Care Cards // The Believe Pack
It's been 6 years since CARE CARDS started, so as I get ready to introduce the newest pack to the bunch, I figured it was also a good time to share my personal story with you all -- where CARE CARDS truly began.
I was a college student at U of M teaching summer art classes to children ages 3-5. One day, I had given the children a seemingly simple assignment to draw something that makes them happy. As always, I would make my rounds around the classroom & connect with each child as they were creating. One particular 3 year old & her drawing changed everything for me that day. As she showed me her drawing she explained that her parents had died & were in Heaven now, but then she was adopted by her new parents & brother and how happy she was to be part of her new family. She explained everything in such great detail -- I not only couldn't believe that she was ONLY 3 years old, but I also was completely in awe of her undeniable gratitude. It was in that moment that adoption was placed on my heart.
As my heart grew for adoption, I also learned that there are children who actually "age out" of foster care at 18 years old, never to have had a family to grow & celebrate with. I couldn't even begin to comprehend that notion. Even at 18 years of age, I would have been completely lost if I didn't have my family to lean on.
Then one night, CARE CARDS just came to me. God placed it on my heart & the first pack poured out of me, leading me to create cards that inspire others through positive words & imagery. These cards also gave me the opportunity to actually write to the children in foster care themselves... reminding them that they are loved & planting a bit of HOPE along the way.
I was a college student at U of M teaching summer art classes to children ages 3-5. One day, I had given the children a seemingly simple assignment to draw something that makes them happy. As always, I would make my rounds around the classroom & connect with each child as they were creating. One particular 3 year old & her drawing changed everything for me that day. As she showed me her drawing she explained that her parents had died & were in Heaven now, but then she was adopted by her new parents & brother and how happy she was to be part of her new family. She explained everything in such great detail -- I not only couldn't believe that she was ONLY 3 years old, but I also was completely in awe of her undeniable gratitude. It was in that moment that adoption was placed on my heart.
As my heart grew for adoption, I also learned that there are children who actually "age out" of foster care at 18 years old, never to have had a family to grow & celebrate with. I couldn't even begin to comprehend that notion. Even at 18 years of age, I would have been completely lost if I didn't have my family to lean on.
Then one night, CARE CARDS just came to me. God placed it on my heart & the first pack poured out of me, leading me to create cards that inspire others through positive words & imagery. These cards also gave me the opportunity to actually write to the children in foster care themselves... reminding them that they are loved & planting a bit of HOPE along the way.
I hope you enjoy giving them out, making a difference & brightening up someone's day.
I CARE, & so do you.
Together we really can make a difference.
With gratitude,
Ksen