I told you last week about the wonderful time we had with John and Dana Hanley when they were here visiting us. They were here raising money to build a house in Nepal that will provide a home for girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking. The home will be called Tiggy’s House in memory of their son Tiggy who died unexpectedly at the age of 21 months.
Building this house will cost $50,000 and the Hanley’s goal is to raise that money within two years. John said, “If I had $50,000 I would just write a check and give it.” Although the Hanleys have poured a lot of their own money, time and energy into this endeavor, I don’t believe that this money is supposed to come just from their family. Through their fundraising they are sharing their story, sharing their faith and sharing the obedience and trust that cause them to faithfully continue on the path that has been laid before them.
When the $50,000 has been raised and there is a sign that says “Tiggy’s House” affixed to a door somewhere in Nepal… when laughing girls whose lives could have turned out very differently run back and forth through that door into a place they call “home” it will be over for the Hanleys. Their mission will have been accomplished. And when that happens I want them to have something tangible to remind them of the difference that Tiggy has made… and of the impact their story has had. I want them to know that so many people continue to pray for them. I want them to know that they have touched our lives and we are grateful.
So we gave them a Blessing Tree. My friend Jennifer Range painted a bare tree trunk on a canvas. (Thanks, Jen!). Then we purchased a set of 4 fade-resistant ink pads in assorted shades of green made by Tsukineko
A Blessing Tree doesn’t just have to mark something huge like building a house in a child’s memory to rescue girls out of the sex trade. You could bless an expectant mother with one at a baby shower. Or make this instead of a guest book at a wedding. Or give this to a retiring co-worker. Or present this to a grandparent with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Perhaps even use this instead of a guest book at a funeral. I’m thinking to make one to hang on our wall and collect fingerprints of anyone who comes to visit…
Do you have an idea for using a Blessing Tree? Please share your idea in the comments!
Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link. I am recommending this product because it is the product we used and I know that the ink sticks nicely to the canvas. Should you choose to purchase this ink to make your own Blessing Tree, we will receive a small commission which will support our farm. I appreciate all my readers and I thank you for your support!
