Divine Timing

The past few weeks have rung with excitement as many countries around the world celebrate mothers in the family and the influence of mothers in our society. The mother figure is heralded by culture, honoring the sacrifices made for her children. Having also just celebrated International Women’s Day, I can’t but think on the impactful work women are performing in the home, in the workplace, in organizations across a variety of categories. While many can contend that you can’t put a price on a mother’s love, many still attempt to, at least on Mother’s Day. In fact, this special day is estimated to be the third largest retail holiday in the U.S., with an average $2 billion spent on flowers alone and nearly $20 billion in gifts for the special women in our lives. It’s no wonder that we look on this day with so
much joy and anticipation.

Many of us are still reminiscing on the moments we spent with our beloved women, whether over the dinner table, opening gifts, and receiving beautiful flowers. The spirit of motherhood is truly something to be spoken for. But the spirit of a mother’s heart is in all of us and at work in our everyday lives.

I’m reminded of three beautiful women who sacrificed everything in the spirit of motherhood. One day these women learned about the precarious and unjustifiable situation of four siblings under six years old and pulled together all their resources to birth what is now “Casa Vallado.” Eleven years later, this organization is booming with directors, volunteers, monthly sponsors, and children that have been
rescued from dire circumstances.

A “mother” in her full essence comes in many forms. I’ve witnessed the newly adoptive mother, the fostering single mom, the loving nanny, the encouraging school teacher, the priceless aunt, and the nurturing grandma all bringing joy into a child’s life. In her many forms, she’s there when baby takes its first steps, when that child graduates kindergarten, at the bedside during a feverish night, waving
goodbye in the university parking lot.

Today Casa Vallado exists because of the people who share in our dreams. We believe children shouldn’t starve, that they deserve a stable and loving home, nutritious and delicious food, nurturing, an education, and a mother. And in our orphanage, it is our caregivers who have become mothers to these children. It’s not difficult then to understand why our children become attached so easily to their home moms, why they love so fully, why they embrace with so much joy.

Those who have volunteered their time, energy, and resources for this dream are a testament to the spirit of a mothering heart that has stirred us to bring life and hope to the children of Casa Vallado. In that sense, the joy in celebration of Mother’s Day can be extended in a loving thank you for our Casa Vallado mothers and to each one of you. If you have considered playing a part in our dream, please do it
today! You may do so by writing a direct message, serving in person during one of our biannual visits, or becoming a financial partner.

Let us continue to love with a mother’s heart.

Give hope to a child in need. Come, join the project.