You've got to reach out

I didn't want to wake up a roommate to take a picture of me. But I wanted you to see the joy. So here I am. Today was one of the most emotionally taxing days since being here in Tanzania. And I've had some tough days over the last nine weeks. So that is saying a lot. My gamut of emotion was actually unexpected. But it was good. Because today, I realized how different I am, how much I have grown, and how silly lucky I am. Silly lucky! Today, I had to welcome people from the United States who really hurt me and let me down upon my arrival here at the Cradle of Love. But I welcomed them with excitement and I tried to do it honorably. In the short two hours they were here, I heard that some of them had a life changing experience. If they only knew how much deeper and TRULY life changing it gets after being here with these children for MORE than two hours, they would never have left. I have now been here over two months and I am convinced that even with all the things that I have learned about orphanages, children, GOD, culture, people and myself... that I have only scratched the surface. I have so much to learn. So much. So. Much. But God chose me to be here. And I'm really lucky he did.

And I have to tell you friends.... tears well up in my eyes as I type this... that I have seen God today. Ok, I'm not claiming that I have seen seen God, but I feel his love, mercy, grace, and friendship pour out in the form of a bag of material things. I know it may sound stupid, but receiving all the donated items from you guys in the United States just fills my heart. I have been thinking about this day for WEEKS now. And please don't misunderstand, its not that I am excited about the stuff. I am excited about seeing the reflection of your love and support. I am excited about seeing the letter that was so beautifully (and heartfelt) prepared for me. I am excited about touching the things that you touched. The things that you thought about and planned for and bought and sent and coordinated and, and, and. Ok, I am excited about the skittles and my flat iron. You have to give me something to be a little selfish about! Whatev. But I am most excited that --for those of you who believe in God-- you have allowed him to do a good work in you in the form of gathering things for our needs here. And for those of you who believe in something a little different-- whatever that may be-- thank you for being inspired to help. Its just so amazing. So many of you have heard me and seen me say it before; I am only successful because of the love and support you give me.

So I will repeat what I stated before. I am a silly lucky woman. Silly lucky. So, my tears are done. Lets get down to business!!!

I took pictures of everything that I received. Unfortunately, my director here at Cradle of Love didn't understand the excitement and emotional implications of receiving your gifts today, so she dumped the bag out in her office and started opening stuff without me!!! When I walked into her office and saw "our stuff" everywhere I was devastated. I was looking forward to opening the bag and pulling out each little surprise-- but I am a big girl and I can get over the dissapointment. Anyway, I tried to gether everything up and I took it to my apartment. Here are the pictures of it all. Please leave comments or send emails and let me know WHO donated WHAT! Even if it was a note and a bag of Skittles (Thanks Mrs. Tillman!), I want to know. EVERY SINGLE THING IS A BLESSING TO ME AND TO OUR BABIES!

I heard that this came from Rachel Scherwin's sister. Are you kidding me with this? These are BEAUTIFUL. I think they are too nice for us to use!!! I found pins too. Also from the sister? Everyone, feel free to chime in with the info.

I am really loving my own "medical kit". Its cute. And it comes from my mother. Something that every child should get from mom... nomatter what the age. Thanks for taking the time hear me and to care about my needs. A girl needs this sometimes.

Ok, these cloth nappies look special ordered! Tania Hufanda, do you take credit for this? Whomever made these happen... they are amazing. Thank you. And btw, Tania, thank you for coordinating the packing of all these things. Taping up the ziploc was so instrumental as the NyQuil leaked but everything was protected. Again, thanks is cheap. But its what I have to offer. And its so sincere.


40. Four-Oh. In swahili- arobaini. Thats the number of diaper rash creams that we received in this package. Now, I know that was a team effort. Thank you so much! Awesome. Forty. I still can't believe it.

We never seem to remember to get lotion on these kids! And some of our babies and toddles are scratching the hell out of their skin from dryness and dermatitis. THANK YOU for the small individual packets of lotions. I am handing them out to volunteers tomorrow and telling them to go to town on some of our children's skin.

Thank you to the Stovash, Case, & Tingley crew for the much needed office supplies. I was trying to explain the rolling white out dispensers to my director here at the baby home. So she was a little excited to see them in person. And pens! And trash bags! You guys are too much. I want a list of names of those who contributed! I know some of you put in so much effort. I could have never imagined how much you guys were pulling for me and the babies here. Silly lucky.

Items from my own stash in storage (thanks Chad and Susan) and items that are new. But one thing perplexes me... the black shoes. You see, I had these exact pair of shoes when I worked at SCT. But I wore the heck out of them and thought I had gotten rid of them. But then these show up and I honestly have no idea if they are new or if I am so delirious with emotions that I am actually looking at my old shoes. Help! the bottom of the soles have scuff which seem like worn shoes... but not enough scuff to be ACTUAL worn shoes... what am I missing here? Karina, did you buy these for me? I must be delirious??? Anyway, I am THRILLED to have them.

Letter from home. Enough said.

Its midnight here in Tanzania, and I need to go to bed. Thank you. An entire village has seen to my needs. I am so proud and I love that I can brag about you, my AMAZING friends. The babies and I send you love.

~Shae