raising charity event. The school held a fair to raise funds for a school for children with special needs. There were different activities and along with members from other Family International Centres, we contributed face painting, balloon twisting and a children's magic show. Some of the special needs children were there also. I was priviliged to paint the face  of one girl who wanted to be a tiger. She couldn't talk or point, but her carer kept pointing to the pictures and asking her if she wanted that one until she noticed a slight nod of her head. Afterwards, she had such a big grin on her face--it was very rewarding. Later on, while I was painting a boy, another special needs girl who was so interested in the paints, jumped into my lap, in order to get a closer look. She wasn't small and her carer had quite a time trying to get her off! Ha! It was a rewarding day and we were happy to help a good cause.

Helping the Needy in Mexico

You might remember that last June our son Ian was preparing to move to Mexico. (See archived post for June, 2009).  He has been there about 8 months now. Here are some of his recent activities and photos:

Passing out donated children's books and posters at a school duirng a Chirstmas show in Monterrey.

The city of Laredo, Texas, USA, donated an ambulance which they repaired and repainted. They then donated it to the city of Santiago, Mexico.

Here is Ian along with some of the other volunteers during a 2 day medical camp in a mountain village. Four doctors volunteered their help.

Helping in Haiti

Members of The Family are in Haiti, sharing the Lord's Love and comfort with those who need it so desperately. Please keep them, and the people of Haiti in your prayers.

Spending time encouraging the children.

Praying for an injured woman in hospital.

Here’s the link to video footage if you’re interested

Recent Activities

I have been rather delinquent posting about our activities.

It started with Christmas.

We were very busy participating in numerous events of all kinds during this holiday season. We collaborated with several charities such as Noah's Ark Children's Hospice, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Help a London Child, and more. We had quite a few touching moments, especially involving children, when we were able to help spread the Joy of this Season. Some of these children are life limited, meaning they are not expected to live very long, due to some form of sickness. Others had severe handicaps and others were just normal people, but nevertheless, needing love and inspiration, just like you and me! We were able to share the special Christmas songs that tell about the joy of the birth of Jesus, distribute hundreds of various forms of Christmas literature and audio material and in general share together the special joy of the season.
I hope to be able to share a couple of the moments that stuck out to me and helped make this a very special time indeed, as soon as I have a little more time!

Our personal Christmas was shared with our son Tim, who came over for a visit from Italy. It was his first time to England so we had fun showing him some of the sights during the time he was here. We also had a family of 5 stay with us during this time. They included 3 young children, so our house was full of children's laughter and merriment during this holiday time!

For New Year 's Eve, we once again had our Candle Light Ceremony. This year our house was open to guests from about 3 PM until after midnight. Neighbours, friends, General Members, Active Members and full time Members visited through out the evening and into the New Year. Besides abundant food and drink, we had several bonding and inspirational activities together, ending with the Candle Light Ceremony. This Ceremony is a Family tradition for many years now. We all sit around a large white candle which represents Jesus. One by one we each lit our own candle, placed it in the middle next to the large candle and shared three things: 1.What we were most thankful for this past year. 2.What goal or vision we would like to accomplish this coming year 3.A verse or meaningful quotation that applies to us regarding the new year ahead. This simple ceremony was inspiring and meaningful as we shared our own thoughts and listened to those around us. It was a happy, but also meaningful way to see in the New Year!

We thought we would have some down time after the New Year, but we just seem to be staying very busy! Another thing that is helping us to step outside of our comfort zone (which is good for growth!) is that we are moving to another house. There is probably no need to explain how much this involves, especially since we are closing a rather large house and have a lot of furniture and household items to find new homes for, not to mention all else that is involved with moving.

Hopefully, after the move is complete (and we have our internet connected!) I will be able to share a bit more details of some of the special moments that God placed in our paths.