"Art for Africa" and "Bows for Brother"

Do you ever have those moments in life where your children amaze you? We are all proud of our kids, and we think they are the best at what ever they are doing...school, sports, or the arts...but this time my girls have gotten perspective. They have learned a lesson, that I wasn't even thinking about when I was the between the ages of 9 and 12...their perspective of giving and sharing has gone to a whole new level.This past spring our oldest daughter MacKenzie along with her friend Sophie took art lessons. Well, one Friday night our family was having our traditional cook-out and MacKenzie announced she wanted to give art lessons to younger children in the neighborhood to raise awareness and money to help bring her brother home from Africa. Floored at the vision and heart of my 12 year old, we began talking about what it could look like and when we could have the art lessons. This past week MacKenzie and Sophie began the art lessons. It has been amazing to see the community and awareness that has been built around the life of our little guy.

Once MacKenzie birthed the thought of her art lessons, Mary Ellen decided she wanted to do something, as well. She has recently learned how to make hair bows and thought that making and selling bows would be a great way to contribute. Well, needless to say every little girl in our neighborhood is wearing a "Bow for Brother." Thanks to facebook...she has gotten some "big orders." More importantly than the money, is the fact that these two sisters are getting the opportunity to tell the story of their brother, who lives in Africa and how we are doing our best to bring him home.

It is amazing how this little guy, in one of the poorest countries in the world, is impacting our life and the people around us.

Scott