A First for this Mother

I believe I mentioned before on MSJ that my 17-year-old daughter is going to Tanzania, East Africa for three weeks in June…. WITHOUT ME!  She has gone on missions trips before but not to Africa.  This is huge for her…. for her outlook on life… and for me….sending my firstborn to the other side of the planet.  What was I thinking, agreeing to this?  Rick and I have always said that our children will go on missions trips and be aware of the living conditions in other parts of the world.  We think it is highly important for kids from one of the most prosperous nations on the globe to see how MOST of the world actually lives.  It’s not quite like Scottsdale, baby!  Trips like this make you thankful, and sad, and mad, and changed for life!

Larisa is going with a group of 12 people from our church… an amazing group of people who the Lord brought together… who didn’t even know each other six months ago.  Amazing!  They will be working with a home for boys in Moshi called the Emmanuel Center.  The leaders of the trip have been there before (which does this mother’s heart good.) The team will also head out and CAMP with the Masai tribe for three days (which made this mother laugh because Larisa doesn’t prefer camping!)  They will be doing workshops with people with handicaps, holding dental clinics, doing hospital visitation, some light construction, painting and a few church services.  ALL stretching and growing opportunities for my girl!  I’m thrilled that she gets this juncture in her life… it will change her path forever.

Am I nervous? Not really.  Am I scared to send her off?  Not really.  I know the Lord has plans for her…. WAY bigger than I could think of, and He loves her more than I do (hard to imagine!) so He will take care of her.

Everyone on the team needed to raise $3,400 for the trip.  Larisa is getting close… more than 2/3 raised at this point.  How can you help? Bid on an item or two at their auction site: www.MoshiMission.wordpress.com  Or you can make a tax-deductible donation on our church’s site:  https://www.ccvonline.com/Arena/default.aspx?page=12698&requestUrl=%2FArena%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fpage%3D14886

Simply Create a Log-In (so you get a tax receipt).
Select: Moshi, Tanzania Trip
And put: CROSBY in the Blank space.

A sincere Thank You, from deep in this Mother’s heart.

Donated Oil Painting for our Adoption

 Detail

 Detail

“Home to the Hearth”

A local artist has donated this beautiful 22″x28″ original oil painting on canvas with the frame so the proceeds can go toward the adoption expenses for our little girl from Colombia.  We are honored to show it to you, in hopes that you might know someone who would be interested in purchasing it. 

The artist, Grace Nikander, has painted over 300 paintings that have sold across the U.S., Canada and in Europe.  Her work has been on display in galleries in Carmel by the Sea, California and in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Grace is a native Canadian, but has been residing and painting here in the Valley of the Sun for over 20 years.

The painting, as you can see, is of a heartwarming winter eve where a small group of children and their dog are returning after a day enjoying snow activities.  This is a “warm” snow scene with the pink, orange and golden tones of the sunset reflecting off the snow and the water in the river.  The detail is amazing!  There is a church in the background, complete with steeple and cross, along with a horse in the stables behind the cozy home.  The artist’s ability to make the light shine from the windows is reminiscent to Kinkade’s paintings. 

In galleries, this piece of art would sell for $1,200.  The minimum bid is set at $600, and will be sold to the highest bidder.  All the proceeds go toward the adoption. Shipping is free.  We will be accepting bids at rixgal@cox.net until April 10, 2008.  Please pass this link to anyone who is an art lover and has a heart for orphans. 

Thank you for helping us bring Zaza home!  Rick and Linda

*** CLICK ON THE HEADER “RIXGAL’S WEBLOG” TO GET TO THE HOME PAGE. ***