This was my 4th time there in a little over 6months!

And each time I leave, I go with a new & deeper love for that country!

This week was so refreshing. . .

beautiful scenery.

Breathtaking colors. . .

every door

wall

and window. . .

the excitement of the World Cup was everywhere

walking the streets and finding markets

or being serenaded in the street.

All of these things make my travels exciting but the thing that keeps me going are

these

little

faces.

spending time in their classes

walking in their neighborhoods

seeing what they see

visiting their homes

and meeting their families.

being there with them

And what keeps these little faces going. . .

their sponsors!

This trip I was so moved by the story of sponsors in lives of some of the kids I met

Meet Silvia

As soon as we arrived she had a hot pink journal with letters pouring out and pictures stuck to pages ( some stuck with gum)

Pictures like this one!

So hey there Teresa from Illinois!

Thank You.

Thank

You.

Silvia is bright, beautiful and dreams big dreams because of you!

I know you know this because I read your letters ( hope you dont mind) and

because Silvia told me she wants to be a teacher

just . like . you

And Angela. . .Hello!

I found tons of your family photos and sweet encouragements at Julia’s house in El Salvador

They covered the table

and there were 4 frames full of your pictures hanging on their walls

Julia and her mother were so proud to show them to me

each

and

every

one.

She thanks you for your encouragement in your letters and she loves getting postcards of the places you & your family visit.

She dreams of traveling one day too!

Hi. . .Mr. Soh in Korea,

I met sweet Milagro.

I love that when you heard her story ( in her letters) Her story of how she was in a fire as a baby and has had medical needs you didnt just read

You Lept!

Lept into action.

Milagro is doing amazing and is gaining strength with her new arm each day!

Did you know her name means

Miracle?

Yeah, its okay. . .

I cried at that too!

Our God is Amazing.

To my surprise one of the days I got to see Shaun‘s sponsor kiddo Yanci again!

I first met them on our Compassion Bloggers trip last fall

and I really cant put words into how awesome it was to see these two girls again!

Shaun. . .

The love Yanci and her sister Pamela have for you and your family is so BIG!!

And the gratefulness that Yanci’s dad has is overwhelming.

Did you know he is now a volunteer at their Compassion Project?

He thanks you for your encouragement!

They send Big Hugs.

Thankful.

Thought I’d give a little photo of the day today!

Tonight we have our annual Artist Appreciation dinner with Compassion.

Its A time to say ThAnKyOu to the artists that partner with us throughout the year… Taking time out of the concerts to let their audience know about the work we do and how they can sponsor a kiddo!

One of my favorite parts of tonight is getting to see friends. . . Friends that I have known forever, friends that I work with plus friends that I feel like I have known forever because we took a trip to “wherever” together. Its a fun night of getting to see some of my favorite people.

This year I took a handful of my images and changed them to black and white and enlarged them to use for decorations tonight.

I love getting to see my images printed rather than just on my computer screen. Sometimes I wish I could be all “old school”  and print off every photo, but I guess my hard drive would be sad oh and my wallet considering I take a whole lot of photos on a trip.

Anyways I wanted to share the image that made me do a little squeal. . .

Might be the story of her family

Might be the size ( its 2ft x3ft)

Might be seeing the image in Black & White

Whatever it is. . . it is making me happy everytime I look over at it.

A. I am from Texas and B. I heart Texas and C. I miss Texas well I could go all the way to Z with the reasons, but I’ll save that for another time.

I spent Easter in Texas with my family and one of my favorite events of the year was going on at the same time. . . imagine that!

The Round Top Antique Festival. Twice a year ( the spring and fall) a few hundred thousand people ( just a few!) come to the smallest town in the state to peruse the cow pastures for their next treasure.

And then on Thursday is the best party in all of Round Top/Warrenton Texas. . .The Junk O Rama Prom O Rama hosted by the Junk Gypsy girls!!

Live Music. . .Two-Steppin. . .vintage dresses. . .Boots. . .Sangria. . .lights. . .Cowboy Hats. . .Rhinestones and Turquoise. . .

Jolie and Amie are two of the sweetest most creative gals. . .I have yet to see a THING of theirs that I don’t Love! One of their latest projects was a total re-do of an airstream trailer for Country girl. . . Miranda Lambert.

I have always wanted an airstream and well now. . .phew! Don’t mind me I’ll be back going to search craiglist. . YET again!

Is that not the coolest? Just added “Own and re-do an airstream” to the list.

Oh and speaking of Miranda Lambert she was there hanging at the prom watching all of us enjoy her awesome new wine!! Red 55 winery, seriously ya’ll … great sangria… great Texas Wine!

Thanks Jolie and Amie for a great night. . .as always!

Easter Sunday before we had to leave the bluebonnets were calling our name. . .

They are calling your name too aren’t they??

Anyways a family photo in the flowers was a must. . .

ahhh love them. love them.

I feel the only appropriate ending to this post is to quote the amazing…you must start watching…best show on tv…Friday Night Lights!

“T E X A S  F O R E V E R”

I wanted to share some of the beautiful little faces I’ve seen. . . . beautiful!!

There really is no sweeter sound huh?

The Country . . .the Trip. . . The Stories. . .

There is still sooooo much to share. . .

But now I sit in the Miami airport about to board a flight for El Salvador!

I am so excited to visit my friends in El Salvador and see sweet faces like this. . .

An amazing story from a beautiful woman… with a huge heart!

Be a part of a childs story. . . click HERE for more info!

A program that is all about Moms and Babies! If you want to read more check out www.rescuebabiesnow.org

I LOVE this program!

As we pulled up we were greeted by the Music of these Mothers singing as they escorted us into the church.

As they sang they hugged each of us with such bliss as we danced into their church. . . It was beautiful!

And what a day. . .getting to spend time with these mothers hearing about their trials and their joys. . .

hearing their stories!

You too can be a part of rescuing babies and helping these mothers!

So click on this picture to start a slideshow…see our day and hear the Music of Mothers. . .

An ATV ride along the Nile River and thru the Ugandan Bush passing crazy terrain, muds, villages, streets… you name it! And did I mention we were riding on an ATV!!

Did I mention we got DIRTY! I am talking wash your hair 3 times and it is still Red Dirty!

But let me just say. . .

It Was A BLAST!

Today is our last day in Uganda…we will be on a plane tonight….

Cant wait to share more pics and stories!

What a great trip!

She was definitely Ah-Mazing to talk with today. . .I think  you will see why!

Thank You Sponsors – From Compassion International Sponsor kids from keely Scott on Vimeo.

Change a Childs Life . . .