We're heading back!

May 9, 2017

Summer is approaching so quickly, it's crazy! In the next few weeks, summer will begin for our ministry in Colorado Springs. This means all of the kids will be out of school and the center will have kids from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (Except weekends of course!) It also means that one of our biggest ministries will begin. Every year, the staff at the center take kids up to the ranch for a overnight summer camp. It's kind of a divide and conquer concept. Some of the staff take the kids up and some of the staff remain in the Springs keeping the children's center running with the remaining kids that chose not to go. Despite the fact that it's summer camp, all state regulations still have to be followed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. So a certain amount of kids must remain with one group leader from the center at all times, etc.
Michael, Eden and I have had the pleasure of taking part of these outreach camps for the past two years by bringing a team from Idaho to participate. It's exciting being able to be on this side of the ministry this time! In June, a team from Idaho will be driving out to assist us with one of the several camps that will be run this year. It's exciting to think about! Our main goal with these camps is to share Christ with the kiddos. Many of these kids come from hard situations. Broken homes, physical abuse, substance abuse, and neglect. To share Christ with them is not only a privilege, but it gives them a hope for the future. Throughout the year, the children's center continues to water the seed that was planted at camp with daily encouragement and AWANA every Wednesday night, for several months out of the year. It is quite a ministry, so please keep everyone in your prayers!

Pictures from the past two years of camp.

Once camps are over (they will at least go through August), we will begin preparing for another big trip. Zi (Eliam) is heading to the Philippines for the first time! We are super excited for the specific reason that we are going. I'm sure lately you all have noticed me speaking of a "transition" time for the F4P program, and also a lack of updates. (The baby has a little bit to do with that too.) But, we have been in a time of prayer, rather than action. Asking God to lead us with these next steps - whatever they might be. We definitely feel God has placed a passion on our hearts to open an orphanage at some point and we are wondering if the program will transition into that. We are super excited! This trip will be about reconnecting with our program families, finding a potential location for this orphanage, and beginning to take steps to file paperwork to open the orphanage! It's going to be a lot of leg work and sitting in government offices, which I will admit I am not excited about at all. But anything for the furthering of Gods kingdom, right?! It's a super important trip and we're praying that God really works during the planning leading up to it and that he is completely present during the trip itself.

Now, for the slightly discouraging part that I am trying to not let keep me awake at night. Especially with a newborn, when sleep is precious! Ha!

Fundraising. Fundraising is never fun, but it is definitely a growing experience. Please prayerfully consider supporting this trip. We are thinking we will have to raise roughly $6,000 for our family and potential team members, depending on how plane tickets fluctuate. Every dollar counts and it is completely tax deductible. We would love to answer any questions you have about the trip and what your donation would be going to. You all have been such a blessing to our families in the Philippines, and to my own family. Many times my family has been greatly encouraged by you, from being 18 year old newlyweds moving to a foreign country, to moving our ministry and kids to Colorado Springs. Many of you have eased the burden by donating, or by reaching out to us and letting us know that you were praying or encouraged us with an uplifting note or verse. Thank you!!   
I have also started an email prayer group for specific private prayer requests, regarding our families in the Philippines. Requests that I don't necessarily share on facebook. If you would like to be part of this prayer team, feel free to email me at sehodgie@gmail.com so that I can add you to the list. The emails will only be sent out about once or twice a month.    

We are so excited to take the kiddos back to the Philippines and continue the call of World FAMILY Missions! Please be praying for our team! For the funding to come in and for God to work His will throughout the planning and the trip itself.

You can donate at www.worldfamilymissions.com, just make sure you don't specify for us, but for the "Philippines team", you can also send a check to World Family Missions, Inc. P.O. Box 171292 Boise, ID 83717.

Ephesians 6:18

April 24, 2017

First things first, for those of you who haven't heard - we had the baby! Last Tuesday at 1:43 pm, we welcomed Eliam Zion into the world! He weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz and was 21 inches long. He was born at home and his daddy caught him! Eliam means "God's people" or "God's kinsman." Zion is referenced many times in the bible, but one particular verse we have always liked is Hebrews 12:22, "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly." We pray that Eliam Zion walks faithfully and joyfully with the Lord!  

Now to switch gears: Formula for the Philippines is in a time of transition. We are not entirely sure what this means, but we are waiting on the Lord to direct the next steps of the program. Hopefully I can give you an official update soon! One thing that has been on my mind is prayer. We are often over-budget by quite a bit every month due to rent, utilities, and the salary of each employee. So I am asking you to please be covering those needs in prayer. Beyond that, I would love to have volunteers partner up with us regarding specific prayer requests. I am going to be starting a email group for private prayer requests. I am going to be starting a private email group for prayer requests involving our program and families in the Philippines. If you would like to join, please shoot me an email at sehodgie@gmail.com so I can add you to the next email going out. I am super excited to start this, it's always encouraging to know others are praying!

There are two specific prayer requests that I would love to have people praying over right now. #1 is to be praying for a young woman that just delivered her first child. Many of you may remember Jossa; we sent her to school last year. She has since dropped out and the other day delivered her first little one. While this is not ideal, we are always thankful to God for the gift of life! Please be praying that God protects the new little one, and softens Jossa's heart towards Him. Pray for her to make wise decisions regarding herself, her little one and her education. 

I also ask that you pray for a sibling group of three sisters that we cared for at the house for a few months. Their parents returned about 2 months ago and took them home; we have not heard from them since. It was a hard transition on the girls and on our baby house staff. Please be praying that the girls have adjusted well, that they be protected, and that the skills and lessons they learned during their stay at the baby house will continue to impact their young lives! Please also pray for their parents- that they will begin to make wise and healthy decisions regarding their family. 

We are so thankful for your financial and spiritual support. For the families and individuals that have prayed over the program and the families that participate in it. Words can not express how thankful we are, or show you the impact you have had on these families lives! 

 Ephesians 6:18 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Update: Family, Colorado, and the Philippines

March 13, 2017

I know I have been horribly inconsistent on updating people on both ministry, and our family. I'm sorry!

I am now 38 weeks pregnant, and if I'm being honest, I wouldn't be surprised if baby came any day now. Craziness- I don't think I'm ready, but we're super excited. And, I am super excited for Eden to have a friend/sibling to enjoy. I'm definitely praying for her to be a good big sister, and I don't doubt that she will be! God is good!

Michael is super busy with the children's center. They will be entering spring break in a few weeks so that is going to be a VERY busy time. That means two weeks of keeping over 150 kids busy ALL. DAY. LONG. Lets just hope baby cooperates and doesn't decide to come in the midst of that.

Some of you may know, but Jaden moved down here with us last month and is now helping Michael out at the center. He's been a blessing-as always!

We have dreams of planting a garden and getting some chickens this month. I'm just praying it happens! I can't wait for fresh eggs and vegetables.

The Philippines is constantly on my mind, but I am usually unsure as to how to keep everyone consistently updated. We have several kids aging out of the program and we are seriously praying about letting the rest age out as we start an orphanage that is self sustainable. We are not quite sure about the direction of the program, but please be keeping it in your prayers during this critical, decision-making time. We have had several sick and injured kids lately, but God is always good and He has healed them over and over again. It is such a huge blessing to see how He works in the lives of these kiddos and their families.

Many of you know that over 4 months ago we had a sibling group of 3 sisters left in our care. They learned so much and flourished while at the baby house. They were being taught how to read, write, and do everyday chores like cleaning and helping with laundry. They were all potty trained and really developed under the love and care of the baby house staff. A few weeks ago their mom and dad showed up and brought them home. It was a hard transition, but they are home with their mommy and daddy now and that is exciting. I may write more about that at a later time so that you guys can get a glimpse in to what our staff at the baby house do.

We really covet your guys' prayers. We are doing well, but both ministries (Colorado and the Philippines) are not without their challenges. Please be praying for the continued progress of our ministry here in Colorado, for a safe birth and easy transition to a family of 4 and for our ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for the spiritual health of our baby house staff, the impact everyone has on the baby house families and for financial stability.

You all are such a blessing and we are constantly encouraged by our relationships with all of you!
God bless!
-Sarah

Eden cuddling her Meow-Meow (Julius) 

Eden playing doctor with her stuffed teddy bear-bunny 

Ate Anna with one of our baby house kids and her daughter

Ate Anna and Ate Nancy, both work for the Philippines program

Ate Anna and Ate Nancy saying goodbye to the sibling group that stayed at the baby house

Update from Colorado!

January 4, 2017

It's been such a long time since I have had the time or ability to update! So here it goes!

3 months ago we bought a house! It's been super exciting to be in a place that is our own space. Watching how Eden's personality has flourished has been sweet. Since having our "own" space and having things such as a place for her to go to sleep in every night has really enabled her little personality to explode. She's become super silly and daring; which is definitely not always a good thing! She is constantly dancing around the house and teasing her daddy and I.

Come Sunday we will be 29 weeks pregnant. I can't believe how fast it is going by. Baby #2 is expected in late March or early April, and no, we do not know whether it's a boy or a girl! Michael is desperately hoping for a boy where as Eden (I'm sure she's on my side ;) ) and I vote for a girl! 

While we are currently living in Colorado, we are still heavily involved in mission work. In December Eden and I traveled back to the Philippines. We spent 3 days in Boise and then flew to the Philippines and spent a week on the ground. While there, we conducted 4 different Christmas parties for severely impoverished kids and I was able to catch up with some stuff on the Formula for the Philippines program. Formula for the Philippines is doing well, though we still have two children that are not sponsored. The unfortunate issue with that is we have a waiting list of SEVERELY malnourished babies that we have been unable to help due to finances. So please be praying for them and their families! 

It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with our Formula for the Philippines families and to see how excited the kids were for their parties. I know many of your donated to this specific trip, and I hope you understand how impactful your prayers and financial gifts were. These kids would not have had a Christmas without you, and we were also able to share about who Christ was in those parties! Overall, the whole trip was a huge blessing to others and a huge blessing to us!

It was so exciting for Eden to be back "home" in the Philippines. She had missed her Tita and Ate's SO much. She spent the entire week being spoiled and hardly ever leaving her Tita's arms. It was hard for both Eden and her Tita and Ates when we had to leave. They always look forward to video calling each other and we are definitely looking forward to our next trip.

Alright, to switch gears now: Our ministry in Colorado Springs had steadily progressed, we are super excited to be involved here. Michael is super busy with the Children's center and our ministry with the youth. In a week we have our first winter camp with the youth group and we are really looking forward it! We will be bringing our whole youth group up to the mountains and spending the weekend learning more about God and enjoying each others fellowship. 

So! All of that to say that we are busy, doing well, and so excited and blessed to continue to watch God move in our lives, our family, and the ministries that he has given us. 

Thank you all for your prayers! 

Worried about my babies.

10/5/2016

I've really been struggling lately. For us, the adjustment to our Colorado mission has been fine, but my concern for our program in the Philippines continues to grow. We have several children without sponsors and we seem to accumulate costs through illnesses and emergencies constantly. 

It's a constant struggle for missionaries like us to raise money for ministry needs. To us, the pictures you see online are real people that we desperately love.  There is only so much we can do without your help and support. 

I'm not worried about the lack of resources. I know God has blessed our entire country with wealth beyond measure. What concerns me is how those resources are used. Everyday we are short of sponsors, these kids don't eat. 

If we do not feed them, love them, care for them, and minister to them, who will? 

These sweet, smiling faces have stories. Stories that not many of us can comprehend. Desperate stories that stem from deep poverty. Stories of young girls forced into prostitution, beatings, starvation, wounds that won't heal. Girls that have been stabbed or their parents attempted to drown them. Adults that never finished third grade. Mothers who lost little ones to easily preventable  or treatable illnesses. And that is just the beginning!

Jo: Before and after treatment in our care. Jo came to us weighing 9LBS at over a year old. He left over a month later weighing 18LBS - parasite and illness free! PRAISE GOD!!

We have babies brought to us dying. Children passing fresh blood multiple times a day because their little bodies were shutting down. They come to our program with parasites, UTI's, boils, malnutrition, pneumonia, lice, scabies, burns, bruises, and anything else you can think of. We want to help them all!

God is SO good. He is using us to minister to these babies; to these families. We can't continue unless the body of Christ begins to reach out to these people. Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Christ adores these people, the least of the least,  the uneducated, the unwanted, the unloved by society. He loves them fiercely. Please love them with us! Pray for them! Get to know them, their hopes and dreams - probably not so different from your own. Come on trips with us! Donate $5.00 when you can - it literally would cover a hospital bill and could save a life. 

Contact me if you have questions, have an interest in an upcoming trip or would like to sponsor a child or project. You can email me at sehodgie@gmail.com or shoot me a call or text at (email or Facebook message me for my number) I would LOVE to chat with you! 

Of course, you can always go to www.worldfamilymissions.com and check us out. All donations are tax deductible and because f a corporate sponsor who covers PayPal fees, 100% of your donation goes straight to where you want it! 

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS!

9/11/16

I'm hoping friends, you can help us share our urgent need for sponsors. Many have stories similar to little Natalie's, below.

Natalie's mom came to us a few weeks ago crying and begging for help. Little Natalie was vomiting blood and had a consistently high fever. This is a huge concern for her, because when she spikes a fever, her tiny body begins to seize. We immediately took her into a clinic where they prescribed some meds and conducted a urine sample to do further testing. They sent her home to await results. Later that evening, Natalie's mom brought her back to us. Her color began to darken and she struggled to breathe. After further testing, the doctors determined that she had a severe UTI. She was prescribed additional meds and sent home to be watched over. That is actually quite difficult for Natalie's family, because the three daughters are raised alone, by their single mom. Because mom must work so hard for such long hours, the eldest at around 6, stays home to care for her sisters while their mother is out working.  After being sent home, and her mother leaving for work, Natalie overdosed on her meds. She was now very susceptible to seizing and falling into a coma. At this point it was safest and wisest for her to be brought into the constant care of the baby house so that she would be in a clean and safe environment. So, the following day, Natalie came into our full time care until she was well.We helped administer the correct amount of meds at the right time, and monitored her in case the fever returned.

This is just one of the stories of our kids; the stories of how your prayers and donations help. Fortunately, Natalie had a sponsor step up. Without Formula for the Philippines, She would not have had the chance to heal in a safe environment, let alone receive the medicine that she needed.

We currently have 3 kids enrolled that do not have sponsors, and at some point, we will have to remove them from our program unless someone steps up to help. We NEED sponsors. One-time gifts are a HUGE blessing to us. Prayer, and letting us know you are praying, is also a huge encouragement to our staff in the challenging work they do. Monthly donations of any amount take a huge load off of our shoulders, by letting us know we have the regular income to care for these families. Not just physically, by giving them the tools they need to protect themselves from disease, but also spiritually, by sharing the love of Christ with them every day.

Please be in prayer for our families, our kids, our staff, and the impact the program is having. We never want to have to turn away kids like Natalie.

Please consider how you might be able to help. As little as $40 a month can provide a child with nourishing, life-saving food and medical attention. To donate you can go to the “give” page at: www.worldfamilymissions.com. To contact us, email me (Sarah) at contact@worldfamilymissions.com

Colorado!

8/25/16

Weeks of preparation, a 24 hour flight, 8 days of chaos - and I mean literal CHAOS - a wedding, 21 hours of driving, a baby that thinks her parents are insane, puking and pregnancy nausea (did we mention baby #2 is on the way!?), and yes, we are finally here. Four short days we have been here, and we hit the ground running. Michael started training the morning after we got here, I started unpacking our cute, new little house, and then started training the following day, we've attending our CPR class, and we are sifting through hundreds of pages of paper work and training material. I sometimes wonder if God is chuckling at me for all of the times I told my mother I was bored. 

God has been so gracious during this process. Each time we hit a bump, He tells us to breath and He provides. Philippians 4 -or using my ability to read; Philippines 4- It says to rejoice, not to worry, and His peace will cover us. So thankful for this reminder! 

Both Michael and I have enjoyed getting to know the center these past few days. Introductions to staff and fellow employees have been made and relationships with the kids have begun. Some have recognized us from previous summer camps, so that's been fun. Among all of these new things and learning curves I have had to keep up with the ministries in the Philippines. Please pray for them as we still have babies and families with sponsors! 

As always, you can read more about our program at www.worldfamilymissions.com or contact us at contact@worldfamilymissions.com  

Eden says, "hi!"

Our new little apartment.