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independence

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The great writer C.S. Lewis once said “Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.” If this is truly the case, then perhaps it’s time we explore affection in the weekend word.

af·fec·tion
əˈfekSH(ə)n/
noun

  1. a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.

There is no question that most people need affection in one form or another throughout their lives. Researchers have been studying the effects of affection on children for decades, and so far the research has shown that regular affection from a parental figure is necessary for proper brain development. Many orphans in Russia during the 80’s and 90’s did not receive regular love and affection from those who cared for them. Babies were left to cry alone in cribs. Young children had to learn how to self-sooth and protect themselves from other kids, or authority figures, in the orphanage. As a result, researchers found that they lacked proper social skills and literally had smaller, underdeveloped brains.

It seems like such a small aspect of life, but the need for affection is very important for the growth of our children. And if the studies are right, those who have to go without it will have a harder time as they grow older in life. Lack of affection is a threat to all orphaned children across the globe – including the orphaned children in Uganda right now. So many children are left on the streets without family, protection or affection. Without our intervention, they too could end up like the children I just described.

At Hope for Hearts, we provide a loving, caring environment that promotes growth and development. Our nuns provide loving support as parental figures, and the children become family, looking out and caring for one another. It is this type of environment that promotes brain development. Rather than striving to seek basic affection, kids can focus on furthering their education to lift themselves from Poverty to Prosperity.

A simple hug is a powerful thing. And while you may not be able to share a hug with our kids, you can provide an opportunity for them to share affection by sponsoring a child to attend our school today!

With Love,
Cristen

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On this day in 1776 America’s founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence officially stating the 13 colonies were no longer going to be part of the British Empire; and thus, the United States of America was born. In honor of our nation’s 241st birthday, I thought it would be fun to discuss independent this special holiday edition of the Weekend Word.
 
in·de·pend·ent
ˌindəˈpendənt/
adjective
  1. free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority.
  2. not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence.

Whether you’re uniting as a group to declare independence from another entity, such as our founding fathers did many years ago, or an individual seeking the ability to make your own choices and live life as you wish, just about everyone longs for independence in their life. Many songs, motivational quotes, books, movies and more have been written on the topic. Stories of longing for freedom, motivation, and words of wisdom to help you along the journey, and stories of success have been told in entertainment avenues throughout the ages. It seems that independence is something that everybody seeks in one form or another.
James Cash “J.C.” Penney, founder of J.C. Penney stores once said: “The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently towards one goal in unison.” I know he was probably talking about how employees or groups of people can come together to achieve one common goal for the group. However, I think this quote has a lot more meaning to it. We can all work on individual goals that lead to one larger goal. For example, our children are all working on gaining skills and knowledge in different occupational avenues. Their individual goal is to one day provide a better life for themselves. In doing so, they’re also contributing to a larger group goal of Uganda as a fledgling nation. The nation is striving to improve its quality of life by increasing employment, education, income, etc. decreasing violence and poverty. Every step that these kids take towards independence is another step in contributing to the nation’s common goal for improvement. They are men and women working independently towards one goal in unison.
You can join our team and help them reach their goals by making a donation today. While we’re taking the time to be thankful for our independence, and showing gratitude for those who gave it to us, let’s also pay it forward and help others in need gain their independence too. For those of us who have it, every day is Independence Day.
With Gratitude,
Cristen