I sat down at my computer last Friday morning {just like any other morning when I begin my work day} and I started to write my next blog post on the entertainment center makeover.
womp womp womp.
As I began writing, the words just weren’t there. So I thought…I’ll take a break and browse facebook and go back to the post in a few minutes.
Except you all know when you browse facebook that 2 minutes turns in to 2 hours and by the time it’s all said and done…it’s lunch and you’ve gotten nothing accomplished.
The wrath of facebook.
But sometimes, just sometimes, those minor distractions lead you to something that you’ve been needing in your life.
source: PinchofYum.com
For me…it was a status update from one of my favorite food blogs, Pinch of Yum. I started reading Bjork and Lindsay’s food blog almost a year ago.
They post their income reports like Jeff and I do on Dollars and Roses so we initially were introduced to them through that. I probably read their blog for a good month before I realized that they were currently living in the Philippines working at an orphanage.
source: PinchofYum.com
I started reading their blog for their recipes so you can imagine when I learned that they were currently devoting their time and energy to helping orphans in the EXACT same country our child will come from…I was stunned.
It was one of those moments where you think, “No way!”
source: PinchofYum.com
And so I began digging in to Lindsay’s archives {we call that blog stalking} and learning more about them and their work in the Philippines. To say that I was inspired would be a major understatement.
Not only does Lindsay & Bjork {and by the way – coolest name ever, right?} bust out amazing recipes with awesome photography skills as they run a blog full time, they have created a course for food bloggers to help them be successful AND {yes AND} they have sacrificed an entire year of their life to devote to teaching and caring for orphans in the Philippines.
And I thought I was special. Ahem.
After following their journey for over a year I knew their time at the orphanage was drawing to an end. I kept waiting and waiting for them to post their farewell video from Cebu.
Which brings me to last Friday…as I spent my 2 minutes turned 2 hours on facebook I stumbled upon Lindsay and Bjork’s last video from the shelter before they left to head back to the States.
I cried.
source: PinchofYum.com
Not small baby tears.
GIANT happy wonderful thankful tears that there are people in this world like Lindsay and Bjork.
It has given me a glimpse in to what it’s like to be a child living in an orphanage. A child without parents. Or their own bedroom.
A child that hasn’t experienced the love of a family outside of the shelter.
My heart almost exploded when I watched all 80 of the children hugging and holding on to Lindsey as they said their goodbyes. You could see how much Lindsey meant to them. How much she would be missed. I could only think about how one day soon I will be hugging one of those children. Except I won’t have to let go. They won’t have to let go.
You might wonder why this makes me so emotional.
All I can think about is that our child is out there. Somewhere in the Philippines. At a shelter or orphanage. Waiting to be adopted.
source: PinchofYum.com
People like Lindsay and Bjork are the hands and feet of Jesus. They are the ones loving on and caring for our next child.
It’s so amazing to see the incredible work being done all over the world through ministries and organizations like the ones Lindsay and Bjork worked at {CSC}.
All of these children were once homeless, abandoned, malnourished or living in extremely bad places. Yet not any more. Now they are being cared for, loved on and are little lights in a dark world because of people like Lindsay and Bjork.
As an adoptive parent who will one day become a forever mommy to one of these sweet faces…I’m thankful.
Thankful that there is someone there celebrating each milestone or funny moment when I can’t. Someone there who they can laugh with and squeeze tight when I’m not yet able to.
Thankful that I was lost for words last Friday when I went to write my home decor post because if not…I might not have had the chance to see the “Highlight Reel” from Lindsay and Bjork’s last days at the shelter. And I might not have stopped to pray for the children who are still waiting to meet their forever mommy and daddy.
Praise the Lord for people on this Earth like Lindsay & Bjork.
They are just want I needed.
[ois skin=”Home Tour 3″]
Definitely a God thing. 🙂 {huge hugs}
What a sweet post! Thanks for the reminder today how awesome it is to be a “Forever Mommy”. While we have 3 kids of our own God opened our doors to one more and our lives have never been the same.
Oh, I can’t even tell you how much I love this. How AMAZING is that?! I pray that whatever I do, say, etc. etc. in this life would be as meaningful as the work of Lindsay and Bjork…Even if I’m not doing exactly what they are…I just pray that Jesus would be THAT present in my work…So present that all they see is him when they think of me as a person.
Great post Mandy! Thanks so much for sharing this encouragement! Love ya!
there isnt much more beautiful than that. i hope to follow in your footsteps one day. xxo
I need to chat with you about this sometime. Just wow. Susan
I am just a big sopping mess today. I just finished bawling through the beginning of “Kisses from Katie,” a book about a 22 year old girl who lives in Uganda and adopted 14 children there and cares for several more, and now I read this post and am falling apart again. What amazing, amazing people to be willing to serve in that way. Thank you so much for sharing their story, Mandy!
~Abby =)
Mmmm! I loved this post. I’m an adoptive mama, too, although our little fellow was adopted right here in the United States, from a neighboring town. Adoption is such a wonderful thing, and my heart aches too for little people who will grow up without the love of a genuine family, or with siblings to argue with over the last piece of chocolate cake.
Sitting at my computer crying and so happy that you posted this. My husband and I are on our adoption road too and cannot see the next step the Lord has planned for us. He is ONLY giving us enough light for the step we are on! ( hard for a control freak like me!!!) I love seeing people following His lead and joining on His adventures!!! So happy for you and your family and blessed by this post!! Thank you!!!
It must be so hard to be patient!
Hey Mandy. I just wanted to leave a quick comment to say how much Lindsay and I both appreciate this post. We’re honored and humbled. It really means a lot to us.
The Children’s Shelter of Cebu is an incredible place. We’re better people today because the of the time we spent with the kids and staff at the orphanage. 🙂
We’re looking forward to staying in touch with you and Jeff!
We love what you two are doing Bjork! Food bloggers who glorify God…rare, but magical! 😉 Thank you for all you did at The Children’s Shelter of Cebu. Please do stay in touch! We are following y’all every step of the way!
Thank you so much for posting this. I’m teary eyed as well. My husband and I have a huge heart for adoption as well and hope to adopt in the future. We’ve also been seeking areas to give financially and this organization may be on the list! Thanks again for sharing!