updaaaaate

For starters, thank you guys so much for all of the kind words and support I received about my staph infection and losing Wilkemberg. I really do appreciate all of you. <3

I'm happy to report that my infection is MUCH better. For about a week I was unable to sit on my right side, walk correctly, or even take a bath. (Don't worry, I did shower with difficulty) The wound is still open, but is almost completely gone. Praise God that this infection was not worse and I am being healed. A little bit of advice - don't scratch mosquito bites, especially ones on your butt. Also, wash your hands a lot!

As for my sweet Wilkemberg, I wrote a final letter, sent a picture and final donation, and said my goodbyes. He is a very special little boy and I am happy that I was given time to get to know him. Keith and I discussed whether or not we wanted to sponsor another child, and to be honest I was a bit hesitant. Why on Earth would I want to get involved again when at any moment the child could leave me? That's when I realized this isn't about me. At. All. This is about those children in need. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." And that's exactly what we plan to do.

We decided to not only sponsor one child, but two. My newest sponsor child is named Luz and she is a beautiful 12 year old from Columbia. It isn't easy going on Compassion's site and seeing the faces of children in need. However, I can't explain it, but I feel a connection to some children. (I felt it when I began sponsoring my Michael) When I realized Luz had been waiting for 6 months or longer I knew that I wanted to be apart of her life.

The second child was a bit of a surprise. I received a packet explaining that I had been assigned another child since Wilkemberg had left. At first I was really shocked and bit offended. Did they really think Wilkemberg was replaceable?? Once I calmed down I realized that this was not meant as an insult, but as a way to help me continue impacting the lives of children. The child's name is Wesley and he's 8 from Brazil.

I am excited to begin building a relationship with my 2 new children, and continue corresponding with Michael, but I will never forget sweet Wilkemberg.

I hope you all have a great Friday and a fantastic weekend! Today is my sister's 22nd birthday and tomorrow we are headed to the beach to celebrate! :o) On Sunday, I leave for a 5 day business trip to New Orleans! (No really, it's for my work, I promise!)

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I'll be working at a conference all week, but just being back in the city that I love so much is very exciting. Plus, I think I may get to see a few family members and friends!Not to mention that I'm making it an urgent matter to find and eat as much boiled crawfish as possible! I'm hoping to write a bit next week when I have some down time. Until then....