Light Shines Brillant in PDX

Nothing makes my heart soar like a night filled with love.
Tonight it was a love-fest for the Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc,
with the Lights of Hope Auction.

Not only did the people of Portland make the difference in the lives of children in Ethiopia,

but they also learned how far a little love can go when we join together.

I'm always so impressed with how far a little money can go.

Lights of Hope

Every day I listen to children complain about what luxuries they don't have and watch them toss healthy food straight into the bin.  It pains me.  The only positive is that all of the leftovers at our school go home with one of our teachers to feed their livestock.  It helps to know that the food isn't a complete waste. But when you see children so thankful for every morsel in other countries, I just wonder where we've gone wrong in our own society.  


Though those thoughts flooded my mind, they were not the problems that we helped that night.  Tonight it was all about the precious children and making their tummies full of nutritious food.

I'm not sure if I can really wrap my head around how far each dollar can go to make a complete change in lives...but here is a little glimpse at where the money directly goes from tonight's auction.

Two of these numbers were shocking to me...shocking in a wonderful way!

"English 6th grade text book $0.44" and "Biology school book $1.81". 

The textbooks purchased here in our country are so expensive! 

Each book used here in the United States ranges in price from $40.00-$80.00

...now that is shocking. 

I love that money can be used in such an economical way

and that the children are so thankful for each gift of education.

My heart puffs up with joy.

 

 

 

 

Love these very special girls and their gorgeous hearts!

Michael just wanted to make sure that they got his dinner order correct.

One of my little creations to help raise a little money.

Oh Happy Day!

 Roy and Ryan

This giraffe received a lot of love tonight!

Pucker up buttercup!

Kristi and Michael

Kelly and Kristi

The light of hope for those little lives, definitely reflected beautifully throughout the night.

And the beneficiaries were the children...what could be better than that?!

Nothing in my mind.

Reach out your heart, the impact is incredible.

My Inspiration: Lights of Hope Auction

I may seem like a confident person...
and I am, mostly.
But up until a year ago, I didn't want to let new people into my life.
Trust issues.
It was a year ago that I first made the decision to change my world.  Due to the craziness that had surrounded me for years, I found that I had become guarded and un-trusting of new people.  It was time to change that and take back my life.  I wanted to be the outgoing, happy, joyful girl that I used to be. (See Unleashing My Inner Wonder Woman)  I was ready to put myself out into the world and let people in.  Trying new things was my first step, that led to much more including volunteering for Fences for Fido.  Since I would be surrounded by new people, all by myself...so that was a HUGE leap for the old guarded me.

 It was the best leap that I took and I'm so thankful to have been brave.

And to think, it all began because of one night of hope.  The inspiration that I found at the Ethiopian Orphan Relief Auction, made it possible.  There I saw beautiful spirits, helping to change the world for children.  I thought that if those children, who had seen things that I can only imagine, can love and trust...so can I.  The people in this organization displayed a beautiful spirit of love and I knew that I wanted to bring joy to those around me.

Original Post:
My Inspiration, My Goal
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." Dalai Lama

Simply stated, but it spoke straight to my heart. This spring, I enjoyed an evening of inspiration and hope at the Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Lights of Hope Auction. Sitting there listening to the stories, of people helping others in small and big ways. I didn't feel sadness, instead, I felt joy and hope. Joy that I am blessed to be surrounded by love, and hope that I could spread that love to those around me.

I have the gift of a summer free from worry, free from obligation, so I thought, "Why not?!" Make a new recipe, can something, create something...bring joy to myself and those I love.

My goal is simple...everyday try something new. I hope that you enjoy my journey of inspiring happiness through my own actions.
Hugs,
Lori






I'm so happy to say that I have met so many of the goals that I set for myself and look forward to another year of joy.
What a difference a year makes. 

This Saturday, May 18, 2013 is this years' Lights of Hope Auction.  Though there may not be tickets left (check anyway...you never know) you can still make a difference by donating to this life-changing organization.  Donations can come in many different forms...donations don't have to be in monetary amounts! I donated some art and enlisted some of my dearest friends to donate too.  You never know what people are willing to do until you ask. I'm always in awe of the generosity of people.  Especially my people...I'm so incredibly blessed.

Here's a little more information from their Facebook page.
Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc. will host it's 5th annual Lights of Hope Benefit Auction in Portland, Oregon May 18, 2013 5:30pm.. Proceeds from the event will fund our current and future projects in Ethiopia.

General Information:

Founded in 2008, Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc. (EOR) is a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation, 100% volunteer that works to improve the living conditions and lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Ethiopia.

We work in partnership with local Ethiopian organizations to support the emotional and physical needs of these children.

There are an estimated 5 million orphans in Ethiopia and the need for EOR's programs is vast. We are committed to expanding our programs to help as many children as possible.