#PaintingforRefugees17

Saturday we drove up to CSI in Twin Falls and presented boxes full of paintings. Painting for Refugees art drive has been a project I have been working on with a few close friends since August. Hours went into planning, marketing, and Skype meetings. 

I remember dreaming of hosting an art drive and frantically writing ideas as they came on paper. Desperately wanting to help refugees in a way that was close to my heart, through art. Working up courage, I reached out to a coordinator in Twin Falls and presented this idea. Her prompt reply and story of refugees using sticky notes from a local bank to add color to white walls fueled my little flame.  

I cannot imagine being a Refugee, away from familiar comforts and possibly divided from loved ones. I wanted to help. Knew I needed to help. Our mission throughout this drive was to welcome and uplift refugees through art, one painting at a time.

The Red Brick Retreat

Everything is mostly unpacked.

Boxes clasped in the garage,

the Christmas tree is up

and the holiday music on.

Months ago when we decided to stay in Idaho this Christmas,

Spencer wanted to rent out a house as a little get away.

Now here we are 

in what I call the Red Brick Retreat. 

Huge thank you to my mother in-law

who made this temporary transition 1000 times easier.

Its starting to feel and look like Christmas everyday.

  

#LightTheWorld

I remember driving home from the hospital 

late at night after visiting Spencer.

The agony at having to leave him, exhaustion and guilt seemed to consume me.

After weeks of pain and confusion, Spencer had been admitted into the ER for surgery.

Hot tears making their now familiar way down my face 

I silently plead, 

"I can't. I can't. Where have you been?" 

In that moment a thought entered my mind, warm and familiar

"I am here." 

The image of my sister showing up to watching my girls, hair wet and uncombed from the shower, flashed through my remembrance. My brother in the ER to administer a blessing, the dinners brought to my home, a neighbor stopping by to clean dishes, countless calls and messages from friends and family. 

I was not alone, and I never had been.

My burdens have been made light through Christ my Savoir. He works through others. The Lord will always send me reminders, messages and encouragement.

Its up to me to recognize it. 

Then be that person for someone else. 

Day 4:
"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
-Matthew 22:39