Sadly, we could not make it to the girls due to weather conditions for this wonderful thanksgiving week. However I did spend some time today praying and reminiscing about this past year. In honor of thanksgiving why not take the time to be thankful?
I cannot believe that only a year ago we took over 60 UD students to a big event at Wordsworth to give the girls an opportunity to share their poetry. I felt truly blessed as friends all gathered together for the soul purpose of giving the girls a chance for their voices to be heard. After the event Ms. Em and the girls discussed what they were thankful for. The girls shared how they were so grateful that the visitors gave them a change; t hey were willing to look past their placement situation and listen to their stories, to hear what they had to say. They were thankful for poetry and Ms. Em having friends that they love and who will love them. The girls were thankful for their voices!
Seeing the blessings God has provided our ministry this year has been life changing. I am so thankful for people who are willing to hear about the girls! For the generosity in our fundraising, the book will officially be published by February!
Last week we sat down around the table and ate the chips and dip requested by the girls. I love thanksgiving time because the girls look for the positive in their situations. Within our own poetry family we shared stories about their families and even our own. The girls talked endlessly about their excitement of going home for the holidays and spending time with their families. We left the home, smiles all on the girls’ faces anticipating the holidays.
The girls have taught me to be so much more grateful. Stuck behind locked doors the girls don’t have the chance to see their families very often. They don’t get to call their Mommy and talk about their day. Or watch ridiculous food network TV shows with their Daddy. Or talk about boys, play games and spend time with their sisters and fiancé-in-law. The girls don’t get to do the things I take for granted all the time. The girls don’t often have the chance to be a family with their family. The spirit the girls had to simply go home to see their family they transferred to me. This Thanksgiving was more thankful than ever to drive home to New York City to see my family.
So in the spirit of Thanksgiving I hope we can all find time this Holiday weekend to pray and thank God for all the ways he has blessed us whether it be a loving family, the rain, clothes on our backs, a college education or even the joy of chips and dip!
Voices Of Beautiful Flowers 