This week all the girls have been off from school, and we have been doing fun activities all week. Seeing movies,
playing hide and seek,
going in the pool,
(Sam is 8 months older than Sara. Just for a size comparison. :) )
making popcorn and watching movies at home,
picking up new glasses for Lupita,
(She is so cute in them!)
and yesterday I needed formula for Marcy, and some meds, so I took the girls along to wander around the mall, and wanting to treat them to something while we were out. We decided to take the girls to Pizza Hut so they could play in the play place.
I LOVE Watching Lupita and Shirley together. They are such good friends, and Lupita loves to help her with whatever she needs. In this case, I could go sit down, as Lupita had figured out how to lift Shirley up on the the big steps, and get her down the slide. Good job Lupita!
Luz loved the chicken wings!
I was trying to get a picture of all of us. And when I looked at it, that is when I was mad.
I had to leave half of my family at home. We just don't have room to safely take more than 3 girls in my personal vehicle. And it bothers me. Not just because we can't go anywhere all together as a family, but also it means extra trips to the City, because I can't schedule the appointments all at once.
I've been trying to raise funds for a van for a while now. I started a gofundme page, and I have written in my newsletter. Our total donations to date to the car fund: $951. How much we need in Canadian dollars: $45,000. ($34,000. USD) Sadly our Canadian dollar has been dropping and that is really affecting all ministries negatively.
Used vans in any kind of half decent shape are almost impossible to find here, and sell very quickly. Vehicles are heavily used, and lightly maintained. We do a lot of driving between the City and here (about a four hour drive one way) for medical appointments and since we are a bunch of women and children with special needs, we need a van in very good shape!!! So I feel like my only option is a new van.
As part of the gofundme page, they send out updates every once in a while. About a week and a half ago there was a story of a man who had lost a lot of weight, and needed money for skin removal surgery. He had $55,000. USD donated in 5 days. Now I know that that surgery will have a huge impact on him and his life, and I'm glad he can get it. But I couldn't help but be frustrated and jealous at the ease with which he came up with his money. I try not to be, but I am.
I know you don't have $45,000. in your back pocket. At least nobody I know does! But I would really like to ask for your help. I'll be honest, I hate asking for money. So I don't do it often enough. The problem of not enough money coming in is partly my fault, as I'm not letting the need be known.
I'd like to ask you to go to your Bible study group, friends, family, co-workers, etc. Anyone who has a heart for children with special needs. Ask them to put together a fundraiser. Ask them to make a personal donation. Hit up Uncle Fred, Cousin Lucy, co-worker Ned, husband Bob, friend Christina, etc. You get the idea. Please share this blog. Please share it on Facebook. People can donate throughout the gofundme page here. If you'd like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit the Canadian CTEN page or the U.S. CTEN page. If you donate through CTEN, please send me an e-mail at hogartesorosdedios@gmail.com stating your donation is for the van, otherwise it will go into our general fund (which we also need, but that is for another day! ;) )
I will update every once in a while, so that you guys know when we have hit our goal. Thank you so much for all your support. Thank you for spreading the word. Thank you for working to better the lives of my girls. I can't express my appreciation very well in written form, but know that I really do appreciate it.
I want to add one side note. Maybe it isn't even necessary, but I'll mention it anyway. I like to treat my girls. I want them to feel loved, and taking them out is one way I can show them I care about them. But every time we go for ice cream, or pizza, or a movie, I pay out of my personal funds. I'm blessed to have enough to share with them. So please know that all donations made to the home go towards their food, shelter, schooling, medicine, dr appts, etc.
Hope you all have a great week! We are having our one year anniversary party on Sunday, so I'll share some pictures and stories next week.
We were trying to raise funds for a van too. But we don't need one nearly as badly as you do. :-) I will certainly share your blog post and ask friends to donate. I hope that you will quickly find all of the money you need. Going out as a family together is so important!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your help! I so appreciate you sharing our need!
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