Approximately $8,000.00 Raised in 2011
Missions trip to the Philippines ~ Visiting two orphanages
This was my original goal. I longed to get over to the Philippines and see first hand the country, culture, and orphanages. I needed to see, touch, and feel what my heart was being drawn to. This trip was absolutely amazing. Talk about an eye opening experience. There were many tears, some of joy, but most of heart ache. So many lives were touched on this trip. They are a culture that is fighting to live. Most couples spend days, months, and sometimes years apart. They go where ever the work is and just dream of the times when they get to see each other. I had an amazing time with the children. The first orphanage that I visited was Open Door, and one of the first things that I noticed was there food rations for the orphans. In observing a couple a meals I noticed that each child was getting about a cup of rice, a quarter cup of broth, and an ounce of meat. Keep in mind that some of these children are teens. These rations are substandard to say the least. There are 33 children in this orphanage and a meal budget is 100 Pecos...This works out to .6 cents per child. I approached the director and asked if I could prepare a meal for the children and they gladly accepted. We had a ball. I asked all the children what they wanted and it was clear they all wanted spaghetti. So off to the market we went. We picked up all the things for the dinner. All the girls joined me in the kitchen to help cook, we had an amazing time. They taught me how to speak the language and I shared my cooking knowledge. What a blessing. When the girls saw that I had bought apples for them, the kitchen filled with a buzz and I did not know why. Later I found out that fruit is usually only bought once a year for these children and that is Christmas. It truly was Christmas in August for them. Each child sat down to a huge plate filled with spaghetti, bread and apples, and on the side of each plate was a gift bag filled with goodies which included a pair of sunglasses. Oh my, did they have fun with these. It was a special night. Then to top off the fun, they all got ice cream and cookie for dessert. This was just one of the many moments that changed lives. There were blessings of money to those that were in desperate need, help given to battered women, and much more.
Faith Hope And Love Ranch
This was my second place of visit. What an amazing time I had. It was very brief, but rewarding as well. This was a divine appointment as it was here, that it became clear what my future would hold. I knew at this very moment where and how I would be putting my Kaplan University Degree to use. The directors of this 10 acre facility are husband and wife, she is American and he is Filipino. There was an instant connection and there are great things in the works. This is what Lorraine (Ranch Manager) wanted to share with you.
My name is Lorraine Lamar, the ranch manager at Faith, Hope & Love Kids’ Ranch. In the past 6 months of 9 years at the ranch, we’ve received many calls and texts about situation where infants need a home. I feel I’m not gifted to take care of babies. I enjoy and feel confident taking care of kid 2 years old and up. So in the past months, my comfort zone has been tested. You know how they say, don’t bite off more than you can chew? That’s where I’m at. I recommended to the Lord that I’m not the person for the job and I would need a Social Worker and a Nurse on top of the calling. During that time, the Lord sent us a nurse. (That’s an amazing story about how our nurse found the ranch) The Lord said, “You’re right”! I have someone else that I’ve been preparing for that job. I’ve been waiting and waiting to meet that called and gifted person. So one day, I was told that a lady would visit the ranch for one day and one night. When I met Alissa, the burden was so strong. That was my first sign. The love and excitement for kids was the second but it still wasn’t enough. So after the day passed and the night passed……right before she was getting ready to leave she said, “Oh by the way, I’m studying to be a Social Worker and I’m almost finished”! I screamed and ran to tell the nurse and my daughter and we prayed. "God your will be done"! Since that day, Alissa and I have been communicating and have had some projects helping another orphanage with foam beds and bed sheets. I believe this is only the beginning!
Of course when you want to do good and follow your heart, there are always bumps in the road. There are tests to see if we are really called and committed.They make us stronger and more prepared. It’s all apart of the package. You can’t have one without the other. So now, we are just waiting for Alissa to graduate and sell her house and the ranch awaits her with open arms. ~ Lorraine Lamar~
Long story short, this could be where I am headed. I would love to serve with them for a few years. It would be a true honor. Lord willing my house will sell. Then I am off!
My name is Lorraine Lamar, the ranch manager at Faith, Hope & Love Kids’ Ranch. In the past 6 months of 9 years at the ranch, we’ve received many calls and texts about situation where infants need a home. I feel I’m not gifted to take care of babies. I enjoy and feel confident taking care of kid 2 years old and up. So in the past months, my comfort zone has been tested. You know how they say, don’t bite off more than you can chew? That’s where I’m at. I recommended to the Lord that I’m not the person for the job and I would need a Social Worker and a Nurse on top of the calling. During that time, the Lord sent us a nurse. (That’s an amazing story about how our nurse found the ranch) The Lord said, “You’re right”! I have someone else that I’ve been preparing for that job. I’ve been waiting and waiting to meet that called and gifted person. So one day, I was told that a lady would visit the ranch for one day and one night. When I met Alissa, the burden was so strong. That was my first sign. The love and excitement for kids was the second but it still wasn’t enough. So after the day passed and the night passed……right before she was getting ready to leave she said, “Oh by the way, I’m studying to be a Social Worker and I’m almost finished”! I screamed and ran to tell the nurse and my daughter and we prayed. "God your will be done"! Since that day, Alissa and I have been communicating and have had some projects helping another orphanage with foam beds and bed sheets. I believe this is only the beginning!
Of course when you want to do good and follow your heart, there are always bumps in the road. There are tests to see if we are really called and committed.They make us stronger and more prepared. It’s all apart of the package. You can’t have one without the other. So now, we are just waiting for Alissa to graduate and sell her house and the ranch awaits her with open arms. ~ Lorraine Lamar~
Long story short, this could be where I am headed. I would love to serve with them for a few years. It would be a true honor. Lord willing my house will sell. Then I am off!
27 New Mattresses and Sheets :)
After returning from the Philippines, I knew that I had to get the children at Open Door new mattresses. So this became my new goal. I hit the kitchen and started producing and selling my goodies. My goal was 1,200 dollars. I really wanted to deliver the beds as a Christmas gift to the children, so I knew that I would have to act fast, November 6th. is National Orphan Sunday and is honored around the world. I was invited into a local church to speak of my works in the Philippines, and share my candies. This was a day I will never forget, the members of this church blessed my socks off. It was because of these loving people that the orphans received their new beds before Christmas. Blessings from above!!!!!