The following is an entry sent in for our monthly Competition!
“My Love for Painting”
Sent in by Maykao Fredericks
I have always enjoyed painting on canvas and took a couple of classes in high school and college. As my life moved forward it got harder and harder to find time to take painting classes. Before I knew it I was married and had two babies now 1 and 3. My husband tried to help me find time to paint by offering to care for the kids in the evenings but the only painting class logistically possible was on the one day he had Bible study.
Life got more complicated when we heard news last Christmas that 8 siblings had been abandoned by their parents and was living in a homeless shelter. Long story short we decided to take all the kids home with us and are now raising them as legal guardians. We hope to adopt them if after a year the mothers makes no attempt to get them back. 
It has not been easy and many sacrifices had to be made but the rewards of being part of divine intervention makes it all worth it.
Because foster care would only allow us to care for 3 kids we chose to raise these kids without foster care support. I knew I would need to get second job. But because life is too short to be a workaholic, it would have to be enjoyable, flexible and include my kids in the process.
Face Painting came to mind.
I did extensive research, purchased your online manual, studied it and was soon ready to invest $150 worth of snazaroo paint, brushes and a pound of glitter (okay maybe I spend a little more than that). I paint my kids faces on a regular basis and if I never get paid it’s okay, I’ve finally found a way to be reunited with my brushes and my creative self.
I look forward to painting at my kids’ school fund raisers and I hope to get a few corporate contracts for community events. It’s not always easy to get my kids to let me paint on them, but when I’m done, they don’t want to wash it off.
Also, Many Many Many thanks for your blog on websites: I followed your advice and viola, take a look (totally free and still professional): http://mulanmagicandfacepainting.googlepages.com
Who would have thought that at the most hectic time of my life, it would be the one opportunity to get back to my love for painting.
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Thanks for sending this in Maykao, truly inspirational and very moving – I wish your family all the best, and hope that you continue to have fun face painting.
Please leave a comment below if you want to ask questions, or just want to offer encouragement!
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Mykao- not only do I admire your face painting but I admire you as a person- what a beautiful heart you have!
this family is awesome! i can only imagine your day to day chaos! i little bit of “escape” through painting is something i can relate to, and the joy it gives the children makes it fun for all involved. I wish you all the best and hope you get the chance to make money and “escape” a bit more!
thanks for sharing your comments and words of encouragement! This monday I’m painting my 5 year old’s pre-school class. Feel free to checkout my web and blog. http://mulanmagicandfacepainting.googlepages.com
What an inspirational story! You are a very generous and I wish nothing but the greatest of blessings for you and your family.
Hi I wanted to know what size brush you used in the flower video. Thanks a million for all your tips they are such a great help, my only problem is brushes – sizes, quality, and where to purchase them. Thanks again
how do I get my paint to say on the kids at least more than one day?
Hi Pat, I’m not sure why you’d want that? It you don’t wash the paint of, its likely to smudge when they go to sleep, so its not really meant for more than a day.
Hi Pat,
If you want body art that lasts longer, I suggest you provide temporary tattoos and henna as these will last longer.