Our beautiful, spunky, and oh-so-very-kind Sierra turned 12 today!
I love birthdays, but for weeks Sierra was dreading hers. At first I ignored her comments of, "I don't want to have a birthday this year." I figured she was just thinking she was too cool for a birthday. However, last Sunday, I finally sat down with her and asked why she was not looking forward to her birthday.
She told me, "I don't want to have a birthday! Everyone will come over and bring me presents. Mom, I have everything I need! I feel sad and selfish getting more stuff. I just want to forget my birthday!"
Woah!
So, I told her that she was WAY to SPECIAL to ignore. I refused to forget her birthday - she is totally worth celebrating! BUT, if she really wanted to skip gifts, then maybe she could think of a way to give her birthday gifts to someone else?!
She perked up right away! Joy reentered her eyes, and she said, "Mom could I ask for money to sponsor a child?"
I gave her a big hug and (maybe a bit tearfully) told her I thought that was a great idea!
She was so excited to "shop" for her birthday gift!
She spent hours looking at different children's profiles on World Vision's website.
Finally she saw a little boy that she connected with!
"MOM! This is him! Can I sponsor him?"
She joyfully completed the online form -
and now she is officially Fortune in Uganda's sponsor!
Here is the introductory email she sent him:
Fortune,
My name is Sierra D. My birthday is November 18. I am 12, today is my birthday. This year I chose to sponsor a child instead of birthday presents. I could not choose which beautiful child I should sponsor, but when I saw your purple shirt (purple is my favorite color). I knew you were the one. You are beautiful and it was my good fortune for me to sponsor you.
Love,
Sierra Faith D
She is a pretty special girl, don't you think!
It costa $35 a month to sponsor a child. She has 4 months covered so far. What she does not receive in birthday money, she plans to cover with her allowance and extra jobs for mom and dad. She has a plan, this girl of mine, and she is determined to follow it through!
WE did do a few "normal" birthday things.
Sierra chose supper,
chinese take-out, of course!
And for dessert she chose Oreo balls.
Super yummy!
Tomorrow I am taking her and her 2 BFFs to get their hair and nails done (at the beauty school). Then we are going to a fancy restaurant, since they will be all fancied up, for dessert. A (no) sleep-over will follow!
It should be a super fun day!
Happy Birthday Berra-girl!
I am pinch-me-proud of you!
