Daffodils, Tulips and Sunshine!

Today is a beautiful day! There are daffodils in the front yard, tulips trying to come out of their winters rest, and sunshine everywhere! The sky is blue and there is so much to be thankful for. This past Thursday we were privileged to attend an Eagle Court of Honor. It was so amazing for me to witness these 23 young men as they are ready to embark on their futures. They can achieve so much. There are many things I love about the scouting program. However I must say the the values of integrity and service just jump out at me. I believe it is so important to learn the principles of service at an early age. It is something that will benefit these boys the rest of their lives. I think a lot about the Ethiopian culture as I think about the scouting program. These Ethiopian families are trying to do the best that they can with virtually nothing, yet they will give you what little they have as a gesture of kindness and love. The goal for them is to improve future generations in hopes that they might be able to contribute to their culture and community and serve their people. This is so special to me. I think for me I take this principle for granted. When you grow up in American you just assume that these type of people will be there to set that kind of example, but that is not always the case. It really made me appreciate people who spend their life dedicated to a cause, whatever it may be. Being an advocate is true service to your fellow man. I am so proud of all the young men who worked so hard on their Eagle projects and gave so many hours of service to our communities and to several groups overseas. I am proud of my son. There is nothing sweeter that the picture of him hugging our dear friend Julie after his project was completed. It is complete bliss for him! I will never forget it.

On a heavier note, I rented "Hotel Rwanda" last night. I had heard it was a must see for us and I must admit I was so scared to watch it. As my fears let me know I was right, I just sobbed at the horror of such a tragic event. Honestly, you would never imagine this happened in 1994. I hope that doesn't sound ignorant, my reasoning about that comment is that I would have thought we would learn and this horrible behavior would have ended thirty years ago. I was astounded to learn a bit about the inner workings of politics. It just saddens me that we cannot all co-exist in this world. Find your place and be happy. Over one million people were slottered in what some people will deny was a genocide. It absolutely was and I pray for those families who must face this kind of inhumane treatment and suffering in their lives. Please pray for the orphans who rely on the blessed advocates in their countries. I am so grateful for the orpanages in Africa and the people who are trying to manage a very difficult situation. These people are hero's in this country. I cannot imagine what they must face on a daily basis. xoxo