Carmen’s 3rd birthday is in four days! Wow!
Lauren always says, “Ssshhhh” when I start talking about Carmen’s birthday presents in front of Carmen. She says, “It’s supposed to be a surprise and you are talking right in front of her!” So, I’m going to tell you what we got Carmen for her birthday but please don’t say anything in front of Carmen! 
I found this website angelbabygifts.com and emailed the owner about making a shirt for Lauren to give Carmen for her birthday. Mary was wonderful to work with! Lauren had some ideas for the design and Mary came up with an adorable shirt. When Mary heard about Carmen, she wanted the shirt to be a gift from her family. We got the package in the mail yesterday and not only did it have a shirt for Carmen but also one for Lauren! Thank you so much Mary! That was so thoughtful and we love the shirts. Especially Lauren who jumped up and down when she saw the shirts! Carmen is holding balloons with the Guatemalan flag and the U.S. flag.
Dave and I wanted to do something special for Carmen for her birthday gift from us. Mi Refugio is a school ministering to the needs of children who live in the Guatemala City garbage dump. The children are bussed daily to Mi Refugio and taught to read and write. They learn practical skills like sewing and woodworking. They are fed two meals per day. Most importantly, they learn about Jesus. I called the school’s contact person, Harry, who just happens to live 10 minutes away! We decided to donate, in honor of Carmen, both backpacks and vitamins for the children. I got a great deal on 20 backpacks from Children’s Place and when they arrive in the mail, I’ll take a picture! Lauren picked out the patterns. Lots of hearts and flowers!
Harry sent a video about the school, Children of the Fourth World. Lauren and I watched it yesterday. As I was putting Lauren to bed last night, she wanted to talk about the movie.
“Why do the children live in the dump?
“How do they get food to eat?”
“Should we move to Guatemala and help those kids?”
“Can we adopt some of the kids so they have a family?”
“Carmen couldn’t have lived in the dump. She would have died. She would have just laid there and no one would have fed her.”
“When I grow up I can move there and help the kids. I would dye my hair black so I would look like all the other girls!”
I told her that we would be so very proud if she decided to move to Guatemala and help the kids. Dave and I believe that God is using Carmen to work on Lauren’s little heart and that someday she will do amazing things for Him. I really can’t wait to see what she does!
Friends of ours just returned from a Mission Trip to Mexico. Their work was at a dump where people live… After some minimal training, our friend actually did eye exams and fitted donated glasses to people. Our friend’s teenage daughter did the hair of the little girls all day long. They brought gifts and provided crafts projects, food, etc.
Hi, those are beautiful shirts and Laurens heart is just as big as her parents. Tell her I am proud of her. God bless. In Christ, Joe
Lana,
The shirts are a beautiful expression of God’s love you have for Carmen and Lauren. I am very proud of you!
Love always,
Dad
OK – so, how do those of us (grandparents and family), who want to give Carmen a birthday gift, donate to this project??? – You already know what I think of gifts that help others – - – - ):
I also should add a note to other parents and grandparents who read this blog – - it is a real gift to us to see our children thinking of others instead of what they/we can get for ourselves – - i.e. Steve and Sarah asking people to donate to Compassion International to buy anti-malaria mosquito nets instead of giving Nathan more “stuff” for his birthday; all of you “kids” donating to World Vision projects in leu of Christmas gifts for Doug and me, etc.!!! It is a gift to know our children are really seeing others through the eyes of Jesus – - We have SO much and it takes very little to help others with real need!
P.S. – LOVE the shirts!!
I often get teary eyed when reading about the different things Lauren says. She is wise beyond her years!
Allison
Quote: “OK – so, how do those of us (grandparents and family), who want to give Carmen a birthday gift, donate to this project???”
Stay tuned…I have an idea. More later.
Those shirts and so cute! That one really looks like Lauren. And I LOVE how serious Lauren is about you not talking about it in front of Carmen. So sweet. Excited about Carmen’s big 3!
Oh to have the heart of a child and to truly see things the way they are. I am so amazed at how Lauren sees it and states it. As we age we unfortunately get worried that we may actually have to do what our heart says…How sad not to be willing as this sweet sweet heart.