A Letter to Elias
Dear Elias,
When I left for the airport this morning, you were still sleeping. You know you are at Nana and Papa’s, but I don’t think you understood when I kissed you this morning, that I was leaving for a week. I did stir you enough to look at me and say “bye Mommy.” Those were the sweetest words I will hear today.
Please know that your Daddy and I love you so very much.
This is the longest I have ever been away from you. But this trip is very important, and I believe it will give me a bigger heart for serving those less fortunate than us – and that is something Daddy and I want to teach you.
Love God.
Love People.
It is that simple.
We are going on this trip to the Dominican Republic with an organization called World Vision. World Vision helps people who are not as blessed as you are. We are going because we passionately believe that Jesus has called us to serve the poor and share His love with others. As you grow up, we will do our best to instill this in you too.
While we are in the DR, we will be writing stories about the people we meet and the things we see. We are praying that God uses our words to impact many lives.
Many of the people World Vision serves sleep in homes not much bigger than your room at home, and not as nice. The children do not have a lot of the basics that we take for granted – closets full of clothes, chests of toys, lots of fresh fruit, clean water, etc. Can you even imagine what that is like?
Mommy and Daddy are also going to meet one of the children we sponsor – Juan. Remember his picture on our refrigerator?
We have pictures of you to share with him. We are also going to give his mommy a Faith, Hope, Amor Lisa Leonard necklace, like the one I have been wearing (and you have been playing with around my neck) and that others who sponsor children will receive.*
We are going to meet other children on our trip too. Many though don’t have sponsors. When you say prayers at meals and at night, pray that people will be moved to help children like Juan. Also remember us and the friends we are traveling with.
You have fun this week, sweet boy. Mommy and Daddy will be praying for you. I will be home Friday night. Can’t wait to have you in my arms again.
Love you sweet boy,
Mommy
*Quantities limited on the Lisa Leonard necklaces