My thoughts...

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for stopping by to read my blog! I'm new to this...so please give me grace. ;-)

Yesterday was the launch of my website, http://www.operationsurpriseattack.com/. I'm extremely excited about this new phase in my life! I'm honored that God would allow me to be a part of something that is so much BIGGER than myself! The people that I've come into contact with over the last several months have truly touched my heart. It blows my mind that so many people from all walks of life want to help make a difference in a child's life.

I've always LOVED kids. One day, I hope to have a home filled with them. I used to say I wanted to have at least 5 kids. Now, the older I get,(almost 35) I'm ok w/ a couple....LOL. I've been a nanny for the last 6 years and have been blessed to have more than 15 children who I lovingly call "mine". The children I'm featuring on my website....I lovingly call "OSA's Darling's". They are so precious to me! Although I've not personally met any of them yet...I feel like they have all been a part of my life. It brings me great joy to know that my little bit of involvement on FB can make such a difference in the lives of these dear ones.

Yesterday was bitter sweet. It was very exciting for me because of the launch of the website...but it was very sad as well! Meguire Smith passed away before we could start his card launch. It broke my heart because he was the 1 child that actually lived in my hometown and I didn't get to meet him. I will however, get to meet his family at his home-going service next Saturday. If you would like to send your condolences to the Smith family, I will post their address at the end of this blog.

As I've been reading the comments on all the posts I've done in the last 2 days...I've been so amazed at how many people are actually getting involved! Isaiah's mom commented on one of the posts...and GW's mom began to encourage her. Then, today, Cameron's dad made a comment on Meguire's story saying he was praying their family! Simply amazing...these people are going through their own personal hell...yet they take the time to encourage one another. It's this type of compassion that drives me to do what I'm doing.

I have to say...the ULTIMATE inspiration for OSA is my family. My nephew was born with Spina-Bifida 4 years ago. My brother & sister-in-law were told there was no hope for him and they should abort. They chose not to and he is living miracle! He wasn't supposed to walk, and he was supposed to be mentally handicapped. He now walks w/ braces and a walker and he is one of the SMARTEST kids I know! It was their love and devotion that inspired me to want to make a difference in a child's life!

I've got some pretty INCREDIBLE friends who have been believers of this project from the very beginning! I'm so thankful for Matt Rasor and J. Alan Maxie for helping me out with my website! Without them, there would be no OperationSurpriseAttack.com!

When you go to the website...I am selling cards that children have designed. My reason for doing this is to get kids involved with giving back to kids. The cards are each $5 and $1 goes to Chapel Hill House. This is a home dedicated to helping children with cancer spend quality time with their family while going through treatment. I know it seems like $5 is a lot for a card...but this helps cover the cost of postage, supplies, and website upkeep. Also, if people buy the cards on the site, it will encourage more children to get involved. Hopefully, starting in June, I will be able to start having contests for the children who design cards.

I'm also looking for individuals or businesses that would like to purchase a sponsorship/underwriting package. This will cover the cost for our school launches and a portion of this cost goes to a scholarship fund. Mrs. Kujawa's 2nd grade class already did a card launch last week. Since then, I've had 5 teachers contact me about doing classroom launches. Hopefully, the month of May will be very exciting for the kids making these "Special" art projects.

Since the launch of my website last night...I've sold 8 cards, 1 person submitted a new child to be a recipient of our launches, and 2 people have contacted me via FB to submit a child. Please encourage people to visit the site and GET INVOLVED! We are touching the lives of more than just the recipients. Everyone that is taking part in this "Pay it forward" experience seems to be blessed in some form or fashion.

Again, thanks for reading! I will post again soon! The address to send condolences to Meguire's family is : The Smith Family / PO Box 5154 / Toledo, OH 43611