sydney
When Sydney, my friend Rachel‘s 4-year old daughter, saw me the other night (for the first time since she was 2!) she blurted out, “You cut your hair—I saw that on your blog!” I started laughing and she hugged my leg.
Rachel explained: She and Sydney sit together often to read my blog as well as look at pictures and updates on our ministry website. That just made my day.
Sydney regularly sends us her saved-up money as a donation “to help the kids in Africa.” She even emails me every now and again to ask questions and learn more about what life is like there. (Important things like, “It’s morning here. Does that mean it’s night there?” and “What color are the school buses?”)
Sydney showed me her newest project: She makes and sells necklaces to have extra money to give us. She proudly pulled $20 out of an envelope and presented it to me. Her hard-earned cash, going straight to Africa.
And yes. She’s only 4.
As the evening started winding down, I told Sydney I was going to get my camera so we could take some pictures together. Her excited response was absolutely priceless.
“Oh good! Then you can put them on your blog!”
I love it. She knows me well.
So this, Sydney, is for you!
fabulous. I love these pictures and Syd is beautiful!
Except ye become as little children ye shall in no way enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
I want a seat next to Sydney! – Fine Australian name that – The NY of Aus.
Hi Sydney! :-) Those pics made me smile. :D
<B
KA – she is beautiful!
bub – “The NY of Aus” — i like that! and i’m glad the pics made you smile, too!
aww, that’s precious.
She is cute and kind. What a wonderful combination!
@danielleH says:
That is awesome. It’s wonderful that her parents are, and already have, modeled a heart for missions for her. This post made my heart happy.
@danielleH says:
{“Help us to give” is amazing too. Amazing. Wow. Yes, Jesus, help us to give.}
so sweet! I hope to raise Conrad like that. Cute little face too.
@mandythompson says:
so last night i dreamed that you bleached your hair and cut it REALLY short. and we were hanging out.
:(
:) for hanging out, though.
Love it!!!!!!
Very cute!
What an awesome visit.
Thanks, Alece.
I needed that. I really did. ;)
And Sydney if you’re reading…HI THERE!!!
@atangie says:
priceless
This was a great post. Hi Sydney!!
That is awesome! :D And so incredibly cute. :D
She is priceless!
wow. a four year old. That’s incredible. She has more moola than me. haha.
Hi, Sydney! I bet Jesus is thrilled you gave $20 for the kids in Africa…that is VERY cool!!
Love the pics, Alece! You would make quite the mother.
sydney — look at all the love you’re getting on here! everybody loves you!
@tamhodge says:
sydney – THANK YOU!!!
@coloraturajoy says:
First of all, she’s adorable!
And secondly, that’s some dang good parenting going on.
Props to mommy.
Sydney – Be sure to love Jesus early! Maybe some day you can be a missionary – wouldn’t that be cool!
How adorable are you Miss Sydney!! :) You’re adorable too Alece… :lol:
Thank you for sharing this with us, it was my smile for the day! I think you mentioned going to New York…have a safe trip!
Hey, I was thinking about Sydney last night, being only four and already doing so much, more than some adults do.
She is TOTALLY going to be one of those kids we hear about ten years from now who has raised like a billion dollars for other people, whether it be in Africa or in her own hometown.
Just a thought that popped into my head last night, thought I’d pass it along. ;-) PLUS, she totally makes me think, “okay if SHE can do that, why can’t I be doing that?” y/k?
color — yes! incredible parenting. rachel and nahshon are wonderful parents.
godsgal — yep… i’m in NY right now. this is where i’m from; so i’m at my parents’ house. it’s great to be in NY!
brandy — i loved that you were thinking about sydney last night… and i think you’re totally right. someday, years from now, we’re gonna hear stories about the impact her life is making. oh wow — we already are! :-)
WOW…Most of my extended family lives in Tonawanda and Buffalo! It’s a whole ‘nother world! Have fun!
Hey, Brent got your stats at my blog. ;-)
@20BOLD11 says:
Hi Sydney :) What a beautiful princess you are of the Most High King :) Praise God that for your little heart for Christ!
Alece, you are beautiful. Inside and out. I am so blessed to have met you. Thank you for blessing my life XOX
@20BOLD11 says:
Oooops
**Praise God for your little heart for Christ** not “that”
Syndney is truly a child with an incredible heritage. I know her grandparents and have watched her parents grow into the amazing people of God they are today.
Syndney has made a large impact for God’s Kindom already and it is only the begining for this spit fire.
Alece, I continue to pray for you and your work that you do. Our nephew and the others talk about the time they came as interns to work along side you.
Thanks! This is Sydney. I’ll probably already be 5 when I come to Africa. I’m gonna come with some of my friends. You’re awesome! Bye.
Hi Sydney,
This is your Sunday School teacher, Laurel. I’m super proud of your hard work for the Africans. May I buy one of your necklaces? Rach and Nash, you blow me away as parents!
Sydney,
I am not surprised at your wonderful heart, but I am amazed at what a wonderful person you are already. And why have we not seen those necklaces?
Great job Nash and Rach. I wish more people would raise their children to have a heart for children.
Love you bunches
Aunt Jan
debs — i’m from long island… which is also a whole different world from upstate new york!
gch — thank you for your wonderfully kind words. you are so sweet.
karenp — who is your nephew? we had such a great time with that crew, and i had a fun little reunion with them a few years back too (on a visit to seattle).
laurel and auntie jan — thanks for joining the dialogue here. give sydney a hug for me next time you see her!
sydney — i’m glad you saw the post. i hope everyone’s loving remarks felt like a hug for your heart. can i send people to your mom’s blog if they want to buy a necklace? (will you ship???) it’s almost thursday… don’t forget! love you!
Yes, we would definitely be willing to ship necklaces to folks who want to order them. We will try to post some pictures of them on the blog soon to help folks choose a favorite. Love you!
PS – So sorry the Yankees lost. Sydney wore her Yankee hat to her T-ball game today. Love it! Especially since her team is called the Red Mariners. Hee hee hee!
Yes, we would definitely be willing to ship necklaces to folks who want to order them. We will try to post some pictures of them on the blog soon to help folks choose a favorite. Love you!
PS – So sorry the Yankees lost. Sydney wore her Yankee hat to her T-ball game today. Love it! Especially since her team is called the Red Mariners. Hee hee hee!
Yes, we would definitely be willing to ship necklaces to folks who want to order them. We will try to post some pictures of them on the blog soon to help folks choose a favorite. Love you!
PS – So sorry the Yankees lost. Sydney wore her Yankee hat to her T-ball game today. Love it! Especially since her team is called the Red Mariners. Hee hee hee!
Yes, we would definitely be willing to ship necklaces to folks who want to order them. We will try to post some pictures of them on the blog soon to help folks choose a favorite. Love you!
PS – So sorry the Yankees lost. Sydney wore her Yankee hat to her T-ball game today. Love it! Especially since her team is called the Red Mariners. Hee hee hee!
Yes, we would definitely be willing to ship necklaces to folks who want to order them. We will try to post some pictures of them on the blog soon to help folks choose a favorite. Love you!
PS – So sorry the Yankees lost. Sydney wore her Yankee hat to her T-ball game today. Love it! Especially since her team is called the Red Mariners. Hee hee hee!
oh great, rach. when you post, i’ll put up a link to your site. include a way for people to contact you without having to make a vox account…
and i just love that syd is sporting her yankees hat.