Manic Tuesdays??

Okay so I maybe went home after work yesterday and took a three hour nap instead of working on my very important blog I've been thinking about. We all know Monday is list day, but today we're improvising.
Okay, so on Sunday Brandon was a little discouraged with all the sadness in the world and was wishing there was something we could do to make things a little better. We came up with the idea of sponsoring a child in another country. I did a little research and Brian Andre gave me some great websites. You ALL need to check out www.risingstaroutreach.org. Honestly people, it is so sobering. I cannot believe how blessed we are to live in this country, in these conditions. It is UNREAL how dirt cheap it is to be able to help kids in other countries. Brandon and I decided we were each going to sponsor a child in India. IT'S ONLY $30 PER MONTH. I mean, come on, that's like, a new shirt, or an expensive meal out. You can pay it monthly, bi-annually, or annually.
When you sign up you have to choose whether you'd prefer a boy or a girl. Obviously neither Brandon or I cared, but since we had to pick I chose a girl and he chose a boy. I thought if I were a little girl I would want to be writing my letters to another girl, and same with the boy.
So below I'm listing the ten reasons why you should all sponsor a child in India.

1- Because even though many children of Leprosy-afflicted parents living within a colony do not actually have Leprosy themselves, as a family unit they are rejected from society due to a lingering stigma around the disease.

2- Because within a Leprosy colony conditions are often dire; children face challenges of limited fresh water and healthy food, inadequate medical care, and terrible hygiene.
3- Because sometimes children are taken out and used as beggars on the streets and as a result, grow up living lives of filthiness, sickness, and deprivation, with little reason to hope for anything better in their futures.
4- Because your contributions will give life-altering opportunities to children. They’ll be placed in a Rising Star home where they’ll receive life necessities they’d otherwise go without. They’ll be provided with daily educational activities, developmental activities, and the opportunity to simply “play”-a rare luxury for them. They’re also afforded an opportunity to learn personal and group responsibility. They’re hugged and encouraged.

5- Because the homes they’re placed in (under the request of their parents) consist of a “family” that includes 12 children and at least one loving “House Mother.” (Parents visit once a month and children go home twice a year for extended vacations.)

6- Because before getting to the Rising Star homes, children are severely malnourished. At the homes they’re provided with three daily meals and nutritious snacks outlined by a professional dietician.

7- Because Rising Star provides for all the children’s medical and dental care, including vaccinations and bi yearly check ups. They also are taught hygiene skills that greatly improve their overall health. Most of the children have never received vaccinations before arrival and some are developing early stages of diseases like leprosy and TB. Almost all have parasites, scabies, lice, and various skin diseases.

8- Because Rising Star schools provide an environment where children are taught English, among other things. Knowing English can mean a 400-500% difference in salary for the average Indian. Computer literacy and skills are also taught.
9- Because you’ll be able to send emails and pictures to your sponsored child, and they’ll be able to email you quarterly. You’ll also receive a picture.

10- BECAUSE IT ONLY COSTS $30 PER MONTH!!!!

Okay, seriously, go to www.risingstaroutreach.org RIGHT NOW. You can do it.