My Dream Job

Hey everybody, I haven't posted a whole lot lately. Thought it was time for another update. Seeing as my trip to Romania is coming up pretty soon, I thought I would share about my job. Here's the story:

It was about two years ago when I started thinking about what I wanted to do with my life once our youngest was in school. I knew that I would need to help out with the family finances and was looking forward to finding some calling of my own. I began to pray that the Lord would provide - not only financially but that He would also supply me with something that would truly fit me - something I could get excited about and be good at.

Then about a year and a half ago I was hired by a friend who worked at a car dealership. I was so thankful to have a job and considered it an answer to prayer. Although it was definitely a great opportunity, there was something missing. Yes, I was making some money but it felt pretty empty. I remember one day just breathing out my thoughts to the Lord. I say breathing, because there weren't really words involved but just a sigh to the Lord. But He knew exactly what that sigh meant and He answered it - oh, boy, did He ever!

About two weeks later - it was a Saturday and was actually New Year's Day - I got a phone call from a friend who was wondering if I was still in need of a job. I said that I was already working but would definitely be open to new opportunities. She told me about this job that would be a half-time position, had good pay, and a bunch of other stuff. "Who is the employer?", I asked. My friend then told me that it was this wonderful organization who's main ministry was to house orphaned and abandoned children in Romania. AT THIS POINT, I ALMOST FAINTED!!! I felt something go "DING" in my heart and I just knew - THIS IS IT!!! I guess it was kind of like love at first sight. I hung up the phone after a few more questions and after getting the phone number of the director dude, and I went to Josh's office and, in a kind of a dream state, told him what had just happened. He said I should definitely go for it. So I called the director and an hour later, he was at my door with a package for me to look at. The next day (Sunday), I worked on my resume; 4 days later (Thursday) I had my interview, and the following Monday I had my first day at work. It was one of the most palpable experiences of God's Hand leading me and making the path smooth. It was just amazing.

Now I have been at the job for a year and four months and I can truly say that I have my dream job. When people ask me what I do I am so proud and thankful to say that I am the Office Administrator for:

The name we go by is CHILDREN'S AID INTERNATIONAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT or the acronym CAIRD. When God provided me this, He gave me so much more than a job - He gave me a new family. I have met the most amazing, sacrificial people and I have been so blessed and welcomed. I cannot even express in words what this has done for me. God is so great!

So, now let me tell you more about CAIRD It all began with a man named Peter. Back in the early 90's, Peter had heard a lot about the horrible conditions for children in Romania. Since he was studying in Europe at the time, he decided to go and check

it out for himself. What he found there broke his heart. Children housed in the most deplorable conditions - rooms of cribs all lined up with children of various ages just sitting in the cribs for most of the day. Wet, hungry, alone. God did something in Peter's heart - He called him to make a difference. And Peter obeyed.

It has been a long, uphill road for Peter but God provided him many caring and loving friends to support him and struggle along with him to create this wonderful thing called Father's House. The vision that God gave Peter was to take these unwanted little babes and put them into loving christian homes with a mother AND a father and to raise them up with not only enough food and clothing but also with the knowledge of a loving and gracious Heavenly Father - all right there in their home country. That vision - although slow going at times - has been fulfilled. There are now 10 Father's House homes in which children are cared for and loved.

And I - yes that would be me, Helen, am

GOING TO VISIT THEM IN ROMANIA!!!!!

I can hardly believe it. I will be leaving on May 24th and will be away for 2 weeks. I will be taking a friend from church with me who is very interested in missions and has the freedom to do this.

Now there is much more to tell about this wonderful organization - like the fact that CAIRD has also expanded it's ministry and will soon open it's first Father's House in South Africa, for example! - but I really need to get to bed. It's getting so late. So if anyone would like to know more, please visit:

www.caird.ca - Come on by and have a look.

Well, I guess I still have one more thing to say: If there's anyone out there who is wondering what to do with their life, is kind of lost and doesn't know the way - ASK GOD! He knows the way for you and He will lead you and do amazing things in you, for you, and through you!

GO FOR IT!!!