Today, The Hope Factory is honoring the life of Lauren Elizabeth Sanders Wesson. This picture was taken on the day that Lauren left her earthly family and went to be with the Lord, in whom she had placed her hope! It is that same hope (and assurance) that will enable her family to spend eternity with her in heaven, where all tears and pain and suffering will be gone.
April 15th will mark the second anniversary of Lauren’s passing, but her life is still impacting others. Because of her exquisite taste in clothes, and her sizable wardrobe, the “tiny” teachers and the preteen girls at our school in Western Kenya will be showered with youthful, stylish clothing when John and I return in August and September.
Lauren’s family has reminded me that the pain of being orphaned isn’t limited to third-world countries. It was in Kenya that we learned the term “partial orphan,” referring to a child who had lost one parent. Losing both parents makes a child a “total orphan.” Regardless of the level of loss, the pain is unimaginable.
All of our focus and energy for the past five years has been directed toward helping orphans in Kenya. However, as I consider the future of Lauren and Todd’s two precious children, Ian and Ashley, I just want to extend the opportunity to anyone who might be interested in helping fund the education of these two who lost their mommy at the ages of four and six.
Donations made to The Hope Factory are tax-deductible. If you would like to designate a gift for Ian and Ashley Wesson, you may do so through PayPal on our website at https://thehopefactory.us/how-to-help/, or by mailing a check to PO Box 10, Cherokee, TX 76832. One hundred percent of your gifts will go directly to this family. Just be sure to let me know it’s for Ian and Ashley. You can drop me a note at thehopefactory@centex.net.
Thank you Chris and Lynda Sanders (Lauren’s parents), Ben and Andrea (her siblings), Todd Wesson (her husband), and everyone else in the Sanders/Wesson family, for blessing The Hope Factory through the donation of Lauren’s beautiful clothes. John and I will personally be donating to the children’s educational fund, and hope that some of you will do the same.
If a tax deduction is unimportant to you, checks can be mailed directly to Lynda Sanders at 3509 Spotted Horse, Austin, TX 78739.
May the God of all peace and comfort continue to wrap His arms around this precious family who has served Him so faithfully throughout their lives.
Mungu akubariki sana! (God bless you BIG!)
Mary Catherine
The Hope Factory 