A family's journey as they travel the USA to help others
Today, the four of us interviewed the executive director at HOPE (Helping Other People's Enrichment). The girls colored at the table while Stephanie and I asked questions and listened. There are roughly 6,000 children in the State of Virginia in the foster care system. HOPE is one of the private non-profits that helps match those children with foster parents. They work specifically … [Read more...]
Congratulations to Amy D – this week’s featured giver and prize winner (item of her choice from UV Skinz). Amy's Story: Today I spent the day with 5th graders, chaperoning a field trip, but also guiding them, as they were doing “on-the-job experience”. More than once I was thanked, unprompted, by one of my charges. Our next prize is a leather ipad 1 case from Sena Cases. Sena Cases … [Read more...]
***We have committed to give our family rest each Sunday. Read more here. … [Read more...]
We met a really neat family with three kids here at our campground. They are traveling full-time - enjoying being together and exploring the country. This morning they left for another campground in PA. Before they hit the road, we said our goodbyes and gave each of their three boys a special package of snacks and toys to entertain them on the road. Our girls had fun picking out the items … [Read more...]
Fayetteville will be a town we remember as "friendly." Everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles. We stayed at the KOA just north of town in the suburb of Wade. The campground staff was very professional and kept the grounds in immaculate shape - even the sand in the sandbox was raked. This KOA just happens to be half way between New York and Florida so it is a convenient … [Read more...]
The Historical Triangle Community Services Center is a non-profit that rents out building space at a low cost to nine local non-profits. The center acts as a destination for people in need of social services. People can obtain counseling, food and clothing assistance, parenting education, programs for their small children, and transportation - all under one roof. The 9 agencies in the … [Read more...]
This afternoon, while Stephanie and the girls read books at the Williamsburg Library, I gave my time to the staff at Colonial CASA. They had asked ahead of time if I would help with social media so it made more sense for the girls to stay behind on this one. Colonial CASA (court appointed special advocates) works to ensure the best interest of abused and neglected children during legal … [Read more...]
Yesterday, I helped a friend get a website up and running after he told me how he gives a portion of his income to Hope International to be used for microlending. Today, Stephanie and I made a small donation to Hope International. The organization focuses on alleviating physical and spiritual poverty through microenterprise development. HOPE works with people from dozens of countries and … [Read more...]
Our friends Jay and Kristen (and their two small children) have been camping with us the last couple of days. We've been enjoying their company - swimming in the lake, picnicking outside, and talking about faith & family. Jay started a real estate business with a philanthropic component this past year in Richmond, VA. He gives one tenth of one percent of every home he sells to Hope … [Read more...]
Congratulations to Jesica from MT – this week’s featured giver and prize winner (item of her choice from UV Skinz). Jesica'a Story: We gave this weekend to my grandparents. They are both in there seventies and live several states away from all our AZ family and three hours away from us. We spent the weekend at their home helping to clean up their yard from all the beetle infested, dead … [Read more...]
***We have committed to give our family rest each Sunday. Read more here. … [Read more...]
Today, we put together care packages with The Army's Army at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville. The care packages included handwritten notes, hygiene items, books, non-perishable food items, and playing cards. The packages will be sent to deployed men and women as gifts of encouragement and gratitude for serving the country. Our girls had a great time … [Read more...]
Yesterday, I received a message from a man wanting to tell me about a unique group of men who serve their community by repairing homes - for free. Today, Kayla (my four-year-old) and I met this gentleman at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville. On one end of the church's property is a series of garages filled with tools and equipment to be used to help anyone in need of home … [Read more...]
The four of us had a fun time this morning planting a garden for the Salvation Army's shelter in Fayetteville. We pulled up weeds, broke apart soil, dug holes, and planted zucchini squash and tomatoes. The shelter will use the fresh vegetables in their kitchen. This was a great project for the whole family because our two girls were able help with the entire process from preparing the soil … [Read more...]
Today, we visited the Salvation Army's community center and emergency shelter in Fayetteville. All services are free, but the goal isn't to give "hand-outs." Instead, the Army wants to give "hand-ups." Their programs operate with the intention of helping people heal "physically, emotionally, and spiritually." Here are four ways to volunteer with the Fayetteville Salvation Army: 1) Help serve … [Read more...]
Up until now, we have only volunteered with, toured, and interviewed non-profit organizations. We have learned from people who are serving children, the elderly, the hungry, and even prisoners. We have asked questions about funding and management. … [Read More...]
Today, we put together care packages with The Army's Army at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville. The care packages included handwritten notes, hygiene items, books, non-perishable food items, and playing cards. The … [Read More...]
