Guiding Principles

It is the middle of the night... 3:51 and I can't sleep. I woke up and thought, pray! Whenever Ben is gone, there is a feeling of fear that grips me at the strangest times. I wonder if there is a stranger lurking in the house and I quietly grab my phone... just in case. I can hear the sounds of the fans going in the kids rooms. My bare feet take me down carpeted stairs and I see a solitary light on at my familiar small desk. I sit down and reflect on all the work that has been accomplished in this tiny corner. Next to me are the etickets for Uganda. I am starting to feel nauseous from eating too many Hershey kisses last night or maybe I am just nervous about forgetting what I need as I prepare for a 2 month journey with 4 kids! But mostly, I am imagining the new faces that will cross this desk and there is a burden in my heart to get going.

As I have begun to investigate the country of Uganda, I am once again astonished at my lack of knowledge of international crisis. Uganda has been at war for years and is now beginning to rebuild. My heart is broken for the people that have suffered horribly through past political upheaval and torture. And I am so sad for the children that have been abducted and murdered. It is unbelievable that I have been so unaware of this tragedy.

I think that is why I am awake. I am sitting here typing about these unthinkable cruel acts man can do, and saying... the world must know. But are we willing to lay down our own agendas to take the time to care? If it was my child being threatened, I would certainly be motivated. But why? Why should ANY child be subjected to war and not have the opportunity to be rescued? And now that I look at the word rescue... I think... "Rescued from threat of abduction but not from starvation, malaria or AIDS?" Why is it okay for us to think, "I want peace", when there is so much more that each person deserves? Why should we save them from abduction today when they will starve tomorrow?

And so from my tiny desk in Illinois I continue on my quest to RESCUE... but beyond that... to give people the ability to start over and take care of their families by giving them the dignity of rescuing themselves.

Here is what our guiding principles are in expansion globally:

1. God's vision and direction
2. A sponsorship model that works with each individual culture.
3. Good control over the contributions and funds that are given to our organization.

The kids and I join Ben soon. I will keep you up to date!