Monthly Archives: December 2011

The gift we can’t wait to explain

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Guest blogger in Child Sponsorship

I’m often seeking beautiful stories of child sponsorship, because I know so many exist out there. When I find one, I eagerly await the author’s permission to republish their words on our blog so it can be shared with so many more. Brynn’s post — which came highly recommended from a World Vision sponsor, who I’m blessed to call a friend — eloquently captures the beauty of child sponsorship and why it’s really a gift to every person it touches. Merry Christmas! —Lindsey Talerico-Hedren, managing editor, World Vision Blog * * * This is my most favorite gift that we are giving this year. Even more than the tablets we are giving the kids, but that might just be because...

Happy birthday, Jesus | Blog 12 of the 12 blogs of Christmas

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Jessica Turner in Conversations

Blog 12 of the 12 blogs of Christmas | World Vision

I love to give gifts. Love. LOve. LOVe. LOVE to give gifts. It started as a little girl when I would go shopping at the Dollar Store for my family for Christmas. Then, when I got my first job, I began shopping year-round, seeking the best deals and the perfect gifts for everyone on my list. 15 years later, I still shop year-round. I usually finish shopping in early November and want to start wrapping right away. I am THAT excited to give the gifts I have purchased....

Sharing joy…a little bit more | Blog 11 of the 12 blogs of Christmas

Posted on December 19, 2011 by K.C. Procter in Conversations

Blog 11 of the 12 blogs of Christmas | World Vision

My favorite part of the classic holiday storybook “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!“ is near the very end when the Grinch is baffled by the Who’s singing after he has stolen their presents and roast beast. And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.” “Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!” Every year at Christmas I wrestle with a more mentality. As a naturally selfish human being I always want more....

‘If he survives’ — memories from Papua New Guinea

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Steve Reynolds in Causes, Stories

Tune in to your local ABC station on the evening of December 16 for a special edition of “20/20” with Diane Sawyer and ABC’s Million Moms campaign as they examine modern-day health issues for children and mothers. For more from the ABC Million Moms Challenge, “like” their page on Facebook. * * * As a photojournalist with World Vision through much of the 1980s and 1990s, I long ago lost count of the number of rural health clinics I have visited. The vacant looks on the faces of the mothers, too tired and stressed to focus; the babies in their arms, some crying softly, some shrieking in fear and discomfort; others — too many — lethargic and still, seemingly lifeless...

Extravagant gifts | Blog 10 of the 12 blogs of Christmas

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Alise Wright in Conversations

I’m always a little bit hesitant to talk love languages, because I have the most selfish-sounding of them all. Because my primary love language is gifts. Which basically boils down to, “If you want to show me that you love me, give me stuff.” It’s kind of embarrassing. Of course, it means that Christmas has a special place in my heart. Sure, there’s the peppermint mocha coffee goo that I put in my morning joe, the plates of Christmas cookies that are passed around at family gatherings, the unending stream of Christmas music in my car, the rehearsals for church services. These are all wonderful parts of the Christmas experience, and I look forward to them every year....