Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Wishful Wed ....Charity


'I wish' .... I had never-ending funds to donate to a charity and it would be the Mt. Dora Children's Home!

This holds a very special place in my heart because my great-grandparents had such a big role in making this place possible.  

This was way before I was born, but my Pa Pa had a debilitating stroke in the early 70's, and Memaw thought it would be best to move from Oklahoma to Orlando for the winter to be in a warmer climate.  They had extra time on their hands since they were retired and got involved with the Christian Home and Bible School through their local Church of Christ church.  

My great grandparents had a strong desire to help these boys and girls who came from troubled pasts, and God opening the door to this venue as a way to impact the lives of others.  My understanding is that Mr. Dora Christan Homes was started to find homes through adoption and foster care for sweet kiddos.  Then, my Memaw felt like the girls needed a place that they could live and be taught how to be raised as Godly women and funded "The Lugar Cottage!" and it was named after them.  My great grandmother thought it was essential for these young children to know what a healthy home is like and thought an environment like this would change their outlook on life.  And indeed, they grew up there as children should .... nurtured and safe.  

Mt. Dora Christian Homes has three inviting and loving homes, and each home has houseparents who live with their family and most often 8-10 additional children.  The staff is dedicated to promote their individual talents and provide the parental love and attention these children crave.  Also, the program maintains a network with Christian families in the area,  which allows them to offer every child a "home" through adoption and/or foster care if there isn't a space in residential care.  This year they are building an additional fourth home, which is the first new home for children to be built on campus in twenty-three years !!!!

Pa Pa lived to 97, and Memaw lived to 102.  
They were inspirational Christian examples, 
and I would love to carry on with the Lugar name!! 

NOW, this is where I get to share the most exciting thing about it all.  Right after meeting Gabe, it came up in passing that his mom was an elementary school principle at a Christian school outside Orlando.  Then, I heard Gabe mention a month later that the school was MT. DORA SCHOOL, and I almost died.  Of all schools in the entire country, Gabe's mom was the principle of the school association with Mt. Dora Christian Home and Bible School, which was on the same property as our "Lugar Cottage!!!"  Not many words can express what was going through my head, but it was just a God thing! :)

I was able to go visit the home that has raised hundreds of kids thanks to my great grandparents all because of my mother-in-law making it possible while I was visiting the family in Orlando.  I cannot express the joy as I walked up to the home ..... it was an emotional experience that left me speechless and in tears.

I would love to be able to continue where my great grandparents left off and donate to this place!!

What charity or cause would you choose to donate to?

***NOTE:
Link up and add your link below.  Please, please, click on the title of your post on your blog and make sure it is the link to that specific post instead of your main blog url.  Then, go visit a few others who participated as well :)



22 comments:

Jules AF said...

Make a Wish. My brother got a wish fulfilled there in 1988, and I've always wanted to give back.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! What an inspirational story! What a great thing for your grandparents to do! Hope your having a great day girl! xoxo

Aly @ Analyze This said...

I love that story of your grandparents! Very sweet, Kelsey :)

Susan said...

Wow! How awesome it must have been to be able to go there and experience the home in person:) Your grandparents sounded like wonderful people:) Thanks for sharing:)

Neely said...

What a great story! I loved this. Sounds like such a great organization :)

Juliana said...

You are amazing, truly amazing.

Manda said...

Wow what an inspirational story, your great grandparents were wonderful people!

Hilldog said...

WOW how God works in strange ways! I have never heard of this cause! I am so glad you chose to share!

Samantha said...

What are the chances that you're lives would be knit together like that?! That's so amazing. I can see why this means so much to you--you come from such a giving family!

Shelby Bukhenik said...

That is a truly amazing union and story! Thanks for sharing.

Brittany said...

What a wonderful charity! And even more special that your family had something to do with it :-) What a crazy coincidence that Gabe's mom was the principal! Small world :-)

Ali said...

Wow. This is so beautiful! I love the idea of this charity, and your grandparents were INCREDIBLE people.

Jenny DB said...

Wow I can't believe that connection with Gabe. Uncanny. That is so special to have in your history. loved the story :-)

Jamie said...

Pre Pfizer, I did fundraising for a boys home (Omaha Home for Boys) similar to what you explained. It truly was a remarkable experience to be able to give back to the boys and create a happy, healthy environment. There is such a need for places like this in today's society. Such a touching story. I can only imagine how genuine and caring your grandparents were to have been able to help fund and sustain something like Mt Dora.

If I had a charity and could give all my money, it would be one of the cancer foundations. It [cancer] has just touched my life one too many times.

Sierra said...

Sounds like a lovely organization and what a God thing - you are right! That is mind boggling and what a wonderful organization. I love International Princess Project, it help women who have been sold into prostitution.

Ashley said...

oh my gosh! I got all teary reading that! What an amazing story and charity! YOu have a very special family name and charity to carry on! :)
I donate to the Cancer Society and do a few projects for them every year, The Walk For Hunger, and Alzheimers.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

What an inspirational story! On a lighter note, I just saw on facebook you are going to Gaga - me too!!! I am so excited!

Keeping Up With Kaegan said...

Oh my goodness, got a few chills. Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing that Kelsey.

Lexilooo said...

What an amazing story!

My favorite charity is World Vision. I sponsor two little girls through them; one in Albania and the other, in South Africa. I've had my Albanian baby for nearly three years now, and she's been such a blessing to my life!

Kassie said...

My college roommate went to Christian Home and Bible School there! Her family was from Mt. Dora, which was only a few towns away from our college--we went to school between Daytona Beach and Orlando. Small world!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Fabulous topic. The Humane Society has been my charity of choice for years!

Hannah, Here! said...

This is such an incredible story. I'm literally holding back tears right now. Wow!!

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