Hey everyone!
A lot has been happening to me recently; a lot of good. First of all, I am no longer working at Hastings. Last week was my first week at the Family Christian Store and I LOVE it! It's so much fun and the people are great. The atmosphere is so much more "me" than it was at Hastings. There has been a of speculation as to why I quit. It wasn't really the money. Money only played a VERY small role in why I left. I just got fed up with selling Porn and other items, and I almost felt ashamed to do so. That is the truth: it was just no longer the right place for me. I never imagined I would lose some of my "friends" from Hastings just because I quit, so to everyone who has supported me and remained my friend, THANK YOU! I look forward to keeping in contact with you.
I also now have a little sister through "Big Brothers, Big Sisters." Her name is Destiny, and she is one of the BEST things that has ever happened to me. She's eleven years old, and we share many interests. Like myself, she is a STRONG Christian and an avid reader. She loves to sing, as do I. She also loves chasing Lizards. I've honestly never done so in my life, haha, but I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with her and who knows? Maybe it'll become one of my favorite things to do! :) Her mother, Sherri, will also be a huge part of my life and she truly cares about Destiny. They've both been through so much; more than anybody should ever have to go through, but I feel so amazingly blessed to get to have them in my life at this point. I can only grow stronger in character. I couldn't have asked for a better "match."
Last night, I found out that I am going to be granting my first wish for the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" soon. It will be in about two weeks because the girl is in Albuquerque recovering from treatment for a Chronic Kidney Disease. She's thirteen years old, and I will be contacting her family soon to quickly earn her trust and get her to confide in me. What she will confide will be perhaps the most important decision she'll ever make. One wish. Sky's the limit. I look forward to meeting her.
On that note, I just want to take a quick moment and explain how I'll survive being in this kind of atmosphere. I cannot imagine how bad it's going to hurt to get involved with children, think the world of them, and have the chance that they will die. BUT, where would the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" be without eir volunteers? Yes, it will be hard. It WILL be emotional; I'm sure I will shed many tears: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. But, I also want to be there for the parents. How hard would it be for a parent to have a sick child? How hard would it be if that child didn't get better and that parent had to bury them? Sure, I have my doubts. How will I stay strong when facing a child who is struggling to live? It seems like such an injustice, but what would I do and how would I feel if I was that parent? I would want someone to help my child. And, how exciting would it be to see that child's face light up as their BIGGEST wish in the world gets granted! That's what gives me strength: knowing that I will be making a difference in a life that desperately needs it. God will give me the strength and courage I will need to face whatever lies in store for me. It's bound to be one memorable ride.
What a perfect time of year to really be getting involved with these individuals, especially around Thanksgiving! I mean, I have always been extremely thankful for everything I have when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year I know I will have MORE to be thankful for and that's something to rejoice in!
I have also been exclusively invited to join another blog tour! This tour is to promote the book, "For Parents Only," by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Rice during the week of November 26-30th. How these blogs have changed my life!
I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm! :) Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season!
--Kathy
"The Prayer of St. Francis" (My life goal)
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
Where there is sorrow, joy
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it's in giving that we receive
And it's in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it's in dying that we are born into Eternal Life
Amen.