Mothers

Mothers - each one of us has one, and for many, they play a crucial role in developing who we are, what we believe and what we value. I am thankful to have spent different parts of the weekend celebrating both my mother and step-mother - 2 wonderful ladies! We spent Friday evening at my Dad and Beth's relaxing and eating BBQ, and before the sun rose on Saturday morning, I was at my mom's to leave for our day of yard-sales, pedicures, breakfast and my annual car wash (yes, annual - my car is a sad sight, especially since we live in the country where bugs procreate every millisecond). Saturday evening we had a date night thanks to our awesome church that values strong marriages - they provide free childcare, and we get to go out. Anyone can use the service, too!

Sunday was pretty relaxed, and one of the few things I really wanted to do - get pictures with the kids since I'm always the one taking them - was only half successful, as you can see by the last picture. Mary-Michael was camera shy. My husband declared I would get a do-over on Mother's Day (date TBD) since he didn't really plan much, and I think he could tell I was disappointed. All I wanted was to not have to plan anything - particularly the meals for the day! So, it was sweet that he recognized it, and I'm looking forward to Mother's Day Do-over. 

In thinking about the awesome privilege of being a mother, I feel so blessed to live in a place where I can provide my children with a good home, clean water, good healthcare and some of the basic necessities we are so used to in America. These things we so often take for granted. On Sunday, I heard that Niger, where Geoff traveled to in February, is now considered the worst place to be a mother. Can you imagine? I can't. Only 2 out of 5 Nigerians reach adulthood. One of my worst fears is losing one of my precious children, and living in a country with a statistic like? Whew, I can't fathom it.

Want to do something to help a fellow mother? Join us as partners of LiveTen24 - 100% of the funds go to projects focused on nutrition, clean water, orphans, education and micro-businesses in Niger, Africa. These 5 things affect Nigerians throughout the course of their life - from birth to death. And you'd be amazed at what $10.24/month can do. Geoff has told many of you about this awesome way to support many of the people he met in Niger a few months ago, so thank you to those who are already making a difference. We love and appreciate you!