Hearts Of Hope

The last few days have been very somber here.  And yet, I have been longing for something to do.  Some way to let the people of Newtown know that we've got their backs.  That the world is holding them close and sending them lots of love and peace during this most tragic of times.  I kept trying to come up with something that we could do as family but nothing that popped into my mind seemed quite right.  And then, while I was checking in with the world this morning (Facebook, email, the blogs I follow) the perfect project was right there before my eyes.  Thanks to today's post on Frontier Dreams my answer had finally arrived!

"In memory of the recent tragedy in Newtown we are hoping to come together as a community in the thought that “those children are our children” and show the people of Newtown that we are in this together. So many of us watched the news with broken hearts and a feeling of helplessness. Here is the opportunity for all of us to show our love for Newtown, to let them know they are not alone. To let them know as they piece their lives back together that we are there to shed tears with them, prayer with them, and help in anyway we can.

Here is what you can do: Cut out a paper heart, decorate it, and write a message of love (positive messages only please). Address them to Hearts of Hope and send one or many and mail them to:

Newtown Congregational Church, UCC
14 West St, Newtown, CT 06470 or

First Church Congregational, UCC
148 Beach Rd, Fairfield CT 06824

We are going to take these hearts and cover Newtown with our love from around the world. We are going to take these hearts and hang them up in local businesses, churches, and banks so that no matter where the people of Newtown go they will be surrounded by love and reminded that from hate rises love and support. That humanity is still very much alive and if we band together with love and hope in our hearts we can accomplish so much more. It really does take a village..." ♥

Yes!  This was just what was needed! This, sweetly simple project was clearly what my heart was yearning for.  I quickly got to work sharing this on Facebook and on the homeschooling chat boards that I am a part of.  I knew that the odds were good that others would want to send notes of love along too.  

Once everything was shared and we'd gotten our day started, I gathered the necessary supplies and we got to work. The girls know nothing of the events on Friday. They simply know that something happened that made their mama very sad. When we sat down to begin this project they were very surprised to see hearts.  "Valentine's!"  they exclaimed and I replied "Well, sort of.  There is a town not too far from Gramma and Grandpa that is in need of some cheering up right now, so I thought it would be fun if we decorated these hearts and sent them their way."  The girls agreed and quickly got to work.  You could have heard a pin drop, everyone was so focused.  Lots of love was poured into the creation of each heart.      

And, while these hearts surely aren't going to take away the incredible amount of pain that the people of Newtown are experiencing right now, we surely hope that they bring some kind of comfort and peace to all who come into contact with them.  

Our friends over at Frog Creek have also listed a few ways to make donations for those who would like to do so.  You can check out that list here.  

We hope that you will join us by sending a heart (or two, or three, or four) to Newtown. Such a simple project, and yet, I have a feeling it will make such a huge impact on a community that so in need of some love right now.